Is this overkil?

[Huntindad]

Yeah, I know more questions. Sorry, but I am an inquisitive type person and I know on TBH there are experts for any question asked.

I am getting close to start building a house. It will be a barndo/hybrid. I originally set the exterior walls as 2x6 with spray foam insulation. Figured to do open cell in the walls and combo closed/open in the roof panels.

Is 2x6 over kill? with the foam, Would 2x4 exterior walls suffice? I'm still leaning towards 2x6 but could be convinced otherwise(maybe)

pros & cons of each ...

[Draco]

There is no over kill where insulation is concerned. I would use 2x6 in outside walls and make sure they use treated lumber for the floor plates.

[bloodtrailer28]

We went with 2x6 walls on our barndo and filled it with 6 inches of spray foam. Not sure on the pros or cons lol but that's what we went with.

[Shane]

Our new house has 2x4 walls with spray foam. It's just about exactly twice the size of our previous 35 yr old house with batt insulation in the walls and blown cellulose in the ceiling, and the new house has 2 a/c units vs. just 1 in the old house. Our electric bills in the new house are a little cheaper than they were in the old house, and it's been freaking HOT this summer. I'm sure 2x6 walls with spray foam would be even better, but 2x4 w/foam is pretty good.

[RiverRat1]

Wait for a pro to chime in.

My guess is 2x4s would be just as good as 2x6 with foam.

[gonehuntin]

You will have to put a pencil to the cost of open cell vs closed cell and each types R value. Can you save money by using 2x4 with closed cell foam vs using 2x6 with open cell. Being in Climate Zone 3 you need a recommended R value of 18-20 in the walls. Using 2x6 framing adds cost to everything like door jambs and trim. Like Draco said, in Texas I dont think you can have overkill on your insulation.

[Huntindad]

the cost of the bid is baked in with the 2x6 exterior. wasn't sure if 2x4 foamed would be good enough. Think I'll stick with 2x6.

[BertramBass]

Is this an R panel barndo with exposed screws?

[tpack]

Whatever you do, the return on your investment will be much quicker with these huge increases in electricity. If it is better insulated, you will save money on your AC system also since you will need less tonnage and it should last longer to since it won`t have to run as often trying to keep the house cool with these extreme summers.

[tps7742]

As stated already, I don’t think you can go wrong with the idea that more is better in insulating area a. Especially if you aren’t too concerned on the cost. But I am by no means an expert in this field just a homeowner. We went with the traditional 2x4 walls and we have spray foam on all the exterior and I had batting put in all the interior walls. There is no doubt the spray foam is the best ROI we put into any house we have ever owned and see our savings monthly.

[tps7742]

.

[RWB]

Will the metal building be insulated with the typical rolls of insulation with white backing? Even the part where the house will be built? If so I think 2x4 would be fine. My insulted shop is never too hot inside and the metal with insulation it taking the direct heat from the sun.

[Huntindad]

Is this an R panel barndo with exposed screws?

Yes - probably go with the folks you & I talked about earlier.

[Huntindad]

Will the metal building be insulated with the typical rolls of insulation with white backing? Even the part where the house will be built? If so I think 2x4 would be fine. My insulted shop is never too hot inside and the metal with insulation it taking the direct heat from the sun.

don't know how to multi quote, so...

My shop is detached and I am considering spray foam that as well. Heard 1" closed on walls and 2" on roof.