| The purpose of this research report is to help raise the awareness of Canadian builders and consumers regarding some of the more common, non-proprietary, alternative wall systems being applied in the construction of low-rise housing, and to provide them with the ability to determine the applicability of these alternative systems to their home building projects.
Ten alternative wall systems are presented, including: lightweight steel framing, structural insulated panels, insulated concrete forms, post and beam, concrete block, log, stackwall, straw bale, manufactured wood wall, and earth wall construction.
Research needs to be conducted prior to making the decision to use an alternative wall system. The first step is to review this report and other publications in order to get a better understanding about a system and some of the options. Another step is to visit construction sites where an alternative system is being installed, and talk to one or more builders or homeowners. |
