How important are 2X6 walls??

[Stormy]

Somehow I missed this when we talking about the construction of the home we are ordering. It has 2X4 walls. I am not sure we can upgrade, or how important it is to have the 2X6's. It is a Palm Harbor, double wide. We're in Texas, but not on the coast. The biggest thing we deal with is the heat, lol. How important is the 2X6 walls???

thanks

[jgn]

Yes you can upgrade and the cost is not that much and yes you should. Go with 2x6 and extra insullation and they will pay for themselves with utility savings and be a stronger home.

[JohnnyJ]

the 2X8 floor joists in plywood or OSB, 8 foot or better ceilings, water cutoffs
at ALL water locations, double header or better windows and doors, 25 year or
better shingles, increased snow load support in the roof....

Might want to check Randy's book again just in case. There's a lot of stuff
to consider at this point. And don't forget to get it in writing without that darned
binding arbitration clause in the contract.

good luck

[LL]

i would definitely go with 2x6 outer walls. that allows you to up the insulation, which will pay for itself in what you will save in utility bills. since heat is our problem in texas and not snow, i do not plan to upgrade the snow load support in the roof....only lots and lots of insulation.

[jeff]

actually 2x4 walls can have up to an R-value of 15 while 2x6 has an R-value of 19. because it is in your roof where you lose over 70% of air loss