The Great Wall of Ontario... Maybe Not That Great, But How Thick Exactly?
Ever wondered what separates you from the wrath of a Canadian winter (or the scorching summer sun, for that matter)? The answer, my friend, lies in the thickness of your trusty exterior walls. But before you grab your tape measure and dive into some hardcore DIY, let's unpack this mystery with a little fun.
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| How Thick Are Typical Residential Exterior Walls In Ontario |
They Don't Call it Lumberjack Land for Nothing: The Wooden Wonders
Think of your average Ontario house. Now picture the bones underneath the pretty siding – that's the frame, typically constructed with wooden studs. These studs come in standard sizes, and for exterior walls in Ontario, the law (yes, there are laws about wall thickness) says they gotta be at least 2x6 lumber, which translates to a whopping 5.5 inches thick. That's one hefty piece of wood, enough to hold your family photos and withstand a rogue hockey puck (we're looking at you, little Timmy!).
But wait, there's more! On these wooden studs, you'll find an exterior sheathing, like a big hug for the frame. This adds another half-inch to an inch or so, bringing our total thickness to a respectable 6-6.5 inches.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Brick Beauties and Beyond: Masonry Marvels
Now, Ontario isn't all about wood. Some houses are built with fancy masonry exteriors, like brick or stone. These walls are beefier, with minimum thicknesses ranging from 5.5 inches (140 mm) for single-story buildings to a whopping 7.5 inches (190 mm) for the bottom floors of taller structures. They're built to last, these walls, able to withstand the elements and maybe even a rogue moose (hey, it could happen!).
Important Note: These are just the minimum thicknesses as dictated by the Ontario Building Code. Some builders might choose to go thicker for extra insulation or a more robust structure.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
So, How Thick is My Wall, Dude?
Unless you're a superhero with X-ray vision, figuring out your exact wall thickness can be tricky. But fear not, intrepid homeowner! Here are a few ways to crack the code:
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- Check your blueprints: If you have the original blueprints for your house, they'll likely specify the wall framing materials and thicknesses.
- Befriend a handy friend: Someone who's handy around the house might be able to take a peek behind an outlet cover or other access point to get a glimpse of the framing.
- Call a professional: For the ultimate peace of mind, consider consulting a contractor or home inspector. They have the tools and expertise to determine your wall thickness accurately.
Frequently Asked Wall Thickness Fun Facts (How-To Edition):
How to tell if my house is super insulated? Look for thicker walls (over 6.5 inches) or signs of spray foam insulation being used during construction.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
How to improve the insulation in my walls? If your walls are thin and drafty, consider adding insulation batts during renovations or contacting a professional for spray foam insulation options.
How to soundproof my walls? While thicker walls offer some soundproofing, additional materials like sound dampening mats can be added during renovations.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to build a thicker wall myself? Major structural changes are best left to professionals. If you're looking for a DIY project, adding interior wall panels can create a thicker looking (but not structurally thicker) wall.
How to convince my neighbor their house has the best walls on the block? This one requires the art of persuasion, not construction knowledge. But hey, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone (except maybe their heating bills)!
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