Cambrian prof develops heat-saving construction technique

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Cambrian College professor Kameal Mina discovered that a construction method which uses staggered studs reduces heat loss from buildings. Supplied photo.

Mathematical formula objectively proves staggered studs retain more heat than parallel studs.

Research recently published by Kameal Mina, professor and program co-ordinator for the Energy Systems Technology program at Cambrian College, proves a building’s conductive heat loss can be reduced by using an alternative construction technique.

Traditionally, buildings have been constructed with wooden frames that are supported by parallel studs, stated a press release from Cambrian College.

Using applied research labs at Cambrian College, Mina compared this technique to an alternative framing method that uses staggered studs.

The science behind the concept is that heat escapes more quickly through wood studs than insulation, so by reducing the number of studs and increasing the amount of insulation used, more heat can be retained by a building.

This technique has been used by builders before, but Mina is the first to develop a mathematical formula that objectively proves staggered studs retain more heat than parallel studs, the press release said.

Specifically, his research produced three main findings:

-Staggered studs enhanced the thermal resistance (R-value) of the walls.

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