The Brick Veneer Age
The advent of metal studs made it possible to significantly decrease a building’s weight, thereby minimizing structural requirements. But thermal and moisture control were still problematic. Vapor barrier/retarder continuity was difficult to achieve on the interior of stud framing in a multi-component wall due to electrical penetrations and discontinuities at the floor and ceiling. Thermal performance suffered* due to thermal short circuits in the metal studs. In addition, having so many components meant that more subcontractors had to be hired for assembly.
*Reference ASHRAE 90.1
See how many components evolved into one.
