Final Air Sealing for a High-Performance Barndominium: Techniques That Deliver an Airtight Building Envelope When Kyle Stumpenhorst walks through a barndominium after the electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors have packed up their tools, he is not checking their workmanship. He is hunting for gaps. Every wire chase, every plumbing vent, every duct penetration through the […]
Painting brick siding is a reliable way to refresh the exterior of an older home, but the process demands more care than painting wood or vinyl. Brick is porous, absorbent, and vulnerable to moisture trapped behind the wall. Without proper surface preparation, the paint will peel within a season or two. Before you begin, study
Cedar shingles add natural beauty and texture to any home exterior, but keeping them looking their best requires the right painting approach. Unlike siding panels, cedar shingles present unique challenges: the vertical grain absorbs paint unevenly, the staggered overlaps can trap moisture, and the gaps between individual shingles are prone to paint bridging. Mastering the
Steel railings add structural strength and architectural character to porches, decks, entry stairs, and balcony balustrades. But exposed steel is vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and coating failure when the elements attack. A paint job that looks good for only one season is frustrating. The difference between a finish that peels within months and one that
An exterior paint job is one of the most visible investments a homeowner can make. When done right, it transforms curb appeal and protects the building envelope for years. The difference between a finish that fades and peels in two seasons and one that stays vibrant for a decade comes down to three things: surface
Achieving rigorous airtightness standards is one of the most critical steps in constructing a high-performance home. When a building envelope is properly sealed, it delivers measurable benefits: lower energy bills, improved indoor air quality, greater occupant comfort, and long-term durability. For builders aiming to hit aggressive air leakage targets, blower-door-guided air sealing has become an
Modern building science has transformed how builders approach exterior wall assemblies. One of the most important developments is the widespread adoption of rainscreen systems — a ventilated cavity behind the cladding that allows airflow, promotes drying, and extends the service life of the building envelope. This article explains how rainscreen ventilation works, why it matters
Why Exterior Walls Need a Vented Rainscreen A rainscreen is the engineered air gap behind exterior cladding that allows moisture to drain and walls to dry. Without it, any water that penetrates the siding gets trapped against the sheathing and building wrap, creating conditions that lead to rot, mold, and degraded insulation performance. In modern
Why Refinishing a Weathered Deck Is Essential for Longevity Exposure to sun, rain, snow, and foot traffic takes a toll on exterior wood surfaces. Over time, even the most well-built deck will show signs of wear: peeling paint, faded stain, cracked boards, and stubborn dirt that returns no matter how often you wash. A weathered
Adding continuous exterior insulation to a wall assembly is one of the most effective ways to improve a home’s thermal performance and energy efficiency. However, this approach introduces a complication when it comes to window installation. Standard window flashing methods assume the nailing flange sits directly against the sheathing, but exterior insulation pushes the flange
