When it comes to protecting a home from moisture damage, few components are as critical yet as often overlooked as the vapor retarder in crawlspaces. The crawlspace is uniquely vulnerable to moisture intrusion from the ground below, and without an effective vapor retarder, that moisture can migrate into the living space above, causing elevated humidity […]
Understanding Polyiso Insulation Performance in Cold Climates When designing building envelopes for cold climates, specifying the right insulation material is one of the most consequential decisions a design professional can make. Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) rigid foam insulation has long been favored for its high stated R-value per inch, typically R-5.6 to R-6.0. However, the performance of
Spray polyurethane foam insulation has been a transformative technology in building construction, offering superior air sealing and thermal performance that other insulation types struggle to match. Yet despite decades of use and refinement, spray foam remains one of the most misunderstood and inconsistently applied building materials on the market. Building enclosure specialist Henri Fennell, with
The building enclosure is at the heart of every building system. This physical separator between conditioned interior space and the outdoor environment must manage multiple competing demands. When builders and designers understand what the enclosure actually does, they make better material choices and construct more durable, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings. The fundamental principle is straightforward:
Continuous exterior insulation (CEI) is one of the most effective strategies for improving building envelope performance, delivering measurable gains in energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. By placing a continuous layer of insulation outside the structural sheathing, builders eliminate thermal bridging through studs and framing members, a common source of heat loss in conventionally insulated
The global steel industry stands at a critical crossroads. Steel is fundamental to modern building construction, appearing in structural frameworks, reinforcing bars, wall panels, roofing systems, facades, and countless building components. Yet steelmaking currently contributes up to 9 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions each year, making it one of the most carbon-intensive industrial processes
Creating communities that can withstand disruption, reduce dependence on finite resources, and foster genuine human connection is one of the most urgent challenges facing the building and construction industry today. The concept of resilient communities extends far beyond individual building performance; it encompasses how neighborhoods are planned, zoned, and connected. When cohesive communities exist where
The construction industry has long recognized the environmental and economic potential of recycled building materials. Diverting waste from landfills, reducing embodied carbon, and lowering raw material costs are powerful incentives for builders and manufacturers alike. However, the path from promising concept to large-scale production is rarely straightforward. The story of Serious Materials and its acquisition
When renovating older buildings, the opportunity to improve thermal performance often arises when wall and roof cavities become exposed during demolition or strip-out work. Rigid insulation boards offer a practical solution for boosting insulation levels during rehabs, but choosing the right material and positioning it correctly within the assembly requires a solid understanding of building
Beneath the streets of thousands of cities and towns across America lies a hidden hazard: aging lead pipes that still carry drinking water into homes, schools, and businesses. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, brought national attention to this problem, but lead plumbing is not isolated to any single community. The choice of piping material for
