The February 2021 Texas deep freeze was one of the most devastating weather events in the state’s history. Over 4.5 million customers lost power, dozens of people died, and homes across the state became dangerously cold. Yet one home in Austin stood out: a certified Passive House retrofit that never dropped below 49 degrees Fahrenheit […]
As more homeowners move away from fossil fuels and seek energy efficient appliances for their kitchens, induction cooktops have emerged as a leading technology. Unlike conventional gas or electric resistance cooktops, induction uses electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly, offering faster response times, improved safety, and superior energy efficiency. For anyone planning a kitchen remodel
Builders and homeowners looking to improve wall insulation performance without switching to entirely new framing systems have increasingly turned to hybrid solutions. One of the most practical approaches in residential construction is the flash and batt insulation method, which pairs a thin layer of closed-cell spray foam with conventional fiberglass batts. This combination delivers higher
A water resistive barrier (WRB) is one of the most critical components in any exterior wall assembly. Positioned behind the cladding and against the structural sheathing, this membrane serves as the second line of defense against moisture intrusion. Mechanically fastened WRBs — the kind that arrive in a roll and get nailed or stapled to
The 2024 Building Science Symposium series brought together industry leaders, builders, architects, and designers across multiple regions to explore the latest advances in building science. Organized in partnership with Fine Homebuilding, the symposiums featured renowned experts including Steve Baczek, Dr. John Straube, Peter Yost, Dr. Joe Lstiburek, and Ross Trethewey, covering topics from moisture management
Fiberglass batts remain the most widely used insulation in residential construction, primarily because they cost less than cellulose, rigid foam, or spray polyurethane foam. However, study after study has shown that most fiberglass batt installations fall far short of the thermal performance promised on the product label. The California Energy Commission conducted a study of
The global construction industry stands at a critical crossroads. On one hand, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide, making the sector indispensable to any credible climate strategy. On the other hand, the financial pathways to decarbonize construction remain uncertain, as new research reveals that major banks are falling short on
Rigid foam insulation boards are among the most effective thermal control layers available to builders, but their labeled R-values do not tell the full story. Both polyisocyanurate (polyiso) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) rely on manufactured blowing agents trapped inside closed-cell foam structures to achieve their advertised performance. Over time, however, these gases diffuse out of
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
