Ezra

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 […]

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

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

Moisture damage at the base of interior walls has long been one of the most frustrating problems in construction. When gypsum wall board contacts a concrete floor directly, it acts like a wick, drawing moisture upward through capillary action. A single plumbing leak, a flood from a burst pipe, or repeated mopping in a hospital