For years, builders and building scientists have treated oriented strand board (OSB) as a reliable air barrier material. Taped seams on OSB wall and roof sheathing have been a standard strategy for achieving low blower-door numbers in high-performance construction. But a growing body of evidence from researchers and practitioners across North America and Europe suggests […]
When it comes to improving the thermal performance of a building envelope, exterior insulation is one of the most effective strategies available. Mineral wool insulation, installed on the outside of the wall sheathing, offers a unique combination of thermal efficiency, moisture management, and fire resistance that sets it apart from traditional foam boards. This article
In recent years, the construction industry has faced growing scrutiny over the health and environmental impacts of insulation materials. While insulation remains essential for energy efficiency and comfort, a growing body of research has raised legitimate concerns about the safety of some of the most commonly used products. From fiberglass classified as a potential carcinogen
The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment where environmental responsibility meets practical building performance. Bio-based building materials offer a compelling pathway forward, combining renewable resources with proven structural capabilities that rival conventional options. These materials, derived from living organisms and plant-based sources, represent one of the most promising developments in sustainable construction methods available
When it comes to below-slab insulation, builders have traditionally reached for extruded polystyrene (XPS) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boards. But a growing number of construction professionals are discovering the benefits of rigid mineral wool as an alternative. Rigid stone wool insulation, such as Rockwool Comfortboard 80, offers compelling advantages for slab-on-grade applications including fire
The topic of insulation choices in residential and commercial construction goes far beyond simple R-values and installation methods. Behind the scenes, a complex regulatory landscape governs the chemicals used to manufacture foam insulation products, with significant implications for both thermal performance and environmental impact. Recent regulatory developments have highlighted the tension between industry capabilities and
Installing heating and cooling ducts in a vented unconditioned attic is one of the most common HVAC mistakes in residential construction. Despite decades of advice from building scientists, builders in slab-on-grade regions across the southern United States continue to route ducts through attics that swing from freezing cold in winter to scorching hot in summer.
When builders and homeowners choose insulation, the primary considerations are usually thermal performance, cost, and ease of installation. However, there is another factor that deserves equal attention: the global warming impact of the insulation material itself. As highlighted in a landmark article by Martin Holladay published on GreenBuildingAdvisor, certain foam insulation products contain blowing agents
Insulation materials form the backbone of any energy-efficient building envelope, but not all insulation performs equally across temperature ranges. Most common insulation products including fiberglass batts, extruded polystyrene (XPS), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) perform better at low temperatures than high ones. At colder temperatures, reduced conduction, convection, and radiation mean these materials typically insulate more
Why Paint Choice Matters in Green Building When specifying finishes for a sustainable building project, paint selection can have a surprisingly large impact on both environmental performance and occupant health. The global paint industry produces millions of gallons of architectural coatings each year, and conventional formulas have relied on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), petroleum-based resins,
