When designing a high-performance building envelope, few decisions have as much impact as the choice and installation of continuous exterior insulation. Advanced wall assemblies depend on a continuous layer of insulation outside the structural sheathing to eliminate thermal bridging through studs and framing members. Rockwool, a brand of mineral wool insulation, has become a popular […]
Learn how ThermalBuck, a plastic-coated EPS foam backer, solves the challenge of fastening flanged windows when installing exterior rigid-foam insulation. Includes cost comparison, installation steps, and performance data.
If you are shopping for an older home or already own one built before 1990, there is a good chance the attic contains vermiculite insulation. This lightweight, pebble-like material was widely used for decades because of its excellent fire resistance and ease of installation. However, a significant portion of the vermiculite sold in the United
Choosing the right tape for air-sealing is one of the most overlooked details in energy-efficient construction. Builders often reach for whatever roll is closest, assuming tape is tape. The reality is far more nuanced. Air-sealing tapes rely on three fundamentally different adhesive chemistries (rubberized asphalt, butyl, and acrylic) and each behaves differently on different substrates,
Plaster molding is a time-honored technique that allows builders and remodelers to create custom decorative profiles where standard wood trim cannot easily go. Elliptical doorways, arched openings, curved walls, and radiused corners all present challenges for pre-milled wood moldings, which require steaming, laminating, or complex compound cuts to follow non-linear paths. Plaster, by contrast, can
From Rock to Dust to Rock Again: The Complete Guide to Lime Plaster for Modern Construction Lime plaster has been in continuous use for thousands of years, yet its relevance to modern building has never been stronger. Made from limestone that is heated, slaked, mixed with sand, and applied to walls, lime plaster undergoes a
For centuries, lime plaster has been the gold standard for interior wall finishes, prized for its durability, breathability, and luminous texture. Modern construction, however, has largely shifted to drywall for its speed and cost efficiency. Enter the hybrid approach: combining the efficiency of drywall as a base with the timeless beauty of hand-applied lime plaster.
Understanding Decorative Plaster Finishes: An Alternative to Standard Drywall Textures If you have spent any time working with drywall, you already know your way around trowels and taping knives. Standard textures applied with spray hoppers have their place, but for homeowners and builders looking for more depth and character, decorative plaster finishes offer a compelling
Drywall is one of the most versatile building materials in modern construction. While most homeowners think of drywall as a simple flat surface meant to be painted or textured, there is a whole world of decorative possibilities that begin where standard installation ends. By layering drywall and combining it with specialized edge beads and finishing
Multilayer drywall applications, also known as double-layer or double-up drywall, are a proven technique for achieving superior fire resistance, enhanced sound control, and increased wall rigidity in residential and commercial construction. Whether you are building a home theater, a multifamily party wall, a hospital corridor, or a fire-rated stairwell enclosure, understanding how to properly install
