Improving energy efficiency starts at the thermal boundary between your garage and living space. The garage-to-house wall is often underinsulated, leading to heat loss and comfort issues. Installing exterior insulation on this wall reduces heat loss while improving air sealing, moisture control, and fire safety. This guide covers the best practices, material choices, and methods […]
Learn how to retrofit insulation on older concrete block and cinder block wall homes. This technical guide covers exterior rigid foam insulation, window placement, crawlspace conditioning, and moisture management strategies.
When it comes to high-performance building insulation systems, dense pack cellulose stands out as one of the most effective and environmentally friendly choices for residential and commercial construction. Unlike fiberglass batts that can leave gaps and settle over time, dense pack cellulose fills every corner of a wall cavity, creating an airtight thermal barrier that
Adding a layer of rigid foam insulation to the exterior of a home has become standard practice for energy efficient construction. The approach makes thermal sense: while cavity insulation addresses he…
Old cottages possess a charm and character that modern homes often lack, but they also come with significant energy efficiency challenges. Many historic cottages were built without exterior wall sheathing, with clapboard siding nailed directly to the studs. This construction method, while common in older homes, creates unique difficulties when it comes to adding insulation.
What Is R-Value and Why It Matters in Building Construction R-value is the fundamental measure of thermal resistance in building materials, representing how effectively a material resists the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs. This concept, introduced by Everett Shuman at Penn State’s Building Research Institute in 1945, replaced
Understanding Condensation Control in Unvented Roof Assemblies When designing a high-performance roof assembly, one of the most critical decisions a builder faces is determining the correct thickness of exterior rigid foam insulation. The primary function of exterior foam on a roof deck is not just to add thermal resistance but to keep the structural roof
What Is a Ventilated Rainscreen and Why Does It Matter? A ventilated rainscreen creates a continuous air cavity between the exterior cladding and the weather resistive barrier. This gap, typically 3/8 in. to 3/4 in. deep, allows water that gets past the siding to drain freely and air to circulate behind the cladding. Without a
Learn five proven methods for properly insulating a low-slope shed roof, including vented and unvented approaches, rigid foam, spray foam, and cellulose options to maximize energy efficiency and prevent moisture problems.
Understanding the Insulation Challenges of Cape Cod Homes Older Cape Cod style homes possess undeniable curb appeal with their steep roofs, symmetrical facades, and cozy proportions. Yet beneath that charming exterior lies a well known problem: these houses are notoriously difficult to insulate effectively. The signature roof line creates cramped kneewalls and triangular attic spaces
