When building professionals combine sound construction techniques with an understanding of building science fundamentals, the result is a durable, high-performance structure. Among the most critical yet often misunderstood concepts is drying potential – the ability of a wall assembly to release trapped moisture before it causes damage. This principle governs how exterior walls respond to […]
When indoor humidity climbs above recommended levels, a dehumidifier is one of the most effective tools for restoring comfort and protecting your home. But how do you know if your unit is actually delivering the performance it claims? Understanding how a dehumidifier works and why your home may need one provides useful background, but verifying
Refrigerant leaks are among the most frequent sources of service callbacks for inverter-driven heat pump systems, and they carry consequences that go far beyond an uncomfortable building. When a system loses refrigerant, homeowners may notice inadequate heating or cooling, error codes and intermittent lockouts, ice buildup on indoor or outdoor coils, and unexpectedly high energy
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
Continuous exterior insulation (CEI) is increasingly recognized as a critical component of high-performance wall assemblies. Installed on the outside of structural sheathing and behind the cladding, CEI provides a thermal break that reduces heat loss through framing members, minimizes condensation risk within wall cavities, and improves overall building durability. The concept is straightforward, but execution
The way we cool and heat buildings is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven largely by the refrigerants that make HVAC systems work. In a discussion on the BS* + Beer show, GBA contributor Jon Harrod and Bryan Orr of HVAC School explored the complex world of refrigerants, covering everything from basic thermodynamics to the regulatory
Refrigerants are the lifeblood of modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, enabling the heat transfer that keeps our homes comfortable and our buildings operational. From residential air conditioners to large commercial chillers, these specialized fluids circulate through closed-loop systems, absorbing heat from indoor spaces and releasing it outdoors. As the building industry shifts
Air has weight. This simple fact is the foundation of one of the most dramatic physics demonstrations in building science: the ol’ beer can pressure crunch. A steel can, sturdy enough to hold pressurized beverages, can be crushed in seconds by manipulating the air pressure inside it. What makes this demonstration compelling for builders is
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
Building a home that performs well in a world of rising energy costs requires thinking beyond code-minimum walls. Standard 2×6 framed walls with fiberglass batt insulation deliver around R-20, but progressive builders and designers now target R-40 or better for the wall assembly. This higher insulation value, combined with rigorous airtightness and careful moisture management,
