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
The West Asheville Passive House project demonstrated how real-world building challenges spark the most valuable conversations about high-performance construction. When builder-owner Chris Otahal and architects Aaron and Calder Wilson opened their project to reader questions, the responses covered nearly every critical aspect of Passive House design and construction. From window selection to insulation strategies, from
Pan flashing for windows and doors serves as the last line of defense against water intrusion in building envelopes. When rain or wind-driven moisture finds its way past window frames or door jambs, a properly installed pan flashing system collects that water and directs it safely to the exterior drainage plane. Without this protection, moisture
Installing a large solar photovoltaic (PV) array on an existing barn or outbuilding roof presents unique engineering and logistical challenges that differ significantly from ground-mounted or new-construction rooftop systems. When a historic barn is involved, the project requires careful coordination between structural restoration, roofing selection, and solar equipment specification. A well-executed barn roof solar installation
When a national building supply chain with 250 locations across 30 states decides to sell tiny houses, the market takes notice. In 2016, 84 Lumber became the first major building supply retailer to offer portable houses under 200 square feet through its “Tiny Living by 84 Lumber” program. The move signaled that what was once
The question of how many air barriers a home needs divides building professionals more than many realise. Building scientists have long emphasised that airtight construction is essential for energy efficiency, durability, and indoor comfort. Yet few residential plans include explicit air barrier details. The central debate is straightforward: if your home already has an air
The Role of Building Science in Modern Construction Training Why Building Science Matters for Construction Professionals Building science is the foundation of durable, energy-efficient, and comfortable structures. It encompasses the physics and engineering principles that govern how buildings perform under real-world conditions. For construction professionals, understanding building science is no longer optional. Climate change, stricter
The question of how many air barriers a home needs divides building professionals more than many realise. For years, building scientists have emphasised that airtight construction is essential for energy efficiency, durability, and indoor comfort. Yet surprisingly few residential construction plans include explicit air barrier details. The central debate is straightforward: if your home already
Across the United States, tiny houses have gained attention for their energy efficiency, reduced material use, and smaller environmental footprint. But in Dallas, Texas, these compact dwellings are serving a far more urgent purpose: providing permanent housing for citizens who have been chronically homeless. The project, known as The Cottages at Hickory Crossing, demonstrates how
