Improving the thermal performance of an existing attic is often challenging. Workers face narrow cavities, low clearances, and cladding systems that make it difficult to achieve desired R-values while maintaining adequate drying potential within the assembly. One product that has gained attention in the building science community for addressing these exact challenges is Kingspan Kooltherm, […]
In March 2012, the International Code Council took a significant step forward in advancing sustainable construction by releasing the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). This landmark document was designed to give state and local governments a clear framework for overseeing green building design and construction. For builders, architects, and developers seeking to align their
For years, the building industry has treated oriented strand board (OSB) as a reliable air barrier material. The conventional wisdom holds that if builders seal the panel seams with high-quality tapes such as Siga Wigluv, Zip System tape, or 3M All Weather flashing tape, the OSB sheathing itself can serve as the primary air barrier
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
When it comes to achieving high-performance building envelopes, the quality of insulation installation matters just as much as the insulation material itself. Among the various methods available for installing loose-fill cellulose, the wall insulation types and systems used in modern construction continue to evolve, with ventilated dry injection representing one of the more significant recent
In high-performance building, windows represent both a critical opportunity and a considerable vulnerability. The guiding principle of a Passive House is that its primary source of heat is the sun, which means windows must not only capture solar energy but also retain it when the sun is down. Achieving an air-leakage area roughly the size
Basement water intrusion is one of the most persistent challenges homeowners and builders face, and the ideal solution has always been exterior waterproofing also called positive side waterproofing. But what happens when excavating around the foundation is impractical, too expensive, or blocked by neighboring structures? This is where negative side waterproofing (NSW) comes into play,
The Passive House standard has generated considerable discussion within the North American building community since it emerged from Germany. Developed by the Passivhaus Institut, the standard sets strict targets for space heating and total primary energy consumption that challenge conventional construction methods. Despite its success across Europe, critics have questioned its applicability to North American
The residential construction industry has access to more building science knowledge, advanced materials, and energy codes than ever before. Yet the same persistent problems continue to appear on job sites across the country. From leaky air barriers and undersized ductwork to poorly installed insulation and questionable design choices, the gap between what we know and
