Replacing the siding is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to upgrade the energy performance of a home

How to reduce ice dams, improve thermal performance, and boost the durability of homes with vented, insulated attics

A field-tested collection of videos, articles, and animated details on practical improvements to the framing process that strips out the less-valuable 'advice' often passed on by others

The updates are really only a big deal if you live in climate zones 4 or 5, like 65% (or so) of America does. But don't worry, climate change is making it smarter than ever to exceed the code minimum.

Construction details, jobsite construction videos, and audio explanations of the challenge our housing stock faces and solutions to dig out of the hole.

Flashing, ventilation, and ice dams

Fat walls mean skinny energy bills

Every layer you add has two sides that can become air pathways to the inside of a building

The main difference is in the hand-held digital manometer unit

There are new words and numbers in the energy code, like "tested for tightness," R-60, and 20+5

An example of why cheap construction is not so cheap

Seal the WRB to the wall sheathing and window flashing, and add an apron detail at the bottom

No—and yes. It depends on the exact situation

Everything there is to know (well, almost) about blower door testing with a few engineer-y jokes along the way.

When talking to homeowners or trade contractors about energy-efficient construction this question is inevitable. The answer: Tight houses are good because they lower energy bills and increase comfort. But there's a big BUT

A thermal bridge is an area of the building enclosure—whether it be the walls, roof, or foundation—that has significantly higher heat flow than intended.

The basic BS boils down to "stuff goes from more to less," more or less

Three mechanisms usually work together to move electrons from more to less. These three mechanisms can conspire to move heat AROUND your insulation.