Doubling the square footage of a house while cutting the air leakage in half delivers extraordinary value

 

Whether using roof trusses or stick framing a roof frame, if you make space above the exterior walls, your energy performance will thank you.

Using theatrical smoke to illustrate air leakage pathways to customers and new employees

Exterior insulation can create transition problems. Here are a few solutions

Thin foil can block massive amounts of heat transfer, but it needs a massive temperature difference to be effective. So, insulation sort of makes radiant barriers irrelevant.

A collection of five videos on a Passive House Retrofit in Sharon, CT (climate zone 5) executed by Ben Bogie, Built to Last, LLC

For walls with a pre-applied weather barrier, make sure the tape is compatible with the WRB coating—or use a primer

Keep mechanical equipment within the envelope to improve the quality of houses and homes

The most effective (and easiest) time to detail the air barrier is during the framing stage. If it isn't specified during design, ain't no way the framers are gonna get it right.

18 Videos, articles, and animations showing you how to get through Section 1 of the Energy Star Thermal Bypass Checklist. It is about the continuity between various components of the air barrier system and the thermal envelope.

 

Framing a roof with I-joists over the existing roof makes a ton of room for insulation and offers a short lesson in vapor movement through assemblies

Condensation is when moisture in the air hits a cool enough surface to convert the vapor into water.

Four ways to prevent ice dams in three types of roof, for two climates in one video. Boom.

 

Why insulating on top of a house is better than insulating inside

Hands-on training with local pros at the largest construction event in the Northeast

A big problem, for roofs in cold climates, but what causes it and how can you fix it?

 

A tight air barrier is the best way to build an energy-efficient house. Outside the sheathing are many chances to make it better.

A thermal break and solid backing puts the window on the outer face of a thick wall. Now, there's room on the inside window sill for cats and bowling trophies