How to detail the foam at corners and connections when tightening the energy efficiency of an old house

The biggest crack in the house, revisited for #ThrowbackThursday

Roofs get wet at night—Heat flows through the easy path—Framing is a bridge.

Wrapping an old house in a blanket of insulation is a no-brainer when you're replacing the roofing and siding anyway

Electrical outlets, plumbing pipes and bathtubs are underestimated in their importance.

Covering the roof of an old house with a blanket of insulation makes the house more comfortable and it cuts energy use.

The second layer of foam is the air barrier and drainage plane.

New energy codes are coming (very) soon; many states are jumping straight to the most aggressive one

 #ÜberRoof: A site-built ventilated SIP roof sandwich. 

A faster way to build affordable housing in a tropical climate. It is a quick build when compared to standard block and stucco.

The complete video collection on insulating, air sealing, and installing windows in a superinsulated sunroom addition in Wayland, MA

Furring the inside of masonry walls makes room for wires and can significantly improve the R-value

Some do's, don'ts, tips, and tricks on how to deal with obstructions in wall cavities

How a blower door works, how to set it up, how to use it to find air leaks in a home's envelope, and how to break down the numbers.

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

This house is superinsulated with airtight construction methods. I was delighted at the opportunity to look inside the walls, but depressed at the reason why.