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

The @EnergyVanguard investigates an attic insulation job in Charleston, SC. #TheBadNews: from zero to nine inches thick in one roof. #BadDogNoBiscuit.

 #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

Rigid foam board, adhesive, and canned foam give an airtight cavity that can be insulated well.

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.

Batt insulation is by far the easiest insulation to install — poorly. This intro tells the basics of installing it right.

It's easy to air seal the middle of the wall where there are no gaps, cracks, or joints. The edges are a different story, especially when one edge is wood and the other is concrete.

If drywall were clear, we could watch walls get wet daily. Moisture rides on air ...

Regular walls just won't cut it anymore. Higher-achieving energy codes mean higher-performance walls, airtightness targets, and home energy rating system (HERS) scores. Here are six improvement targets to shoot for.