Building Envelope

Building Envelope

• Old Saws: Building Science and Remodeling

  Building performance may be the most important component of a good remodel. Ed Voytovich busts two building performance myths.

   

• Backup Plan: DAP Caulk Backer Rod

  Use the Caulk Backer Rod to backfill large gaps and cracks, saving on caulk and adding additional insulation as well as reducing air-infiltration.

   

• Air Me Out: A Building Performance Pro and Mechanical Ventilation to the Rescue

  What to do with a remodel that's too tight but still leaky and has continuing indoor air quality issues — sometimes building better makes things worse. It pays to have a pro weigh in.

   

• Spray-Foam Insulation: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

  The pros and cons of each type of insulation.

   

• Cavity Filler: StoEnergy Guard Cavity Wall System

  Suitable under multiple cladding types, StoEnergy Guard cavity wall system helps increase energy efficiency while maintaining drainage.

   

• Efficiency on a Budget: Cost-Effective Energy Makeover

  Insulation, window upgrades, and solar panels lead the way for this condo homeowner's goal of an energy-efficient home.

   

• Adding Muscle: This Project May Look Small and Unassuming, but It Packs a High-Performance Punch

  A 1950s-era Massachusetts home uses 60% less energy after a deep energy retrofit.

   

• Pure Folly: Deep Energy Retrofits

  MICHAEL ANSCHEL: Are deep energy retrofits all they're cracked up to be? And what, exactly, constitutes a safe deep energy retrofit?

   

• The Folly of Deep Energy Retrofits

  MICHAEL ANSCHEL: Are deep energy retrofits all they're cracked up to be? And what, exactly, constitutes a safe deep energy retrofit?

   

• Ed Voytovich: Building Performance and Zombies

  Ed Voytovich: Ignore these building performance issues at your peril: By doing so, you could be bringing the occupants of the home one step closer to the shadowy world of the zombies.

   

• Propex NanaWrap Coastal Housewrap

  Designed to hang tough in coastal weather, including high winds and storms, NanaWrap Coastal Housewrap offers a tear-free replacement guarantee.

   

• Dow Froth-Pak Foam Sealant

  Two-component quick-cure Froth-Pak Foam Sealant fills gaps and cracks, and cures in minutes.

   

• Snowball's Chance: Ice Dams and Home Performance

  Improving attic ventilation won't rid a home of ice dams. Ed Voytovich tells why.

   

• PrimeSource Building Products Grip-Rite House-Wrap

  Lightweight and durable, Grip-Rite House-Wrap is made of woven high-density polyethylene and is coated on both sides.

   

• Typar Surround SR Underlayment

  Surround SR Underlayment offers secondary protection against moisture intrusion.

   

• CertainTeed CertaWrap Weather Resistant Barrier

  Bringing its first housewrap to market, the maker introduces CertaWrap Weather Resistant Barrier.

   

• Air Sealing Best Practices

  The Department of Energy offers detailed information about effective air sealing.

   

• Tremco Barrier Solutions Enviro-Dri Weather Resistant Barrier

  The Enviro-Dri Weather Resistant Barrier (WRB) system is a fully and permanently adhered liquid membrane applied directly to a home's sheathing.

   

• Under the Hood: Home Performance Diagnostic Equipment

  Diagnostic testing equipment yields valuable building information -- if users are prepared, and able, to accurately interpret the results.

   

• Home Performance: Energy Audit Essentials

  These diagnostic tools are useful to have in your home performance toolbox. Such visual ways to present information can also help you make an effective presentation right in the home to convince homeowners of the need for energy retrofit work.