I have now had the opportunity to work with the three smart vapor retarders available in the United States. Each has there own qualities. They all work in cold climate construction. But…my in opinion there is a good, better and best. This blog will outline my impressions of each. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Smart Vapor Retarders”
Construction Materials-Fluid Applied WRB/Liquid Flashings
When I first started in the construction industry, more than 20 years ago, adding water and air membranes and sealing the exterior of a home was in it’s infancy. Sure, adding tar paper or felt to the exterior of a home had been around for many decades, but the use of Tyvek and Typar were fairly new and a lot of builders and homeowners were confused about how they worked. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Fluid Applied WRB/Liquid Flashings”
Construction Materials-Electrical Overcurrent Protection
As some of you know, I hold a journeyman’s electrician license in the state of Minnesota. During my trip to the International Builders Show recently, one of the most interesting new products I saw happened to be a new type of circuit breaker. I know, exciting! Actually, this new technology goes well beyond protecting some electrical circuit or piece of equipment. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Electrical Overcurrent Protection”
Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update
This is a recent Instagram post, an update to the AeroBarrier blog I posted back in September. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update”
Construction Materials-Spray Foam
Expanding spray foam is a two-part chemical process involving isocyanate and poly resin, which when combined in the right mixture will expand 30 to 60 times it’s liquid volume. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Spray Foam”
Construction Materials-Vapor Retarders
I recently wrote a blog post titled Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Vapor Control Layer. This blog is going to expand on that discussion with information on several choices of vapor retarders. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Vapor Retarders”
Construction Materials-Aerobarrier
Those of you who have been following my blog know I am big on-air sealing. That 10% to 40% of heating and cooling costs are due to air leaks statement I keep talking about. Air sealing does more than save money. Indoor air quality can be improved, building occupants are more comfortable, and durability of the structure is often better. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Aerobarrier”
Construction Materials-Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting, sometimes called a recessed can or recessed luminaire has been a very popular lighting choice for many years. When I worked as an electrician, I installed thousands of this type of light fixture. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Recessed Lighting”
Construction Materials-Rigid Sheet Insulation
Today, we are going to have our first dedicated discussion about a specific building material, sheet insulation. I originally had this blog named Foam Insulation but changed the name because not all sheet insulations are a type of foam, there are a few non-foam products, one that I will discuss last. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Rigid Sheet Insulation”
Construction Materials-Windows
Windows, sometimes referred to as glazing or fenestration, have been an important part of our homes for centuries. They let light in and still keep the weather out. Most are designed to open and let fresh air in and, in an emergency, allow someone to get out. Sometimes that includes a sneaking teenager.
Continue reading “Construction Materials-Windows”