Air-Sealing for Effective Building Envelopes

An effective building envelope is a combination of insulating building materials and a reduction in air leakage. This reduction can be achieved by using taller wall sheathing panels and through effectively sealing air leaks. When determining which air leaks construction professionals should focus on, Dave Wolf from Owens Corning Science and Technology has conducted a study to see which leaks require the least effort and sealant and provide the highest returns in building envelope efficiency.

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Building in Tropical Storm Zones

While the Atlantic storm season have been getting worse for builders and home owners over the last few years, this year offers a brief reprieve thanks to the El Niño effect which offers strong wind and shear which makes it difficult for hurricanes to form. Predictions from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association put the number of tropical storms at between 8 and 13 with 6 expected to develop into hurricanes.

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Energy Saving starts with the Framing

At Norbord we count among our greatest assets the vast experience of our staff. Collectively, our employees boast hundreds of years’ experience on the job. Through building booms, economic downturns and severe weather, they and Norbord have prevailed.

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Building a Barrier: Keeping Air Out and Energy In

Energy efficiency: It is an often-used term and a concept that is quickly becoming a priority for businesses, consumers and governments worldwide. Recently, United States President Barack Obama declared October National Energy Awareness Month, stating, “If we are to advance energy and climate security, we must focus on energy efficiency, promote sustainable industries…and set effective and achievable standards for the generation and use of clean energy.” As energy efficiency continues to increase as a matter of importance, groups and individuals alike are examining ways in which they can make changes and “set effective and achievable standards”. For many, this change starts with the home.

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