A common summer problem is condensation on walls around AC air vents. Moisture is insidious and, once allowed to enter wall structures, can result in damage, mold and mildew. While quick-fix solutions may provide cosmetic relief, it is best to spend the time and money to ensure that moisture is not seeping into your wall structures.
Eight strategies for getting the most out of your retrofit budget. Ensure that your home is as energy efficient as your budget will allow by spending your money where it makes the most difference.
Homes built as recently as the 1980s are riddled with gaps in the building envelope and have far too little insulation to measure up to modern energy efficiency standards. Retrofitting an old home will make it more comfortable, will reduce energy costs and will make it kinder on the environment. The question is; where do you get the most bang for your retrofitting buck? Here is a basic guide to help you to decide where your money is best spent.
Raised heel trusses provide additional attic space which allows you to add cheaper batt insulation. This means you increase the efficacy of your building envelope. Throw in some taller wall panels like Windstorm or TallWall and you have a recipe for building envelope brilliance.
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.
Have you started using taller wall panels in your buildings? The advice of the Ol’ Sage Builder: If Energy efficiency is on your mind then you should be! Read on for all the details.
Visitors to the recent International Building Show were delighted by Norbord’s new game, Builder Dash. The game provides a little light hearted fun that builders or framers can enjoy during their break or over lunch hour. Download it for free today!
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.
Energy efficient buildings are comprised of a number of different elements including specialized wall and window assemblies, insulated doors, structural elements and mechanical systems all working together to ensure a comfortable environment all while minimizing the expense of utility consumption. Most HVAC systems are still sized by rule of thumb, but taking the guesswork out of your calculations will mean that you get the right sized system for your build.
Read on for this weeks insight from our Ol’ Sage Builder and learn if your OSB will meet the requirements of classification B when tested in conformance with CAN4-S124-M.
