Spotlight Article:
The Perfect Wall and the Building Science Blues
What is the Perfect Wall? And, why does it give me the building science blues? This article answers both of those questions, and it tells how some of the best building scientists on the continent, ...
Keep Reading
Roofing and Siding Rehabs get an Energy Fix
The old adage says, "Within every problem lies an opportunity." This is certainly the case when it comes to residing or reroofing a home. [continue reading]
New Pioneering in Straw Bale Building
No, they're not living in haylofts. The horses don't knock the houses down for bedding. And the big bad wolf doesn't chase the residents off in search of bricks and mortar. [continue reading]
Moisture and Mobile Home Weatherization
Most newer manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, as well as many older mobile homes, have a vapor retarder on the inside of the wall cavity--typically right behind the gypsum board. However, many older mobile homes, especially those built before the 1980s, were manufactured with a vapor retarder on the outside of the wall cavity--generally right behind the metal (or sometimes wood) siding. [continue reading]
Is an R-19 Wall Really R-19?
Just because a wall has R-19 insulation in it does not mean it's an R-19 wall. Using the R-value of the insulation between the studs (the "cavity R-value") as an overall wall R-value is similar to using the center-of-glass value for a window--it ignores the effect of framing. [continue reading]
Studs of Steel
Rising lumber prices and an erratic market have driven some homebuilders to look for alternatives to wood framing, and steel framing is one option that is grabbing their attention. [continue reading]
Cooling Benefits from Exterior Masonry Wall Insulation
Masonry, or concrete block, housing construction is common throughout the southern United States, where cooling demands are significant. [continue reading]
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Building Performance Journal Editors
Our Blog Has Moved
Thanks for your interest in contributing a blog to the Building Performance Journal (formerly Home Energy magazine). We’re ...
Jim Gunshinan
Is Energy Efficiency an American Value?
Energy efficiency is good for the economy, good for families, good for workers, and good for the environment.
