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, ...
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A Serious Challenge to a New Building Technology
Every new building technology comes with new problems along with its benefits, and structural insulated panels (SIPs) are no different. SIPs are made of rigid foam insulation sandwiched between ... [continue reading]
The Lowdown on Structural Insulated Panels
More builders are recognizing the benefits of building with structural insulated panels, yet unless the panels are properly installed, moisture buildup can create major problems. [continue reading]
Steel Stud Walls: Breaking the Thermal Bridge
Steel stud walls are notoriously inefficient due to thermal bridging, but new construction and insulating methods are solving that problem. [continue reading]
Steel Framing: How Green?
Steel Framing: How Green? Q: Is the use of steel framing for residential construction turning into a trend that we must now take seriously? Isn't energy efficiency very tricky when using steel? ... [continue reading]
Sealing Up Your Home's Leaks
Your house's walls and windows-what building professionals call the building envelope or shell-are supposed to prevent air from moving through them. [continue reading]
The Concrete Facts
Q: What is autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)? Why have I only heard about it recently, when apparently it has been around for years? When should a builder such as myself decide to use this material? ... [continue reading]
Calculating Whole Wall R-Values on the Net
In 1995, approximately 85% of U.S. residential housing was stick built. While energy-efficient walls can be built with dimensional lumber, it takes careful design and construction to achieve this. [continue reading]
New Value for High-Mass Walls
In certain climates, construction of massive building envelopes--such as concrete, earth, and insulating concrete forms (ICFs)--can be one of the most effective ways of reducing building heating and cooling loads. [continue reading]
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.
