Home Parts and Materials

Podcast Short: Hurricane-Resistant Housing

In this excerpt, the team discusses the strategies for building homes in coastal hurricane zones to withstand high winds and storm surges.
A Resilient Roof Assembly That Can Handle Moisture

Ben Bogie explains this unique framing assembly and how its design promotes drying for a long-lasting, superinsulated roof.
Podcast Short: Water-Resistive Barriers

In this excerpt from Podcast Episode 141, Patrick, Rob, and Colin discuss water-resistive barriers, including a relatively new fluid-applied system.
A New Take on Insulating a Roof

For vaulted ceilings, this vented and vapor-open approach is durable and energy-smart, and a good option for houses in mixed and cold climates.
Energy Codes as Clear as Glass

The building codes for windows address both thermal and air transmission—here's what you need to know to select windows using the prescriptive path.
Three Ways to Insulate Basement Walls

For interior insulation, you'll need to use either rigid-foam boards or spray polyurethane foam.
A Trombe Wall Solution for Passive-Solar Storage

An indirect solar-heat-gain strategy addresses the challenge of orienting a passive-solar house's views northward.
Fire-Ready and Nontoxic

This solar-powered ranch was designed to meet local fire-resistance requirements, including noncombustible roofs and siding with reduced flammability.
Crawlspaces That Work

To avoid moisture problems, either seal and condition your crawlspace or isolate the space from the rest of the house.
Insulating a Wall With No Sheathing

Always assume that water is going to find its way through, and provide a way to direct it back outside while providing inward-drying potential.

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