Journal of Light Construction: Featured Articles

Straight Answers About Efficient Windows

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:12:03 EST

Four independent experts weigh in on low-E coatins, orientation-specific glazing, window-selection tools, and more

Lessons Learned on Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:29:02 EST

Practical insights on combining deep energy retrofits with affordable housing for 12 Cleveland homes

Precut Framing

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 04:25:50 EST

Factory-cut engineered joists and rafters can reduce labor costs and job-site waste

Cutting Holes in Sheathing

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:28:49 EST

Openings in a braced wall could interrupt the load path

Reusing Loose-Fill Cellulose

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:25:07 EST

Working around existing attic insulation to seal air leaks may be more cost-effective than removing and replacing it

Air-Sealing for Hot Climates

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:43:16 EST

Excluding heat and humidity saves energy, improves comfort, and increases durability

I-Joist Installation

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:07:39 EST

Feedback from a JLC reader

Tightening Up a Two-Family House

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:37:47 EST

Chasing down and fixing energy leaks in an old house can be tricky and expensive, but utility incentives may help.

Merging Biophilic Design with Green Building Standards

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:39:22 EST

Biophilic design is gaining traction in residental construction as an ancillary component of green building.

Passive House Costs Explored

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:56:36 EST

I’ve been following the JLC articles on super-insulated homes; one consistent thread seems to be the extraordinary labor hours required for all the details, especially air-sealing. The latest by Christian Corson (“An Affordable Passive House,” 5/12, 6/12) was no exception. Although I like the Passive House concept, some of the requirements seem to offer little payback in the U.S., where natural gas costs a fraction of its cost in Europe. In Michigan, I can install a high-efficiency gas forced-air system for the same cost as this house’s hvac system (that’s one expensive ERV system!), and I don’t see the savings from all the extra insulation.

What's the Payback for Becoming a Home Performance Contractor?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:18 EST

A successful drywall installer explores the pros and cons of adding home performance contracting to his business

Curbing Conductive Heat Loss Through a Glulam Beam

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 01:10:34 EST

Conductive heat loss through a glulam beam may be a minor problem in the context of whole-house heat loss.

An Affordable Passive House Part II - Sealing the Air Barrier

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:45:30 EST

Sealing the air barrier and eliminating thermal conduction minimizes heating loads.

Thermal Break for a Cathedral Ceiling

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:25:11 EST

Q: Is it possible to create a thermal break by fastening a layer of rigid foam to the underside of the joists before hanging the drywall?

An Affordable Passive House - Part 1 - Airtight and Super-Insulated With Familiar Materials

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:42:02 EST

This airtight, superinsulated home was built using familiar methods and materials.

Building and Repairing Decks: What Pros Think About

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:26:42 EST

The pros in the JLC Forums post news videos and newspaper reports about decks that have collapsed around the U.S. They swap stories and photos of structural flaws and decay that they find in decks they’ve been asked to inspect. One contractor, says, “Whenever I come across a situation deck built that failed, it's always a reflection of the lack of thought, or even worse—a cost-saving measure. When a do-it-yourselfer, professional remodeler, or a framing contractor on a new development doesn’t care to think about what might happen 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years down the line, it reflects shortsightedness.”

The Best Air-Sealing Tips and Tricks for Homebuilding and Remodeling

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:09:43 EST

Use specialized tools and materials and a methodical approach.

Pros Benefit from Building Science Discussion Group

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:09:52 EST

Tips for creating a community for learning, networking, and sharing with construction peers.

Builder's Guide to Windows

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:07:50 EST

There are more than 100 million homes and approximately 20 billion square feet of clear-glass residential windows in the U.S. Most of those homes are more than 30 years old, and as a result, the market is growing for replacement windows with energy-efficient insulating glass.

Attic Insulation for Hot Climates?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:59:36 EST

Q: Builders in cold climates often go beyond code-required attic insulation levels, especially when using a relatively inexpensive material like blown-in cellulose. Is the same approach helpful in cooling climates?