Journal of Light Construction: Envelope

Air-Sealing Without Foam

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:03:46 EST

Tape is best, but the right caulk can also provide a tough, reliable seal

Dressing Up A Garage Door

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:07:21 EST

Wooden “skins” add a classy touch to an insulated steel overhead door

Three-Coat Stucco Over Foam

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 11:54:41 EST

Traditional cement-based stucco can be applied over rigid foam, as long as you get the details right

Warmer, Drier Basements

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:46:09 EST

Superior Wallsí XiPlus foundation panels have an insulation value of R-21

Roofing Underlayment

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:37:06 EST

Does the direction of the underlayment matter?

Self-Adhered Housewrap

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:38:34 EST

BlueskinVP serves as both housewrap and air barrier

Rotproof Doors

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:37:48 EST

Masonite's "Lemieux Torrefied Collection" doors are treated to resist heat, cold, and moisture

"Overbaked" Fiberglass Batts Linked to Odor Problem

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:03:50 EST

Owens-Corning looks to better quality control to deal with a strong-smelling batt problem

Wind-Resistant Doors

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:58:41 EST

GlassCraft's Impact Fiberglass Entry Doors are approved for use in high-wind zones of Florida and Texas

Air Sealing Recessed Lights

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:29:36 EST

Even when equipped with the most efficient bulbs, can lights are a major source of undetected air leakage in most homes.

Florida Researchers Take a Closer Look at Spray-Foam Roof Retrofits

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:15:28 EST

University of Florida researchers are shedding new light on the strength benefits (and moisture risks) of closed-cell spray-foam applied to the underside of roof sheathing.

High-Performance Windows

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:12:42 EST

Zola says its Tilt & Turn units are often speced for Passive Houses because they're so energy-efficient

Crawlspace Cover

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:28:21 EST

The 8 Mil Floor Liner is durable and easy to install, says the maker

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

Frost-Protected Shallow Garage Slab

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:58:56 EST

Instead of excavating to below the frostline, insulate below the edge of the slab and out from the building

Maine Passive House Builder Tweaks His Package

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:13:19 EST

Chris Corson is working on another Passive House — this time, with a more ample budget, and a more complex design.

Open-Cell Foams Approved

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:45:02 EST

Several open-cell foams have been approved for the ICC-ES for use without an ignition barrier in sealed attics and crawl spaces.

Slideshow: Flashing a Flanged Window with Housewrap and Flashing Tape

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:44:06 EST

Veteran builder Carl Hagstrom demonstrates the right way to install a flanged window unit by detailing the housewrap and flashing tape.

Making Sense of Spray Foam and Ignition Barriers

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:41:52 EST

Prescriptive ignition barriers aren’t the only route to compliance. Spray foam can also be protected with an intumescent coating.

Air-Sealing for Hot Climates

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:43:16 EST

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