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Outdoor air is added to a building via a controlled ventilation system. What isn't controlled is the air change created by wind effects, stack effects and pressure effects caused by the operation of… Read More

When designing a building’s envelope and its interaction with the mechanical system, temperature, humidity, rain, and the interior climate often are ignored. The focus for the building may be more on… Read More

A multi-zone, single-gas, tracer gas decay measurement technique was used to test the ventilation systems of a single-story, slab-on-grade 1350 sq. ft. house in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a two-story,… Read More

Crawlspaces should be designed and constructed as mini-basements.  Crawlspaces should not be vented to the exterior (see FAQ on Crawlspace Venting). They should have their floors uninsulated, the… Read More

Basements are part of a home, within the building boundary—despite repeated attempts over the years to disconnect them from the living space. Because of this, basements should be designed and… Read More

“Rain is the single most important factor to control in order to construct a durable structure.”    - Dr. Joseph LstiburekDrainage planes (also referred to as “water resistive barrier” or WRB) are… Read More

Joseph Lstiburek's classic list of building practices not recommended for hot-humid climates. This list was first posted on Building Science Corporation's website in 1997.10. Vented Attics and Vented… Read More

  2x6 framing XPS insulating sheathing Fiberglass or cellulose cavity insulation in stud space   Scoring: How It Rates The scoring of each wall system is based on the following five categories. A… Read More

IntroductionThis guide provides information on how to construct vapor diffusion ports when using fiberglass and mineral wool insulation with conditioned unvented attics and unconditioned unvented… Read More