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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

  2x6 wood frame wall at 24" o.c. Fiberglass or cellulose cavity insulation XPS insulating sheathing Furring creating a minimum 3/8" ventilation gap/drainage gap behind cladding   Introduction This… Read More

This overview summarizes the truss wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy. Complex two dimensional heat flow analysis and one dimensional… Read More

This overview summarizes spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy. Complex two dimensional heat flow analysis and one dimensional… Read More

This overview summarizes SIPs wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy. A more detailed analysis and direct comparison to several other walls can be… Read More