Details

A 4-Dimensional look at deck flashing that works

Whether using roof trusses or stick framing a roof frame, if you make space above the exterior walls, your energy performance will thank you.

For walls with a pre-applied weather barrier, make sure the tape is compatible with the WRB coating—or use a primer

Keep mechanical equipment within the envelope to improve the quality of houses and homes

Recessed into thick layers of insulation, innie windows are protected from the weather

Concentrate on the corners and think like water when overlapping the layers

A tight air barrier is the best way to build an energy-efficient house. Outside the sheathing are many chances to make it better.

A thermal break and solid backing puts the window on the outer face of a thick wall. Now, there's room on the inside window sill for cats and bowling trophies

Ground zero for roof rot is often where roofs meet walls.

Sealing the layers—and overlapping them right—is how high-performance building gets done

Direct the heat toward the feet

Adding brick to the outside of a house complicates insulating outside a slab. So Insulate inside.

An affordable insulated slab foundation suitable for climate zones 4, 5, and 6

Protect the eave from ice dams and sideways rain

An affordable insulated slab foundation suitable for climate zones 1, 2, and 3

A tight path to the outdoors keeps the indoors fresh and you can call it a day because you’re one step closer to the Energy Star

Tight makes right behind tubs and showers—because they can be *ruff* to retrofit

Thermal shorts and good design don't mix

With blower door tests in the building code, it is up to more than just the insulators or the GC to deliver results: many trades have a stake.

Weather Barriers done right means weather barriers that go to work on more than just sunny days

Walls that can drain and dry last a lot longer than walls that stay wet.

Walls that dry are walls that last for a long, long, time.

Two packages for high-performance homes. Vented and unvented roof insulation retrofits and exterior wall insulation details, along with rainscreen wall details for furring strips.

Walls that can drain and dry last a lot longer than walls that stay wet. An air gap between the siding and sheathing lets both dry independently. Furring strips are one way to make that air gap.

Retiling a tub surround is a common remodeling project because tubs have a track record for quitting early