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Haphazardly insulating an old home can lead to its rapid deterioration, as the drying potential is completely reduced. Insulating comes at a thermodynamic cost, as the flow of heat through the assembly is slowed. While older homes were built with durable, moisture resistant old growth lumber, the lack of insulation and air leakage allowed them to dry out if they ever got wet.
In this video, I go over my process for designing the assemblies and details in section for this modern cabin in much more detail, discussing the main building science principles that we have to adhere to in order to have a durable and healthy home.
The improper use of a vapor barrier can lead to more moisture problems, mold, and rot. In this video, we discuss how vapor barriers work, when you should use them, and the alternative strategies that can help you keep your home dry and durable.
Protected membrane roofs, also known as inverted roof assemblies, are the longest-lasting and most energy efficient flat roof systems that one can design and build. Protected membrane roofs perform extremely well in all climate zones, as the flat roof membrane is completely sheltered from heat, ultraviolet light, and water, buried under layers of rigid insulation and gravel ballast.
There are two types of windows - windows that leak and windows that will leak. We have to protect our window openings and provide a means of drainage to ensure that an accumulation of water does not result in water damage or rot. In this video, we explain two of the most critical window flashing details to get right - the window sill detail, and the window head detail.
Insulating mass masonry walls poses a number of moisture challenges, from both exterior and interior sources. Adding insulation to mass masonry walls slows the flow of heat and the amount of heat available to dry out the walls. The masonry walls also stay colder for longer periods of time, which can result in freeze-thaw damage and the rapid deterioration of embedded wood components, especially if the masonry is saturated with water.
Concrete is a thermal mass, and tends to absorb heat as well as cold temperatures. We need to be thermally uncoupling slab on grade floors, not only to save on our energy bills but to maximize comfort within our homes. In this video, we discuss 5 different options for a fully insulated concrete slab on grade foundation for new construction.
Parapets in a flat roof assembly are often a source of leaks, moisture issues, and air leakage, as they are the intersection between the exterior walls and roof plane that are exposed on three sides to weathering, in addition to interior air leakage. Parapet walls must effectively transition the flat roof membrane to the weather resistive barrier on the exterior walls, using a series of flashings and membranes to ensure water-tight and air tight connections between dissimilar materials. Parapet walls must be designed to resist and shed bulk water, prevent air leaks that can deposit moisture into the cavity space, and be constructed to remain durable throughout the service life of the building.
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