Building Science

Even in cold climates, moisture will move from hot exteriors to cooler interiors in the summer, which places new emphasis on proper selection and placement of vapor retarders.

Understanding Vapor Barriers

The residential building industry has enough controversial construction techniques, incorrect product applications, antiquated codes, and...

More by Mark LaLiberte

 

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New Products

  • Product Extra: Light Bright

    A selection of new energy-efficient lighting products.

     

  • Induction Cooktop From Gaggenau

    The 36-inch CI 491 induction cooktop now includes a frying sensor that keeps the oil at a precise temperature so it doesn’t overheat, the maker says. The unit includes five flexible cooking zones ranging from 1,400 to 3,600 watts, 17 output levels, power boost, memory cooking, and pan detection. It comes frameless or with a stainless steel frame. 877.442.4436.

     

  • Sydney Smart Toilet From Caroma

    The company now offers its Sydney Smart high-efficiency toilet with a back outlet. The WaterSense-labeled dual-flush unit offers 1.28 gpf and 0.8 gpf. A large trapway eliminates blockages, says the maker, and washdown technology pushes waste from the bowl. It is Maximum Performance tested at 900 grams. 800.605.4218.

     
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  • Structural Insulated Panels From Agriboard

    Agriboard SIPs utilize agricultural waste, wheat, and rice straw as an insulating core. More than 80% of Agriboard’s panels consist of straw left over after the grain has been harvested. The perimeter LSL presents a high shear-strength panel with virtually no thermal bridging. The 7?7/8-inch-thick panels have a dynamic R-value of up to 25.4. Any straw waste from the construction process can be reused as landscape mulch. 866.247.4267.

     

  • E-Rim Insulated Rimboard From Emercor

    Made just like a SIPs panel, E-Rim Insulated Rimboard consists of a sandwich of OSB and polyurethane foam, providing a tightly sealed, R-14 barrier around the beltline. According to the firm, the product is 20 times more airtight than conventional rimboard, and tested thermal performance is 12% better than a conventional system. E-Rim is available in all standard floor joist sizes. 866.363.7267.

     

  • Polyurethane SIPs From Murus

    The company’s structural insulated panels use the chemical HFC 245fa as a blowing agent in their polyurethane SIPs. HFC 245fa has a zero Ozone Depletion Probability (ODP), a low Global Warming Potential relative to other refrigerants, and is not considered a VOC. The manufacturer claims the OSB is made from fast-growing, renewable softwood and hardwood species such as pine, poplar, and aspen from self-regenerating forests or plantation-grown trees. Murus’ OSB manufacturer is a member of the SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative). 800.626.8787.

     
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  • HardieZone Fiber-Cement Siding System From James Hardie

    The HardieZone System, the company’s latest generation of fiber-cement siding, is formulated and engineered for optimum performance under varying climate conditions to further ensure durability and longevity. HZ5 siding, for northern climates, offers a formulation designed to withstand freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and moisture. It also includes a new beveled top and drip edge to improve water management. HZ10 stands up to the heat and unstable conditions of southern and western climates, including coastal regions, and is resistant to moisture, cracking, swelling, high winds, termites, and flame. 888.542.7343.

     

  • FusionSolar Solar System From Custom-Bilt Metals

    The FusionSolar solar system includes thin-film photovoltaics fused into standing-seam panels, blending in with the roof and eliminating the need for penetrations. The turnkey system comes with all components, schematics, and specifications for wiring; roofing professionals install the roof as they would a standard metal roof, the company says. Solar capacity is customizable, scaled to deliver 3-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 30-, 60-, or 120-kW-sized output. The thin-film laminate is durable enough to be walked on and withstand flying objects, and it withstands winds up to 160 mph. 800.826.7813.

     

  • SlopeGrid Geocellular Confinement System From Cell-Tek Geosynthetics

    The SlopeGrid geocellular confinement system allows for green roofs on arched or sloped roofs by controlling erosion, promoting stabilization of the planting medium, and preventing vertical wind uplift, the firm says. Installed over a waterproofing membrane and a drainage/water retention mat, the 100% recycled HDPE strips expand into a honeycomb-like grid, which is filled with soil. The grid is secured to the roof by a tendon system. 888.851.0051.

     
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New Products

  • IES and Gaia Geothermal Offer Geothermal Bundle for HVAC Engineers

    Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), a provider of integrated performance analysis software and consulting services for sustainable building design, today announced a partnership with Gaia Geothermal to offer a joint package of software tools -- the Geothermal Bundle -- specifically for the detailed analysis and design optimization of geothermal ground source heat exchanger systems.

     

  • Solar Energy Use by Arizonans Heating Up

    Dec. 13--Gilbert resident Alan Morgan never considered himself to be an especially "green" sort of person.

     
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    HVI-certified Heat Recovery Ventilator From Goodman

    The HVI-certified HRV series offers up to 92% heat recovery, according to the manufacturer, with cfm rates from 123 to 247 to accommodate various residential conditions and requirements. The units feature a 22/24-gauge galvanized steel cabinet that is fully insulated with 1-inch high-density polystyrene foam to help prevent condensation; other features include washable, electrostatic panel-type air filters and factory-balanced EBM motors with permanently lubricated sealed motor bearings. The aluminum core is configured for efficient cross-flow ventilation and to withstand extreme temperatures. An optional dehumidistat and air-quality sensor are available. 877.254.4729.

     
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New Products

  • LED Recessed Downlights From Nora Lighting

    LED recessed downlights are now available with a 3?1/2-inch aperture that delivers 10.5 watts with 500 lumens at 3000K; a 4?1/2-inch aperture that delivers 14 watts with 622 lumens at 3000K; and a 5?1/2-inch model offering 14 watts with 635 lumens at 3000K and 730 lumens at 4200K. The fixtures can save more than 75% of energy compared to 65-watt BR30 lamps, says the maker. They are tested to the LM-79 IES standard for LEDs and are undergoing Energy Star certification. 800.686.6672.

     
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    Brandt Point Fixtures From Westinghouse Lighting

    Energy Star–approved Brandt Point fixtures are available in three-light wall-bracket and two-light wall-bracket and flush-mount styles using 13-watt GU24 CFLs. Defined by a sleek, modern design, the fixtures feature simple, unadorned architecture that creates a dramatic appearance, the manufacturer says. Frosted white alabaster glass complements the collection’s brushed nickel finish, the maker adds. 800.999.2226.

     
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    Halogena Energy Saver Lamps From Philips Lighting

    Halogena Energy Saver halogen lamps are offered in 40-watt and 70-watt models as alternatives to 60-watt and 100-watt incandescents. The halogen lamps feature a 3,000-hour average rated life and deliver 800 to 1,600 lumens, the same light output as the higher-wattage incandescents, for a 30% energy savings, says the firm. The bulbs are designed to resemble the look and feel of traditional incandescent bulbs and are dimmable. 800.555.0050.

     
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New Products

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    Solar Master III Triple-Glass System Window From Gorell Windows and Doors

    Combining three panes of glass, a 50/50 blend of argon and krypton gas fill, two SolarControl Plus low-E coatings, and an Intercept spacer system, the Energy Star–qualified Solar Master III triple-glass system offers a U-value of 0.19, and an SHGC of 0.26, says the firm. Double-hung units with Solar Master III carry Green Seal certification. 724.465.1800.

     
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    Peel and Stick Flashing by Typar

    Peel & Stick flashing now includes Quik-Peel technology, which lets installers peel release paper from half the width, leaving the remainder in place for easier installation of a weather barrier. Designed for straight jambs and headers, the flashing tape is sturdy yet flexible, the company says, and features a high-performing pressure-sensitive adhesive with a co-polymer formula to provide strong adhesion in virtually any environment. Four sizes are available. 800.284.2780.

     
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    Wood Folding Glass Wall System by Nana Wall Systems

    The WD66 wood folding glass wall system comes with krypton-filled Heat Mirror glazing, providing an energy-efficient solution for large openings. The glass has a 0.23 U-factor and an SHGC of 0.31. The doors can be installed anywhere a traditional wall would stand and come in openings from 8 feet to 40 feet. 800.873.5673.

     
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