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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New Products

  • LP. LongLength OSB allows for easier sheathing of homes with higher ceilings, requires fewer total panels, and results in fewer seams, the firm says. Installed vertically, the extended-length panels tie the top plate to the floor joists and eliminate the need to install fillers or blocking material. Several lengths and thicknesses are available. The sheathing is SFI-certified. 888.820.0325. www.lpcorp.com.

    LongLength OSB from LP

    LongLength OSB allows for easier sheathing of homes with higher ceilings, requires fewer total panels, and results in fewer seams, the firm says. Installed vertically, the extended-length panels tie the top plate to the floor joists and eliminate the need to install fillers or blocking material. Several lengths and thicknesses are available. The sheathing is SFI-certified. 888.820.0325. www.lpcorp.com.

     
  • Huber Engineered Woods. ZIP System roof and wall sheathing feature built-in protective barriers. Along with ZIP SystemTape to seal the seams, the all-in-one panels eliminate the need for housewrap or felt, the company says, making the installation faster and easier than traditional materials. A stiffer, full-depth ½-inch roof sheathing board, the ZIP System roof sheathing panel requires no H clips as long as rafters are spaced at 24 inches or less. 800.933.9220. www.zipsystem.com.

    ZIP System from Huber Engineered Woods

    Huber Engineered Woods. ZIP System roof and wall sheathing feature built-in protective barriers. Along with ZIP SystemTape to seal the seams, the all-in-one panels eliminate the need for housewrap or felt, the company says, making the installation faster and easier than traditional materials. A stiffer, full-depth ½-inch roof sheathing board, the ZIP System roof sheathing panel requires no H clips as long as rafters are spaced at 24 inches or less. 800.933.9220. www.zipsystem.com.

     

  • Coming Soon: National Gypsum's Phase-Changing Drywall

    ThermalCore panels moderate interior temperature fluctuations and act as a thermal mass.

     
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New Products

  • Centor Architectural. The S1E retractable screening system combines the company’s insect screen with a privacy blind. For summer days, the blind can be pulled out to block solar heat gain; in winter, it can help retain the home’s heat at night. The shade, made of tightly woven PVC fiberglass mesh, is available in privacy or shade fabrics for varying levels of translucence. The screen and blind slide horizontally along separate tracks; a shock-absorption system prevents the screens from being damaged if a person or pet walk into them. 866.255.0008. www.centorarchitectural.com.

    Retractable Screening System from Centor Architectural

    The S1E retractable screening system combines the company’s insect screen with a privacy blind. For summer days, the blind can be pulled out to block solar heat gain; in winter, it can help retain the home’s heat at night. The shade, made of tightly woven PVC fiberglass mesh, is available in privacy or shade fabrics for varying levels of translucence. The screen and blind slide horizontally along separate tracks; a shock-absorption system prevents the screens from being damaged if a person or pet walk into them. 866.255.0008. www.centorarchitectural.com.

     
  • LP. LongLength OSB allows for easier sheathing of homes with higher ceilings, requires fewer total panels, and results in fewer seams, the firm says. Installed vertically, the extended-length panels tie the top plate to the floor joists and eliminate the need to install fillers or blocking material. Several lengths and thicknesses are available. The sheathing is SFI-certified. 888.820.0325. www.lpcorp.com.

    LongLength OSB from LP

    LongLength OSB allows for easier sheathing of homes with higher ceilings, requires fewer total panels, and results in fewer seams, the firm says. Installed vertically, the extended-length panels tie the top plate to the floor joists and eliminate the need to install fillers or blocking material. Several lengths and thicknesses are available. The sheathing is SFI-certified. 888.820.0325. www.lpcorp.com.

     

  • 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.

     
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New Products

  • Pennsylvania Program Would Make Geothermal More Affordable

    Feb. 15--Pennsylvania is making it cheaper for people to install heating and cooling systems that tap the earth's energy.

     
  • goodman ac shoot

    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.

     

  • VHR 1404 Heat-Recovery Ventilator From Fantech

    The HVI-certified VHR 1404 heat-recovery ventilator is rated to recover and exchange 62% of exhaust air heat. The unit is equipped with two factory-balanced EBM motors with permanently lubricated sealed bearings for durability and low maintenance. An aluminum heat-recovery core is configured for efficient cross-flow ventilation; washable electrostatic panel-type air filters enable easy care. A preset defrost sequence automatically activates to protect the unit in extreme cold temperatures while maintaining fresh air intake and heat exchange. 800.747.1762.

     
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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

  • Centor Architectural. The S1E retractable screening system combines the company’s insect screen with a privacy blind. For summer days, the blind can be pulled out to block solar heat gain; in winter, it can help retain the home’s heat at night. The shade, made of tightly woven PVC fiberglass mesh, is available in privacy or shade fabrics for varying levels of translucence. The screen and blind slide horizontally along separate tracks; a shock-absorption system prevents the screens from being damaged if a person or pet walk into them. 866.255.0008. www.centorarchitectural.com.

    Retractable Screening System from Centor Architectural

    The S1E retractable screening system combines the company’s insect screen with a privacy blind. For summer days, the blind can be pulled out to block solar heat gain; in winter, it can help retain the home’s heat at night. The shade, made of tightly woven PVC fiberglass mesh, is available in privacy or shade fabrics for varying levels of translucence. The screen and blind slide horizontally along separate tracks; a shock-absorption system prevents the screens from being damaged if a person or pet walk into them. 866.255.0008. www.centorarchitectural.com.

     
  • 0309d_EH_NN_Gorrell_10.jpg(90)

    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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