Home-Building Cyclopedia

Get clear explanations of the essential concepts in residential design, construction, and remodeling.

Air Barriers Are Essential for a Modern, High-Performance Home
Controlling air movement through the walls and ceilings is a key step toward comfort, energy efficiency, and building durability.
Water-Resistive Barriers
The water-impermeable layer beneath the siding protects walls from rain and snow, and often functions as a building's air barrier.
Radial-Arm Saws: The Tool That Just Won’t Die
This powerful shop tool's peak is long past, but the folks in Britt, Iowa, may not agree.
High-Performance HVAC
Ductless minisplit heat pumps are becoming the go-to choice for heating and cooling in well-insulated, tight houses.
Makeup Air for Tight Houses
As houses get tighter in order to save energy, makeup air for range hoods and woodstoves becomes a more pressing issue.
What Is the HERS Index?
This numerical rating of home energy efficiency is a valuable tool for predicting energy performance, with some limitations.
How to Choose the Right-Size Heating and Cooling System
Accurate calculations of heating and cooling loads are the key to installing HVAC equipment that fits your home and your budget.
Why Would My House Need a Blower-Door Test?
Few metrics are as important in high-performance building as air tightness, and a blower door is how you measure it.

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