Walls and Roofs
The structure and design of a building envelope will determine how much it costs to heat and cool your home, and how long it will last. This guide section contains detailed information about high performance wall designs that will protect your home against the elements, and create an enjoyable indoor environment that is healthy, comfortable and durable.
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Walls and Roofs
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The walls and roof of a home form the primary elements of the building envelope, acting as the critical barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments and defining the building's overall performance, comfort, and durability. Creating a high-performance shell involves more than just standard construction; it requires an integrated approach to structure, insulation, air sealing, and moisture management. From advanced framing techniques and super-insulated assemblies to durable, eco-friendly roofing, the choices made for your walls and roof will have the single greatest impact on your home's energy consumption and resilience for its entire lifespan, a crucial consideration for climates across the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
High-Performance Wall Assemblies: Structure, Insulation, and Air Sealing
A high-performance wall is an airtight, well-insulated, and moisture-managed system, not just a collection of individual components. Common wood-framing techniques can be significantly improved with advanced methods like double-stud walls or exterior rigid insulation to create a thermal break and minimize heat loss through the studs. Alternative structural systems like Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) offer an all-in-one structure and insulation solution with exceptional airtightness and performance. Regardless of the structure, continuous insulation is key; this can be achieved with various materials like mineral wool batts, dense-packed cellulose, or rigid foam boards. An effective air barrier on the exterior or interior and a smart vapor control layer are also essential to prevent air leakage and manage moisture, protecting the wall assembly from damage and ensuring long-term health and efficiency.
Sustainable Roofing Systems: Materials, Design, and Durability
A sustainable roof is one that is durable, properly insulated and ventilated, and made from environmentally responsible materials. Material choice plays a significant role; options like standing-seam metal roofing offer exceptional longevity and high recycled content, while sustainably harvested wood, slate, or recycled composite materials also provide durable alternatives to traditional asphalt shingles. The design of the roof assembly is equally important. In colder climates like Canada and the northern USA, a well-ventilated attic space combined with a thick layer of ceiling insulation is crucial to prevent ice dams. In hot, sunny climates like Australia and the southern USA, "cool roofs" with light-colored, reflective surfaces can significantly reduce cooling costs. Green or living roofs offer another excellent option, providing insulation, stormwater management, and habitat creation benefits.
Windows and Doors: The Critical Openings in Your Building Envelope
Windows and doors are essentially thermal holes in your walls and roof, making the selection of high-performance units absolutely critical to the success of your building envelope. Look for windows with low U-factor ratings, which indicate better insulating properties, a key factor for cold climates. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar radiation a window allows through; a low SHGC is ideal for hot climates to reduce cooling loads, while a higher SHGC can be strategically used in colder climates for passive solar heating. Triple-pane windows are becoming the standard for high-efficiency homes, particularly those built to Passive House standards. Proper installation is just as important as the window itself, requiring careful air sealing between the window frame and the rough opening to prevent drafts and ensure lasting performance. To help achieve your dream home, we also have Canada's and the USA's most comprehensive high performance and sustainable prefabricated and modular homes directory available here, searchable by Province or State, as well as the largest online directory of green construction contractors and the best and most experienced Architects that are skilled in designing sustainable homes to LEED and Passive House standards here on EcoHome.