Walls and Roofs

Straw bale SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) have all the benefits of traditional straw bale homes, but address all the risks. Straw bale homes, are they any good? Traditional straw bale home construction can be a low-tech and affordable route to a very ecologically responsible home . There are, however, some…

There are a number of ways you can up the efficiency of your home without spending much money. Here are our top 10 energy-saving home improvement tips with the greatest return. The best tips to save money and reduce bills? First of all, the best way to reduce bills & save money is to spend as little as possible for…

3/4 inch OSB sheathing on the interior can be an excellent air barrier and a great vapor barrier as well. Taping sheathing as an air barrier for walls There has been a steady evolution in the way we build homes over the last couple of decades, and the old standby wall recipe of 2x6s, fiberglass insulation and…

Vapor retarder latex based primers can be twice as effective as the requirements laid out in many building codes regarding vapor barriers requirements. Vapor barriers in walls, why polyethylene can be problematic It would probably surprise many home builders to hear what really causes moisture accumulation in walls…

Top Tips for choosing the best siding for your house - comparisons of siding products with cost, durability, ease of installation & attractiveness - because balancing performance with cost and appearance is important. Siding is important! There is no stage of home construction that you should rush through, but if…

The energy efficiency of your home is greatly affected by doors and windows, so choose well. Here are some tips about what to look for and what to avoid. Material choices for window frames: Window frames can be made from a variety of materials offering different levels of performance and insulation values. Air in…

Choose durable roofing materials that will last through wind, precipitation and exposure to U.V rays. 1. Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles © Ecohome We’ll start with shingles to get it out of the way, because choosing an eco-friendly, durable roof covering starts first with dismissing any idea of installing asphalt…

When it comes to choosing a building envelope there are many variables to consider: what climate zone you're building in, performance, durability, health, comfort, and of course, cost. What is the best wall system for a home? We're frequently asked which is the perfect wall system for high-performance LEED , Passive…