Walls and Roofs

A comprehensive guide to building with straw, covering durability, R-value, fire safety, and how to create a high-performance, beautiful, and sustainable home. Straw bale homes: a homeowner's & pro's guide There is a long standing myth that straw bale construction is an obsolete building method of the past, which is…

A homeowner's guide to the pros, cons, and costs of building with ICF blocks, and why they are the secret to a better, more affordable high-performance foundation or a whole resilient home in the toughest areas with high winds or structural loads. ICF blocks: A homeowner's guide to building a home with ICF…

Beyond simple soundproofing: how silent architecture and acoustic panels work together to achieve true acoustic wellness in your living space. Acoustic panels in homes: do they help make homes less noisy? Unwanted noise transmission and echoes in homes can be frustrating. There are easy ways to sound proof new homes…

A guide to choosing the best building tapes for a durable and airtight building envelope, ensuring a long-lasting, high-performance home. Are high quality building tapes worth the money? In the world of high-performance building, the saying 'the devil is in the details' couldn't be more true. When designing homes…

An expert guide to safely and effectively sealing air leaks in older homes. Learn how to find leaks, choose the right materials, and improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. Air sealing older homes Improving the airtightness of an older home is one of the most effective ways to improve its comfort…

A comprehensive guide to installing exterior insulation (EIFS) on brick homes, covering everything from surface preparation to attachment methods. EIFS over brick: a homeowners and pros guide EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems) are increasingly popular in new construction, and an excellent solution for…

A comprehensive guide to upgrading attic insulation in heritage properties, covering everything from material choices to safety protocols and ventilation best practices for a healthier, more efficient home. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the key aspects of this topic. Below is an overview of the…

A definitive guide to Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), covering their components, benefits, drawbacks, and critical installation practices for superior energy efficiency. EIFS exteriors: a homeowner's and pro's guide In the world of modern building, you've likely seen homes and commercial buildings…

Discover if stucco is the right exterior finish for your home. We'll explore its pros and cons, cost, lifespan, and maintenance. Stucco as an exterior home finish Stucco is a classic and versatile exterior finish that has been used for centuries to protect and beautify homes. A mixture of cement, sand, water, and…

The definitive guide comparing casement, slider, and European tilt and turn windows, exploring their performance, cost, functionality, and role in green building. Choosing window mechanisms: a homeowner's and pro's guide Windows are a critical component of any building envelope, affecting everything from energy…

All about hempcrete - a carbon-negative and highly efficient building material for sustainable construction and renovation projects. Hempcrete walls: a homeowner's and pro's guide More people all the time are looking for more healthy and eco-friendly building materials that are sustainable, resilient and non-toxic…