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ARCH-TECH TIP EDITION 1 / SPRING 2009
Horizon Archi-Tech Tips
a technical building resource for residential architects
The Building Envelope: Why you can’t afford not to incorporate integrated systems into residential design
If the integrity of the building envelope is not thoroughly planned as part of the overall design of the home the results can be disastrous. Inefficient systems can cause a buildup of moisture, which can wreak havoc on a client’s home, not to mention their health! Nothing irks a client faster than a leaky roof or mold growing all over the basement ceiling. Or, imagine their surprise to find their geothermal HVAC system doesn’t reduce their electric bill as much as they expected, when a closed-cell insulation upgrade would have saved them a lot more in energy costs.
- So, how can you build a “green home” at a good value, especially during tough economic times?
- Are geothermal heat pumps a good investment?
- Is Tyvek really an adequate moisture barrier?
- What’s the best insulation for a given space?
- Is OSB a good replacement for plywood?
- How many layers and what materials should you specify in an exterior wall?
- How should layers be joined, sealed, and flashed?
Horizon knows. We’ve researched and tested every material and process we employ. And, we can recommend best technology practices to ensure your client’s home environment is healthy, comfortable and energy efficient.
In this introductory edition of Horizon Archi-Tech Tips, Horizon Builders reviews the importance of the “thermal envelope” as it relates to the overall building envelope and how critical proper insulation is to living a greener more sustainable lifestyle.
Tip #1. The Thermal Envelope: How air movement affects performance
Tip #2. Insulation is king, when it comes to being green.
Tip #3. Polyurethane vs. soy based sprayed foam alternatives
