Building Science

The Idea does not always align with reality when predicting physics. In theory, when the sun is out and the attic is hot, a solar-powered fan will pull air from the soffit vents and push hot air out of the attic. But air doesn't always follow the arrows, instead pulling (proportionally) from the path of least resistance. IOW, if there are leaks in the ceiling and the soffit vents are obstructed, you'll pull air-conditioned air from the living space to cool the attic.

Building Science

Do Solar-Powered Attic Fans Work?

They seem like an elegant fix for a hot attic, but physics has other ideas.

July 15, 2026

Gena Hoyt - Women at WIRC

Women at WIRC: Gena Hoyt on Promoting Building Science Education

May 28, 2026

fanshawe

Residing and Insulation Upgrades that Work

May 18, 2026

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Building Science

Building Science Explainer: Vapor Diffusion Ports

Feb. 11, 2026

efflorescence on a brick wall

Building Science

Efflorescence: The Relentless Brick Buster

Sept. 15, 2025

kat-klingenberg-wirc-podcast

Thought Leadership

Women at WIRC: Kat Klingberg on What's Next in Residential Construction

Aug. 25, 2025

THE WATER WAS DEEP. Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in August 2017, and thousands of houses got soaked. If a house is constructed to get wet, dry out, and get wet again, there is much less disruption to the people who live in it.

Flood Resistant Retrofit Details for Brick Cladding and Slab on Grade

Aug. 12, 2025

An ice dam forms on the roof of a home.

Jobsite Know-How

Protecting Roofs from the Elements

April 1, 2025

housewrap rainscreen

Jobsite Know-How

3 Steps for Installing House Wrap and a Rainscreen

May 20, 2024

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