Building Science

These fine white filaments are mycelium—basically mushroom roots. It is the means by which fungus stays connected and nuorished, but researchers have also discovered it may be a means to disrupt the building materials market. Insulation, door cores, flooring, cladding, light fixtures, furniture—mycelium is a cheap, durable, and easy to manufacture alternative to all and more.
With price spikes and shortages of traditional building materials, it may be time to start considering non-traditional ones
'Hyper glue' formula may increase the strength and corrosion resistance in materials typically held together by adhesives
A look at what makes flashing tape so sticky and why the way you install it determines how well it stays stuck
How much moisture air can hold depends on the temperature, which is why they call it “relative humidity.” Here’s how it works and why it matters.
Foil blocks heat transfer best if it stays clean, is adjacent to an airspace, and the delta is large enough.
This cold-climate wall system allows for smooth old-to-new transitions and incorporates a flush-framed deck ledger detail
Whether you use trusses or rafters, creating space above exterior walls will improve energy performance
Tightening this complex intersection of framing materials
It's rare to find lighting guidelines backed up by documented field testing
In a tightly air-sealed house, a mechanical ventilation system ensures a healthy exchange of fresh air

A computer lighting model converts input (such as ceiling and counter height, fixture and lamp type, surface color and reflectance, etc.) into both 2D output showing projected fc levels at every point on a 2x2 grid (above right), and a 3D model of the room showing the effects of the lighting plan (above). Current light levels at the island (right) are more than three times the 15 fc readings taken before the kitchen remodel.
Real-world footcandle readings shine a light on the importance of recessed fixture size, lamp type, and fixture location
Many remodelers don’t know how to talk about chemical sensitivity
When a balloon loses air or depressurizes, it gets smaller (and makes a funny sound), but houses don’t roll like that
How can indoor air quality become so bad when there's penty of venting and no toxic materials?
Shingling over an old roof may be faster, cheaper, and a common practice. But some companies refuse to do it.
Understanding how water vapor interacts with building materials is critical to avoiding moisture problems in building assemblies
Follow these three rules for better indoor air quality in the home
Time-tested architectural elements in masonry buildings not only look good, but serve to channel water away from the walls
Transforming a 1930s Orlando home into a showcase of contemporary living
Letting brick dry evenly is the key to avoiding water problems
An interior chase on an exterior wall is an often-overlooked source of major air leaks