Insulation & Air Sealing
What we saw at the 2020 International Builders’ Show points towards simplified solutions for remodelers that still add complexity and depth
Like most homes based on modern design, this one has a lot of glass. But by combining better-performing glazing, good insulation and air sealing, and efficient HVAC, the project team was able to meet energy-use targets.
The New American Remodel team relied on lessons from a decade of technology improvements to create a winner in the race to zero. Here’s how they did it.
The NAHB Leading Suppliers Council named Heatlok HFO Pro the winner of the award for innovation
The crew sheathed the walls with ZIP System panels from Huber Engineered Woods. ZIP System panels have an air- and moisture-resistive barrier that, when used with ZIP System Flashing Tape, protects against air and water intrusion. Theflashing tape is very sticky, and technique matters. Tape in a sequence that creates overlaps that promote moisture drainage: lowest horizontal seams first; then vertical seams immediately above, overlapping at the intersections; then the next course of horizontal seams; and so on.
This retirement home packs a lot of quality construction into a small space
The goal was to transform a compact A-frame into a spacious mountain retreat. The first floor featured a dramatic, vaulted living space with mountain views. But the U-shaped kitchen layout squeezed traffic in the house between the peninsula and a narrow set of stairs. The master bedroom, which was downstairs as well, needed more square footage.
Upstairs, the steeply sloped A-frame roof cut headroom dramatically, so the bedrooms felt cramped. The homeowners wanted a master suite up top. Architect Doug Walter had his work cut out for him.
We are featuring two projects this year—on opposite sides of the country
Professional Remodeler’s annual roundup of the top 100 products as chosen by you, our readers
A pre-construction smoke-test will produce air leaks you (and your clients) can see
The industry staple introduced three new products at this year’s International Builders’ Show
Sunny Las Vegas is perfect for solar, and the home has a 7-kilowatt rooftop array from LG. The panels’ location makes them invisible from the ground.
The New American Remodel explores creative approaches to sustainable design
A look at what makes flashing tape so sticky and why the way you install it determines how well it stays stuck
Expanding and updating a cramped Mid-Century home was the mission for the 2018 Model ReModel
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.
Professional Remodeler’s annual roundup of the top 100 products as chosen by you, our readers
Tightening this complex intersection of framing materials
The home’s living room has the same footprint as pre-renovation, although it has been updated with new moldings and paint, as well as engineered hardwood flooring. The variegated wood plank and parquet floors are in the hallway, living and dining rooms.
The New American Remodeled home’s interior shows off the latest products and technologies
Installers can leave a gap of a few inches to protect the drywall from moisture.
How to prevent moisture damage in residential and commercial bathrooms
When a balloon loses air or depressurizes, it gets smaller (and makes a funny sound), but houses don’t roll like that
Restored ironwork and a return to French doors in the façade keep the focus of The New American Home on the original home’s core as something that remained true to its period design while also transcending the traditional architecture of its old Orlando neighborhood. The side additions and connecting stone-and-brick terraces project a timeless estate feel that fits Florida, but would be equally at home in the Northeast or Midwest.
Carefully chosen and finely detailed products define the 2018 New American Remodel
A hole was opened up in the soffit, but rather than encountering solid foam, small beads and dust poured out of the opening.
How can indoor air quality become so bad when there's penty of venting and no toxic materials?