Foam-Free DER: Series Introduction
The deep energy retrofit (DER) is essential to our low energy building future – as most all buildings that will exist (in our lifetime) do already exist. The most authoritative DER guide for the...
View ArticleFoam-Free DER: Roof Assemblies
In this post we examine the deep energy retrofit (DER) of existing roof assemblies. As we outlined in Foam-Free DER: Series Introduction (here), we are looking at the recommended assemblies provided in...
View ArticleFoam-Free DER: Wall & Foundation Assemblies
In this post we examine the deep energy retrofit (DER) of existing wall & foundation assemblies. As we outlined in Foam-Free DER: Series Introduction (here), we are looking at the recommended...
View ArticleFoam-Free DER: Windows & Doors
In this post we examine the deep energy retrofit (DER) of windows and doors. As we outlined in Foam-Free DER: Series Introduction (here), we are looking at the recommended assemblies provided in the...
View ArticleNorwich University and Middlebury College in 2013 Solar Decathlon
We are proud to be supporting two US Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon entrants in this year’s contest: Norwich University’s Delta-T-90 house and Middlebury College’s InSite house – both of Vermont....
View Article475 Presentation: Decentralized High Efficiency Ventilation
Decentralized High Efficiency Ventilation is a high performance alternative to centralized, ducted systems for whole house ventilation. As buildings are being renovated or built airtight to meet...
View ArticleReason Foam Fails #3 – Degrading Thermal Insulation Values
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso), XPS and spray closed-cell foams substantially degrade over time as the insulating blowing agent gases diffuse out and plain air diffuses in. How much does it degrade and...
View ArticleUnvented Flat Roofs: A Technical Discussion
Flat roofs have often been built with the insulation all on top of the vapor closed drainage plane – as this avoids dew point condensation issues inboard of the roofing. However in many situations the...
View ArticleThe Ten Golden Rules for Foam-Free Flat Roofs
When insulating a wood structure flat roof, 475′s goal as always, is to build this in the most healthy, structurally sound and ecologically friendly way, achieving truly high performance. This means...
View ArticleProject Spotlight: Yellow Springs, Ohio
Andrew Kline of Green Generation Building is putting the final touches on his new high performance home in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The house is approximately 1,700 sf with three bedrooms and 1.5 baths....
View ArticleConstruction warning: AIRTIGHT BUILDING, and the steps to keep it that way
Constructing an airtight building should be pretty straight forward. To help ensure the best possible execution there are several steps that should be taken both before and during the construction...
View ArticleAn Interior Air Barrier Does It Better
As more buildings strive to achieve airtightness, a common approach we too often see places the air control layer outboard of the insulation layer – often with OSB or plywood – to the exclusion of an...
View ArticleThe INTELLO Primer
The INTELLO membrane, manufactured by Pro Clima of Schwetzingen Germany, is the state-of-the-art for interior vapor control and air-tightness for cold and mixed climates. It is an intelligent membrane...
View ArticleProject Spotlight: Hatzolah Central, Brooklyn, NY
Hatzolah Central is the largest private ambulance dispatch in New York City. To be housed directly adjacent to the elevated subway tracks – noise pollution was a primary concern for this 7,000 sf...
View ArticleA Declaration of Independence from Foam Plastic Insulation
When in the course of constructing and renovating buildings, it becomes necessary for architects, consultants and builders to stop using materials and methods which have defined high-performance...
View Article475 Presentation: High Performance Historic Masonry Retrofits
The classic brick wall is un-insulated (R-6-ish) 3 wythe thick wall, prone to air infiltration. As many historic buildings fall under some form of aesthetic scrutiny often exterior insulation is...
View ArticleThe LAMILUX Primer
Great daylighting is fundamental to high-performance green buildings, and nothing puts a cherry on top of a great space like a skylight. The complication is that roof glazing is the keystone in your...
View Article475 Does WUFI®: A Series Introduction
Traditional buildings leak air and are poorly insulated, allowing the enclosure assembly to essentially bake- or air-dry. In doing so it maintains a resilient and robust construction but is...
View Article475 Air Sealing Master Class: August 8th
The 475 Air Sealing Master Class is a one day course that provides full interactive immersion into the theory, details, strategies and practical application of building enclosure air sealing....
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