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Home Build Science™ 201

Build Science™ 201

Build Science™ 201 continues with thermal management and continuity in building design. Matt and Steve explain the concept of thermal continuity, focusing on how heat flows from hot to cold, which is essential for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. The discussion covers common building materials, such as wood framing and insulation, noting that while wood provides some thermal resistance, insulation plays a vital role in minimizing heat transfer.

Practical examples illustrate innovative strategies, like using exterior insulation and optimizing designs to reduce thermal bridging. Matt and Steve highlight how adding insulation over existing concrete slabs can significantly improve comfort and energy efficiency in homes. They stress the importance of investing in insulation not only for energy savings but also for creating more comfortable living spaces.

Ultimately, effective thermal management is vital to building energy-efficient, comfortable homes.

Continue to the next episode in the Thermal Management section: Resistance.

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Episodes

Ep. 1 - Water Management: Protection

Episode 1    

Build Science™ emphasizes water management as critical to building protection. Matt and Steve discuss risk levels, design features, and water protection strategies, stressing planning and prioritizing for riskier designs.

Ep. 2 - Water Management: Mitigation

Episode 2    

Matt and Steve discuss water management, highlighting the importance of drainage systems like rain screens and footing drains. Proper installation and mitigation strategies prevent costly damage, emphasizing the need for clear water exit pathways.

Ep. 3 - Water Management: Prevention

Episode 3    

Matt and Steve emphasize preventing water damage through waterproofing techniques, noting 80% of construction defects stem from water issues. They highlight advanced materials, proper installation, and testing for long-term durability.

Ep. 4 - Air Management: Continuity

Episode 4    

Matt and Steve discuss the importance of continuous air barriers in maintaining airtightness, using advanced materials and techniques. They highlight "perfect wall" construction and emphasize airtightness testing for energy-efficient homes.

Ep. 5 - Air Management: Separation

Episode 5    

Matt and Steve emphasize air management, highlighting inefficiencies of placing ductwork outside conditioned spaces. They advocate for improved practices, like using vapor barriers and running ducts indoors, to enhance energy efficiency.

Ep. 6 - Air Management: Escalation

Episode 6    

Matt and Steve emphasize effective air sealing to prevent moisture issues, highlighting techniques like fluid-applied sealants, meticulous penetrations, and blower door tests. They advocate for continuous improvement and training for airtight, efficient homes.

Ep. 7 - Vapor Management: Uniform Load

Episode 7    

Matt and Steve discuss vapor management, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to different climates. They explain vapor barriers, moisture management, and techniques to prevent mold and structural damage.

Ep. 8 - Vapor Management: Perspective

Episode 8    

Matt and Steve discuss vapor management as an asset, emphasizing moisture control strategies, ventilated roofs, and innovative insulation. They highlight the importance of understanding vapor dynamics for building durability and comfort.

Ep. 9 - Vapor Management: Rate

Episode 9    

Matt and Steve emphasize balancing drying and wetting potential to prevent structural damage. They highlight strategies like rain screens, ventilation, and moisture monitoring to ensure long-term durability and prevent mold in homes.

Ep. 11 - Thermal Management: Resistance

Episode 11    

Matt and Steve highlight insulation's role in heat resistance, discussing R-values, U-factors, thermal bridging, and continuous insulation. They also emphasize climate-specific techniques, shading devices, and window specifications for energy efficiency.

Ep. 12 - Thermal Management: Proportional

Episode 12    

Build Science™ 201 emphasizes proportional thermal control, highlighting balanced insulation for sub-slabs, walls, and windows. Builders should prioritize water/air control layers, exceed minimum attic insulation, and enhance energy efficiency. Build Science™ 201 emphasizes proportional thermal control, highlighting balanced insulation for sub-slabs, walls, and windows. Builders should prioritize water/air control layers, exceed minimum attic insulation, and enhance energy efficiency.

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