Building in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) requires more than just fire-resistant siding. It requires a systemic approach to “hardening” the structure against ember ignition—the leading cause of home loss during wildfires. While most people focus on large-scale elements like roofs and decks, build science tells us that the smallest openings are often the most dangerous….
In high-performance building, we often hear the phrase: “Build tight, ventilate right.” While it sounds simple, it represents a significant shift in how we think about the structures we live in. We spend a great deal of effort using specialized tapes and membranes to make a house as airtight as possible, only to immediately install…
The “Safe” Bet is a Risky Move In the residential HVAC world, there is an old adage that refuses to die: “500 square feet per ton.” For decades, contractors have used this rule of thumb to size furnaces and AC units. If a house is 2,000 square feet, they quote a 4-ton system. It’s quick,…