Blog posts

• Air and Vapor Barriers for Beginners

  Learn the critical difference between air barriers and vapor barriers in building construction: functions, materials, and proper installation.

  2025-04-01

• Choosing the right stainless steel

  Understanding different types of stainless steel for construction: corrosion resistance levels and selecting the right grade for outdoor applications.

  2025-01-24

• Daylight Calculator

  Use the Daylight Box Web tool to understand how natural light interacts with your home design for better comfort and energy efficiency.

  2024-11-16

• Visualization of Climate Data

  Explore tools for visualizing climate data including CBE Clima Tool and Climate Consultant to make informed building design decisions.

  2024-11-11

• What Does a Septic System Cost?

  Real-world septic system costs in Cape Breton: comparing C2, C3, and Class 3 systems with detailed quotes and specifications.

  2024-08-23

• U-Value vs R-Value

  Understanding the difference between U-Value and R-Value: thermal resistance vs heat transfer in building insulation.

  2024-05-16

• Energy Loss

  Analyzing where energy is lost in buildings according to IECC 2021 Energy Code: understanding heat transfer through walls, windows, and air infiltration.

  2024-05-13

• Air Tightness

  Understanding air tightness in buildings: ACH measurements, standards from building codes to Passivhaus, and why it matters for energy efficiency.

  2024-04-13

• Condensation Management

  Managing condensation in wall assemblies: understanding insulation ratios and preventing moisture problems in mixed interior-exterior insulation systems.

  2024-03-27

• Exterior Cladding

  Understanding exterior cladding load management when attaching to exterior insulation: structural considerations and best practices.

  2024-03-27

• Perfect Wall

  The Perfect Wall assembly: placing all insulation on the exterior to eliminate thermal bridging and control the dew point location.

  2024-02-25

• Monopoly Framing

  Monopoly framing technique: creating a continuous air barrier around the entire house for superior air sealing and energy performance.

  2024-02-24

• Lumber Sizes

  Understanding nominal vs actual lumber dimensions: why a 2x4 isn't really 2 inches by 4 inches and what the real measurements are.

  2024-02-22

• Calculations for passive house design

  Understanding Passivhaus planning tools: accessing calculation sheets and Canadian climate data for energy-efficient home design.

  2024-02-19

• Building Science Series #4

  Advanced building science concepts: air tightness testing, ventilation strategies, and achieving high-performance homes.

  2024-01-24

• Building Science Series #3

  Exploring moisture management, vapor barriers, and preventing condensation in wall assemblies.

  2024-01-23

• Building Science Series #2

  Deep dive into insulation strategies, thermal bridging, and heat flow management in residential construction.

  2024-01-22

• Building Science Series #1

  Understanding the building envelope: key principles of energy efficiency and thermal performance in home construction.

  2024-01-21

• Building Science Series #0

  Introduction to building science fundamentals: creating comfortable, energy-efficient spaces using sustainable materials.

  2024-01-20