Energy-Smart Details

Building or remodeling a home to be more energy efficient than the average home doesn’t necessarily have to cost more money, but it does take careful planning and smart construction details. Browse through this collection of articles to get a better understanding of what makes high-performance homes work.

Windows in Double-Stud Walls: In-Betweenies
When building with double-stud walls to maximize energy efficiency, locating windows can be a challenge. Traditionally, windows either lie flat on the exterior sheathing ("outies") or are installed closer to…
Two Ways to Insulate Attic Kneewalls
Kneewalls are commonly found in attics, especially in attics that have been converted to living space, but they can be difficult to insulate properly. In this "Energy-Smart Details" article, senior…
Double-stud walls
Double-stud walls are a low-tech way to create highly energy-efficient walls with common materials and familiar assemblies
How to Insulate Cold Floors
For better energy performance, homes built on piers, rooms above garages, and cantilevered bays need properly air-sealed and insulated floors.
Energy-Smart Details
These construction drawings illustrate the details that make houses more durable, comfortable, and energy efficient.
Air-Sealing a Basement
Learn the places where cold air is most likely to leak in during the winter and how best to seal them.
An Unvented, Superinsulated Roof
Rigid-foam insulation installed above the roof assembly can create an energy-smart roof.
How to Seal 4 Hidden Air Leaks in Your House
In this "Energy Smart Details" article, Martin Holladay describes how to seal leaks in fireplaces, floors, walls, chases, and soffits.
Airtight Window Installations
Seal all air leaks between the wall and the window frame for an airtight barrier.
4 Options for Shear Bracing Foam-Sheathed Walls
If you aren’t building in a high-wind area, continuous sheathing is likely to cost more than other bracing solutions. This article discusses four alternatives for shear bracing foam-sheathed walls.

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