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Graham Davis

Photos: courtesy IBACOS
Instead of using expanding spray foam to air-seal sill plates to the subfloor or concrete slab, use a thick, continuous bead of construction adhesive to create a more reliable seal.

3 Air-Sealing Details to Survive Construction

An airtight thermal shell is critical for reducing energy use and costs and to meet increasingly stringent codes. Follow these tips to get air sealing right the first time
June 10, 2024
Housewrap

Tips for Choosing the Right Housewrap

When water gets behind exterior cladding—as it inevitably will—it should always encounter a weather-resistive barrier to protect the structure from moisture damage. For many new...
Sept. 21, 2023
Leave Gaps In Building

Leave Gaps Everywhere

The last edition of this column addressed drywall cracks caused by movement of a home’s framing members due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well as wind, seismic, and...
July 31, 2023
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Flash Fascia Returns Properly

Whenever wood fascia terminates into a wall (what’s commonly called a “fascia return”), it should be regarded as a penetration in the weather resistive barrier (WRB) and properly...
Oct. 12, 2022
Adobe Stock 341506035

MANAGING MOISTURE IN WALLS

A fundamental truth about wall construction is that, at some point, walls will be exposed to moisture, so they must be designed and built in a way...
March 17, 2022