energy efficient new homes: construction issues

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Importance of Air Tight Construction in Providing a Continuous Air Barrier in New Homes

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

Construction gaps and resulting air leakages can increase heating and cooling costs, create comfort and moisture problems, draw in pollutants, reduce fire safety, and serve as an entry for rodents and insects. Windows, doors, and outside walls can contribute to air leakage, but the greatest losses occur in gaps and holes that are hidden from view and cause a continuous air exchange between the interior and the attic, crawl space, and outdoors.

Homes should have …

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Types of Building Systems for New Home Construction

Reviewed and Revised on 10/29/2013

Below are brief descriptions of alternative building systems used in residential construction. Important energy related features are specifically mentioned.

Standard Framing. Most homes in the USA are wood framed with 2×4 lumber spaced 16 inches on center. Typical practices include using extra studs at corners to support wallboard, double top plates, uninsulated headers made from double 2×10 lumber over all windows, doors, and other traditional methods.

OVE/Advanced Framing. Optimum Value Engineering spaces and aligns floor, …

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

How the Exterior Architectural Features of a Home, Built in a Warm Climate, Affect its Energy Efficiency

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

The shape and exterior structure of a home play major roles in determining its energy efficiency. Building elements included in the shape are – height, width, and depth. These are also called building footprint. The exterior structure, which is also called building envelope, comprises of the walls, roof, windows, doors, and cladding. The footprint and envelope of a home can either enhance its energy efficiency or cause higher energy consumption. Homes having simple or uncomplicated …

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Understanding Dissimilarities in Different Kinds of Homes: Mobile, Manufactured, Modular, and Factory-built, for Home Energy Efficiency

Reviewed and Revised on 01/03/2014

All kinds of homes- mobile, manufactured, modular, and factory-built, are built in a factory. The difference lies in how much construction occurs at the factory and how much assembly occurs at the actual home site. When more work is done at the factory, less labor and work is needed at the home location. Energy efficiency issues and solutions for all these homes could be similar or vary depending upon the construction process and other issues. …