The Exciting World of Building Science - Wood Framing Edition

Gregory La Verdara, writing for his blog, has a fascinating post about insulation:

If you are interested in green building, or call yourself a green building expert, then you should know about Mineral Wool insulation. If you have not seen Mineral Wool handled and installed, then you need to read this. If you think that Mineral Wool batts are similar enough to Fiberglass batts that you already know what you need to know about it, then you are a fool. And you still need to read this.

In a related post he explores alternative wall framing techniques based on Swedish construction practices that is equally interesting:

So the USA New Wall is really a series of wall designs, each incrementally better performing. A Good, Better, Best paradigm which can allow a builder to slowly test the waters of better performance. Granted, your navel gazing building scientist and LEED consultant may be able to come up with a better performing wall, but I can almost guarantee it will give your status quo builder fits. This is not about the ultimate wall, its about laying a path to better performance.

Sometimes building science seems to be left out in the profession so it’s great to see someone trying to push our standard construction practices towards better performing yet still practical solutions.