Building Science And Custom Homes

“Building science is the collection of scientific knowledge and experience that focuses on the analysis and control of the physical phenomena affecting buildings and architecture. It traditionally includes the detailed analysis of building materials and building envelope systems.” – Definition of Building Science from Wikipedia.

Building Science = Seeing the Big Picture

Simply put, building science is seeing the big picture of a house as one system as opposed to focusing on specific aspects as separate units. Even though building science is a relatively new concept, too few contractors are applying it. It is important when undergoing a home renovation project or constructing a new home to hire a contractor, like North Twin Builders, that understands and applies these valuable techniques from beginning to end.

A quality builder will not just construct a home that is attractive and meets local building codes. A good professional contractor will consider the future performance of your home and use building science knowledge to make sure a home is comfortable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Applying building science techniques means doing more than just meeting code, which is the bare minimum to legally build a home.  Utilizing building science techniques properly is actually something that many contractors avoid or have little knowledge of. This comprehensive approach is also essential when improving an existing home’s performance.

Components of Building Science

It is necessary to understand how the different parts of a home interact to affect a home’s performance. This includes the building enclosure, the home’s systems, occupants, the landscape of the building site and the environment that the home is in. If you install an energy-efficient furnace in a home that isn’t properly air sealed, your energy bills will remain higher than necessary. If a homeowner intends to keep a lot of house plants, the home’s moisture level can be affected. If a building site isn’t properly graded, water has a better chance of leaking into a home. The different elements of a house need to work together to allow the home to perform well.

The main focuses of building science are centered on the natural flow of air, heat, and moisture. Heat moves from warm areas to cold – without a proper combination of air sealing and quality insulation, heat will flow out any leaks. Trapping too much moisture in your home decreases air quality and raises the chances of problems like mold occurring. On the other hand, winters in Northern Wisconsin often lead to excessively dry and uncomfortable homes. The proper application of building science techniques allows a contractor to control these flows to improve the home and its performance.

Building Science Improves Your Home

Applying building science practices has a major effect on a home’s indoor environment. By viewing the whole home as one system with all the parts working together, a quality contractor can increase the comfort, energy-efficiency, and health of your home. This scientific approach ensures that your home will last longer in addition to performing better.

By controlling moisture levels, air quality is improved, making a home healthier for its inhabitants. Controlling heat and air flow means that the home is more comfortable, with a consistent temperature more easily maintained by your heating and air conditioning systems. Building science allows for a reduction in energy consumption, thus making for a more energy-efficient home.

Measuring your Home Performance

How can you tell if your home is performing to the highest standards? Or if a home improvement project was successful? Luckily, there are a variety of building science diagnostic tools available through contractors or energy auditors. Examples include blower door testing, duct pressure testing, infrared imaging, and pressure differential testing. A thermal imaging camera can help identify how well your home is insulated, any air leakage issues, sealing problems, and water damage penetration

Although some contractors may be equipped to perform this valuable testing, an unbiased opinion can often be useful. Many a homeowner has hired a contractor to improve their home, only to realize when the project is finished that there is still significant air leakage and moisture problems occurring. Hiring an energy auditor can not only let you know how your home is performing, but also how good of a job your contractor did.

Choose a Contractor Who Applies Building Science Techniques

By understand the basics of building science, you are better equipped to choose a quality contractor. Make sure to talk to a couple of different companies, and ask each how well they understand and how they apply building science concepts. Check out client testimonials and consider consulting an energy auditor before making your decision.

North Twin Builders prides ourselves on providing a comprehensive approach when building a custom designed home or when completing home remodeling projects. As a licensed energy-efficient contractor, we understand how important seeing the big picture is, and apply building science practices to create comfortable, long-lasting homes for our clients.

Contact North Twin Builders Today to Learn How We Can Improve Your Home’s Performance!