Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
 Q. How do I order BSC publications?
A. All BSC publications for
purchase can be ordered from the Building Science Press web site. To go to
the Building Science Press website,
click here. But be sure
to check out all of the free Technical information resources on the BSC
web site.
Q. I have a mold problem in my homes
(builder) home (home owner/homebuyer/tenant) -- where do I go for
information?
A. BSC has mold information resources for
both builders and consumers -- click
here for free resources.
Q. I have heard great things about Joseph
Lstiburek's presentations, as well as other members of the BSC staff --
how do I see if anyone is speaking in my area or for a conference I am
attending OR find out about BSC availability for presenting at my
event?
A. For information about BSC current
commitments for seminars and workshops, click
here. For information about getting Dr. Lstiburek or other BSC folks
as speakers, email
info@buildingscience.com.
Technical Questions
Q. I am confused about when and where to
use polyethylene film as a vapor retarder-can you help?
A. Yes, ONLY use poly on interior surfaces in
Very Cold climates. The movement of moisture
into and through envelope assemblies is complex and you should consult the BSC Builder Guide for your climate OR click
here to go to this free BSC information resource on polyethylene as a
vapor retarder.
Q. I understand that there is an
effective, economical way to get fresh air ventilation in my home(s) --
what do I need to know?
A. BSC believes in controlled mechanical
ventilation for high performance homes. BSC has conducted a lot of
research in this area, and one BSC staff member has developed a fan
cycling control control mechanism to use with designed mechanical ventilation.
The set up and settings for controlled mechanical ventilation do vary with
climate and building design. Click
here for more information on controlled mechanical ventilation.
Q. What does it mean to build to Building
America performance criteria?
A. From a technical standpoint, it means to
build to the BA Performance
Targets. For what it means in the field, you should check out the Building
America Case Studies. They are written about builders for builders.
For a technical resource for your climate to help you with achieving these
criteria in your homes, check out our Builders
Guides.
Q. Not sure that I want to spring for the Builders
Guide just yet. What technical information can I get for free for
building in my climate?
A. We developed and placed on the web
Designs That Work for just this reason.
Q. I have heard a lot about problems with
EIFS -- just exactly what does EIFS mean and what's the problem?
A. EIFS stands for external insulation
finishing system. It is a combination of insulation and stucco system
cladding for buildings. The system has been used for many years in Europe,
and for about 20 years here in the U.S. There are now two types of EIFS
available in the U.S.-- barrier systems and drainable systems. Basically,
unless you are in a climate that is REALLY dry ALMOST all the time, you
need a drainable EIFS. For the details on this topic, click
here and read the first article under "Walls."
Q. Why would anyone condition non-living
spaces such as crawlspaces and attics?
A. We think a better question is why would
anyone put their ducts and conditioning equipment into unconditioned
spaces where they have to work so hard and can lead to moisture problems?
Builders for many years have put equipment and ducts in non-living spaces
such as crawls and attics primarily to save valuable floor space. Be that
as it may (there are lots of good reasons for having this equipment in
conditioned space, GIVEN proper attention to ventilation and
pressurization issues), we believe that it makes perfect sense to
condition these areas, for a variety of energy, moisture and durability
reasons. For more information about conditioning crawlspaces, click
here. For more detailed information on conditioning attic spaces, click
here.
Q. What's the difference between an air
barrier, vapor retarder, and drainage plane?
A. Boy, is this a loaded question. First,
nothing ultimately is a barrier -- it's always a matter of time and
degree. Second, it depends. For different wall assemblies, the same
material may act as any one or even all three of the above. Let's just say
here that controlling the movement of liquid water (drainage plane), water
vapor (vapor retarder), and air (air barrier) is a big part of what Joseph
Lstiburek's life-long research and Builders
Guides are all about. Either pony up for one or more of the Builder
Guides or start pouring over the
Designs
That Work to begin understanding the dynamics of air, energy and
moisture flow in wall and roof assemblies.
Q. There are a whole bunch of building
science terms that I need to understand -- systems engineering,
permeability, condensing surface, etc. Can you help?
A. Yep, we are just working on a building
science glossary for our web site -- check it out and if you don't see
a term you need, email us and we will add it! |
