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Attic voids

Attic voids are tricky.  They hide beneath your Attic insulation, out of sight & out of mind.  They could be anywhere: above a shower, above a closet, surrounding a cinder-block chimney or simply a large hole that was cut for…

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My Heat

A new energy efficiency research company launched this year that is providing homeowners and contractors with new data on residential heat loss.  My Heat uses technology born at the University of Calgary to provide a Heat Score for houses that have been…

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Soffit ventilation

Soffit ventilation is an important part of a healthy Attic.  Older homes rely on fresh air to be drawn in through the soffit vents.  The air fills the soffit cavity and then travels over the wall plate (under the roof)…

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Attic Moisture Sources

Attic moisture sources can be difficult to diagnose.  The sources can range from framing voids, compromised ceiling vapor barrier, electrical or plumbing penetrations, attic hatches or the ever increasing volume of recessed lighting fixtures.  One of the most common attic moisture…

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Properly air seal pot lights

Pot lights.  Everyone loves them.  They are chic, minimalist and used frequently in both new construction and renovations.  Unfortunately they represent a penetration in the ceiling vapor barrier that when improperly air sealed can be a source of unwanted heat…

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R-value

R-value is the unit of measurement used to gauge a material’s ability to reduce the rate of heat flow.  Everything has an R-value and in insulation it is used to rate the effectiveness and quality of products.  Different products have…

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Air sealing attic

One of the most important factors in keeping a healthy energy efficient home is to ensure the entire envelope of your building is air sealed. Much like a balloon, poking holes in your homes building envelope will let air escape. …

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Attic insulation article

Read a great article on the Construction Instruction website discussing some of the same factors we do here on our IDEAL blog.  You can read the full article HERE.    There is also a nice visual representation of Attic insulation…

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