Rock Wool Insulation

Did you know there’s an inspection specifically designed to ensure insulation performs as intended? It’s called QII—short for Quality of Insulation Installation—and it’s a game-changer for improving the energy performance of homes and buildings.

Why does QII matter? Insulation is only as effective as its installation. Unfortunately, many insulation jobs—whether done by homeowners or professionals—fall short. Common mistakes like gaps, compression, and voids can drastically reduce thermal performance, leading to uneven temperatures, drafts, higher energy bills, and even moisture-related issues.

QII ensures insulation is installed to exacting standards, minimizing these problems. The process includes a detailed inspection to confirm insulation is properly placed, with no gaps or obstructions, and is in full contact with air barriers. For new construction, QII is often required to meet higher energy efficiency standards, such as those outlined in California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Key Benefits of QII:

1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Proper insulation reduces energy loss, lowering heating and cooling costs.

2. Improved Indoor Comfort: Say goodbye to hot or cold spots in your home.

3. Better Air Quality: Correctly installed insulation reduces pathways for air leakage, helping control pollutants and allergens.

4. Moisture Management: Proper installation minimizes the risk of condensation and mold growth.

5. Code Compliance: QII is a requirement for certain high-performance building certifications, such as California’s CalGreen and programs like Energy Star and LEED.

For builders and homeowners aiming for Passive House, Net Zero, or Living Building Challenge certifications, QII is a critical step toward creating a truly high-performance, sustainable home. It’s not just an inspection—it’s peace of mind that your home is optimized for energy efficiency, comfort, and longevity.

When it comes to insulation, remember: It’s not just what you use, but how you use it that makes all the difference.

Passive House Building Science Basics - #2: Understanding the Exterior Envelope

If you’re looking to create a high-performance home or building—or just make your existing home more comfortable and efficient—it all starts with the exterior envelope. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

The exterior envelope, often referred to as the building envelope, is the physical barrier between the inside of your home and the outside world. Think of it as your home’s "skin." It includes walls, windows, doors, the roof, and even the foundation. Each of these components works together to regulate temperature, manage moisture, and maintain indoor comfort while keeping the elements—like wind, rain, heat, and cold—at bay.

Why Is the Exterior Envelope So Important?

A well-designed exterior envelope is critical for:

1. Energy Efficiency: It minimizes heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling.

2. Comfort: It eliminates drafts, keeps temperatures stable, and helps maintain a quiet indoor environment by reducing outside noise.

3. Durability: By controlling moisture and preventing water intrusion, a good envelope protects the structure of your home from damage over time.

4. Sustainability: When your home uses less energy, you’re reducing your carbon footprint—something Passive Houses excel at.

The Core Components of an Effective Exterior Envelope

To create a truly high-performance exterior envelope, each component must work in harmony:

1. Air Barrier: This prevents unwanted air leaks, which can lead to energy loss, drafts, and moisture problems. Achieving airtightness is a cornerstone of Passive House principles.

2. Thermal Barrier (Insulation): High-quality insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature by slowing the transfer of heat. The better the insulation, the less energy you’ll need to heat or cool your home.

3. Moisture Management: Properly managing water and humidity is essential. This includes rainwater protection, vapor control, and drainage systems to keep the envelope dry and avoid mold or rot.

4. High-Performance Windows and Doors: Windows and doors are weak points in most envelopes. Passive House standards use triple-pane windows and airtight doors to ensure minimal heat transfer and air leakage.

What Happens When the Envelope Fails?

Without a well-designed and properly installed exterior envelope, you’ll likely experience:

• Higher energy bills from excessive heating and cooling demands.

• Discomfort from drafts, uneven temperatures, or condensation.

• Structural issues caused by water infiltration or moisture buildup.

• Decreased indoor air quality due to mold or pollutants entering through leaks.

How Does Passive House Elevate the Exterior Envelope?

Passive House design takes the exterior envelope to the next level. By focusing on superior insulation, airtight construction, and thermal bridge-free design, Passive House buildings can achieve up to 90% reductions in energy use compared to conventional construction.

For example, Passive House envelopes are so efficient that a home’s heating needs can often be met by a small heat source, like a hair dryer or the sun streaming through the windows on a winter day.

How You Can Improve Your Home’s Envelope

Whether you’re building new or renovating an existing home, here are steps to consider:

1. Seal Air Leaks: Use high-quality tapes, membranes, and sealants to close gaps and cracks in your home.

2. Upgrade Insulation: Choose materials with high R-values to better resist heat flow.

3. Replace Windows and Doors: Consider energy-efficient options with good U-values and airtight seals.

4. Add External Weather Protection: Install rain screens, cladding, and proper flashing to shield your home from water damage.

By understanding and prioritizing the design and construction of the exterior envelope, you’re not just creating a better home—you’re investing in your comfort, health, and future savings.

Watch this video to learn more about how the exterior envelope works, how Passive House principles apply, and how you can make your home a model of efficiency and sustainability.

Protect Your Home from the Ground Up: How to Build a Forever Waterproof Basement

Water damage can be one of the most destructive forces in a home, and nowhere is this more critical than in your basement. When it comes to basement construction, getting the details right isn’t just important—it’s essential. The right waterproofing approach can turn a potential disaster into a lasting, dry, healthy living space.

In this video, we’re joined by Sr. Project Manager Craig Novak as he walks us through the key steps for creating a basement that’s not only waterproof, but built to last for generations. With high water tables and moisture lurking beneath the surface, an improperly sealed basement can quickly become an “inside-out bathtub” that compromises your entire home.

Craig explains the importance of proper detailing, from foundation drainage to material selection, ensuring that every layer of waterproofing is carefully installed and tested. It’s about more than just keeping water out—it's about creating a basement that’s cozy, clean, fresh, and healthy for years to come.

With the right materials and expert installation, you can rest assured that your basement will stay dry, durable, and livable for decades.

Want to learn how to build a basement that can stand the test of time? Watch this video to discover the key techniques, best practices, and expert tips for achieving a truly waterproof basement that will protect your home for decades. And don't hesitate to check out our other videos on our YouTube Channel - "Building A Better Way with Earth Bound Homes."

As we look toward the future of building insulation, a growing consensus is forming around the need for innovative solutions. One promising approach is exterior insulation, which moves away from traditional methods that place insulation between wall studs.

By utilizing waste wood products, we can effectively prevent these materials from being incinerated and releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This nontoxic alternative not only replaces potentially hazardous materials but also performs the same function more sustainably.

What’s not to love about a solution that prioritizes safety and environmental stewardship? It’s a win-win for our buildings and our planet.

The most durable home is the one that can withstand the various forces of nature, including rain, sun, smoke, fire, insects, earthquakes, landslides, and wind.

If you aspire to have a home that stands the test of time, dedicate your time, resources, and finances to acquire top-quality materials and ensure their proper installation. By doing so, you can relish in the comfort of your home for the next century, secure in the knowledge that you've made every effort to construct a residence worthy of passing down through generations.

In this video, we will delve into the finest materials and installation techniques, offering a nearly foolproof path to a home that can endure for a century.

The key to any successful construction project is quality workmanship and maintaining a good relationship with inspectors. It's essential to avoid cutting corners, always be respectful, and provide inspectors with what they need. But what do you do when two inspectors visit your job site at different times and disagree on what needs to be done?

This situation leads to frustrating delays. On the Cereza project, we encountered just such a scenario. The conflicting opinions of the inspectors forced us to escalate the issue to the head building official for resolution. This meant we needed revisions from the engineer, which we had already obtained but now had to resubmit to the city.

The approval process took an additional five weeks, partly because our submission coincided with someone's vacation. Such unexpected hurdles are part and parcel of the construction world.

Ahhhh, construction...

Have you ever wondered why wall textures have such peculiar names? More importantly, do you know what each of them means and how to choose the right one for your home? Or if you need different textures for each room? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Wall textures aren’t just about aesthetics—they play a significant role in the functionality and feel of your home. Knowing the differences between textures can help you make informed decisions during your building or remodeling projects.

Firstly, why do we have such unique names for wall textures? These names often derive from the techniques used to create them or their historical origins. For instance, "Skip Trowel" refers to a method where a trowel skips across the surface, creating a distinctive pattern, while "Old World" evokes a sense of rustic, European charm.

So, what does each texture mean, and how do you decide which one to use? Here’s a quick guide:

• Skip Trowel: This texture adds a touch of elegance and hides minor imperfections, making it great for living rooms and bedrooms.

• Level 5 Finish: This is the smoothest and most premium finish, ideal for spaces with lots of natural light where you want to avoid any imperfections being highlighted.

• Old World: This texture brings a timeless, classic look, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room.

When choosing textures, consider factors like ease of cleaning, durability, cost, and how well they hide damage. For example:

• Ease of Cleaning: Smooth textures like Level 5 are easier to clean but may show dirt and smudges more readily.

• Durability: Rougher textures like Skip Trowel can be more durable and better at hiding wear and tear.

• Cost: Generally, the smoother and more intricate the texture, the higher the cost.

• Damage Visibility: Some textures, like Orange Peel, can help camouflage minor dents and scratches.

Stay tuned as we break down the most popular drywall textures, helping you understand their characteristics and the best applications for each. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling, this guide will ensure you make the best choices for your walls.

Creating an outdoor space not only adds an extra layer of protection to your home but also provides a serene retreat from the elements, whether you're basking in the warm glow of a sunny day or seeking shelter from a stormy, frozen winter. When that space is constructed by skilled craftsmen, it becomes a truly special haven.

Imagine stepping onto a beautifully crafted cedar porch, where the rich aroma of the wood mingles with the fresh outdoor air. This inviting space becomes an extension of your home, offering a perfect spot to unwind with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or gather with loved ones for meaningful conversations.

A cedar porch, with its natural resistance to decay and insects, promises longevity and durability, ensuring that your sanctuary remains a cherished part of your home for years to come. The warm, reddish-brown hues of the cedar planks add a touch of elegance and warmth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you're watching the sunset on a summer evening, listening to the gentle patter of rain, or sipping hot cocoa while wrapped in a cozy blanket during winter, a well-built cedar porch enhances these moments, making them even more memorable. The craftsmanship that goes into building such a space reflects a dedication to quality and a passion for creating something truly extraordinary.

So, when you choose to invest in a cedar porch, you're not just adding an architectural feature to your home; you're creating a timeless retreat where memories are made and cherished. It's a space that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your own home.

Often, one of the first big investments any new homeowner has to make is to change out their roof, because of leaks or general damage. And it is really hard to know what to choose since there are so many options with such an enormous impact on the safety and value of your largest investment, your home. In this video we talk about the Bay Street passive house, and the reason we decided to go with the roofing material that we chose: standing seam metal roof.

Why did we chose it?

Why it was better than the alternatives?

What are the cost of the different options?

If you want to know how to protect your home, from the top down, this is the video to watch.

How do you give a window visual depth in a wall but also make it a durable, airtight installation?