Ep 156: Build a Better House

Steve Baczek emphasizes the importance of understanding building failures to prevent future issues, highlighting his experience with building science investigations. This knowledge is crucial for young architects, who benefit greatly from learning about real-world failures and their solutions.

The conversation also touches on the philosophy of sharing knowledge within the industry. Joe Lstiburek, a leading figure in building science, believed that information should be shared freely to promote continuous improvement. Baczek echoes this sentiment, suggesting that sharing details and solutions pushes the field forward. Despite some resistance and criticism from others, sharing information is seen as a way to advance personal and industry-wide knowledge.

For architects new to building science, where should they start? What are the first steps they should take? jump to 16:06

For architects new to building science, starting with a focus on durability and water management is crucial. Steve Baczek emphasizes that understanding how water interacts with a building is foundational. He advises that architects should constantly ask, “Where does the water go?” This question should guide their approach to designing and detailing, ensuring that water is effectively managed and does not lead to long-term problems.

Baczek highlights the importance of scrutinizing details such as flashing systems and rain screens, noting that even well-designed systems can fail if not properly executed. He stresses that architects should take responsibility for detailing rather than leaving critical decisions to builders. This proactive approach helps in avoiding potential legal issues and ensures that buildings perform well over their expected lifespan.

Andrew Hawkins adds that while architects are often skilled at keeping water out of buildings, they sometimes overlook how to direct it effectively. This aspect of building science—managing water movement—is essential for long-term durability. Hawkins agrees with Baczek on the need to ensure that buildings are designed not just for initial performance but for enduring functionality over many years.

How can architects and homeowners balance the initial costs of integrating building science with the long-term value and savings? jump to 19:05

Balancing initial costs with long-term value in building projects is a key challenge for architects and homeowners. The discussion highlights that appreciating the value of advanced construction techniques is crucial for making informed decisions. Steve Baczek emphasizes that while some clients can afford high-quality materials and methods, others may need to prioritize essential features like effective water management and air tightness to achieve significant energy savings and durability within a budget.

Educating clients about the benefits of high-quality construction is essential. Baczek uses analogies, such as comparing building materials to car features, to illustrate the importance of consistency in durability. He advises aligning all components of a building with its intended longevity to prevent future issues and maintain value over time. Managing relationships with contractors who may not be familiar with advanced techniques can be challenging. Baczek relies on a network of material reps to recommend open-minded contractors. While some contractors may charge a premium for their flexibility, the investment often ensures that the building meets the desired standards.

Overall, the long-term benefits of advanced building techniques, such as improved comfort and reduced maintenance, often outweigh the initial costs. Personal success stories shared by Baczek highlight the enhanced living experience and satisfaction that can result from investing in quality construction, reinforcing the value of making informed choices.

What are some of the most impactful building science strategies that provide significant value with reasonable effort? jump to 34:46

The discussion on impactful building science strategies highlighted the importance of continuity and proportionality. Steve Baczek emphasized that while high levels of insulation might seem impressive, real value comes from ensuring continuous and effective integration of insulation, air sealing, and window quality. Effective testing methods, such as blower door tests, are crucial to verify that these elements work together to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

The conversation also stressed the need for balanced investments. For instance, over-insulating window frames may offer minimal benefits compared to its cost. Instead, focusing on incremental improvements, such as gradually reducing air changes, can provide more significant long-term benefits. The key takeaway is to implement practical strategies that align with overall performance goals, ensuring that efforts are both impactful and efficient.

How can architects incorporate building science principles into their design process from the very beginning? jump to 42:31

In the discussion on incorporating building science principles into architectural design, the panel emphasized the importance of integrating these principles from the very beginning of the design process. Steve Baczek highlighted that building science should be an integral part of the design, not just an application added later. He illustrated this by pointing out that even simple actions, like nailing two boards together, alter the building’s thermal and moisture performance, demonstrating that building science is fundamental to every aspect of construction.

Bob Borson shared his experience from working on both residential and large commercial projects, stressing the need to address building science considerations early. He explained that if these issues are left until later in the process, it may be too late to find effective solutions, leading to potential complications. This proactive approach helps in creating more efficient and durable buildings.

Andrew Hawkins added that understanding the details of wall assemblies and other building components early in the design phase is crucial. He emphasized that designing with building science in mind from the start helps avoid issues at points of potential failure, such as where walls meet roofs or have openings.

Overall, the conversation underscored that incorporating building science principles early in the design process is essential for achieving optimal building performance and avoiding future challenges.

What trends do you see emerging in building science, and how do you think they will shape the future of residential architecture? jump to

What resources (books, courses, websites) would you recommend for architects looking to deepen their knowledge of building science? jump to 53:53

In the conversation about resources for architects seeking to enhance their knowledge of building science, several valuable recommendations were highlighted:

1. Essential Reading Materials: Steve Baczek recommended delving into resources like the writings of Joe Lstiburek, a renowned expert in building science (Building Science Corporation library). Baczek described Lstiburek’s material as comprehensive and dense, likening it to “drinking from a fire hose” due to its wealth of information. Additionally, Baczek pointed to the Canadian Building Digest series, which provides concise, focused articles on specific topics such as thermal transfer through various structures. These resources are noted for their depth and practical insights into building science fundamentals.

2. Hands-On Learning and Professional Interaction: The conversation also emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and professional collaboration. Baczek shared his practice of engaging directly with builders and subcontractors to understand and improve construction methods. This practical approach helps architects gain firsthand knowledge about the installation of complex systems, like European windows, and fosters a deeper understanding of construction details.

3. Importance of Professional Development and Integrity: The discussion highlighted the need for architects to continuously update their knowledge and skills. Baczek stressed that architects must not only rely on educational resources but also actively engage in professional development by learning from experienced practitioners in the field. This approach not only enhances technical knowledge but also reinforces the importance of providing well-informed, professional advice to clients.

Would you rather?  jump to 65:33

Steve is a good sport and has agreed to play along with our end of the show question. I have not told him what we are doing in the effort to trip him up and ultimately make fun of him for answering incorrectly. Just so you know Steve, that’s just how we roll here. Normally Andrew takes the brunt of these questions except for when we have guests on the show. By the way, you have to answer first – that’s super important for our enjoyment.

Would you rather be forced into landing a small plane during a storm, or to dock a rental boat in rough waters?

I was completely ready to make fun  of Steve’s answer (just because that’s how we roll on this show) but as it turns out, he made the correct decision in choosing his response. I would think that any personal experience you might have with either flying a small plane, or piloting a boat would influence your answer. For the record, none of us had enough experience to tilt out answer one way or another.

Ep156: Build a Better House

The focus of our conversation with Steve Baczek centered around where to start, what strategies make the most sense and provide the most value, as well as guidance to residential architects and their clients who are interested in learning more about incorporating building science strategies into their own projects. This is an ever evolving topic with new products and strategies being developed to address the challenges architect and builders have faced for an extremely long time. As our knowledge base increases, so will the performance of our projects.

Cheers,

Special thanks to today’s sponsor Construction Specialties – they are so focused on the importance of mastering movement, that they have created CEUs specifically on mastering movement. Each course is worth 1 AIA LU/HSW and is part of the Mastering Movement Academy by CS. Visit masteringmovement.net to take this and other courses.