After establishing in last month's post that vapour convection is the major contributor to Leaky Building 2.0, we will now explain how to measure installed performance by using a Blower Door.

Following on from last month's topic — thermal bridging — I want to continue with more applied building science, focusing this time on moisture transport.

When making design decisions on thermal aspects of building materials and constructions, it is important to put them in perspective to maximise their performance – the inter-relational 'sweet-spot' – without compromising the liveability, aesthetics, buildability and economics of the completed project.

On balance, is there a long-term thermal and economic gain to be had from fitting insulation to the exterior face of a ‘slab-on-ground’ concrete floor... and is it as effective as it seems? 

My new blog on EBOSS is intended to give you an understanding of applied building science relating to moisture control. Every month I will address a variety of building physics facts and discuss their relevance to the New Zealand climate and construction industry.

Kiwis like to get things done – fast. The quicker the design period and the faster the build, the fewer overheads and less risk to the client and contractor. It makes good business sense. Or does it?

It is very important to let your Professional Indemnity Insurer know if a circumstance arises that may expose you to a claim.

No matter how high the thermal performance of a window, it remains much less than the same area of a standard insulated wall. With this in mind, it would be wise to give the location of a building's windows careful consideration.

Just like thermal mass, insulation will keep you cold if you do not use it intelligently.

In an increasingly litigious world, it is more important than ever to have the correct Professional Liability insurance cover, for both companies and individual employees – especially new graduates.