Building codes - Articles - Page 2

Dynamic real-world exposure testing (funded by DuPont)

Rethinking Magnesium Oxide (MgO): A Fresh Look at a Proven Building Material

Once known primarily for fire resistance and durability, modern magnesium oxide (MgO) sheathing is now emerging as a reliable, system-level solution that improves thermal performance, reduces thermal bridging and supports today’s high-performance wall designs.

Tim Wilson

March 9, 2026

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Magnesium oxide panels are drawing renewed interest as a durable, fire-resistant alternative to traditional board materials. Advances in manufacturing and performance are prompting contractors and designers to reconsider where MgO fits in modern wall assemblies.

An outline of a person with their hands over their ears

Acoustic Equity: Why Quiet Must Be a Fundamental Right in High-Density Housing

As housing density increases, the construction industry must recognize acoustic comfort not as a luxury upgrade, but as a basic public-health and equity requirement for all residents.

Mike Amaral

March 6, 2026

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As housing density increases, the construction industry must recognize acoustic comfort not as a luxury upgrade, but as a basic public-health and equity requirement for all residents.

What R-Value Really Means—and Why It Doesn’t Tell the Whole Insulation Story

Tom Harris breaks down the limitations of R-value

Tom Harris

John Wyatt

February 13, 2026

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Insulation expert Tom Harris explains why traditional R-value measurements fall short—and how the industry is working toward better ways to measure real-world insulation performance.

The Next Leap in Commercial Building Performance: Solving Thermal Bridging and the Control-Layer Gap

Why commercial buildings keep underperforming—and how continuous, integrated wall systems can finally align building physics, codes, and construction reality.

Brian Iverson

February 9, 2026

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Why commercial buildings keep underperforming—and how continuous, integrated wall systems can finally align building physics, codes, and construction reality.

Mastering Water-Resistive Barriers: Essential Guide for Framed Wall Construction and Building Code Compliance

Water-resistive barriers’ role, building code requirements, ASTM standards and installation best practices for framed wall construction.

Albert Carrillo

January 26, 2026

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Water-resistive barriers’ role, building code requirements, ASTM standards and installation best practices for framed wall construction.

INsulation being added to the wooden frame of a building

Building Better Enclosures

How Modern Building Envelope Materials Support New Code Requirements

Contractors are pushed toward tighter, more energy-efficient building envelopes. making continuity in insulation, air sealing, and moisture control essential and increasing the importance of integrated materials like spray foam, structural sheathing, coatings, and sealants to meet rising performance standards.

January 16, 2026

Modern updates to the IECC 2024 and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 push contractors toward tighter, more energy-efficient building envelopes, making continuity in insulation, air sealing, and moisture control essential and increasing the importance of integrated materials like spray foam, structural sheathing, coatings, and sealants to meet rising performance standards.

Avalon Brighton, an apartment community located in Boston, Massachusetts

Brick Rainscreen Systems Can Improve Traditional Veneer Performance

Brick rainscreen systems offer a more energy-efficient, airtight, and sustainable alternative to traditional brick veneer, enabling modern buildings to meet ASHRAE, Passive House, and LEED performance standards.

Steve Collins

January 12, 2026

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Brick rainscreen systems offer a more energy-efficient, airtight, and sustainable alternative to traditional brick veneer, enabling modern buildings to meet ASHRAE, Passive House, and LEED performance standards.

Flashing Forward: How Innovation is Changing the Game in Wall Protection

Advancements in flashing materials—particularly clear acrylic and liquid flashings—are transforming building envelope performance by improving moisture protection, inspection efficiency, and installation speed, helping contractors meet stricter codes and tighter project timelines with greater durability and precision.

Andrew Irvine

December 10, 2025

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Advancements in flashing materials—particularly clear acrylic and liquid flashings—are transforming building envelope performance by improving moisture protection, inspection efficiency, and installation speed, helping contractors meet stricter codes and tighter project timelines with greater durability and precision.

A generic graph to illustrate IEA's optimization report

IEA's Energy Efficiency 2025: Insights for the Industry

In its new report, the IEA indicates that buildings remain the largest CO₂ emitters and calls for stronger building codes, greater retrofit spending, and wider use of digital optimization. Energy efficiency specialists say these steps only pay off when building systems are steered by AI that can react in real time.

December 9, 2025

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In its new report, the IEA indicates that buildings remain the largest CO₂ emitters and calls for stronger building codes, greater retrofit spending, and wider use of digital optimization. Energy efficiency specialists say these steps only pay off when building systems are steered by AI that can react in real time.

Ensuring Compliance: A Close Look at CBU Installation and Joint Treatment

The importance of strict compliance with ANSI standards and manufacturer guidelines during cementitious backer unit (CBU) installation, highlighting that meticulous framing, fastening, and especially proper joint treatment are essential for achieving durable, high-quality wall systems in construction projects.