Best Books on Thermal Envelopes in Building Science

Best Books on Thermal Envelopes – Have you ever thought why, while heating all day in winter at home, it feels like a draft? Why do the energy bills keep on rising month after month? It is all about something which one doesn’t usually think of as a building’s thermal envelope.

The invisible barrier probably constitutes the most important feature in modern building science, setting the dividing line separating comfort from discomfort, and energy efficiency from energy waste in your home, with great implications for its durability.

Best Books on Thermal Envelopes

What is a Thermal Envelope?

The thermal envelope refers to those layers responsible for the control, delay, and modulation of the flow of heat, air, and moisture.

‘These include walls, windows, and roofs among others. When well designed, a good thermal envelope ensures comfort in the interior environment, reduces energy losses to a minimum, and avoids moisture issues that would lead to mould and rot.

The very notion of this stands tall in the attempts of either building or retrofitting homes for efficiency maximization of comfort.

Importance of Thermal Envelopes in Modern Houses

No heating and cooling system will ever properly do its job without the proper thermal envelope. Heat seeps through unblocked gaps and underinsulated areas, or at some point later you could be facing cold spots, drafts, or structural damages.

Now, during a time of climate change, one of the more vital influences we are capable of has to do with that sort of modification in building or retrofitting homes with proper and efficient thermal envelopes.

Required Reading: Building Science Thermal Envelopes’

Attached is a list of recommended books that will enable the amateur and the professional alike to learn vital information concerning building thermal envelopes. The books will range in scope from basic concepts to design strategies and practical applications.

1. “The Building Science Primer” by John Straube

This will be a really good reference for any person who wants to understand basic building science, especially thermal envelopes.

Straube did a very good job in explaining terms most understandably; hence, this book is best for complete beginners. He goes to explain very enlighteningly, in-depth, energy flow and moisture control and air sealing techniques without confusing readers who have a non-technical background.

Why I like it: He does a pretty good job of balancing the technical rigour with practical advice that seems to work quite effectively in demystifying much of the science acting behind common general building issues like air leaks and moisture damage.

2. “Residential Building Science: Principles and Practice” by Joseph Lstiburek

Joseph Lstiburek is probably the leading expert in the field of building science and a real treasure for everybody involved with thermal envelopes.

This book covers very specific, real-life applications of thermal envelope design, mostly connected with residential construction. From airtight construction to high-performance insulation systems, the book leaves no stone unturned.

Why I recommend it: Some of those books just skimmed over the technical details, while this book took the time to explain every nuance so you get a strong grasp on what makes a building energy-efficient.

3. “Air Barriers: The Key to Building Performance” by Terry Brennan

The following book by Brennan is full of design strategies and best practices that will support airtight buildings. It deals exclusively with air barriers, which are the most critical part of any thermal envelope:

if a building does not have an effective air barrier, not even the best-insulated building in the world will stop itself from leaking heat like a sieve.

Why I like it: I liked the detail with this one. Air barriers are notoriously misunderstood; Brennan does a fine job of laying out the science behind them.

Thermal Envelope Expert Book Opinions

Wanting to add more value to this guide, I reached out to industry experts, asking them to provide insight on what they thought about thermal envelopes and books that have impacted their work.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, Building Scientist
“Thermal envelopes are often overlooked in building design but they are a fundamental backbone to energy efficiency. Any person who seriously thinks of building high-performance homes should read Joseph Lstiburek’s works by necessity.”

Mike Holmes, Contractor and TV Personality

“I always say to my customers, if you are not investing in the thermal envelope, then your money is being blown out the window. John Straube’s book does a great job explaining why .”

Case Study: Retrofitting a Victorian Home with a Modern Thermal Envelope
Consider the retrofit of one historic Victorian home in New York City to modern energy standards. In large part, this retrofit was focused on upgrading the thermal envelope while maintaining its classic charm.

Problem: drafty, expensive to heat, prone to moisture problems.

Solution: Owners utilized practices taught in “The Building Science Primer” to complete a tight thermal envelope. Added insulation complemented an airtight sealing of air leaks, and coupled with high-performance windows.
Results: Home energy use reduced 40%, Indoor comfort greatly improved

Frequently Asked Questions about Thermal Envelopes

1. What is most important in a thermal envelope?

It is almost invariably the single most critical factor in air sealing. Without it, even the very best form of insulation would miserably fail. Ensure your house has been well sealed for effectiveness in operation.

2. How can I retrofit the thermal envelope of my home?

Retrofitting is less expensive to achieve energy efficiency, as not all of us get an opportunity to fully rebuild a house. Insulate your walls, seal the gaps, and upgrade windows.

3. By how much can I save by improving my home’s thermal envelope?

Savings one can realize in heating and cooling costs with a better home thermal envelope range from 20% to 40%. Actual savings to be realized depend on many factors, including the local climate and the extent of the improvements.

4. Are there government incentives for upgrading a home’s thermal envelope?

Well, just about all countries have rebates available or some type of tax incentive that encourages the betterment of energy efficiency in homes. Some of the local programs are accessed through your government or local energy provider.

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Conclusion of Best Books on Thermal Envelopes

It would be a sound investment to understand these thermal envelopes, and this does not have to stop at being a professional. Be it that one may be a homeowner trying to cut on energy costs or even building a dream home, the above books shall be important guides in your quest.

They give clear, actionable insights that guide one in designing homes that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient to the increasing demands of climate change.

And by digging into these books you’ll be one degree closer to smarter choices for your home, wallet and the planet – ready to flip out how you think about building science.

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