Glossary

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  • A framing member that goes over a window, door, or other opening. A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for chimney, stairway, or other opening. Source: BSI-030: Advanced Framing
  • Home Energy Rating System (HERS) a standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency. Developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The HERS Index measures a home's energy efficiency. It includes the energy consumption from heating, cooling, water heating, lights, and some(...)
  • Any of the numerous artificial polymer rolled sheet goods designed to function as drainage planes, a class of sheathing membranes. Some are also used as part of an air barrier system. Can be made of spun-fiber polyolefin, perforated plastic films, or coated and micro-perforated polymers.(...)
  • Written by Stewart Brand, who brought us “The Whole Earth” catalog, “How Buildings Learn” explores what happens to buildings after they’re built.  These post construction insights allow us to “design-in” the inevitable evolution of our rooms and spaces. Buy the Book Here
  • Also known as HRV, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, or MVHR, is an energy recovery ventilation system using equipment known as a heat recovery ventilator, heat exchanger, air exchanger, or air-to-air heat exchanger which employs a counter-flow heat exchanger (countercurrent heat exchange)(...)
  • HVAC equipment performs heating and/or cooling for residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor air to dilute interior airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from(...)