Other Materials

A crop in abundance, Soy is the latest insulation material to hit the marketby Chris Ermides

Cap a swaybacked roof with a layer of new rafters and foamby Pete Bennett

by Daniel S. Morrison

by Daniel S. Morrison

Radiant-barrier sheathingby Andy Engel

Get the details right, and a small increase in wall thickness can make a big difference in energy performanceby Rick Arnold

These plastic-based barriers help to keep wind and water at bay, but only if you choose the right product and install it correctlyby Fernando Pagés Ruiz

Winner of a national green-building award, this low-maintenance house should produce as much energy as it usesby Nathan Good

With a rubber membrane and careful flashing, you can create an outdoor room above and shelter the living space belowby Gregory Burr

by Bruce Harley

If vinyl’s final, you’d best get the details right. A veteran builder shows how to make it water-resistant and attractive.by Mike Guertin

by Fred Lugano

Arguably the best protection against wind and rain penetration, two-piece bronze can be finicky to installby Chris Norris

Whether aluminum, copper, steel or plastic, gutters need good design and proper installation to put roof runoff where it belongsby Andy Engel

Once the water's gone down the downspout, inexpensive plastic pipes carry it away from the houseby Byron Papa

by Paul Fisette

Whether vinyl, silicone or bronze, an airtight seal is your best defense against the weatherby Gary M. Katz

Think of the ground around the house as the roof that keeps the foundation dryby William B. Rose

by Roe A. Osborn