Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Stucco

Stucco is really just another word for Portland cement plaster, which is made by mixing Portland cement-based materials, water, sand, and certain aggregates. The plaster is then sprayed on or applied to the homes exterior in two or three coats, until it reaches a specified thickness. Stucco can be applied directly to a concrete or masonry substrate, or to a metal lath attached to construction framing. A water-resistant building paper typically separates the stucco from framing or sheathing. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we use a variety of exterior home finishes including stucco on some of our custom Arts & Crafts style mountain homes.

Textured stucco is achieved in two ways, either by altering aggregate sizes in the mix or by manipulating the texture during application. Hand-textured stucco is a blend of artistry and craft, so it is best to see examples of the applicators work before you hire an applicator. The color and texture of stuccos finish coat is achieved by adding color pigments to the mixture, using colored or tinted cement, or by using a colored finish or final coat. As with many exterior or siding products, stucco can get dirty. When dirt and grime collect on a stucco surface, a garden hose and household cleaning detergent can do the trick. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that has over twenty years of experience with applying stucco textures to the exteriors of our many custom homes built over the years. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about building custom homes and why we are the choice of many when choosing a custom builder in Asheville.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Concrete as an Eco Friendly Material

Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span, from raw material production to demolition, making it a natural choice for sustainable home construction. The predominant raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone, the most abundant mineral on earth. Concrete can also be made with fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume, all waste byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other manufacturing facilities. Concrete builds durable, long-lasting structures that will not rust, rot, or burn. Life spans for concrete building products can be double or triple those of other common building materials. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we like using eco friendly concrete in all phases of our new construction homes.

Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concretes inherent thermal mass or ability to absorb and retain heat. This means homeowners can significantly cut their heating and cooling bills and install smaller-capacity HVAC equipment. Concrete can be produced in the quantities needed for each project, reducing waste. After a concrete structure has served its original purpose, the concrete can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete pavements or as backfill or road base. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that understands the importance of concrete materials in all phases of our new construction to achieve both sustainability and long term durability. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we are Asheville's premier design/build firm and have been since 1990.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Hot Water Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have traditionally been used for space conditioning, but are now also being used for electric water heating. They are usually three times more efficient than electric resistance water heaters--meaning that they can produce the same amount of hot water for one-third the amount of electricity. Stand-alone heat pump water heaters (HPWH), which are described here, are different from heating and cooling heat pump systems that have integrated water-heating capability. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we are always educating clients on new technologies available to save energy in their new home.

There are four basic types of stand-alone HPWH. The heat pump can be integrated with or separate from the hot water storage tank, and cool exhaust air can be exhausted to the room or to the outdoors (see Figures). Because HPWH take heat from the surrounding room air, they cool and dehumidify a space. This is a benefit during the cooling season and a drawback during the heating season. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that understands the importance of saving energy in that new custom home so we can lessen the earths carbon footprint and have a future for our kids & their kids. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better custom homes.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Energy Star

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30% more efficient than standard homes. Energy Star is a requisite for any green certified home built within the United States. There are many rebates, tax credits, and incentives from your utility if your home is an Energy Star Certified Home. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder we have made the commitment to build every new home to Energy Star standards at a bare minimum so that our clients have more efficient homes and receive the 5% monthly utility bill discount from Progress Energy.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of "tried-and-true" energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. Some of the key components included in achieving Energy Star certification include upgraded insulation, better duct sealing, higher efficiency HVAC equipment, Energy Star Lighting, Energy Star Appliances, Windows, and tighter sealing of the homes envelope. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that understands the importance of building better, more energy efficient homes that have a lesser impact on our environment. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about custom home building.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on ICFs

ECO-Block Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) represent the superior way to build. This is the better way to build, period. Energy savings generated by an ECO-Block building are up to 50% and HVAC tonnage requirements reduced by as much as 30%, and continue for the life of the building. You save on utility and maintenance costs. ECO-Block buildings stand strong against the wind. They can have up to a four-hour fire resistive rating. Many insurance companies give discounts to ICF building owners for disaster and fire insurance. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we like insulated concrete forms because the walls have superior strength and energy efficiency versus 2 x 4 walls with insulation.

This state-of-the-art method of construction is also the simplest. ECO-Block insulating concrete forms are EPS (expanded polystyrene) panels that easily snap together to create walls of virtually any thickness, from 4inch on up in 2inch increments. The space between the panels is filled with concrete that cures and hardens into a monolithic, reinforced core of incredible strength. Insulated concrete walls are the way to go if you want a super insulated energy efficient green certified home. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that uses many innovative technologies to build their energy efficient custom homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about why we build better custom homes.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Green Building

Green building is an approach to construction that can be applied to public and commercial buildings as well as the houses we live in. It guides every step of design and construction, from choosing a building site to installing a heating system. Green building is alternately described as sustainable building, and ultimately this may be a more accurate way of looking at it. Green buildings are as varied as the people who live in them. There is no single template for a green house. But even though green houses may not look different from the outside, their designs are based on three broad principles: Energy Efficiency, Conservation of natural resources, and High Indoor Air Quality. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Green Builder we realize that Green Building is just plain Smart Building. The home owner gets a higher quality home that uses much less energy that a non green certified home. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better homes.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes using a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier or vapor diffusion retarder is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material. The older term "vapor barrier" is still used even though it may inaccurately imply that the material stops all of the moisture transfer. Since everything allows some water vapor to diffuse through it to some degree, the term "vapor diffusion retarder" is more accurate. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we recognize the importance of a properly installed vapor barrier on every home we build.

When installing a vapor diffusion retarder, it should be continuous and as close to perfect as possible. This is especially important in very cold climates and in hot and humid climates. Be sure to completely seal any tears, openings, or punctures that may occur during construction. Cover all appropriate surfaces; otherwise, you risk moist air condensing within the cavity, which would lead to dampened insulation. The thermal resistance of wet insulation is dramatically decreased, and prolonged wet conditions will induce mold and wood rot. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that always goes to great pains to insure that vapor barriers are properly installed in their custom homes during construction. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about high end custom home builders.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Ridge Vents

One of the most cost efficient methods for cooling your home is having a ridge vent placed on your roof. If you have ever sit in a physics class and really listened; you probably remember that heat rises. As heat rises into attic spaces; this causes roofing materials, rafters, and even insulation to weather away, become damaged and ultimately need replacing. Adequate ridge vent can add years to a home; not to mention it is very attractive and appealing to homes. Most new construction homes that are shingled with the raised architectural shingles look for a ridge vent that will combine need with overall visual appearance. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we always recommend ridge vents on our new asphalt shingled roof homes.

It is very important for homes to be well balanced with circulating air; when wind is pushed over the ridge vent, it draws air out of the attic; then replacement air is then drawn into the underlying vent on the underside of the ridge vent. This process creates a balanced ventilation system for your home. This will keep your home dry and free from moisture; as well, it will keep your insulation and your homes structural integrity intact. Unlike many other cost saving and energy efficient methods that homeowners use; this one is free. It is all Mother Nature. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that appreciates the law of physics and knows just how well ridge vents work to ventilate an attic space. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better homes.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes Fiber Cement Siding

For homeowners that want the look of wood but do not want the hassles and costs associated with it, fiber-cement siding is a great alternative. This product is available from several manufacturers such as John Hardie and in a variety of textures that are said to provide the appearance of wood. Fiber-cement siding is more durable than wood, it is termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible, and warranted to last 50 years. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that loves building fine custom arts & crafts style homes we have been using fiber cement siding for decades due to its durability and high quality finished appearance.

Fiber-cement siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that has been autoclaved (cured with pressurized steam) to increase its strength and dimensional stability. The fiber is added as reinforcement to prevent cracking. The planks come in a variety of widths and have a great finished look whether installed by it self or combined with natural stone on a beautiful mountain home. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder making dreams a reality for home owners since 1990. We are experts at designing custom homes using fiber cement siding, natural cedar, and real stone for that true craftsman look so many people adore in the mountains of western North Carolina. Visit or call us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we make dreams come true in the Asheville area.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes Saving Water

Showers account for 22% of individual water use in North America. Aerating mixes air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray. Because air is mixed in with the water, the water temperature can cool down a bit towards the floor of the shower. Aerating shower heads are the most popular type of low-flow shower head. By aerating water in homes we save huge amounts of water and energy used to convey water to the homes they serve. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and a good steward of our natural resources we always recommend low flow fixtures in our new homes.

Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50%, and reduce your energy cost of heating the water also by as much as 50%.This conservation of water and energy is not only good for the environment, but the savings in your utility bills will pay for the cost of the aerators within a few months. From then on, you enjoy continued savings. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that loves educating clients on measures available for saving our precious natural resources like water. We build fine custom homes and believe in saving the planet one home at a time. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build higher quality homes and offer a total "Turn-Key" solution for custom home building.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder talks about Concrete Homes

Insulated Concrete Wall Homes are one of the strongest and most energy-efficient houses possible. Even hurricane-force winds cannot blow one down. It is true that concrete is not a good insulator and feels cold, but with this method the concrete is totally encapsulated in rigid insulating foam. The foam provides the energy efficiency and the concrete provides the strength. The concrete inside the foam also adds thermal mass to the house. In addition to efficiency, very little outdoor noise penetrates the walls. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom Green Builder we are always looking for new and innovative ways to build more energy efficient homes.

People often think of efficiency as strictly insulation level, but air infiltration (leakage) into and out of a house is also a significant efficiency factor. With interlocking foam blocks or long continuous panels, there will be very little air leakage. Also, concrete will not settle over time as lumber homes sometimes do, so these houses remain airtight. Other than having thick walls, these homes are constructed like any other home. These foam/concrete houses look like any other home in the neighborhood. In fact, with the superior strength of concrete, you will actually have more design flexibility. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that is constantly looking for new ways to build more energy efficient homes for our clients. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better homes.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes Engineered Wood Products

The decreasing supply of large diameter, old-growth trees resulted in the increased popularity of engineered wood products, those made from young, small diameter trees and scrap wood that is reassembled into I-joists, boards and beams. But did you know that the engineered wood that is well-recognized in residential construction as header and girder material and I-joist chords, can also be used for wall framing with similar effective results? Engineered wood is made from quick growing, abundant species such as aspen, fir, pine and poplar that are processed into wood veneers or strands, coated with adhesive, compressed into large billets, dried, then sawn into standard lumber dimensions. As Asheville NC Custom Home Builders and engineers we have been advocates of engineered wood products for decades now.

In walls, engineered wood can be used as a replacement for 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 dimensional lumber, installed with the same process, tools, and fasteners. Because engineered wood products are superior in strength, stability, and uniformity to standard lumber species of the U. S., headers and girders can be engineered for greater clear spans or to carry greater loads. This means that taller walls can be designed for greater environmental conditions (like high wind speed or seismic activity) at greater spacing (for windows and doors). This greater design flexibility, reduced waste (no culling), and the materials dimensional stability drive the value decision. Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder making dreams come true for clients for over twenty years now. Call us or visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build better high end custom homes.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder explains Health Risks associated with Carpet

Carpet is synonymous with comfort; it is soft, absorbs sound, and makes a house warmer, literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, it also contributes to poor indoor air quality, off-gassing volatile organic compounds, absorbing and retaining moisture that can lead to mold, and is a huge sinkhole for dirt and dust mites. As an Asheville NC Certified Green Builder we understand the importance of using air quality friendly flooring materials in that new custom home. It is also important to leave your shoes at the door and not carry contaminants into the home that can get trapped in the carpet, emitting toxic vapors at an ongoing rate causing additional health hazards.

If your heart and feet are set on carpet, go with natural fibers, like wool, hemp, silk, linen, and sisal. My favorite is wool: The innate beauty and durability of pure wool provides a natural soil barrier, adds warmth and comfort, is inherently flame resistant, plus, it comes from a renewable resource. Look for natural fiber carpets free of toxic dyes, pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants. Two of my favorites are Earth Weave and Natures Carpet, both 100% wool complemented by solid environmental practices. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder in Asheville NC that always educates home buyers relative to health hazards associated with flooring and building materials enabling clients to make wiser choices, thus improving indoor air quality. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we are the better builder in the Asheville NC area.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder educates Clients on Windows

Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, day lighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install ENERGY STAR windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the Sun Belt, look into low-e windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%. As an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we know the importance of choosing the correct energy saving windows for your custom application. There are considerations to be made depending upon home site position and whether the home is a passive solar type design. ENERGY STAR windows are a given requirement if the home is to be green certified.

If your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e). In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning Asheville NC Builder with over twenty years of experience in high end custom residential construction. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about why we build better homes and have since 1990.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Home Builder talks Foundation Water Proofing

If you decide to have your new foundation waterproofed, and you should, the company doing the work will most likely insist that they install or monitor the installation of your drain tile system. Very few builders that I am aware of take the time or interest to adequately install drain tile. Water naturally flows toward your foundation. This is especially true if you live on a hillside or even a slight slope (which, by the way, most of us do!) Water moves horizontally through soil. Water occupies the void spaces between the particles of soil. The deeper you go into a soil, especially if it is clay, the less space there is for water. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder we know the importance of good foundation water proofing and footing drain systems. Foundation problems are very hard to resolve so we take great pains to assure we never have one.

To make matters worse, the soil that is use for back fill around your house is rarely compacted. When it is dumped around your house it has huge amounts of air in it. This dirt was fluffed up and pumped full of air when it was dug from the ground. It can takes years and years for this ground to naturally compact. In some cases, where overhangs protect the dirt, it may never truly compact. It can always have more air in it than the soil that is only 5 or 6 feet away. This can spell BIG trouble for your foundation if it is not waterproofed AND if you have a bad drain tile installation. We have a leader in the industry install all of our homes foundation waterproofing systems. They provide the home owner a written ten year warranty against foundation problems resulting from water damage. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that takes steps to assure every home we build is of the highest quality and will be issue free for the life of the home. Call us or visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build a better home and win awards.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder talks about the Importance of a Good Foundation

Footings are poured concrete pathways that help to spread the weight of the home from the foundation walls to the surrounding soil. Footings are wider than the foundation walls they support, and form the perimeter of the home. Sometimes, additional footings are added inside the perimeter to support load-bearing interior walls. A firm foundation, including properly installed footings of adequate size to support the structure and prevent excessive settlement, is essential to the satisfactory performance of buildings including raised floor systems. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder and engineers, we understand the importance of a good foundation when constructing that high quality dream home. We use beefier footings on virgin earth constructed with over 50% more steel reinforcing than required by local and international building codes.

Continuous (stem wall) foundations are frequently constructed of reinforced masonry or poured concrete, supported by a continuous, reinforced-concrete spread footing. Stem wall foundations may include interior spot piers for support of the raised floor system. Moisture control of the crawlspace created by the stem wall foundation is an important issue and exactly why we install an insulated, sealed crawl system in all of our fine customs built on a crawl area. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder in our second decade of high end custom residential construction. We pride ourselves on providing old world quality combined with cutting edge building science technologies. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we have been winning awards and building fine custom homes since 1990.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes Recycled Paper Countertops

Want a green material for your kitchen counter tops that is tough enough to stand up to skateboards, boats and even airplanes? Then you will want to check out recycled paper counter tops! I know, paper does not sound like a very practical material for a counter top, after all it is quite fragile and disintegrates when it gets wet, but these counter tops are made from pulp that comes from trees harvested by managed forests along with some recycled paper. Of course, it does not resemble paper at all once it is processed and the result is a beautiful and durable green counter top. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder we like the new recycled paper counter tops being offered by a company named paper stock, they are truly amazing counter tops, both beautiful, and durable.

These recycled counter tops also have many advantages such as being heat resistant, scratch resistant and stain resistant. This type of counter top is a solid color throughout the entire thickness so any scratches that do occur will not be very noticeable. With a heat resistance of up to 350 degrees you will not have to worry about burns on your new counter. But perhaps, the best thing about these recycled paper counter tops is that they are very sanitary and, in fact, the material has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for use in cutting boards. It has an impervious surface and resists the growth of bacteria. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that likes to stay current on new trends and products being offered for custom home building. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we are the choice of many discriminating home owners in the Asheville NC area.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder talks Insulation Basics

There is no component of a home more important in minimizing energy costs than insulation. Insulation is the material used in walls, ceilings, roofs, and foundations that slows the flow of heat. Most insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets, and it is the air that actually does the insulating. If you could keep air perfectly still and did not have solid materials that heat also conducts through (like fibers or cell walls), the air would insulate to about R-5.5 per inch. (R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow; the higher the number, the lower the heat flow.) As an Asheville NC Custom Builder we know and appreciate the science behind good insulating materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, and foam.

With fiberglass insulation, the glass fibers create air pockets that impede air movement; higher-density fiberglass insulates better, because the air pockets are smaller and air molecules have more trouble moving around. Cellulose insulation works the same way, though because the air pockets are somewhat smaller, it insulates a little better. Polystyrene relies on a cellular structure, rather than fibers, to trap the air. Advantage Development Co. is a master award winning Asheville NC Custom Builder and is here to better educate clients on the best suited insulation for their new home application. We are a big fan of using polystyrene on the foundation walls, spray foam in the rim joist, blown cellulose in the walls, and spray foam in the attic at the roof line to totally insulate the house envelope. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ashevillencbuilder.html to learn more about us an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder likes to Incorporate Creative Window Design

Imaginative window design can help you enjoy your house more and make it greener at the same time. Building with an efficient use of interior space is a tenet of green building, but it may leave you feeling claustrophobic. One way to avoid this is to use the outdoors to create the sense that the room you are in is part of a larger space. Windows with low sills bring sight lines closer to the house, increasing visual connection to the outdoors. High windows such as transoms bring in enlightening views of the sky, but extra units cost more. We sometimes have custom patterns made into our windows to create the effect of transoms without breaking the budget. We are an Asheville NC Builder that likes creative window design and layout in our fine custom homes.

When privacy is not an issue, consider dropping window sills lower than normal. Doing so pulls sight lines closer to the house, increasing visual connection to the outdoors. As long as the edge of the glass is 18 inches above the finished floor and 30 inches away from a door, it should not need to be tempered, which saves money. Sometimes it is worth it to pay extra for windows that sit even lower. This is particularly effective on sloping sites, but even on a flat site, it changes the feel of a space dramatically. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Builder we like working with clients on creative ways to enhance the overall feel of that new custom home without breaking the bank. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about how we design and build award winning homes in Asheville NC.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Asheville NC Custom Builder talks about Negative Effects of Thermal Bridging

Everything is relative, especially when it comes to thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs wherever assembly components with low R-values relative to surrounding materials span from the inside to the outside of a building assembly. Thermal bridging takes place in wood-framed assemblies because, although wood is a pretty good insulator at about R-1 per inch, it is at least three times more thermally conductive than any cavity insulation, which start at about R-3.5 per inch. With steel framing at about R.04 per inch, it is thermal bridging on a whole different scale. Steel framing typically reduces the in-cavity R-value by as much as 50%, while wood framing reduces in-cavity R-value by a bit less than 10%. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder for over twenty years we understand the negative effects associated with thermal bridging.

Wrapping a building envelope with exterior rigid insulation eliminates thermal bridging. Rigid insulation as exterior sheathing is a great idea for wood-framed assemblies, imperative for steel. But as in all things hydrothermal, you get a double benefit when you reduce or eliminate thermal bridging, you save energy and reduce the potential for condensation, mold, and rot. The main reason we put insulation in framing cavities is because there is space, it is the easiest and least expensive place to put the stuff. But it is not the best place, in large part because of thermal bridging. In what Joe Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation calls the perfect wall (or roof), all of the insulation is on the exterior. This means that the building frame experiences nearly the same conditions as the occupants, a real recipe for happy, comfortable, and long-lived people and buildings. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning Asheville NC Custom Builder that strives to have less thermal bridging in very fine home we build. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.