Licensed Contractor Continuing Education with The Building Science Detectives

As a licensed general contractor, I must complete continuing education each year. This requirement is formal and regulated by the state. Additionally, I gain valuable insights from managing projects in the field, working with inspectors, and collaborating with friends and associates in various trades. I recently left a meeting at a newly completed home with Jonathan Gach, owner and building science expert at The Building Science Detectives. As usual, I learned a lot from our discussion.

Jonathan Gach - The Building Science Detectives

The Importance of Education as a licensed contractor

If you’ve ever picked up an issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine, you’ve likely seen articles about new products and methods. These articles often claim to increase energy efficiency, prevent air and water infiltration, or keep sounds and dust outside. Personally, I prefer a showcase of beautiful craftsmanship. I like to get my building science advice from a local expert.

One thing I appreciate about my conversations with Jonathan is our shared goal: to leverage standard methods and materials that builders and tradesmen are familiar with. Through careful supervision, we aim to create a final product that is a joy to live in. While articles often tout the long-term payback of implementing a tight design, the economic incentive for most people isn’t the primary driver.

For those willing to invest in this work, it often comes down to comfort and ease of maintenance. This aligns perfectly with our motto, Build Beautifully and What You Make Will Have Lasting Value.

A window sill pan - a deluxe feature considered standard by B Three Construction

The Blower Door Test: A Key to Energy Efficiency

Our meeting today in Asheville focused on an essential test for assessing our combined efforts to create a tight home: the blower door test. This test involves pressurizing the house with a specialized fan snugly installed in the front door. It quantifies the overall air seal of the home. Additionally, leaks can be isolated room by room using a handheld pressure meter.

Even small cracks can be detected using a bit of “smoke” from a puffer, revealing air movement through switch plates, pipe penetrations, and other areas. This test is crucial for understanding how and how much air is moving in and out of a home. The air carries water vapor, heat, cold, dust, and gases, so slowing this movement is vital for maintaining the comfort and integrity of the house. The blower door test is even featured in the residential code’s Energy Efficiency Certificate N1101.14 from Appendix E.

Measuring pressure difference between rooms

Analyzing Airflow and Comfort

For about two hours, we walked through the house, studying the airflow under different conditions. We examined specifics, such as the HVAC equipment, ducts, and exhaust fans. We revisited the methods and techniques we used to reduce air movement and identified the major sources of airflow, particularly in the garage and attic space.

I am pleased with the results of our collaboration. Together with Jonathan, we achieved our goal of creating a tighter, more comfortable house using standard methods and materials.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

At B Three, a licensed building contractor, we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We always strive to offer our best to our clients. By staying updated with the latest techniques and collaborating with experts like Jonathan, we ensure that our homes are not only beautiful but also energy-efficient and comfortable.

In conclusion, the journey of building or renovating a home is filled with opportunities for learning and growth. Whether it’s through formal education or hands-on experience, every step we take helps us become better builders. And that, ultimately, benefits you, the homeowner.

Let’s work together to create a home that you’ll love for years to come!