Insulation Institute Blog

Conditioned attics are becoming increasingly common in high-performance homes because they help improve comfort, energy efficiency, and HVAC performance. But building an unvented roof assembly correctly requires more than simply adding insulation at the roofline. Builders and contractors must understand how insulation, air sealing, moisture control, and ventilation strategies work together to avoid condensation and long-term durability problems.

That’s why the Insulation Institute’s guide, Unvented Roofs for Conditioned Attics: Solutions That Work, is such a valuable resource for construction professionals. The guide breaks down complex building science concepts into practical, jobsite-focused solutions that builders can actually use in the field.

Every four to five years, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration surveys American households about energy use and affordability. Preliminary results from the 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) point to a notable increase in energy insecurity—a trend that policymakers, builders, and industry stakeholders cannot ignore.

New home construction defects are far too common in residential buildings. According to a white paper from Professional Warranty Service Corporation, 25 percent of new homes may experience some form of structural defect, and most latent defects appear between the first four to seven years. Most of those problems can be avoided with good, thoughtful design and good training.

NAIMA has just released a new guide, titled “Insulation, Energy Codes & Housing Affordability.” The publication details the positive impact that modern building energy codes have on housing affordability.

For most homeowners, utility costs, including heating and cooling costs, rank among the top three expenses after their mortgage. Building homes to a more modern energy efficiency code saves homeowners money over the long term and has a host of other benefits.