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throughout the structure. As a result, it is critical to have continuous ventilation that achieves balance by diluting the pollutants inside and controlling humidity. New ventilation systems should be designed with fiberglass ducts to bring in fresh air from outside rather than simply relying on leakage paths that previously provided natural ventilation. For tightly sealed, well-insulated homes, vapor control is important as the insulation and air sealing working to keep water vapor out of the concealed wall space for cold climate zones. The reverse is true for hot climates. Water vapor, or evaporated water in a gaseous state, can cause enhanced vapor diffusion when there is air movement convected through building materials. To achieve a properly balanced residential building that handles interior loads and delivers the optimal thermal environment, building scientists are finding it is best to have a water vapor open home with dedicated air exchange. Consequently, Kraft-faced asphalt batts are smart vapor retarder solutions that open and close based on indoor relative humidity. Achilles Karagiozis, Ph. D., is the global director of the Building Science group for Owens Corning. He is accountable for transforming Building Science into a growth engine aimed at accelerating energy efficiency improvements in the built environment. Prior to joining Owens Corning, Karagiozis worked at the prestigious Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he was a distinguished research engineer and hygrothermal project manager. He was instrumental in the launch of a number of innovative construction material and system products, the development of design guidelines, software tools and code changes. Karagiozis received his Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, with work at the von Karman Institute in Fluid Dynamics in Saint-Genese Rode, Belgium. He received his M.Sc.E. and B.Sc.E. from the University of New Brunswick in New Brunswick, Canada. NO NEED TO CRY WUFI Fortunately, Ph.D.-level mastery in physics is not required for building professionals to accurately account for heat and moisture transfer impact on a building's overall performance. Based on the newest findings regarding vapor diffusion and liquid transport in building materials, a sophisticated PC-software program can do the work for you. WUFI (Wärme und Feuchte instationär) Fraunhofer IBP's is a family of hygrothermal analysis tools that can be used to help predict and prevent moisture problems by normalizing variables including climate, material properties, construction and boundary conditions. Available for free download, WUFI can help building professionals create climate-specific strategies for moisture management and accurately account for correct interior loads of occupant heat and moisture in the building. With the new research data, online programs and building science advancements available, today's residential building industry is uniquely empowered to apply building science principles that simultaneously deliver comfort, durability, safety and energy efficiency to achieve overall sustainability. QR For more information circle 44 ForResidentialPros.com QR December 2013 31