Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance on exterior materials, structural planning, and design philosophy.
A rainscreen is an exterior wall detail where the siding stands off from the moisture-resistant surface of an air barrier applied to the sheathing. This creates a capillary break and allows drainage and evaporation, highly improving the building's moisture management and thermal efficiency.
When installed correctly (allowing for airflow), thermally modified wood can easily last 25 to 30 years or more. It resists rot and insects naturally without harsh chemicals.
Aluminum possesses greater structural rigidity, allowing for much slimmer frames and larger panes of glass. Thermally broken aluminum also withstands temperature fluctuations without warping, which is a common issue with darker uPVC profiles.
Modern "flat" roofs are never truly flat; they have a slight pitch (usually 1/4 inch per foot) to direct water to scuppers or internal drains. With high-quality single-ply membranes like EPDM or TPO, they are exceptionally watertight and durable.
Permeable pavers are installed with gaps between them filled with porous aggregate, allowing rainwater to seep through the surface into the ground below rather than running off into storm drains.
Dark colors do absorb more solar radiation. However, in a well-insulated modern home utilizing a rainscreen gap, that heat is dissipated before it transfers through the wall assembly into the living space.
It is the method of designing a building's geometry (like overhangs and window placements) to harness the sun's energy for heating during the winter, while rejecting solar heat during the summer, utilizing no mechanical systems.
Corten, or weathering steel, develops a stable rust-like appearance after exposure to weather. It forms a protective layer that resists further corrosion. It's heavily used in modern hardscaping for retaining walls and planters.