Most retrofit problems aren't mistakes—they're predictable reactions to changing how an existing house handles heat, air, and moisture. Good intentions (adding insulation, sealing leaks, upgrading systems) can trap moisture, create cold surfaces, or cause mold where it never appeared before.
This practical, physics-first guide from Brian Iverson explains the "why" behind common failures in real, lived-in homes—not theory or new builds. Key insights include:
How houses truly move heat, air, and moisture (cold surfaces = trouble spots)
Why mold appears in "normal" houses (usually condensation, not leaks)
Climate reveals issues—it doesn't cause them
You're not breaking the house—you're changing it (and how to choose better reactions)
Practical rebuild strategies: flash-and-batt, smart membranes, exterior insulation, and more
Forgotten edges: rim joists, ceilings, and why they often fail first
The evolution of insulation and why old forgiving houses struggle today
Includes two real-world case studies:
Case Study #1 — How This House Got Sick (a mid-20th-century failure dissected)
Case Study #2 — 1908 Craftsman (thermal imaging analysis of energy loss and retrofit gaps)
Emphasizing resilience over perfection: Build layers that dry, recover from mistakes, show problems early, and follow the "2126 Rule"—rebuild for forgiveness and longevity, not just code minimums.
Ideal for homeowners, builders, and remodelers who want durable, healthy homes without endless surprises. Slow down, understand the moisture story, and close walls confidently.
Most retrofit problems aren't mistakes—they're predictable reactions to changing how an existing house handles heat, air, and moisture. Good intentions (adding insulation, sealing leaks, upgrading systems) can trap moisture, create cold surfaces, or cause mold where it never appeared before.
This practical, physics-first guide from Brian Iverson explains the "why" behind common failures in real, lived-in homes—not theory or new builds. Key insights include:
How houses truly move heat, air, and moisture (cold surfaces = trouble spots)
Why mold appears in "normal" houses (usually condensation, not leaks)
Climate reveals issues—it doesn't cause them
You're not breaking the house—you're changing it (and how to choose better reactions)
Practical rebuild strategies: flash-and-batt, smart membranes, exterior insulation, and more
Forgotten edges: rim joists, ceilings, and why they often fail first
The evolution of insulation and why old forgiving houses struggle today
Includes two real-world case studies:
Case Study #1 — How This House Got Sick (a mid-20th-century failure dissected)
Case Study #2 — 1908 Craftsman (thermal imaging analysis of energy loss and retrofit gaps)
Emphasizing resilience over perfection: Build layers that dry, recover from mistakes, show problems early, and follow the "2126 Rule"—rebuild for forgiveness and longevity, not just code minimums.
Ideal for homeowners, builders, and remodelers who want durable, healthy homes without endless surprises. Slow down, understand the moisture story, and close walls confidently.
