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Building assemblies that improve residential performance
Waterproofing Waterproofing membranes, particularly coldapplied 100 per cent polyurethane systems, provide a durable water-resistant barrier that helps prevent leaks and protects against moisture intrusion. These membranes are typically used in below-grade, between-slab, or above-grade structures, as well as in flat or low-sloped concrete or plywood decks where waterproofing is essential. Preventing water intrusion helps preserve the home’ s structural integrity by preventing material deterioration and mold growth.
There are two primary applications for waterproofing membranes:
■ Below-grade applications: Protects foundations and basements that are susceptible to groundwater
■ Above-grade applications: Protects exposed building envelope components from external weather conditions such as snow or rain By keeping insulation dry, waterproofing membranes can help reduce heating and cooling energy demands, improving energy efficiency while mitigating risks of water damage.
Structural sheathing All-in-one structural sheathing systems replace multiple building steps with a single, high-performance layer. By combining structural sheathing with continuous insulation and weather protection, these integrated systems help prevent heat loss and reduce uncontrolled air infiltration, while its water-resistant features help protect the home from damage caused by moisture.
Spray foam insulation Spray foam insulation is well-suited for both new home construction and retrofit projects due to its versatile application that enhances thermal performance by creating a continuous airtight barrier. This barrier fills in gaps and crevices at critical transition points, including walls, ceilings, attics, and other penetrations, helping reduce uncontrolled air leakage. When applied in attics, spray foam insulation is particularly effective in helping minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. It also creates a continuous thermal barrier within wall assemblies to reduce heat transfer. The insulation also seals and insulates ducts, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures and saving energy by reducing HVAC demand. When integrated with the surrounding building envelope systems, it helps maintain continuous thermal and aircontrol layers throughout a home.
Closed-cell spray foam offers a superior thermal resistance of ~ R-6 to ~ R-7 per inch, and open-cell spray foam provides ~ R-3.5 to ~ R-3.8 per inch, outperforming traditional loose-fill fiberglass(~ R-3.2) and fiberglass batts(~ R-3.7). Beyond raw thermal numbers, spray foam maintains a stable, high-quality R-value because it expands to fill cavity voids and does not compress, wrinkle, or settle over time. In contrast, traditional fibrous insulations are sensitive to installation defects, wind, and moisture. When installed properly, spray foam is an inert, stable polymer that can last for 30 to 80 + years without losing its core structural or air-sealing properties when protected from the elements.
Case Study
Elevate and Enverge’ s Contribution to The New American Home 2026 The New American Home 2026, showcased at the 2026 International Builders’ Show, featured building materials and systems donated by National Association of Home Builders( NAHB) members to help achieve ambitious energyefficiency goals. As an NAHB member, Amrize
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