longevity

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We build homes that are designed to last in our climate. A happy side effect of this is that the home will require very little maintenance and provide a comfortable and healthy living environment for generations to come. The building envelope is where it starts.  

First you prevent water and air from entering the building. The building envelope of the house stops wind and bulk water from entering the roof, wall and foundation assemblies. There is a seamless barrier to the wind and water under, above and around all sides of the building. Secondly, the wall system is designed to allow the wall to dry out so nothing rots. Building science dictates that you keep water out and design so that if in any circumstance it gets in, it has a way to dry out. Careful detailing of the building envelope ensures that the structure will last a very long time. The expensive materials used will be able to perform their functions, without compromise, over a long period of time. 

The building envelope starts with Huber Woods, Zip System. The sheathing of the home is impregnated with the weather resistive barrier. All nail holes, seems, and penetrations are sealed with either a liquid flashing or long lasting weatherization tape. This takes time and a special attention to detail, but is well worth the effort in our eyes. The exterior is air sealed and waterproofed at the weather resistive barrier. 

The exterior of a home should be constructed of long-lasting and  low-maintenence materials. We believe a metal roof is best. It is impervious to the elements and proven in this climate to last a very long time.  The entire roof deck is dried-in with ice and water shield. This keeps the water out and prevents ice damming. The roof is vented to allow fresh air to keep the roof decking dry and maintain its integrity.  The wall cladding is  cement-stucco then coated in synthetic stucco with integral color, not a coat of paint.  Instead of stained or painted fascia and soffits made of wood, we wrap our fascia in metal and the soffits are covered in stucco. This is a more expensive option up front, but this will save money down the road with costly upkeep and replacement.  These  coverings prevent water damage, sun-degradation and cover any wood to help slow or prevent combustion in case of a regional fire.  In other words, the materials used in the building of these areas will stay protected from the elements and endure. This also means no painting, staining or replacing sun and water damaged wood down the road.  This home will better stand up against a fire vs a home with wooden cladding and exterior elements.