Building enclosures, also known as building envelopes, are a design concept that is used to make it easier to heat and cool the area inside a building, manage water and control the flow of air. They consist of different features above, below and along the sides of the house. This is not the same as […]
USI Blog
What is the difference between a structural insulated panel (SIP) and an insulated concrete forms (ICF)?
Builders and property owners are increasingly interested in energy-efficient green construction techniques like those using structural insulated panels or insulated concrete forms. Therefore, it is important to establish the difference between a structural insulated panel (SIP) and an insulated concrete form (ICF). Structural Insulated Panels A structural insulated panel (SIP) consists of two structural facings […]
Can using the proper insulation actually impact the environment?
Commercial property owners are motivated to update insulation for a number of reasons. While some are economic in nature, the environmental impact of various insulation options is important as well, particularly in this era of green building awareness. For example, one of the easiest ways to garner LEED credits is to upgrade a structure’s insulation. […]
What does building science have to do with building safety?
Building science is a discipline that combines elements of architecture, engineering and physics for the purpose of creating protocols to improve building performance. In essence, building science studies phenomena that affects the efficiency of a building as it relates to the good use it should provide to occupants, tenants, visitors, and neighbors. One of the […]
Knowing the different types of polystyrene and why it matters
Polystyrene, often abbreviated as PS, is a plastic that is naturally transparent when it is developed. It is used in all types of applications, both as a solid material to be used with larger systems and as a foam material that can be applied in a number of different industries. It first became popular in […]
What are blower door tests and why do they matter?
Whether you are a long-time owner of a property, a new owner or someone undergoing a remodel, there are many great reasons by businesses should consider a blower door test. They can help you check the efficiency of your current system and to detect energy-losing leaks in your home or business’s structure. Whether you want […]
What Is Cultural Sustainability?
Cultural sustainability basically boils down to one question: Will a certain culture be around in the future? With changes in the environment happening as a result of people not being eco-friendly, this is a question that experts have started to ask themselves. If people don’t change the way they live or do more to be […]
New Showroom at USI All Purpose Windows and Doors
New Showroom Grand Opening The grand opening of USI All Purpose Windows & Doors is happening this week. Many of our customers and builders from the greater Salt Lake City area have been stopping by to see our new facility. We are proud to be able to display our products and talk about our installation […]
Why does material performance depend on your climate?
The performance of materials such as insulation depends heavily on the climate in which your structure is located. Your climate affects the R-value of your insulation. While these ratings, which are stamped on all packages of insulation, have become the standard for determining thermal performance. However, it does not give you the whole story. Let’s […]
How do blower door tests and energy audits work for commercial buildings?
For many businesses, the amount of overhead cost can be the reason that you succeed or fail. Energy costs are a large part of this overhead, particularly if you own large commercial buildings. An inefficient building is not only expensive to heat, light and cool, but it is also worth less when it is resold […]