UNDERSTANDING DURABILITY

Millions of failed structures can be found throughout the world. Why? Improper building practices. After recent studies and investigations, the common factor of building failure comes down to water. Whenever their is water, mold grows and mildew lingers. This moisture causes structures to fall apart and decompose. Science has shown the building industry that there are control layers that need to be addressed to fix the lack of structural durability.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCLOSURE DESIGN

Six Control Layers of a Building Enclosure

The building enclosure is what protects the interior of your home from rain, cold, heat, humidity, and all unwanted external factors. Once you close up a wall in the construction process, there’s no going back in – you have to build it right the first time. There are 6 crucial elements to building a properly functioning building enclosure:

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Water

Controlling water for our climate zone, 5.5, is crucial for building durability.

Air Flow

By not controlling air flow, water finds its way into a home through driving rains or different pressures.

Critter

Critters inside of walls will wreak all kinds of havoc on a building and its durability.

Vapor

Not controlling vapor is simply giving mold the perfect environment to grow in.

Thermal Control

By not addressing thermal control, a home will be extremely uncomfortable and cost too much to heat and cool.

Sound

If all other layer controls are done properly, then the enclosure will be quiet and comfortable.

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Ventilated Rainscreens

Proper Interior and Exterior Insulation

Moisture Management

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES A HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME?

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES A HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME?

We are extremely pleased with our custom-built home by Sutter Homes. First and foremost, the energy efficiency of the home is exceptional. Last LPEA bill was $13.80 and the Atmos gas bill was $28. The Zehnder ComfoAir for air exchange works beautifully and makes for a very comfortable inside environment. At first there was a problem with condensation, which was remedied with an additional insulation sleeve. Our builder promptly took care of that issue. All in all, Mike was very accomodating in assisting us with changes and modifications in design and materials. We highly recommend Sutter Homes if you're looking for a quality home built with today's energy efficiency in mind.- Sandy F.
The first time I met Mike was at the job site of our future home that he built. It was very apparent to me that this construction was very different, and he proceeded to give me some information on his unique approach to energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction living. I spent the next day on the internet and became convinced that the SHC vision was what my wife and I wanted. I have never lived in a house that did not have hot/cold zones but have been very pleased how the Zehnder ERV system “evens out” the “climate” in our house. In combination with the air filtration with this system and the use of zone based mini-splits, my wife and I are very happy with this very different experience as compared to our hydronic base board heating system from our former house. We regard ourselves as earth-friendly, and our current house from SHC fits our perspective—the fact that our utility bills are nearly non-existent doesn’t hurt either! We have taken our lot to a xeriscape point and would add this to the environmental reduction impact that appeals to us. Love the instant hot water!!- Gary S.
We love our home. We knew we wanted a builder that would be intentional and smart in the design, as well as make it beautiful. All the small details - the window quality, the insulation, the air filtration system, the layout - all of it added up, and now we have a home that will require very little maintenance over the years and has very low utility bills. Such a house made it possible for us to live in this beautiful city. Thanks for making that happen Sutter Homes!!- Summer
When Sutter Homes Co declares their homes being Net Zero, they really are. Their HERS ratings back up their claims. We were far more impressed with this home that exceeded any of our expectations.- Gary & Lorie S.
Zindher air filtration system replaces the homes air several times hourly with outside air, geothermally preheated and filtered through a HEPA filter to remove outside contaminants. Indoor air is maintained fresh and completely free of Radon buildup. If you have severe allergies or asthma this system would be tough to beat. The home has been built to exceed building construction requirements for many years to come.- Doug C.
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