Building Science Digest

Rain Control and Residential Resiliency in New England with Kohta Ueno

New England’s residential buildings are under increasing stress. Heavier rain events, wetter snow, rising temperatures, and an aging housing stock are exposing durability weaknesses that often go unnoticed. In most cases, water sits at the center of the problem. In this episode of Building Science Digest, host Lucas Hamilton is joined by Kohta Ueno of Building Science Corporation [https://buildingscience.com/] to examine how rain, drainage, and moisture management define residential resiliency in the Northeast. Drawing on forensic research and real‑world building failures, they break down why traditional details such as gutters, downspouts, wall assemblies, and basements are struggling under modern climate conditions. The conversation explores how increased water concentration, limited drying potential, and overlooked details frequently matter more than extreme events themselves. You will also hear practical guidance on rainscreens, enclosure design, and why seemingly small moisture issues escalate faster in older New England homes. For anyone designing, renovating, or maintaining residential buildings, this episode reinforces a core building science truth: resiliency starts with controlling water. Additional Resources: BSD‑013: Rain Control in Buildings https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-013-rain-control-in-buildings [https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-013-rain-control-in-buildings] BSI‑095: How Buildings Age https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-newsletters/bsi-095-how-buildings-age [https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-newsletters/bsi-095-how-buildings-age] BSI‑110: Keeping the Water Out of Basements https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-newsletters/bsi-110-keeping-water-out-basements [https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-newsletters/bsi-110-keeping-water-out-basements] BSD‑006: Can Highly Glazed Building Façades Be Green? https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-006-can-fully-glazed-curtainwalls-be-green [https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-006-can-fully-glazed-curtainwalls-be-green] Gutters and Downspouts: Historic New England https://www.historicnewengland.org/preservation/for-professionals-students/property-care-white-papers/gutters-and-downspouts/ [https://www.historicnewengland.org/preservation/for-professionals-students/property-care-white-papers/gutters-and-downspouts/]

Building Resilient Structures from the Ground Up

When it comes to building science, resilience starts below the surface. In this episode of Building Science Digest, Christian Kennedy sits down with Lisa Semling, Product and Innovation Manager for GCP, to explore what it really takes to design and protect a building’s foundation. From pre-applied vs. post-applied waterproofing to understanding geotechnical reports, hydrostatic pressure, and lateral water migration, Lisa explains why you only get one shot to get it right. They also dive into regional differences—from Manhattan’s deep schist foundations to the West Coast’s shotcrete systems and LA’s stringent VOC and methane barrier codes—and discuss how the industry is shifting toward a holistic building envelope approach that considers every surface, from below grade to the roof. Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or building science enthusiast, this episode will change the way you think about what’s beneath your feet.

Building A Circular Economy

In this episode of Building Science Digest, we chat with Dennis Wilson, VP, ESG & Managing Director, Circular Economy Solutions North America at Saint-Gobain North America, to unpack one of the most important shifts in sustainable construction: the move from a linear economy to a circular economy. Dennis explains what the circular economy really means, how it reduces waste, recirculates materials, and helps regenerate nature. This episode explores how Saint-Gobain is leading the charge through initiatives like recycling glass from skyscrapers into new insulation, cutting CO₂ emissions, and why understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is critical to building a truly sustainable future. Listeners will learn: * The difference between linear, cradle-to-grave systems and circular, cradle-to-cradle design * How circular practices create both environmental and economic value * Real-world examples of material re-use in building products like gypsum and glass * What contractors, customers, and communities can do to support circularity * Why data, design, and reverse supply chains are essential to making it work Whether you are a builder, architect, or sustainability enthusiast, this conversation will give you a clear and practical understanding of how circular economy principles are transforming the built environment and what it means for the future of construction.

The Importance of Resilient, Impact-Resistant Roofs

What makes a roof truly resilient? In this episode of Building Science Digest, we sit down with James White, Senior Product Manager for CertainTeed Residential Roofing, to break down everything you need to know about impact-resistant shingles—how they work, why they matter, and what’s driving their rapid rise across the country. From the science behind polymer-modified asphalt (SBS) and granule adhesion to understanding UL 2218, FM 4473, and IBHS hail-testing standards, this conversation digs into the systems approach that helps roofs withstand hail, wind, and time itself. James also explains how insurance trends, regional building codes, and changing weather patterns are shaping the future of residential roofing—and how CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System® and Class 4 shingles are leading the way in resilience. Key Topics Covered: - The rise of severe weather and hail-related insurance claims - Differences between Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant shingles - The science and history behind SBS-modified asphalt - Benefits of resilient roof systems for contractors and homeowners - Future trends in roofing codes, insurance premiums, and climate adaptation Whether you’re a contractor, roofer, or homeowner, this episode will help you understand why building for resilience is essential.

The Rise of Offsite Construction: Building Homes Faster, Smarter, and Stronger

What does the future of offsite construction look like—and how can it transform the way we build? In this episode of Building Science Digest, Christian Kennedy and Dennis Michaud - Managing Director, Offsite Solutions - dive into the evolving world of offsite manufacturing and prefabrication. From speed and scale to labor challenges and the growing demand for efficiency, our guests break down the opportunities and hurdles shaping this space. We explore: - Why offsite is more than just modular homes - How labor shortages affect the built environment - The role of technology and automation in scaling production - Lessons from global leaders and what North America can learn - The balance between design flexibility, cost, and speed Whether you’re a contractor, architect, or building science enthusiast, this episode delivers practical insights and future-focused perspectives on where construction is headed.