Description/Review

Builder's Guide to Mixed Climates: Details for Design and Construction

From Library Journal
A region's climate is arguably the most important factor to consider when a structure is built. If inappropriate building techniques or materials are used, a house could be uncomfortable, energy inefficient, or, worst of all, subject to early failure. Overbuilding is inappropriate, too, because it wastes valuable materials. Lstiburek, a forensic engineer and authority on moisture-related building problems, has created two useful titles that will guide homebuilders/remodelers toward the best design for their geographic area. For the purposes of this book, cold climates include New England, the southern Great Lakes states, most of the Midwest, Plains, and Mountain states, coastal British Columbia, and southern Ontario. Mixed climates include the coastal Pacific Northwest and the Southern states from central Texas to the Atlantic (excluding Florida and the southernmost portions of other states). Both titles are remarkably similar--only those details that apply to a particular climate differ. This parallel structure should prove useful to readers who build/design in several climates and use both books. Each area or system of a house is covered--foundations, framing, plumbing, electricity, insulation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning--with profuse illustrations (more than half of the book) supplementing the brief text. Appendixes cover many aspects of energy efficiency. Although they are over the heads of most do-it-yourselfers, these guides will prove useful to builders and carpenters who live in the relevant areas (one hopes that all of North America will eventually covered). They should be included in comprehensive public library collections.
-Jonathan Hershey; Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.