A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science

I am in the process of building a retirement home and I came across this book as I was reading an article in Fine Homebuilding. Wow, this book laid it all out in simple, logical, and in a story book fashion. I was hooked! I read it cover to cover in one weekend, I was so fascinated. Everything in it makes so much sense. Prior to reading this book, I was somewhat befuddled by various things I read about insulation, ventilation, conditioned space etc. I have no experience with this topic whatsoever, so I was hopelessly lost until I found this book! Now I know what to ask my builder about. What to make sure they do when they build my house. Kudos to Allison and his colleagues!

A solid primer for the elements that make up the buildings we live in. Well written with understandable examples. This book will be a great resource for someone planning to build their on home, to the person trying to figure out a issue with their house performance.

The content of this book is incredible, and I echo what others have said about how great the author is. Unfortunately, the book I received is printed with slightly blurry text and some grainy images. It hurts my eyes to read. I don't know if this is a one-off print quality dud or if all copies are like this.

Dr Bailes has put together one of the best books on Building Science I have ever come across. Concepts are clearly explained. His writing is simple with a touch of humor. Dr Bailes generously shared his experience of 20 plus years in Building Science. Golden nuggets in every chapter. I can read over and over again to refresh my knowledge and understanding of building science. I have recommended this book to countless colleagues. Well done Dr Bailes.

This book is clear, complete, and the best text for building science that I have ever read. I decided to skim and look at specific sections of interest, and that's how I started. But as I read those sections of interest, there was so much information -- even about things I knew, but this book helped me understand. I gave up skimming and turned to page one to read the whole thing. Unlike many books on building science and architecture, this author knows how to write and make the complex accessible to a simple-minded guy like me.

I am in the process of designing, subcontracting and constructing a new home . This book is invaluable. I have recommended it ,to several people in the building trades who all agree. My public library now has it on its shelves due to my recommendation.

If every architect and builder took out one week and read through this book, the design and construction industry (residential and small commercial buildings) would significantly improve... and the world would be a better place. There are a handful of must-read books on building science, and this one suddenly slides right in, front and center. It is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject, but accompanied by enough specifics that architects and builders would be able to make better decisions almost immediately. A surprise bonus for me, a practicing architect, was the last 150 some pages on Mechanical Systems. For the first time, I feel I can talk and work with HVAC designers and installers and understand their language.

I have purchased two copies of this text so that local teacher can present it to our High School Construction Class. The School System here in Union County Georgia is expanding education in the area of Construction and Entrepreneurship. I studied Building Science as best I could before building my mountain home. Allison Bailes teaching ability and expertise (PhD in Physics) is clearly expressed. Wish I had this book before my build!

Encyclopaedia knowledge and practical experience of modern efficient house building. Highly recommended for anyone in the construction industry or anyone planning to build a house.

Part 3 is really good.