As you plan your home building project, keep in mind that it's also important to use vapor barriers and ventilation to maintain a healthy balance of air and moisture movement throughout your home.

Vapor barriers

During cold weather, water vapor from the warm inside air travels through unsealed holes and cracks, and condenses on cooler surfaces, including exterior walls, the underside of the roof and within insulation.

This condensation can rot wood framing, blister paint, ruin insulation and damage the roof. Vapor barriers installed between insulation and interior surfaces can help prevent this problem.

Your builder should use insulation faced with kraft-paper or reflective foil, and/or install four- or six-millimeter thick polyethylene.

Ventilation

It may seem like attic vents defeat the purpose of insulation, but they're a vital part of keeping fresh air circulating throughout your home.

An unventilated (or under-ventilated) attic can trap heat in the summer months, raising the indoor temperature by several degrees and putting a strain on your air conditioner. During the winter, warmer air trapped in the attic can condense under the roof, causing ice dams that can lead to serious roof damage.

Attic vents can be positioned in several ways. New homes built in the Midwest usually have a combination of continuous ridge and soffit vents.

Another option for controlling moisture is a energy recovery ventilator. Your builder can help you decide which method is best for your new home.

More from this category

Spray foam insulation

Man touching spray foam insulation

Spray foam insulation does a great job of sealing up cracks and crevices, if it's installed properly. Learn more about open-cell spray foam options.

learn more

Insulation options

Different types of insulation

The right insulation material for your home depends on where it will be used and what type you already have. 

learn more

Solar attic fan

Megan and Pete standing next to solar attic fan

Keep your attic properly vented with an attic fan. Learn about a solar operated option.

learn more

Weatherizing tips & tricks

Caulk gun

Use this checklist to make sure you don't overlook hidden energy wasters in and around your home.

learn more

Weatherizing materials

Man caulking around window

A typical home will need about $50 in weatherizing materials - and the cost can be paid back in energy savings in just a few weeks.

learn more

Finding and sealing air leaks

Older home

Learn how to locate those pesky air leaks and what to do when you find them.

learn more

Insulation tips & tricks

Man installing insulation

Don't overlook these important elements when you're upgrading your insulation.

learn more

Basements and crawlspaces

Unfinished basement

Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.

learn more