Stan Gatland is the manager of Building Science Technology with CertainTeed Corp. Based in Valley Forge, Pa., Gatland is responsible for generating and providing technical information to architects, engineers, builders, contractors and building code officials on the system performance of new and existing building envelope materials, as well as building science educational training.
Temperature changes from season to season have a significant impact on a building’s energy use and occupant comfort. This makes the concept of thermal control a very important part of the design process, with the goal of having a more thermally efficient building. Understanding heat transfer and how certain building materials can be used to impede it is the first step in meeting this objective.