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Another reason we've been considering using concrete blocks is that our summertime weather can bring tornadoes this way.

Once our home is built, we don't want it to be an easy challenge for twisters.

Given the building costs in your area, it's more cost-effective to build a doublestud wall (for double-stud wall construction, the insulation cost is 5 ¢, and for concrete block, 9 ¢, a square foot per R-value installed). As for potential outgassing, there's no measurable health hazard in using vermiculite or extruded polystyrene foam boards to insulate block walls. (Besides, a continuous vapor barrier on the interior side of the wall would prevent the products of such outgassing from becoming an indoor air pollutant in most cases.) However, the use of urea formaldehyde foam is a different story: Lingering formaldehyde vapors are a potential health hazard and may not always be contained by a conventional vapor barrier.

Now as for tornadoes, protection from these twisters can be achieved only by building below grade. . . but a double-stud wall (such as the one illustrated) is nonetheless a very sturdy structure and is unlikely to be blown over in a strong wind. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Turn to page 74 for more about protecting your home from natural disasters.]—Michael and Linda Scott.

Michael and Linda Scott, superinsulation pioneers who provide consulting services for numerous government, utility, and buildingindustry organizations, have just finished a new book, Superinsulation Design and Construction. For a description of their publications, products, and services, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Superinsulation Ltd., Dept. TMEN, RR 3, Box 18, Northfield, Minnesota 55057.

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