This column is provided as a public service by the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, in cooperation with the UAF research community. T. Neil Davis is a seismologist at the institute.
Careful design can help take advantage of what Nature provides, even in Alaska.
But the homebuilder should not let himself be detracted from also considering the fundamentals. Foundations - Do not build your dream home on permafrost. If you insist, better investigate carefully and be prepared for trouble. Insulation - To get the most for your money forget the foam insulations, except for special uses. Vapor barrier - It is absolutely essential that an impermeable barrier be placed in interior surfaces.