Editorial Policy

How we source our guides

Guides prioritize primary or institutional sources when they exist: U.S. government agencies (for example EPA, DOE, ENERGY STAR, FEMA), building-science organizations, consensus codes and standards as adopted locally, and manufacturer documentation. We cite what we used so readers can open the same pages.

We do not invent test results, certifications, traffic metrics, or firsthand contractor experience that did not happen. When evidence is thin, limited to one geography, or outdated, the article says so.

Cost figures

Published dollar ranges are attributed to a named source with date and geography. We do not average competing publisher figures into a single “site price.” Sister brands under the same parent company are disclosed when that relationship is public. Stale figures, when kept for context, are labeled.

Codes and local rules

Model codes such as the IRC are not automatically law everywhere. Local amendments and the authority having jurisdiction decide what applies to a given house. Articles that discuss code language include that caveat.

Review process

Articles are written and edited for this site. We do not claim independent expert peer review or a named outside reviewer unless that process is documented here with real names and dates. Byline wording on articles reflects that limit.

A shorter entry point to the sourcing rules is also available at How We Source Our Guides.