Green Homes News

Hey All, Our framer is about done with the sheathing on our roof.  Is there a building code section that covers gaps in roof sheathing or can they call it cosmetic…

I have a couple spot footings and a long load bearing wall, all of which I had planned to have my continuous foam board above.  Is this generally accepted to…

Not sure what category this question should be under:A friend of mine was about to replace all windows and deteriorating wood siding with Hardie or LP smart side in Colorado.…

I read this very helpful article by Martin from a couple of years agohttps://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/vapor-retarders-for-basements-and-crawlspacesHe very definitively states that poly on the foundation wall is a bad idea. And I understand…

I have heard that smart thermostats, such as Google Nest, are not compatible with these high performance home systems. We have a ducted Mitsubishi ASHP (2 separate air handlers) and…

I'm planning a timber-framed cathedral-ceiling addition to my house in climate zone 4A.  My planned wall system (inside to out) was originally:- Drywall with latex paint- 2x6 wall with blown-in…

Hello everyone,I've had some very informative feedback to some of my earlier queries here, so I thought I'd ask another related question. I recently learned that there is the possibility…

Will sandwiching the roof deck between two vapor/air barrier cause issues?The closed cell spray foam is already installed, but I am looking for a way to add more insulation to…

My friend Emily in northern VT (Zone 6A) is converting a prefab shed into an office, and is looking for advice on roof/ceiling assembly. We'd appreciate any help! -DougI am…

Hi all, hoping to get a bit of advice on whether or not my HRV plan is going to work out.I have a 70s split-level ranch in Vermont, about 1,000…

Guidance on where to start and how to progress when performing energy upgrades on an existing house

Hey All,Our framer is about done with the sheathing on our roof.  Is there a building code section that covers gaps in sheathing or can they call it cosmetic and…

Hi,I’m in the first summer of what I had hoped would be an excellent indoor air quality solution for my attached studio. It’s master bedroom of a single family home…

The building in question is a 1920s Philadelphia row home. The house has no insulation or vapor barrier. The roof has a 14" cupola vent and a whirly bird vent,…

I'm looking for a door threshold with a (genuine) thermal break that will work (with or without modification) with 2" of exterior foam.  The doors are normal thickness (1 3/4")…

Hello, I have a water baseboard that is in the way. Would it be possible to put it up on the wall? I am thinking that radiations would have less obstructions.…

Learn about filtration system types and formulations, disinfection, and how to know whether your water needs treatment

Project is an old house in Boston area. Street facing elevation has grade sloping slightly toward house, and then site slopes dramatically on sides, and rear. Walk out basement in…

Hope everyone had a great day!I was recently talking to an HVAC installer about newly constructed home and its ventilation system.  The mechanical ventilation is ducted through an ERV into…

Hi GBA Community,I'm looking for input on approaches and products to replace or renovate a 30-40 year old asphalt pavement parking pad and driveway that is directly adjacent (adjoining) a…