Green Homes News

Hello,In the scenario of a thick insulated wall in a cold climate (such as a 2x8, or a staggered stud assembly), without any exterior insulation, is there a benefit to…

I am building my first home as a homeowner - I will have cedar clapboard siding, but I need to decide on installing some type of mesh verses furring/strapping underneath.  What…

Our original plans showed interior weeping tile under the basement slab with one end draining to daylight and the other to a radon rough-in pipe.I think our builder skipped the…

We have a new 1200 sqft home in upper VT. It is airtight, so bath fans struggle to pull out moist air. If we crack a window, it's fine. My…

A basement remodeling project represents a significant investment in your home's value and functionality. The contractor you choose will determine not only the quality of work but also your experience…

For many homeowners, creating an inviting outdoor space involves choosing the right materials. Stamped concrete presents a compelling option for those looking to combine aesthetic appeal with durability. This versatile…

I'm installing a rainscreen (furring over polyiso), which made me wonder about whether it's okay to have horizontal furring above and below the innie windows.  From a carpentry perspective I'd…

I was asked to investigate water damage at a new apartment building in climate zone 6B occurring near the kitchen ceiling exhaust on the top level apartments.  The exhausts go…

My living room has a cathedral ceiling with 2x8 rafters 16" on center. It currently has fiberglass batts with Styrofoam baffles for air vents, soffit vents and a ridge vent.…

Hello,Curious to hear what the long-time builders here think about spruce vs. hemlock clapboards. In my area primed spruce is nearly half the cost of primed hemlock. Assuming the clapboards…

Often only one airtightness test is required at the end of construction, but there are good reasons to test mid-build too

Almost all the AWHP literature I see has only specs for COP VS supply water temp. This got me thinking how much difference RWT makes.From an energy standpoint, that is…

1700s timber frame structure with 1800s addition.2.5 stories over laid-up stone foundation throughout. 3,200 sq/ft conditioned.The house is in its final phase of an interior gut rehab.As improved heat load…

I'm having trouble finding a subcontractor to blow some dense pack insulation into a floor assembly. In fact I get no response to emails or phone calls from the places…

We have a 2500 sq ft ranch home that is about 7 years old, in Northeast Ohio, zone 6a, when the temp drops below freezing outside our Anderson A line,…

I see the directions on some liquid products to use in a "well-ventilated space" or "outdoors." Similarly, some flooring or upholstery products off gas for some period after installation. Does ASHRAE…

We are currently deciding between these products for a foundation membrane. Has anyone had experience with either of these and would you recommend one over the other? Some back ground…

We are building a breezeway home (like photo attached). One side, the main living area, will have a finished crawl space for storm shelter, and the other side will be…

Greetings!  I hope that the folks here can help me find the cause(s) for the very low winter humidity in my new "Pretty Good House".  This past summer we moved…

Oddly specific question here:  I'm installing a triple-pane, thermally-broken, Shueco aluminum lift and slide door in a home build.The installation manual calls for a minimum of a quarter-inch gap under…