Green Homes News

Hi everyone,We own a ~70yo commerical property that has been converted into a multi unit residential building (decades ago).Concrete block construction on a slab. The structure's original roof design is a…

Firsthand experience informs this basic plan for installing rigid insulation on the outside of an older building

I just dug a drainage ditch and catch basin, but hit my PVC sewer lateral (at about 20” depth (in the Seattle area, Zone C). So I piled an inch…

Hi All,What settings are recommended for an HRV during the summer and shoulder season? I’m in a new home that has an HRV incorporated into the HVAC ducting. In winter,…

I've been contemplating window details for a thick wall assembly, and reading about "innie" vs "outie" windows.That leads me to wonder: why don't people put two windows into the same…

Hello!I've been researching the feasibility of converting to an unvented attic with a cathedralized ceiling. I'm aware that the best option is closed-cell foam, and that's the route I'm planning…

I'd like to validate that I properly understand what I'm seeing with my bandboard insulation.I live in zone 4a (St. Louis, MO) in a 90s era tract home. It's been…

States—including those leading on climate—can leverage key policies and IRA funding to lower the energy burden borne by low-income households.

Zone 5 / NE Ohio (currently <10F outside)The Setup: In my retrofit, I installed triple-glazed windows from Inline Fiberglass.  The frames are fiberglass, with aluminum profile jamb extensions on the…

Hey All, first I'll apologize for the long post to follow. The TLDR is I'm looking for a few tips for the barndominium I'm building including insulation details and air…

This February will be one year in our remodeled house. It's a 1955 single story ranch with a low pitch roof in northern Michigan. I took extra care to air…

I’m building a new house in Minnesota that will have a pre-stressed garage - a 3-car garage below the main 3-car garage, both 34’x26’ in size.  This lower garage has…

I've seen folks on Youtube promote the benefit of framing their rough openings with window sills that slope outwards. When they install the window, they then use a number of…

I'm looking for some advice on how to properly insulate my basement walls in Passaic County, NJ.  Right on the border of zone #4 and #5.  Basement will eventually be…

Pre-fab CLT panels, wood fiber insulation, and heat-treated ash siding combine for a high-performance building enclosure

In the 2-story house that I am building, we have located the air handlers within the conditioned building envelope for efficiency but that will come at some cost with regard…

Here in central Arizona, I don't have to worry about much snow, but we do get torrential rains ("the monsoons") and various creatures who like to urinate on or find…

Hi all,I am planning to finish a ventilated attic in the Raleigh NC area (climate zone 4A, near the border with 3A). My rafters are 2x8 (actual depth around 7")…

I'm preparing to install windows in our home. The walls are 2x6 with ZIP sheathing. The windows will be inset in advantech (or maybe 5/8 zip) window bucks that will…

GBA, It’s a 1920 double brick house with 2x3 and lath & plaster with no insulation near Toronto (climate zone 5/6). Brick is in good condition with big enough overhangs…