Green Homes News

ACCA Manual J isn't the only method for sizing heating and cooling systems

We're building a home in SE Wisconsin and trying to make it airtight, energy efficient and well-built.  It has an attached garage which will be a different air space from…

Deciding final wall assembly.Climate zone 5A.Aiming for an R35-38 wall.2 x 6 studs with Rockwool Comfortbatts - R22/23Option for exterior continuous insulation:A. 1"7/16 Zip R6 + 2" Comfortboard 80. -…

When installing a door "outie style" (ie, proud of existing wall surface) in order to accommodate future CEI, how does one provide structural support to door sill ? Plan is…

I've watched a bunch of Joe Lstiburek's lectures on attics and roofs and he always had said that a traditionally vented attic with an air tight ceiling plane and insulation…

Learning the four control layers have been the backbone of building science basics for a couple decades now, should we be thinking of adding a fifth?

I have been dealing with a spray foam nightmare for several years now. I had closed cell foam installed in my crawl space and rim joists by a contractor who…

I am planning to build a number of homes with some affordable housing groups in my area and have run into a significant expense with the application of closed cell…

I am designing a home addition in Los Angeles where two bedrooms will sit above a carport which is open on two sides. The floor-ceiling framing consists of 2x12 joists…

Can a dehumidifier be effective for the whole basement if it’s located inside a drywalled utility room?  Assume the utility door is normally closed.  Would a transfer grille help significantly?We have…

After early framing help from a capenter, I'm taking on an attic renovation. The carpenter installed knee walls at 35 inches. Because the existing 2x6" collar ties were only halfway…

Frost-protected shallow foundations (FPSF) are designed to avoid deep footings below the frost line by utilizing insulation to raise the frost depth around the building. This allows for shallower foundations,…

The environmental and social co-benefits of sourcing from unexpected waste streams

Hello all! So I took the plunge and decided to waterproof my basement from the interior before I finish it into a basement apartment. Located in Guelph, Ontario. It already had…

With the minisplit now up and running. Humidity runs from 45-55% in the attic and 50-60% in the basement. Considering if i put a dehumidifier in the attic or basement. …

I'm a first time poster so I hope this is an appropriate question for your board. I'd really appreciate any help you can offer. I’m hoping to get advice on…

I finished the structural wall of my workshop, and installed the first section of non-structural wall. This design has a 2x4 inner wall that is structural, an outer 2x3 wall…

Hi, I have a Zehnder Q600 ERV. I never got the whole system commissioned because we installed it during COVID, and the Zehnder rep said they couldn't cross the border...Anywho…

CZ 3A/4A2001 gut renoWe're trying to ensure the sloped ceilings at the knee walls in our attic maintain open ventilation channels. We had our insulation company install Provents, but they…

Question:  How to best manage summer chimney effects in a open design home space where heat rises to 2nd floor via a stairwell and becomes trapped in the room(s) above?  We…