Green Homes News

Why the administrative sections of the IECC—often replaced or ignored—plays a critical role in how the code is actually applied and enforced

I asked this question in a comment on another article but maybe that's not the best place to ask. We have our new house built to the point where we have…

I was reading about designing for wildfires and it got me wondering, if radiant heat from fires can ignite houses, can sub-ignition temperatures damage control layer materials?For example, would a…

2" Comfortboard is being installed over a self adheared WRB soon.  From contractor it sounds like it may be a while until siding is installed over it.  Should I be…

Seven strategies for good indoor air quality start with the most important, source control

I have an ERV which is exhausting somewhat warm air to outside in winter.I am thinking about adding a HPWH.  I am in a heating climate, zone 5 almost zone…

I'm interested in ICF's for our ~1500sqft daylight basement foundation (Idaho @ ~5000ft, IECC zone 6). However, we're in fire country and the likelihood we'll see wildfire surrounding our home…

Renovating a 1970's home, climate zone 5A, over 2000' in elevation on a hillside so there's extreme weather. All but one wall of the second floor is cantilevered out over…

Monopoly framing is a great way to improve airtightness and get the insulation where it works best, on the outside

I'm looking for an opinion on whether I should install an ERV or an HRV. I've looked at past questions and most of them that I can find are a…

Tridome Structures’ new TimberWise operation in Millis, Mass., is manufacturing architectural products from local lumber sources.

Hello.I am about to redo the exterior of the house and changing the windows.Question is , should I tyvek over the plywood boxes holding the windows or tyvek the rough…

I have a 1930s colonial home in climate zone 4A and my hvac unit is in my vented attic.  I want to have my hvac and ductwork in a conditioned…

I've decided on an "insulated raft foundation" for my 1500 square foot, single-level, double-stud-wall, radiant-heated, shed-roof Scandinavian cabin in Greenville. I'm looking for a list of contractors familiar with insulated raft…

Does anyone have experience with timber hp exterior board insulation?

For the cut-and-cobble approach to insulating a framed wall cavity with foam board, do you need to use adhesive to stick the foam board to the wall sheathing? Or do…

The IECC gives builders several ways to meet wall-insulation requirements—including cavity insulation, continuous insulation, and performance paths. Here’s how the options work.

Hello,I have just read the most recent Q&A spotlight article regarding a wall assembly in zone 6, midcoast maine. I am designing my own house in the same area and…

Hi all,My 2nd floor framing plan will likely require lots of structural adhesive. As part of an exposed timber frame floor I’ll be using it to build 2 and 3-ply…

Hi GBA Community,I am trying to help a client determine if a heat pump water heater or a standard electrical water heater is best for their budget / long term…