Green Homes News

What is the best way to insulate a basement chimney? I read that I can’t install foam insulation against it. There is no fireplace in the basement, just a door…

I'm going to restate my previous question as I'm really curious about this, has anyone heard of windows made from CPVC? Vytex rep told me that all their windows are…

We’re building a new ground floor unit in our (mostly above grade) basement. We’ve demoed the old slab and will add 3” of GPS insulation and hope to gain about…

Hi all,I've worked on a number of older pier and beam homes in Central Texas, many of which have the classic oak flooring that is run directly over the floor…

What are the pros and cons of whirlybird roof turbines for attic ventilation

Energy codes have improved dramatically on paper since 2006—but weak enforcement and unclear implementation mean many homes never achieve the performance the IECC intends.

Hello All: We will be breaking ground in 2 months (May 2026) for our 1,500 sq ft, 2 story home in western NY State. But we have an issue with the…

A few months ago, I asked about my wall assembly (Vapor barrier on interior with rigid foam exterior - GreenBuildingAdvisor) TLDR: Wall assembly is: Steel siding - House wrap- 1"…

I have a house I’m building that requires a couple of the 2x6 exterior walls to have 1/2” OSB on either side of the wall for shear resistance. The wall…

It took a while to identify the source of after the install of my exterior door. Turns out, it it was condensation dripping off of my aluminum door pan. See…

Has anyone heard of CPVC windows? I'm looking at Vytex Fortis windows and they told me they use Chlorinated PVC instead of regular PVC so the windows can withstand various…

Want buried ducts in a humid climate? Here’s the safer way to do it

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has used densglass to build continuous soffit to ridge vents in an attic? I plan on using rockwool in the rafter and though it…

I am designing a small Pretty Good house in coastal zone 6 and would appreciate input on my assembly. I’m a carpenter and would be building the house myself with…

Any recommendations for HVAC designers who work remote, do residential, and are up on best practices in tight homes?  We are looking at retrofitting a ducted heat pump and ERV…

I live in the greater Boston area where we have a massive rat infestation. That’s putting it lightly. I’m currently building a 24 x 24 q/2 story ADU with cross…

In the shadow of Dancing Rabbit, another intentional community explores what happens when craft, patience, and local materials guide the building process.

Turns out our electricians failed to comprehend what we meant when we said no drilling into the ceiling air barrier OSB or top plates… Our carpenters rabbited channels into the…

Just failed my rough plumbing inspection for water lines in an exterior wall in the garage.  The garage is framed 2x6 with Zip sheathing on the outside.  We are in…

My family member is building a house in northern IL.  She is building it through a program with the local high school where the students do most of the work…