Green Homes News

Hello everyone,I am developing a modular roofing and siding platform focused primarily on TR-BIPV (Thermal Recovery Building-Integrated Photovoltaics).The primary goal is to put thermal harvesting front and center. Instead of…

What does device-level energy intelligence mean for builders, homeowners, commissioning, and residential electrification?

I am looking for some advice on how to better calculate the size of an HAVC system for use in a 4500 SIP home.  The home is a combination ICF…

I’m building a tiny house on wheels (8.5’ x 30’ trailer) and I have a very basic question about using a site-built “SIP” (plywood> 3-4’’ rigid foam > plywood) to…

Hello, I'm looking for WRB advice. Repairing or totally replacing siding. I've been reading old articles/Q&A, but I apologize if I've missed available info or have failed to grasp basic…

Wildfire smoke can quickly turn healthy indoor air into a hidden health hazard. Here's how to monitor PM2.5, reduce smoke infiltration, and improve indoor air quality during smoke events.

Hello, I'm building a new home in southeast Alaska zone 7.  Ive got 3in of polyiso with taped seams on the outside with no interior vapor barrier.  ventilation and humidity…

Definitions (chapter 2) may be the most overlooked section of the residential building code, yet it provides the foundation for interpreting nearly every requirement that follows.

I was working on balancing a system yesterday and ran into a situation where we couldn't get the rated air flow out of the system.  Long story short, I ended…

A Wisconsin couple set out to build a resilient net-zero homestead largely on their own. The first step was creating a design that balanced performance, affordability, accessibility, and self-reliance.

I’ve posted before about the fire smoke filtration system I’ve been working with for about 3 years now.  It’s based around an 8” AC Infinity (refillable) carbon canister, and a…

I have a large 2nd floor Master with a double gable vaulted ceiling. The interior ceiling is beautiful wood that I want to keep intact. I'm about to start a…

Hey all. Seeing if anyone has slick ideas on how to air seal simple attic access. I have a few ideas but trying not to reinvent the wheel. Photo attached.…

hi all againwe are currently specifying a gas start/wood burning fireplace for the family room in a near passive home.at the international builder show, spent some time with Renasaince, as…

All,We are finally in the home stretch of the design process and hope to be breaking ground by October of this year on the first building, a detached garage, which…

How water testing and treatment are critical to ensuring clean, safe water from your faucets

Based on Martin’s answer here: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/vented-attic-vapor-retarder US building codes do not require vented cathedral ceilings in zones 1-5 to have a vapor retarder (just need an air barrier). I also…

Hi all. I have a question about the proper technique for dense-packing cellulose into existing wall cavities…Short version:  When dense-packing a wall cavity with cellulose, how important is it for…

BCI joists are blocked at rim joist with BCI cutoffs, leaving a 3/4-1” air gap between the block and rim joist (due to outward facing half of BCI flange). Considering…

I've designed an 8'x8' cathedral ceiling mudroom for clients in Kingston NY - Zone 6A. Although the addition is unheated and will be constructed on pier footings (not a full…