Green Homes News

Adding circuit-level monitoring to a heat-pump subpanel required a separate enclosure, an additional breaker, and a lot more work than expected

Hi all, I’m about to begin framing interior partition walls and have begun researching pocket door frame/hardware kits.  Our plan includes several (four!) single-slab pocket doors due to space constraints.I…

Hello, I live in Grad Rapids Michigan. I have walkthrough rafters and I’m getting mixed opinions on whether I can install drywall over OSB in the unfinished garage attic with…

Earthcore's new VMASS system measures indoor and outdoor pressure and varies makeup airflow as exhaust loads change

First, this closed 2017 question is nearly identical to mine, but I have some follow-ups: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/adding-exterior-insulation-over-stuccoVirtually the same existing wall assembly on my 1993 Utah spec home:[existing] gypsum wall board[existing]…

We are building a 10x20 addition in Anchorage, Ak with matching roof pitches.The existing roof is 2x10 construction with drywall, 6 mil VB thenR-30 insulation an2-3 inches of closed cellsprayfoam…

In my area, I can get polyiso that was intended for roofing at about half the price of "wall" polyiso.  Elevate Isoguard GL or Carlisle InsulBase are a couple specific…

Increased development of enhanced geothermal systems could propel this renewable power source to new heights

Hi everyone,I recently purchased a new-construction home in the South, built by D.R. Horton. We had to replace a damaged siding plank today, which gave me a chance to look…

I am installing a 5x8' bathroom in my basement. I have a 4" slab atop crushed stone. No vapor barrier. The bathroom will not be touching an exterior foundation wall.…

An insulated slab may solve the thermal problem, but what if you want the feel and flexibility of a framed wood floor?

Keep it simple, and you’ll be fine. It’s really that simple.Well, sometimes a guy’s gotta have his dormers, you know?I’ve pondered for quite some time over adding shed dormers to…

Hello, I recently started renting a house that has huge north-facing windows. Looking at online shade maps, it will not get any direct sunlight in the coldest months. As I…

We are currently building our house in mid-coast Oregon (CZ 4c) – ~10 miles inland, no salt, minimal coastal winds, ~80” winter rain. Our specific microclimate has this very specific…

What are some metal building insulation strategies for an air conditioned metal building in a hot-humid climate ; Central Texas?  The building is erected and has an everbilt wrap between…

Owner builder here just wondering if it is feasible for me to DIY dense pack fiberglass or cellulose in my walls with a rental blower from the local building supply…

Unfortunately, I am needing to dive back into a couple of wall assemblies.  Slab heat is on, set at 65 degrees, and needs to be maintained now through the winter. …

We had mini-splits when no one knew what they were---I have a double head 1 sized at 8000 BTU up and 12000down  It costs $300-$400 to clean - much to my…

Wind, stack effect, and mechanical equipment can drive air—and moisture—through a building enclosure. A continuous air barrier helps keep both under control.

Friend tells me they had a chance to talk to a guy who works for a well-respected roofing company in upstate NY (CZ6).Guy says that they do exterior insulation as…