Green Homes News

I'm framing an addition where the largest floor span is about 8 feet. According to the span tables, 2x8 at 24" on center is totally fine for this. But I've…

Hello, I started to air seal and insulated my attic and have a concern with one of my details. The ceiling joists rest on exterior wall, then another double 2x4…

A cautionary tale for anyone who thinks, “How bad could an ERV install really be?”

I'm trying to decide what type of insulation i should use in a cathedral ceiling - new build - and if it needs to be vented.I have a dining room…

In the early stages of finishing my basement. We will be in this home for a long time, potentially forever so I am willing to put in the work to…

I am building a timber frame roof system with a 4.5/12 pitch. Roof decking is 2x6 T&G. My current plan is to use 6" of Rockwool Comfortboard 80 above roof…

The IRC allows unvented roofs—but only under specific conditions. Here’s how to navigate the requirements and choose a compliant approach.

Hi guys. I recently bought a Victorian style home that was built in 2004. What baffles me is how the trim on the outside of the home is already deteriorated…

Hi all. New construction ADU. Climate zone 4C. Unvented, low slope roof, 2x8 ceiling joists, 5/8 plywood sheathing, Prosoco fluid applied full products system, 4 inches of  eps exterior insulation…

There is a post in the Q&A I think raises an important question I don't know than answer to.  https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/interior-insulation-of-unventilated-roof If the roof is not vented, but there is an…

Hello, I have an old cellar converted to a basement. I’m sure there is nothing modern about its assembly - merely concrete poured over the dirt. It has a sump…

A woman-led natural building project shows how craft, community, and sustainability can shape housing at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage

I am working on an existing lake cottage in Massachusetts, Climate Zone 5.  The project needs to meet the stretch energy code and the client is interested in high-performance or…

A look at influential residential design books from the 1990s—and how they continue to shape good design today

Hi, I'm cutting the foam for my rim joist insulation and I noticed that I have a gap in between the end of my joists and the rim joist. The…

Hi All, Currently have an unvented roof in zone 6 Vermont with fiberglass insulation.  I want to put a new roof on but not before fixing insulation issues. I am…

Evening all.I'm working on a 1970s extension of a 1970s home. House is on bedrock, and the extension appears to be as well. The extension crawlspace is not part of…

Greetings everyone, I'm new here and planning to GC the construction of a new home on the property I already live on. I'm sure I'll be posting lots more questions…

Why “right-sizing” homes—not mandating small ones—may be the most effective path to low-carbon living.

We are having our corrugated siding put on currently and I'm just wanting to check on a detail to make sure it's ok. We have zip tape flashing around the…