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3 Answers

Where should I put the foam in this roof?

Zone 4 marine. I'm pondering insulation strategies for cathedral ceilings.

In the past we have used typical cardboard baffles and either batts or blown in FG. Recently we did a small project where we cut and fit 2" polyiso for the baffles, with the usual 1" vent space above and foamed the edges, my theory being that this will reduce wind-washing of the fiber insulation and improve air-leakage performance. We also did one with 6" of solid polyiso where there was only 2x8 rafter space available.

Asked By David Meiland | May 22 13

5 Answers

Blower door questions

We are about to perform a blower door test on our small 650 sq. ft. new construction house. I have four quick questions:

1. We used T&G OSB and Siga tape for our air barrier, and i think we did an extremely thorough job detailing it. the house is not quite complete, however. for example, the clothes dryer is not installed, some of the joints in the hrv ducting in the crawlspace have not been sealed, the drywalled window returns have not been latexed to the window frames, etc... will these items have a significant effect on the test results?

Asked By erik olofsson | May 23 13

23 Answers

Cold sheathing question

Martin, I read your article on cold sheathing. I'm still not clear on one point: how do you know if the sheathing is wet due to the sheathing being cold and taking on moisture or the sheathing being wet due to vapour making its way from the interior of the house?

Asked By erik olofsson | May 22 13

7 Answers

On average in New Mexico what is the cost per square foot to build a completely green home with the best insulation?

On average in New Mexico what is the cost per square foot to build a completely green home with the best insulation? It should be a passive solar home.

I need this information for insurance purposes in case I am in need of total reconstruction due to complete loss of our current home.

Asked By Leah Popp | May 22 13

2 Answers

Underlayment to use with hardwood

Hi,

Wondering what the opinion is on an underlayment for a hardwood floor.
From what i understand the main reason for an underlayment would be to have Vapor retarder (not barrier!) to slow the water vapor (if any) from passing thru the hardwood to fast which could possobly cause cupping and other issuies. Please add or correct if i am wrong.

Stackup:
slab > 6mil poly > 1" polyiso rigid foam > 5/8 advantec.

I think the advantec has a perm rating of 1-2

Asked By mark kessler | May 22 13

4 Answers

A-Frame re-roof - what type of (if any) air barrier?

I have an A-Frame (steep pitch cathedral roof) built in 1975. It is an unvented roof. Region 5, southern NH. It needs new shingles. The existing roof from inside out is:
5" x 14" laminated rafters 14’ OC
2-1/2" thick T&G decking
2" rigid insulation
Asphalt shingles nailed through insulation to deck

Removing the old shingles will harm the existing insulation, and I can find no existing air barrier. The roof is leaking.

The proposal under consideration is:
Remove existing shingles and insulation
Install air barrier to deck

Asked By BIll Berzins | May 22 13

2 Answers

Tax credits or incentives - Federal or state?

Hi, getting ready to build and it seams like there ought to be some substantial tax credits or incentives for building a super insulated and energy efficient home...can't find any though...am I looking in the wrong places or are there really no incentives for new construction being done right? Location: Idaho.

Thanks!

Asked By Eric Mikkelsen | May 21 13

9 Answers

What product is great for daily use on shower walls that are ceramic tile to reduce soap scum build up and mildew?

Is there a product that is safe to use on ceramic tile on the walls in the shower on a daily basis after taking showers?

Asked By Theresa Thompson | May 18 13

11 Answers

Smart vapor retarder (ie: MemBrain) installation details

I'm currently in the final estimation phase of my upcoming new build and we're coming in a little tight - so every little bit needs to be justified.

Asked By Mike Goulet | May 15 13

2 Answers

Basement slab moisture barrier

I am finishing our 800 sq.ft. basement in Portland, OR (zone 4c). I am planning to lay a combination of carpet and linoleum and want to reduce the chances of mold from moisture that might seep up through the concrete slab, which varies in thickness from 2" - 4" in some spots. I have noticed a couple 6" diameter spots on the slab that seem moist during the rainy season, but no pooling of water.

Asked By Matty McDermott | May 16 13

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