Community: Green products and materials

Much of the value of this site is the pooled experience of members and their willingness to share it. This page offers a Community area formatted for Questions & Answers dedicated to Green products and materials. Other topics appear to the right.

Anyone may ask a question and anyone may answer. Sometimes one of our 15 Advisors may chime in; in other cases, you'll get the wisdom of some of our members who have some experience in this area. We encourage everyone to give us the benefit of both their questions and answers. The usual rules of courtesy apply.

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12 Answers
Do you need to air seal ICFs?

We are planning a house using ICFs. We are building to the Passive House standard of 0.6 ACH at 50 Pascal. ICF manufacturers have told me that we don't need to air seal. I understand that ICFs with the concrete will be pretty air-tight but I still see the joints where the ICFs meet as potential weak spots. Will I need to air seal them and how would you do it?

Thanks

Asked By Roger Lin | Sep 1 10
3 Answers
Helix as rebar/mesh replacement

I am considering trying out adding Helix (steel fiber) into concrete and do away with rebars.

Any experience with this positive or negative in slab applications and ICF wall applications?

Thanks in advance.

Asked By Roger Lin | Aug 27 10
7 Answers
HOMESULATE Insulation

I'm looking for anyone who has used HOMESULATE insulation on existing buildings. Any feedback? Pros, cons? etc.

Asked By Armando Cobo | Jun 15 10
9 Answers
Paint or Stain?

Fine Homebuilding recently published a great article on factory finished siding. It discussed painted RWC and FC sidings; however, it didn't review factory applied solid stained products, such as Maibec's line of white cedar shingles and lap siding.

I'm wondering if those familiar with both painted and stained products have a preference? Both finishes are renewable; both can be purchased factory finished with substantial warranties. But is there are better choice regarding asthetics / durability / renewability?

Asked By Daniel Ernst | Aug 21 10
10 Answers
Geothermal and water heater selection

Hi, I am in the process of building a new home that will have geothermal heating and cooling. Of course one of the benefits of geothermal is "free hot water." My geothermal installer is recommending two hot water heaters.

There will be no hot water on days the unit isn't running. My question is, should I buy two 85 gallon Marathon Water heaters from my local power utility for $918.06 (includes tax), or should I just buy standard water heaters?

My goal is to be as energy efficient as possible while not breaking my wallet.

Thanks!

Asked By Chris Johnston | Aug 19 10
99 Answers
Out-gassing of bad stuff from spray foam insulation

Hi folks,
We are in design for a new home for a chemically sensitive family. It's looking like the best approach for insulating this house will be spray foam to the underside of the roof deck, and treat the attic as part of AC space. However, my customer is concerned about the potential for the family breathing in bad stuff that gradually out-gases from the foam over time. I need to respond to that concern with specific information that is well backed up. I'm beginning my research with you guys. All advice welcome.

Asked By Dan Fette | Sep 3 09
2 Answers
Fiberglass windows for basement?

Can you recommend a fiberglass company for basement windows? Ordered Marvin for the rest of the house but trying to save money in the basement.

Asked By Karen | Aug 19 10
6 Answers
Siding recommendations?

What the cheapest siding.. but needs to look beautiful, have longevity, and least maintenance?

Asked By Karen | Aug 19 10
10 Answers
Bad Appraisal on a New Green Home

We recently received a very poor appraisal on a new home we are trying to build for one of our customers. They/we are shooting for Gold/Emerald certification under the NGBS. Closed crawl, conditioned attic, upgraded insulation, tight envelope, extremely high performace HVAC, solar water heater, passive solar design, etc. Point is, we are not just doing a few small things and calling it green, trying to go the extra mile, shooting for a HERS below 50.

Asked By Danny Kelly | Aug 9 10
8 Answers
CertainTeed vs James Hardie fiber cement shingle

We decided to go with a fiber cement shingle or lap. Wanted to get advice/experience with CertainTeed or James Hardie. Heard James Hardie material is difficult to work with and bad for the environment (when they make and off-gasing when cutting and nailing it). Thanks for your advice! - Karen

Asked By Karen Miller | Aug 16 10