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5 Answers
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I'm sorry I don't know how to get back to my original question. Air Krete's brochure says ALL GREEN INSULATION . The salesman said Retrofoam emitted gases. Retrofoams brochure says no fumes gases or emissions. Then I googled and it seemed that the words that came up said Air Krete that is made from...yes Retrofoam made by Polymaster. I guess what I want to know is IF Air Krete is made fro Retrofoam? And is Air Krete All Green? (I got asthma from black mold)

Asked By Connie Lambert | Feb 6 12
4 Answers
Firestop exulation retrofit practical/compliant design

Short version: Do any fiber cement cladding manufacturers honor warranty or otherwise approve mounting on furring strips over exterior fiberglass or mineral wool? Or is there another practical/compliant exterior insulated wall design that resists fire on a tight setback, to the satisfaction of a permitting official?

Asked By Michael Gold | Feb 4 12
1 Answer
SIP nail board

Can any one tell me the guage of the metal skin on SIPs 4" nailboard?

Asked By Bruce Glanville | Feb 2 12
3 Answers
An air exchanger type product from Musty Basement Solution

There are several air exchanger type products on the market. The one I am most familiar with is Musty Basement Solution, and happy to sing its praises.

A friend of mine raise a concern regarding if the machine pulls hot air out of the building thereby wasting heat. My question is, if that is true and if so how much heat is lost, and how would that loss compare (objectively) with the gains?

Asked By John Trumbull | Jan 27 12
4 Answers
"Healthier" HVAC materials

We are installing a new HVAC system. We are chemically sensitive and would like to use products that do not off-gas, if possible. Does anyone know of a healthier substitute for neoprene duct connectors, and standard duct tape or mastic? Also, we would like suggestions for a healthier duct insulation material. It is difficult to find such products. Green does not necessarily mean healthier, as we all know. Thanks!

Regards,
J. Thurber

Asked By Jas Thurber | Jan 30 12
9 Answers
Complaints about fiberglass windows — plus what is the next best thing?

We are building a house in Quebec province, Canada — so very cold winters and hot / sometimes humid summers. We were set on installing fiberglass windows triple / double panes according to exposure of lot (mainly southern and eastern with a little western and very little northern.)

Asked By Tango B* | Jan 22 12
2 Answers
Avoiding the Global Warming Potential of Mini-Splits?

There has been much discussion previously on the surprising global warming potential (GWP) of extruded polystyrene (XPS), at 1430. According to Wikipedia--so it must be true--the refrigerant R410A has a GWP of 1725. R410A is commonly used in heat pumps. Unintended consequences?

Asked By TJ Elder | Jan 29 12
147 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
Hi there, I am a general contractor with a long history of natural building.

I am currently on a design build project of a 1200 sq ft Net Zero Energy home in Santa Cruz, CA area.

We are about to insulate with a closed cell foam product called Spraytite 178. i have been informed of the issue of soy and plant based foams vs. non soy based for a number of years and want the best product for my project/ customer. I am wondering if, in your opinion, there is a significant advantage to any other closed cell foam in my locally available market ?

Thank you!
Michele Landegger

Boa Constructor Building and Design

Asked By Michele Landegger | Jan 23 12
2 Answers
Where to find zero VOC doors and cabinets?

We are building a new house in California and need a lot of doors and cabinets. The price delta between the "regular" products and low-VOC products are huge.

1. Are there online or local stores in California that sell reasonably priced good quality zero/low VOC doors and/or cabinets?

2. If the zero/low VOC products are above my budget, is there a way to reduce the VOC such as applying some sort of sealer? I figure I probably will run into the same issue with buying furnitures also.

Asked By Rian Bart | Jan 22 12
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