Q&A: A Forum for Green Building Experts and Beginners

[Click map to enlarge]

drawing of climate zone map.gif

Advice can depend on climate -- Please specify in your question.

Please register for a free account or sign in to ask and answer green building questions.

The usual rules of courtesy apply:
1. Be nice.
2. If you can't be nice, be polite.
3. If you can't be nice or polite — well, please be brief.

To attach a photo or illustration:
Under the box labeled "More explanation," look for the words "File attachments."
Click that, and you should be able to attach a photo.

Thanks for joining the conversation!

Ask a Question >
3 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
0 Answers
Does anyone have experience with the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle.?

Can the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle be safely installed on an unvented cathedral ceiling/roof which is insulated below the deck with impermeable closed cell insulation. will this Dow system trap moisture and condensation below it? What about the Certainteed Solar system which is installed directly on the roofing deck? For solar PV systems with modules raised off the roofing deck, what is the long term effect of shading, moisture and fungus on these shingles? Do these shingles below the raised solar PV module have to be replaced before the life expectancy of the solar PV system?

Asked By JOSEPH POLAND | May 19 13
4 Answers
Best/cheapest insulation method for flat roofs in new construction?

I am an architect in Atlanta, GA (climate zone 3) mostly designing modern/contemporary homes that typically have flat roofs. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information and opinions out there as to the best way to insulate these types of roofs. Typical construction would be 12" deep ceiling/roof I-joists or 2x4 open-web trusses with flat OSB decking above. The most common potential options (all unvented scenarios)are:

Asked By Scott West | May 11 13
1 Answer
Detailing stoop slab: concrete to wood

I am building a new house which will be clad in full-thickness natural stone veneer. A stoop slab just outside the front door will be poured on top of a cold room that's part of the foundation.

My concrete contractor, of course, wants to pour the slab right against the rim joist. That's not going to happen. But what SHOULD happen?

With the masonry veneer, the wall above includes a 1" air space--should I have the guy leave the 1" also between the slab and the rim? How would I ensure proper water drainage out of that space?

Asked By Andy Chappell-Dick | May 18 13
8 Answers
How green is my cloud?

I can't verify, but I read sometime recently that there's less embodied energy in buying a CD than in storing it on-line. Which got me to thinking about these monster servers that must be sprouting like mushrooms. I have a vision of us all living in lovely net zero homes, served by our own individual off-site servers consuming a Fukushima's worth of juice.

No real question. Just wanted to share my cheerful thought before the weekend.

Asked By Dan Kolbert | May 17 13
27 Answers
I have narrowed my search for fiberglass triple-glazed windows to Fibertec and Thermotech — seeking comments about these two

I am building an Energy Star certified home with fiberglass, triple glazed, low e casement windows and slider/patio doors in Connecticut. I prefer using a Canadian company because of their expertise with fiberglass, triple glazed windows and sliders. I must have window specifications for the Energy Star certification, preferably NFRC ratings or at least independent U, SHGC and VT value ratings. Window ratings do not seem to be diificult to acquire but slider/patio door ratings can not be provided by some manufactures for fiberglass triple glazed sliders and French doors.

Asked By JOSEPH POLAND | Jan 15 13
9 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
19 Answers
Soundproofing Bedrooms

What's the general consensus for economically soundproofing bedrooms for guests/family comfort during normal daily life? I'm aware of using more than one layer of drywall, and would like to avoid this option.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for your advise,

Robert

Asked By Robert Car | Oct 15 10
3 Answers
Quickly listing neighborhood amenities by LEED category

I am working on several LEED for Homes Midrise projects which are pursuing points under LL5 Community Resources. LEED outlines several categories of resources, like:

Arts and entertainment center, Bank, Community or civic center, Convenience store, Daycare center, Fire station, etc.

Asked By Kris Knutson | May 17 13
5 Answers
Say you want a door but you also want to use it for solar gain. Is there a type of door style/material/size thats best?

I can't seem to get values for doors from manufacturers or when I do, the SHGC drops precipitously once you put the glazing in the door, e.g., Sungate 500 SHGC drops from .6 to less than .4 when put in a swinging fiberglass patio door. Of course glass size is limited to about 2 ft width, although the length is long. How I get what I need in SHGC in a south facing door. Do I change door style, size of door/glass, material, glazing brand, ? etc. Thanks

Asked By Lisa Young | May 16 13
Register for a free account and join the conversation


Get a free account and join the conversation!
Become a GBA PRO!