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

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0 Answers
Spray Foam Odor Help

Hello and thanks for looking at my post. I'm obviously new to this and am here out of desperation. I had a company install ThermoSeal closed and open cell into my home recently (last week 6/12,13,14). The closed cell has no odor but the open cell has a strong chemical odor. I've left windows open and have 3 fans going. The company put closed cell in all 2x4 framing and 2" on the roof deck then covered it with 6-8" (well thats what they said...Ive found many areas they were short or thin and they are returning to fix it) all of the 2x6 framing has the open cell.

Asked By joe k | Jun 17 13
12 Answers
Hi, I'm a new real estate agent and I would like to sell energy efficient, clean and safe homes.

I've never spoken with a builder before but would love to learn how to sell these homes. I really want to feel good about the homes that I help sell. Any advice or opinions that you give are welcome. Thanks.

Asked By Telia Rivers | Jun 16 13
11 Answers
Which Weather Resistive Barrier behind new masonry?

I'm coming up on a project involving cladding Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with a full-thickness veneer natural stone wall. So, from the outside in, it will be stone - 1" gap - WRB - 6.5" SIP panel.

Question: Which WRB is preferable?
Context: I am in northwest Ohio.

The following page on this site's Product Guide lists a number of products, but links only to manufacturers' info: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/product-guide/cat/water-resistive-ba...

Asked By Andy Chappell-Dick | Jun 11 13
20 Answers
Best fix for hot water waiting time for tankless water heaters?

We recently underwent a major remodel of our home (four stories, ~ 3200 sq ft), and in the process installed two tankless water heaters in series with a small recirculation pump. We now wait for up to two minutes for hot water in the kitchen and upstairs shower. What would be the most cost-effective and energy -efficient means of correcting this situation?

Asked By John Metcalfe | Jun 4 13
14 Answers
I have concerns about replacing fresh air to my central forced air furnace after installing exhaust fan system

Renovated the basement in my bungalow (1425 sqft). I have installed an exhaust system in the basement that has 4 vent diffusers (2 in games room, 2 in the home theater) this is powered by an inline exhaust fan (438 cfm) and ducted to the exterior of the house with 6" ductwork.

Asked By rory kennedy | Jun 12 13
2 Answers
Code requires updating windows during a siding repair?

Our condo complex recently had a major repair to one of the buildings due to water damage within an exterior wall. This required removing the brick and replacing the material behind it. The builder said he could not re-install the existing window because it was not up to current code. Can anyone confirm this as a code requirement?

Asked By Gregory Dorsey | Jun 16 13
3 Answers
Square timber cabin "efficiency update"

Have a square face (6"x6") existing chinked square timber cabin. (Much to my surprise, it had T-111 over it). Climate zone 7, dry, cold, high rocky mountains (7000ft). My original plan was to insulate/rainscreen over the exterior face, but upon peeling back the T-111 and discovering it was "solid" I am considering alternatives. ... it has a nice appeal. But, energy efficiency is a STRONG consideration. Any ideas on how to preserve the "look" on the outside and maintain a durable, efficient assembly?

Asked By Erik Lobeck | Jun 15 13
2 Answers
Building from ICF

Hi all,

I am considering building a single family home using ICF in Chicago suburbs. Can someone recommend a good and experienced contractor to do the job?

Any ideas about the cost premium over the traditional wood framing?

Thanks so much.

Sincerely

Asked By mike smith | Jun 14 13
11 Answers
Sealing/Insulating exposed ducts for evaporative cooler in Tucson AZ

I'm just getting done helping relatives move into a house outside Tucson, AZ. The house has an evaporative cooler on the roof ducted to each room. The ducts run out of the side of the evap cooler and across the roof splitting a few times and then heading down through the roof into each room. The ducts are rectangular metal ducts, sealed with mastic and then lightly painted brown.

Asked By James Howison | Jun 10 13
5 Answers
16 inch or 24 inch framing using 2 by 6

My contractor feels more comfortable building with 16 inch centers rather than using advanced framing methods.He claims the house will be stronger ...when I made the point of more insulation area between studs ,his answer was because of the outside foam panels there was no difference with thermal transfer as the studs were now insulated....any thoughts

Asked By bob holodinsky | Jun 17 13
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