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3 Answers
Will permeable pavers be useful over clay?

We need a new driveway and would like it to help with drainage problems. We sit at the bottom of a hill and have a big roof. The old drive slopes and has inlets and subterranean pipes to direct water from hill and downs spouts to street. The underlying soil is clay and I mean clay, as in the clay that is used to make pottery. I don't think permeable pavers would be of any use here as there is very limited percolation into the clay. Am I thinking correctly and if so what would be a good material to use to make the driveway?

Thanks

In Green building techniques | Asked By barbara matheson | Jun 18 13
3 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?

In Building Code Questions | Asked By Gregory Dorsey | Jun 16 13
14 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...

In Green products and materials | Asked By Andy Chappell-Dick | Jun 11 13
16 Answers
Make up air for 900 CFM range exhaust hood

We're designing a 3500 sq. ft. new home in Southern California, including a kitchen with a professional range that includes a BBQ grill unit. We've had one before, we used it 4-5 nights a week so it is essential for our kitchen, but they do produce a fair amount of heat and smoke when the grill is on high. So a professional exhaust hood is necessary, and the one we're installing will draft 900 CFM on its highest speed. With new construction standards (Title 24 in California), that amount of exhaust necessitates make up air.

In Mechanicals | Asked By Sean McLoughlin | Nov 8 11
6 Answers
Living Wall/Facade on Exterior Wall

Hey everyone! New here!

Wanted to see what advice I could get as far as planting a green wall on a large sun exposed exterior wall on our new home purchase. Thinking about confederate jasmine. House is located in South Carolina.

Can I get any pointers/pros/cons/advice?

Thanks!

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By Justin Goette | Jun 18 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.

In General questions | Asked By Telia Rivers | Jun 16 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?

In Energy efficiency and durability | 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.

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By rory kennedy | Jun 12 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?

In Energy efficiency and durability | 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

In General questions | Asked By mike smith | Jun 14 13
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