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1 Answer

Wall Cavity Insulation

I am adding a bathroom in a Cold zone (Rochester, NY) and will have a tiled shower that has 2 exterior 2"x4" walls. Planning to do 1.5 inch foil faced rigid polyisocyanurate sheets on the exterior of the studs and vinyl siding over that. There appears to be many opinions on how to insulate the cavities. It is a small area so some say just add more sheets of the foil faced polyiso in the cavities and foam seal them. Others say just use unfaced fiberglass batts in the cavities. The shower area will then have Hardiebacker cement board over the studs.

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By John | Jul 14 10

6 Answers

High Density Cellulose Insulation Drying Time

I've sprayed a wet mix high density cellulose in my stud bays http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgUZmJMwcuo
The weather here in the NW has been good...http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.60431120244565&lon=-122.32589721679687&site=sew&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

How long do I need to wait before drywall?

Even then, because of the 2x6 stud bay, I'm skeptical it will be completely dry. My exterior sheathing is plywood, typar and hardi planks with 1/2 drywall interior. Will I have problems if some moisture is in the cellulose?

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By Frank | Jul 14 10

3 Answers

Stone cladding fasteners through 2" of XPS foam?

Anyone have any techniques for fastening of stone claddings through thick insulated foam sheathings (2" and greater)? Would like to keep the thermal bridging of these fasteners to a minimum.

FYI: Exterior walls framed both at 16 and 24" OC, and fully sheathed with structural OSB or Plywood. Also building in an area with heavy seismic and wind loads.

In Green building techniques | Asked By Brett Moyer | Jul 14 10

12 Answers

LEED for Homes vs NGBS comparison

I just read an article on BuildingGreen.com (http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2010/6/29/NAHB-and-LEED-fo...) about a study the AIA-Cincinnati published comparing LEED for Homes vs NGBS. The results, for the most part were consistent with findings many of us working with both programs have found over the years; however, I would like to know if this same report found that the LEED for Homes green levels are not tied down to a minimum Energy Efficiency or HERS rating.

In General questions | Asked By Armando Cobo | Jul 13 10

0 Answers

interior storms

Has anyone seen any comparisons of interior storm windows, does anyone have strong feelings about any particular brands?

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By Will Goodwin | Jul 13 10

11 Answers

Irish Magazines article on Green Building

The green products and materials area is not one I am too familiar with at the moment. I have never invested enough time or energy I suppose in reading about the products, or the projects completed with the techniques of a green builder. Lately, I decided to gain a basic introduction from a source, I know has worked down through the years to combine together concepts of energy conservation and green, natural materials in construction. Sometimes, the too concepts are separated from one another. It feels a bit 'either or'.

In Green products and materials | Asked By Brian O' Hanlon | Jul 10 10

7 Answers

I'm thinking of building attached townhouses in NYC (3 or 4 floors).

My foundation will probably be a matt foundation. I am trying to meet passive house standards. What is the best way to create a thermal break between the ground and the matt. I'm concerned. I would love to see some form of database of components, assemblies and appropriate products for Passivhaus construction.

In PassivHaus | Asked By Marshall | Nov 11 09

4 Answers

Is it better to build a two story house on a slab or to put a basement in the ground and a main floor on top?

I'm wanting to know from a construction cost and heating cost perspective. I like in eastern Canada.

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By Kent Sheen | Jul 9 10

1 Answer

What type of problems can you run into when pumping cellulose into attic spaces -- specifically around air conditioning units?

i work for a green building company and lately customers been having problems with their air conditioning units. And one is even saying that they are having trouble breathing and believe that the cellulose is the cause.

In Green building techniques | Asked By ronald miller | Jul 12 10

1 Answer

Does anyone have any experience with "SLIM JIM" lake plate exchangers?

I am building a new floating home in the Fraser River in BC. I have a plan to install a Geothermal closed loop heating and cooling system that will utilize (2) 2 ton "Slim Jim" lake plate exchangers attached to the float below the water line. The temperature of the river historically ranges between 1 degree and 20 degrees celcius through the year.
River current should make these exchangers operate more effectively than in a typical lake or pond installation.
I wonder if anyone has any experience with these plates in a river installation (or any other for that matter)?

In Mechanicals | Asked By Jim Dorval | Jan 16 10

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