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7 Answers

Wall mount bath fan pros/cons

Who has experience with installing and assessing wall mount bath fans? It would seem they have some advantages over ceiling mount especially in our cold climate here in Minnesota but I have no experience with them. First, I like that there will be zero ductwork to slow the air flow, allow leakage into an attic space that is hard to reach (yes, those insulated plastic-flex-ducts and the taped connections have the risk of leaking warm/moist air into our frigid attics), and there is one less penetration on the roof (arguably the most crucial membrane on the house for minimizing holes).

In GBA Pro help | Asked By Robert Alf | Apr 12 10

4 Answers

Reusing beveled cedar siding

I have a few thousand ft of reclaimed beveled cedar I am planning to put on my new home construction.

The issue is while spraying deck stain/sealer on the back to seal it before install and eventually paint.....I am finding some of the pieces have some dry rot and some have a little mold (on the front, back or both).The wood has been covered and stored outside for a couple of years.

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By j eaton | Apr 8 10

23 Answers

Open fire in a tight house ?

My better half has absorbed the logic of "build tight, ventilate right" but still has a hankering for an open wood fire in the living room. Is there any hope of this or are we just going to need lots of garden bonfires to smell woodsmoke ? BTW it's not just the smell but the sound...

In General questions | Asked By Interested Onlooker | Apr 6 10

6 Answers

How to choose closed cell spray on insulation

My building is 800 SF timber-framed with ship-lapped sheathing on walls and ceiling. The insulation will go over the sheathing, then the metal roof and siding. The space for the insulation is made with engineered joists 24" apart. They will support the roofing and siding.

I need to decide whether to choose the contractor using Bio-based 1701 or the one with Corbond, both closed cell spray on insulation. I think they are comparable in R value, but I can't tell whether they are equally benign environmentally.

In Green products and materials | Asked By Betsy Calhoun | Apr 1 10

3 Answers

Forced Air from Ceiling

We are designing an energy efficient house, (1700SQFT), which wil be airtight and well insulated. The house is single story with no basement, (slab on grade), in order to make use of passive solar. The heating system is forced air so we will have to run all the ductwork above a drop ceiling, but within the house envelope. My question is will the house be just as comfortable if the supply air is blown down from the ceiling?

In Mechanicals | Asked By Peter Schonherr | Apr 9 10

4 Answers

EPA "Lead-Safe" Mandated Certification

While we would all recognize the health and environmental dangers of lead, is the new EPA mandate for training, certification, registration and reporting for renovation, repair & painting contractors (with $32,500 fines for non-compliance) helpful in the reduction of unintentional lead poisoning, necessary in order to meet this goal, or simply another unfunded mandate and government intrusion into the lives and working habits of Americans? Is it reasonable that sole proprietor small-scale contractors are treated the same as large corporate renovation companies?

In General questions | Asked By Robert Riversong | Apr 4 10

16 Answers

What's causing this brick to deteriorate?

This photo shows a section about 3 ft. up from the ground of a brick column in the middle of the basement of my 1870s home.

In General questions | Asked By Chris Ermides | Mar 19 10

5 Answers

How do HardiPlank and galvanized siding compare?

Trying to decide between siding options for my house. Which is more energy-friendly?

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By Roque | Apr 6 10

8 Answers

Open Cell v Closed Cell

Several months ago, Martin and Robert Riversong helped me to think through my options on a new home that we have under construction. The discussion centered on the idea that I have made some compromises, for budget and other reasons, which meant that I will be installing code minimum insulation and will not be addressing thermal bridging. With this in mind, I think that my use of foam, either closed cell or open, will be primarily driven by preventing air infiltration.

In Green building techniques | Asked By Al Charbonneau | Apr 5 10

3 Answers

What are your thoughts on renovating an existing home vs building a new home?

I've read many articles that favor renovating an existing home using sustainable design/build practices over building a new eco-friendly home. The carbon footprint is the word of the times. As a designer I'm not sure if I agree 100% with this concept. Renovating brings up many issues: such as dealing with removal and disposal of lead paint,,asphalt, asbestos and other hazardous materials found in existing homes. Where do all these construction materials end up - in land fills that destroy our environment? Is this a better option?

In General questions | Asked By Maria Hars | Apr 6 10

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