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2 Answers

Load rating for 2x4 by 2x6 post

We are adding a second floor over living area, the room size is 35' x 18.5'. We have divided the room into three sections with a two support beams in middle of the 18.5' section. What would the load rating be for the post if it is made of 2- 2x4 and 2- 2x6 hollow middle?

In Mechanicals | Asked By Tim Eicher | Feb 24 15

3 Answers

Liquid-applied WRB or Ice & Water Shield?

I'm in the process of trying to choose a WRB for a PERSIST home I'm doing. I've been planning for months to use Grace Ice & Water, but recently took a class taught by Peter Yost and started to rethink my choice. What spray-on/roll-on WRB can you recommend? Which ones have you used? Which ones self-heal/seal at penetrations?

In General questions | Asked By brad hardie | Feb 24 15

9 Answers

2/12 cathedral roof replacement

Hi,

I have a shingled 2/12 roof that needs to be replaced it is a cathedral ceiling. It has no dormers or right angles to it, the size is about 40' by 20'. I am in Vermont so i have serious ice dams which i would like to minimize but heres the catch i am not looking for the 15k to 30k option. I am looking for the most reasonable balanced option under 10k. I have received a few quotes.

1. Strip roof, ice and water shield, architectual shingle ~5500k

In GBA Pro help | Asked By mark kessler | Feb 23 15

1 Answer

Flash and batt in northern Iowa

We have a new post-and-beam home. We've put in 3" of ccSPF in the walls and are thinking at adding R-13 kraft-faced batts over this in the loft. Because of the way the exterior walks are framed, there is 2" of spray foam between the interior studs and the exterior sheathing, except at the posts and beams. Is there going to be a potential moisture problem with using the faced batts?

In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked By New House | Feb 23 15

9 Answers

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation question

Hey,

I live in southern Vermont and am starting to build my home this summer. I'd like to build a FPSF and I am also planning on doing the build over a couple summers, starting this summer and continuing next year.

I haven't been able to find any info out there in regards to building a FPSF and not having a finished structure over it for the winter, as I know the system relies on the homes heat to some degree to keep it from heaving.

Any one know if this will be a problem, to have the foundation in place over winter without a house on it?

Thanks,

Moses

In General questions | Asked By Moses Draper | Feb 18 15

4 Answers

Old house, ice dam resolution

Hello There,

I have read with great interest many of articles and conversation with fellow readers. Here is a brief description of my situation.

I own half of a 1891 ballooned-framed duplex located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The building has a low slope roof with parapet front and side walls, and drainage in the back into gutter. Since it was built, the house has suffered from ice dams. In fact, when I purchased the house two years ago and performed renovation, the back side framing lumber had significant rot.

In Green building techniques | Asked By Sonia Yau | Feb 22 15

8 Answers

XPS or PVC under base plate

I'm looking to start framing in our basement. The house is 15 years old, and did have some water leakage (some small puddles could form during big rains... We had crack injections done this fall to alleviate the issue), but no flooding yet (knock on wood).

I thought I read somewhere that you could use XPS insulation to put under the base plate of the wall. It seems like a good idea (a 1" insurance policy should the basement begin to flood).

In Green building techniques | Asked By Andrew Wayland | Feb 22 15

6 Answers

Dipping a big toe in solar

I was wondering if there was a good guesstimate tool for helping to figure out "how much Solar I need"?

I am thinking about adding Solar to a spec. house and was interested in Solar since the price point has dropped so much. I will be doing the panel install myself with my crew and have the electrician wire it up.

In General questions | Asked By leo kloop | Feb 20 15

11 Answers

What is the best sealant to use for airsealing?

I know I want seal as many air paths as possible. Is there one particular sealant that works best for things like drywall to studs, spaces between double studs, rigid foam to studs and PE film?

In PassivHaus | Asked By Donald Lintner | Jul 28 09

12 Answers

EPS or polyiso? Layered, taped seams?

I have found a supplier for EPS (plain EPS, no coatings) or Polyiso (foil faced on one side, white non-reflective on the other side)

1.) The polyiso is double the price. However, it is effectively better at insulating to my knowledge. I assume it should be my pick?

2.) I don't want to use more than 2" of foam on the exterior. With either product, I believe it will be advantageous to layer two 1" thick pieces with staggered joints. If I don't have the time I will simply buy the 2" thick and call that good.

In Green products and materials | Asked By Nicholas C | Feb 22 15

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