The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes
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The BS* + Beer Show: Windows Part II – Installation Details
One of my favorite recent discussions on the The BS* + Beer Show followed a presentation I gave on what to look for in windows. Not only did I like…
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Getting Slab-Edge Insulation Right
Slab-on-grade perimeter insulation, or slab-edge insulation, is one of the most commonly abused construction details. When installed properly, this insulation offers significant improvements in energy efficiency and, perhaps more importantly,…
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The BS* + Beer Show: The State of the Industry
We took a poll at the beginning of last week's BS* + Beer Show and asked how people felt about the state of the residential building industry. Most people replied…
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Why Air Conditioning Vents Sweat
Back in the summer of 2005, I got a call to figure out a moisture problem in a new house. The homeowners took me into the master suite, where my…
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The BS* + Beer Show: The Wondrous World of Windows
The window and door package for a new home is often one of the most expensive product purchases we make during a build. It's always one of the most important.…
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The BS* + Beer Show: Inside the Wingnut Testing Facility (WTF)
Because we've made mistakes in the past, I like to ask the architects, engineers, and builders I interview what mistakes we may be making with the way we build houses…
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The Origin of That Humidity and Health Factors Chart
The classic chart demonstrating the importance of keeping to the middle of the relative humidity spectrum has been shown to countless attendees of classes, conference presentations, and webinars on building…
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The BS* + Beer Show: Pushing for the Win
Happy belated Independence day everyone. To celebrate the holiday a little early, we did something a bit different on the BS* + Beer Show last week. Instead of our usual…
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The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates
When designing homes in a hot climate, be sure you’re looking at the right loads. Apologies to readers if this is a bit basic, but it was one of the…
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The BS* + Beer Show: All About Advanced Framing
Advanced framing, also called optimum-value engineering, or OVE, was developed decades ago as a way of saving materials and making more energy-efficient buildings, but many designers and builders have been…
