The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes
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Is Air-Sealing “Mostly BS”?
Like many other owner/builders planning an energy-efficient home, RedFalcon6 is well aware that careful air-sealing is considered a cornerstone of high-performance building. But do the numbers really add up? "I…
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Does a Concrete House Make Sense?
John Downie and his wife are planning to build a house in Ontario, and instead of choosing a conventional wall system they are considering poured concrete exterior walls that are…
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Our Ancient Furnace is a Goner: Now What?
Jennifer McEachern has finally said goodbye to the original oil-fired furnace in her 1953 Connecticut ranch, and is leaping at the opportunity improve indoor air quality as she ponders a…
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How to Fix a Dangerous Deck
Mikeysp has just visited a friend's lakeside cabin and come away with serious reservations about an attached deck built over a steep embankment. Scenic, possibly, but in Mikeysp's view, a…
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Choosing a Safe Wall Assembly
Wall assemblies that are both well insulated and free of long-term moisture problems are a frequent topic for the Q&A Spotlight. Hasn't this subject been raked over enough in the…
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Solving a Basement Odor Problem
Henry has completed a basement renovation at his 1950s Toronto bungalow and is now grappling with an unexpected problem: One room of the house smells strongly of old, damp brick.…
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Heading Off Ice Dams Before They Form
Long icicles hanging from the eaves make for great ski country advertising, but ice dams that form along the lower edges of a roof may lead to damage as melting…
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Does This Roof Need More Foam?
A GBA reader named 88Clayton is insulating the attic in his house with spray foam and has run into a problem: the level of insulation recommended by contractors is at…
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What’s the Best Way to Insulate a Basement Slab?
Dave Feldman is building a new house near Boston, Massachusetts, that will have a walkout basement with a tile floor. His goal is to have the floor comfortably warm in…
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Does This Footing Need a Capillary Break?
As he works out the details for a new house, Jason Huffine has become concerned about the potential for trouble in applying a capillary break between the concrete footing and…
