Energy Efficiency and Durability
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Insulated Mudsill – Expanded PVC, and Drying Potential
I am building a superinsulated house in northeastern Europe. Construction is something between a double-stud wall and Larsen truss wall. Interior wall being structural, 2x6 stud equivalent, exterior wall 2x3…
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Is my basement actually a crawl space and should I treat it as such?
As part of the complete renovation to my century-old, balloon-frame house in Atlantic Canada (zone 6), I think I should encapsulate, insulate, and condition my basement / crawl space. I…
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Window Head Flashing on a Buck with Rockwool CI
We are trying to figure out how to handle the waterproofing details on a flangeless window that will be set in a plywood window buck on a house that has…
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Zone 3 Crawlspace Modifications
A little context...my home is a 1 story single family residence, built in 1957 (conventionally framed) located in Carlsbad, CA (Zone 3). 1350 sq ft. Post and beam foundation (approx…
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3M Tape for Air Sealing Drywall
I'm doing my best to build my own energy efficient house (CZ 3A , almost on the border with 2a) while staying budget-conscious. I initially thought I would hang the…
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Should I be concerned about thermal bridging/moisture at walkout or interior concrete column footings
I posted an earlier question about this detail, but it was specific to the type of foam to use. Since the post some aspects of the design have changed since…
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Insulating parallel chord rafters
We are building a PGH in climate zone 6. The 13:12 cathedral roof is composed of a metal roof, ice and water shield, 1 1/2" vented cavity, 16" parallel chord…
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Unvented Attic with Trusses (New Build)
I’m trying to figure out the best way to do my attic insulation. I’m in northern Alabama, climate zone 3a. I want an unvented attic because my HVAC air handler…
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Multi split ?
Hi, I have a 1500 sq ft house in zone 4 ( close to DC). I currently have a gas furnace and AC which is a downdraft and my ductwork…
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Why are CMUs ( Concrete masonry unit, aka block wall ) bad for basments?
I see lots of references as to ICF being superior to CMU basements, but not a lot on *why* that is so. My potential builder is much more familiar with…