I recently tested the Code Minimum House for air tightness at the rough framing stage. We ended up where I was hoping at this first test, .55 ACH50, 140 CFM. Given the volume of the home, the leakage area is equal to approximately 15 square inches. Continue reading “Building Science-A Visual for Blower Door Testing”
Building Science-Custom Shower
Wait…What? Building science and a custom shower? Yep! As some of you may know from my Instagram feed, I can’t stay busy doing energy audit, assessments and building diagnostics or residential energy design in my area. Continue reading “Building Science-Custom Shower”
Building Science-Resources
A few months ago on Instagram, I posted my favorite resources. I spend about an hour every morning looking at several websites and Instagram feeds to see what’s new and hopefully gain knowledge. Continue reading “Building Science-Resources”
Building Science-Stack Effect
I’ve talked about the stack effect several times on this blog, but have never written a post dedicated to the subject. Stack effect is present in every home. Older, less air sealed homes (like mine) will usually have a more air exchanges due to stack effect. Continue reading “Building Science-Stack Effect”
Building Science-Ghosting
Indoor air quality can effect a lot of things, of course the biggest is people’s health. How do you know if you have poor indoor air quality? One possible indicator is a phenomenon known as ghosting. Continue reading “Building Science-Ghosting”
Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 1
Today, I’m starting a 2 part series on how I plan on fixing the ice damming on the roof of my 1952 Cape. This first part is going to show photos of my neighborhood, which has many houses suffering from the same condition as mine. Continue reading “Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 1”
Building Science-What does an air leak look like?
The past few weeks I’ve been discussing air leaks and the need for fresh air in our homes. (It’s best if your fresh air doesn’t come from uncontrolled air leaks.) This week we will see what an air leak looks like and what can be an outcome of these leaks. Continue reading “Building Science-What does an air leak look like?”
Building Science-Air Changes
My last posting I talked about air changes at 50 Pascals (ACH50) and air changes natural (ACHnat). This week I’m going to discuss how much fresh air a home needs in a northern climate and a couple of the codes Minnesota has in force that work well. One of these codes, the requirement for balanced ventilation, helps add durability to our structures. Continue reading “Building Science-Air Changes”
Building Science-ACH50/ACHnat
I’ve written several times on this blog about the importance of blower door testing in new construction or during some remodels. In this blog posting I would like to dive deeper into air changes per hour at 50 Pascals and air changes per hour natural. Continue reading “Building Science-ACH50/ACHnat”
Building Science-Continuing Education
In a few weeks, I will be teaching my first building science class during a continuing education contractor expo in my area. Continue reading “Building Science-Continuing Education”