When designing the concrete-less slab on grade home, I gave serious thought to the location of the air barrier. I have used water resistive barrier (WRB) or house wraps for years without a good understanding how they work as an air barrier. In my climate, most homes use polyethylene sheeting as an interior (and main) air barrier. As it turns out, there are better choices. Continue reading “Construction Design-Interior Air Barrier? Exterior Air Barrier? Or Both!”
Construction Design-Concrete-less Slab on Grade
Work on the concrete-less slab on grade continues. At this point in the build we are dried in with mechanicals starting soon. With this posting, I will go through constructing the unique floor system of the home. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concrete-less Slab on Grade”
Construction Design-Concrete-less Slab Foundation
A few weeks ago work began on a new home that I helped to design. I’m not the general contractor on this project, more of a consultant conducting testing and assuring the building science side of the project goes as planned. This posting will be the first of several about this build. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concrete-less Slab Foundation”
Construction Design-Attic Truss
An attic truss is a type of roof truss with an integrated living space built into its design. This truss is commonly used over garages to create a bonus room, but sometimes the space becomes bedrooms, offices, or even second living rooms. Continue reading “Construction Design-Attic Truss”
Construction Design-Why Old Homes Work
I live in an old home, nearing 70 years old. Some of it’s systems have been updated or changed. The natural gas forced air furnace is around 15 years old. The home, when it was built, probably had fuel oil Continue reading “Construction Design-Why Old Homes Work”
Construction Design-Rain Screen
When I was building full time, one of the common requests homeowners often had for me was no maintenance siding. Of course, there is no such thing as “no maintenance”, but there are some products that require less. The siding materials that require the most maintenance are wood sidings that are painted or stained. The best way to keep wood looking good and reduce how often a finish needs to be re-applied is by keeping it dry or to promote rapid drying if it should become wet. A way to promote drying is to install a rain screen, which is what this weeks blog is all about. Continue reading “Construction Design-Rain Screen”
Codes-Crystal Ball
The way we build a home is constantly changing. New codes come out every three years, new technology is evolving faster than I can keep up, and new materials help to make building a home easier. (Sometimes!) So, what are we striving for? Continue reading “Codes-Crystal Ball”
Construction Design-Solar Photovoltaic
I’ve been conducting energy audits and assessments for the past 10 years, over that time, I have had several people ask me about adding a solar system to their home. Does it make sense installing a system in Minnesota? How about in any northern climate state? This blog will discuss the basics of photovoltaic solar. Continue reading “Construction Design-Solar Photovoltaic”
Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 2
This past winter has been one of the snowiest and coldest I can remember in my 50 years living in Minnesota. I wasn’t completely sure what to expect from the home I purchased late last fall. I know it has issues, especially with the roof air sealing and insulation. Continue reading “Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 2”
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”