I am currently involved in a new home build working with my friend and general contractor, Strommer Home Improvements. My involvement in the build is that of the designer, tester, and laborer. Yep, I’m back swinging a hammer Continue reading “Construction Design-The Code-Minimum House-An Introduction”
Construction Design-Simple Air Sealing Strategies
I built my first home for a customer back in 2000, I’ve learned a lot since then. One of the areas I’ve learned the most is in building tightness. These days I’m working more as an energy auditor. Conducting code compliance blower door testing on new homes and conducting energy audits, some with blower door testing on older homes. I get to see where homes leak. Continue reading “Construction Design-Simple Air Sealing Strategies”
Using Building Science in the Construction of a 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 performing energy audits, energy assessments and building investigations in my area. I still do some hands-on work. A lot of the construction projects I’m involved with are custom tile work. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a customer who trusted me when I told them I could build a wood shower. This shower works because of what I’ve learned in building science.
Continue reading “Using Building Science in the Construction of a Custom Shower?”
Construction Design-Keeping Ducts Where They Belong
Ductwork in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces can create problems in all climates. Undesirable positive or negative house pressures, moisture and mold issues and increased energy costs are often the result. Continue reading “Construction Design-Keeping Ducts Where They Belong”
Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Mechanical Systems.
The concreteless slab on grade home had a lot of unique building materials and techniques, at least for my area of Northern Minnesota. The mechanicals of the home were no different. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Mechanical Systems.”
Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Roof
The concreteless slab on grade home has one level. I knew the heating system for this home was going to contain ductwork, along with other ducts for bath fans, a dryer and a kitchen range hood. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Roof”
Construction Design-Attached Heated Garage
I consider the attached, heated garage a luxury item. I used to have one, it was nice not having to scrape ice or clean snow off my vehicles. Having a warm car when it’s below zero outside was also nice. Continue reading “Construction Design-Attached Heated Garage”
Construction Design-Heating and Cooling Systems in a Slab on Grade Home
Single level slab on grade homes are becoming more common in my area. Being in a very cold climate, choosing a heating system Continue reading “Construction Design-Heating and Cooling Systems in a Slab on Grade Home”
Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Walls
The concreteless slab on grade home was in the planning stage for over a year. One of the first conversations I had with the owners was they wanted a home that was comfortable, healthy and had low operating costs. Extra insulation and good air sealing is how we planned on accomplishing these goals. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Walls”
Construction Design-Interior Air Barrier? Exterior Air Barrier? Or Both!
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!”