Back from IBS, as always, what a great show. This was my fourth time attending, I always learn something new, get the chance to meet new people, and catch up with old friends. This year was no different.
Shorts-Tape Test, Part 2
A few days ago, I posted a test about the cold weather application of construction tapes. A few of the tapes performed well, but most I expected more from. Many of these tapes aren’t cheap, some are downright expensive. I thought a second, quick test was needed at a more normal application temperature (68°F) compared to installations in cold weather. Here’s what I found.
Construction Materials-Construction Tapes-Cold Weather Testing
In 1845, a surgeon figured out if he used a little adhesive on a piece of cloth, a “bandage” could be used for wound care, the first tape was invented. Through the 1900’s, the evolution of tapes continued. 1925 saw the development of masking tape used in painting. In the 1930’s, scotch tape was invented. This clear tape was hugely popular and had many uses. Water resistant duct tape was invented during World War II, originally designed to seal military ammunition cases. More recently, the tape evolution has exploded into the construction industry.
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Shorts-If They’re Not Asking, And You’re Not Telling, Somebody’s Assuming
I was recently teaching a continuing education class on energy code, the class was attended by about 100 general contractors. We covered a lot of information about energy and building science, one of the topics I discussed, and was hoping every contractor there would remember, was the topic; who is responsible?
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Shorts-Sliding Patio Doors in a Cold Climate
Sliding patio doors are very popular in my market. Thier large glass panels allow us to view the outside. They open and close without needing floor space and are simple to operate. But they have a dark side…
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Building Science-Ice Dams
This year seems to be a good (or bad depending on how you look at it) year for ice dam problems in my area, the intensity of ice dams seems to change year to year. I was recently on an ice dam diagnostic with an insulating contractor and a general contractor, the home was built in the early 1990’s and there is evidence there have been issues from the beginning. We spent a couple hours testing this home, I’ll get into what we found in a bit.
Construction Design-Barndominium
What is a Barndominium?
A building technique that uses the shell of a typically less expensive barn or post and frame structure to be used as a home. (Don’t confuse post and frame with timber frame.) This “house” often includes a large garage or shop space, or maybe a better description is the garage or shop area includes living quarters.
Shorts-Sub-Slab Assembly
What needs to be under a slab? Well, it kind of depends. Is the slab for a home or an accessory building? Is there heat in the slab? Is there a radon requirement? This quick post is all about what I like to see included under a slab and the reasoning behind the sequencing.
Building Science-Existing Construction Improvements
This three-part series first appeared on the Green Building Advisor website and has been condensed into one post.
An unconditioned and uninsulated crawlspace, an unsealed and uninsulated forced air heating system, and an uncovered dirt floor, which by the way has a sewage leak. If this were your home and you wanted to make improvements, where would you start? Continue reading “Building Science-Existing Construction Improvements”
Construction Design-Performance Metrics
Most new homes built today follow the prescriptive code path for energy efficiency. Those requirements will depend on the code cycle of your area and your exact climate zone. The requirement for my area are 3, 3.33, 10, 15, 20, and 49. These are the code minimum performance numbers for different assemblies in the home. Let’s discuss each of these numbers, and then I’ll give my opinion as to where I think they should be. I’ll start with the number three and go in the order of the list. Continue reading “Construction Design-Performance Metrics”