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?”
The Energy Assessment
This is the first time I’ve been to this home. The first time I’ve met the people living in this home. But I know a little about them. I have two years of electricity use data to form a basic impression. They use a lot of power. Even more in the winter. Continue reading “The Energy Assessment”
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”
Energy Audit-Ventilation Recommendations
I’ve been asked this question a few times. “At what point do I need to add mechanical ventilation to my home?” The answer, it depends. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Ventilation Recommendations”
Never Seen Again
When was the last time had your hair cut? Did you walk in and say I have $15, do whatever you can for that budget, or did you have something more specific in mind? Continue reading “Never Seen Again”
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.”
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”
Energy Audit-Electric Underfloor Heat
I recently conducted an energy assessment on a 25 year old home with electric underfloor heat. Back when I was working as a residential electrician, we installed several of these systems Continue reading “Energy Audit-Electric Underfloor Heat”
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”