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”
Building Science-Heat Movement in Pictures
I’ve talked a few times on this blog about how a home can lose heat in a cold climate. Thermodynamics tells us heat moves from a warm space to a cold one by one of three methods; convection, conduction or radiation. This blog is going to show visually how a structure loses heat by way of several thermal images photographs. Continue reading “Building Science-Heat Movement in Pictures”
Construction Design-Flood Prevention
Last summer I was working on a remodeling project when a water line connected to a water treatment system under a kitchen sink decided to come loose. I had just completed 3 weeks of work in the basement area directly under the kitchen, the resulting water damage erased 2 of the 3 weeks. All this happened over the July 4 week, as a matter of fact, I was enjoying the day fishing when I found out about the damage, holiday ruined. Continue reading “Construction Design-Flood Prevention”
My Cape-First Job
I closed on the 1952 Cape on December 10, 2018. It’s now my home. I have several projects planned for the home over the next 5 years or so, meaning it will probably take closer to 10. My plan is to detail each major project with at least one blog post. Continue reading “My Cape-First Job”
Construction Design-Comfort
Comfort is a word that gets used a lot to describe how your body feels. When used in the building industry, I often relate it to temperature and humidity. Lately, I’ve realized it can be much more. Though I’m just discovering this concept, others have known about it for a long time. This week’s blog is all about being comfortable. Continue reading “Construction Design-Comfort”
Construction Design-Zero Energy, Step Two
One day, not too far in the future, every new home will be constructed to a zero-energy standard. This is just my opinion, but a look at the current codes, especially the energy codes, and we see things moving in that direction. Continue reading “Construction Design-Zero Energy, Step Two”
Construction Design-Zero Energy, Step One
What if you could build a home that could produce as much energy as it consumes. Think that technology is off in the future? There are homes being built today that are producing more energy than they need, and they aren’t that much different than any other home being built. Continue reading “Construction Design-Zero Energy, Step One”