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”
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!”
Building Science-Stack Effect
I’ve talked about the stack effect several times on this blog, but have never written a post dedicated to the subject. Stack effect is present in every home. Older, less air sealed homes (like mine) will usually have a more air exchanges due to stack effect. Continue reading “Building Science-Stack Effect”
My Cape-Exterior Work Update
It took a couple months to get the concrete steps removed from my house. Now that they are finally gone, I can concentrate on the exterior of the home. Continue reading “My Cape-Exterior Work Update”
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”
My Cape-Office Build-Out
We moved into my 1952 Cape last December. Winter was upon us, no time or desire to start any of the major renovation and energy updates I have planned. My office was moved temporarily into the extra basement bedroom with a plan to build-out a new office adjacent to the bedroom. Continue reading “My Cape-Office Build-Out”
Building Science-What does an air leak look like?
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?”
Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update
This is a recent Instagram post, an update to the AeroBarrier blog I posted back in September. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update”
The Energy Audit-My Moisture on Window Question
One of the questions I always ask while conducting an energy audit or assessment is if there is a build-up of frost or water vapor on any of the windows during the heating season. Usually, the answer is no. But I do occasionally get a yes, what is this piece of information telling me? Continue reading “The Energy Audit-My Moisture on Window Question”
Construction Materials-Spray Foam
Expanding spray foam is a two-part chemical process involving isocyanate and poly resin, which when combined in the right mixture will expand 30 to 60 times it’s liquid volume. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Spray Foam”