Guess what? I just won the lottery! (Not really, but for the purpose of this blog, let’s pretend.) I’m looking to build myself a new home. I have choices. I could build a McMansion with plenty of space I don’t need and will never use. I could concentrate only on the interior finishes and how the house looks. If you’ve ever read my blog, you already know what direction I’ll take. The house won’t be big, a couple thousand square feet is plenty for me, maybe a rambler with a second story over part of it built on a slab, no basement or crawlspace. Being a BS* guy, I would make an invest in the stuff that is hidden, those pesky control layers I often talk about. It would be based on the Pretty Good House concept. Continue reading “Construction Design-Randy’s Dream Design”
Building Science-A Visual for Blower Door Testing
I recently tested the Code Minimum House for air tightness at the rough framing stage. We ended up where I was hoping at this first test, .55 ACH50, 140 CFM. Given the volume of the home, the leakage area is equal to approximately 15 square inches. Continue reading “Building Science-A Visual for Blower Door Testing”
Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Framing
In my last posting about the Code Minimum House, I talked about how the foundation was constructed. Next up, the framing. This home is being built with a small budget. To keep costs in line, Continue reading “Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Framing”
My Cape-Window Installation
It’s been a while since I last posted about my home. Exterior work continues…north and west siding is complete and I’ve started work on the back yard Continue reading “My Cape-Window Installation”
Construction Design-The Code-Minimum House-An Introduction
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”
Energy Audit-Comparing a Great Blower Door Test to a Code Minimum Test
I recently blower door tested the tightest new home I have tested to date. .82 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (ACH50), nearly one-quarter of the code required 3 ACH50 requirement. After the test, the builder and I decided to open a window to see how much additional leakage it would take to get the home to the code minimum 3. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Comparing a Great Blower Door Test to a Code Minimum Test”
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”
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”