Lately there have been some questions on just when should I or how early can I do a Blower Door Test. This is also referred to as an air leakage or envelope leakage test (aka as the second part of the DET code mandated testing). This is quickly followed up by what do I need […]
My Take: Location, Location, Location
Location, location, location is not only the mantra of the real estate market; it also applies to building an efficient, safe & durable building. Recently we had this comment come up in regards to our piece on Exterior Sheathing (edited for space & readability): I am building a small wood framed home in the Philippines. We have […]
Tiny Homes: Things to Consider
With todays hustle & bustle, I can see the allure for many for downsizing & jumping on the “Tiny Home” craze. While many might consider this a new movement, there have been versions of it before, along with many lessons one can learn from them. Having worked on many of these why not take a […]
Getting the details right: Door & window openings (interior)
When buying new doors & windows (for either new or remodeling) most manufacturers generally require a rough opening size 1/2″ larger than the actual unit size. This requirement is just in case things are not perfectly square or plumb. So how should one finish it off after the unit is installed (fiberglass / foam/ who […]
BS4D: Breathing & Drying Out- two most overused terms
On the good news front it appears that the “but my house needs to breathe” argument is finally dead for most… Unfortunately though, a new “the wall assembly needs to breathe” &/or “dry out” are now becoming vogue. Shoot I am even guilty of using the term in the DER (Deep Energy Retrofit) Conversation piece I […]
BS4D: Redlining plans
Just what is a “redline?” Well yesterday Bob Borson wrote a great piece on Architectural Redlines (which included some great pictures like this one) and how they should be used. One of his comments about “making them bleed” got the wheels spinning as the fact is most people only know about the redlines that the […]
Getting the details right: More than 1 way to skin a cat
No one talks about Building Fight Club… to late we have busted that rule a few times over the years. Interestingly one almost broke out on Wednesday between two parties whom I would least expect it from. It all started with this piece on Green Building Advisor by Allison Bailes – “What Architects need to […]
4 New Advanced Framing Options?
Recently the NAHB Research Center (now known as Home Innovation Research Labs) in conjunction with DOE’s Challenge America Program released a new paper touting three new “Advanced Framing Techniques”. As you may recall I have pointed out multiple issues with OVE / Advanced Framing & actually promote using OFT or Optimized Framing Techniques. With that, I was interested in what […]
Common Sense Building: Stop termites & critters in their tracks
With all the damage that termites are known for, it is amazing how silent many of the green / energy efficient programs are on them. Granted both LEED (points for use of non-toxic pest control) and NGBS (use a shield in conjunction with a low-toxicity spray) mention them, but finding detailed drawings, best practices…. yeah, […]
BS4D: The Fire Sprinklers & Air Barrier conundrum
Ahh the dreaded question, just how does one comply with the codes when they conflict with each other? In this case how does one install fire sprinklers, while keeping them in conditioned space so they don’t freeze while ensuring that insulation stays in continuous contact with the air-barrier? Well what happens in most cases is you sweet […]