Uh oh – your on the home stretch, trying to knock out this project so you can move onto another one & bam, you failed the blower door test. Unlike a normal failed inspection where you need to fix one or maybe more items that are clearly spelled out, you are now stuck trying to […]
My Take: How hard is it to hit the IECC Air Leakage Targets?
Lately as more states are looking at adopting the 2012 or 2015 codes many builders are worried about the Air Leakage aka Blower Door Test. Is it possible to hit those numbers… how hard is it… how much is it going to cost… how about smaller units like a townhouse… how can I make sure […]
FAQ: Why are my windows / walls wet or have ice on them?
It seems like every winter the question pops up – why are my windows sweating / have so much condensation on them. It seems invariably that someone pops up with change out your single pane windows with double or triple paned windows… which in many cases turns into “sounds good but I already have them and it […]
Getting the details right: Air barrier behind the shower & tubs
Table N1102 is an interesting part of the codes as much of what is required isn’t listed elsewhere in the codes & can even occasionally be contradictory to what is allowed in other sections. (i.e. all headers must be insulated while ones under 4′ can use solid 4x stock) While not a huge issue, one item […]
FAQ: Are all air leaks equal?
When it comes to air-sealing a home many people wonder if all air leaks are as important as others. For most the answer is simple – NO. Without any doubt most professionals will say that sealing the leaks up high (i.e. the attic) is the most important. Below is a form used by Maine which shows their […]
BS4D: Are “vented” cantilevers bad?
I know you have seen it, the vented panels on eaves, porches, and cantilevers. Sure we know that in most cases they are not venting anything & this was done quite simply because someone thought it looked right, or that might be the only material handy, but to be qualified as a bad thing? “Sure […]
Insulation Issue, the fix & prevention
Last Wednesday as you may recall I showed you this picture from a house that had already passed the pre-drywall inspection which any rater or inspector out there could tell you should have failed. This leads to a few questions, just how did it pass, why did it happen, what was the fix & more even more importantly […]
Getting the details right: Fully Aligned Air Barrier
Don’t you just love engineers & others that use terms like fully aligned air barriers, or in code speak require that insulation be in “substantial contact and continuous alignment with building envelope air barrier…”? I think the term many are thinking of is, clearer than mud. This is one reason why we end up with […]
BS4D: Ice Dam’s, Icicles & Attic Condensation, Oh My…
Living in Arizona, I used to love traveling up to Flagstaff especially during the winter months. One of my favorite places was the Little America as not only did they have a huge roaring fire, an awesome buffet, great Christmas light display, but some of the largest icicles I have ever seen. Ahhh if I had […]
Air Sealing: The Duct System
For many the easiest way to describe HVAC / Forced Air system is to equate it to one’s own heart. With that in mind, the duct system in one’s house is comparable to the veins & arteries in your body. The supply ducts bring nicely conditioned air to all the parts of the house that […]