Recent Q&A

• Liquid flashing advice

  I want to seal the joint between framing and foundation in my new barn build. Since I'm using Henry Blueskin as my WRB I think I'll stick with Henry products.…

• Rigid Foam Insulation Product Options for Conditioned Crawlspace

  I'm building an ADU with a conditioned crawlspace. The energy guy says I need R-20 on the walls. I've read here that I need to cover foam board insulation with…

• Insect Screen in Rainscreen

  I'm installing James Hardie Reveal which includes a perforated vent screen. This should keep larger insects from establishing a home in the rain screen cavity but I'd like to keep…

• Flat roof construction with solar panels

  I'm building a barn with a flat roof and plan to add solar panels in the not too distant futureIs EPDM or built up roofing better from a cost vs…

• Relative strength of glulams, I joists, and trusses

  I'm designing a flat roofed barn with a thin profile and need to span 40'. Which of the above options will give me the most strength and thinnest profile? Also,…

• Doubling up on cement fiberboard

  I'm planning to use smooth cement fiberboard cut in half lengthwise to create 2 x 8 panels for exterior cladding. Because it will be hard to get the furring strips…

• Direct feed from solar PV system to electric vehicle when grid tied?

  If I install a grid tie solar PV system, is there a way to charge my electric vehicle directly from the electricity I am making or am I forced to…

• Fresh air for house in very mild climate

  I'm remodelling a house on the ocean in a very mild climate where monthly average temperatures range from 60 to 76 F and monthly average humidity ranges from 61 to…

• Keeping insects out

  I'm planning to use an exterior wall assembly consisting of cement fiberboard, furring strips, housewrap, and sheathingThe cement fiberboard detail can be seen here www.wkarch.com/catalog/northbrook/My only concern is insect nesting…

• Central California remodel with concrete crawl space recommendations

  We are located next to the ocean with an average low of 40 in the winter and high of 75 in the summerThe average humidity is 70-80% throughout the yearThe…