Recent Q&A

• Elevated floor on piers over dune – Zone 5A

  Hi All:Any thoughts on an elevated first floor assembly which:- minimizes height from grade (sand) to first floor finish floor;- maintains 24" clear between grade an underside of floor;- minimizes…

• Ideas needed: Sub-slab sewage ejector vs. airtight construction

  We are planning a new home (Zone 5) on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Orientation, extensive shallow ledge and southward sloping topography suggest a south-facing lower level (walkout, finished basement) and the…

• Triple-glazed fiberglass windows – Zone 5A

  What options exist presently for affordable triple-glazed fiberglass windows in New England? I like the wood interior of Integrity, but wonder if anybody has found windows that hit a sweet…

• Adding R-value to existing attic – Zone 5A

  I am looking for suggestions to add R-value to the roof insulation in the single room occupancy apartment building shown in the attached photos. Prior to my site visit, I…

• Cellulose insulation in new saltbox roof (Zone 5a coastal)

  In order to minimize Treated Floor Area, and to simply enclose a proposed house with less volume on the second floor, I plan to use a saltbox roof. Are there…

• Avoiding thermal bridge under doors at slab on grade?

  Due to extensive shallow ledge, I'm designing a slab on grade foundation for a seaside home in Massachusetts (Zone 5A). Because of gently sloping topography, neither a thickened slab edge…

• Retrofit help

  I've been asked to design an attic remodel for client's 1950's Cape on Boston's North Shore. Presently the attic is unfinished and unheated. She wants a new roof, siding and…

• Re-roof Question

  该区域,沿海leaki屋顶ng and going to be replaced via a low-interest, deferred HUD loan. (See photos). I had dreams of a Deep Energy Retrofit, but even…

• Slab on grade and plumbing penetrations

  I am looking for specific information about detailing plumbing waste lines for a slab on grade on Cape Ann (north of Boston, Zone 5A). I am concerned about sub-slab insulation,…