Recent Q&A

• moisture barrier for slab foundation in CZ 2

  Concrete slab foundation in CZ 2 getting ready to be poured. Finished floor will be polished concrete. Slab consists of a grid of deep grade beams with a 6" slab.…

• Opinions on this Product?

  Current project is in CZ 2A not far from the southern edge of CZ 3. Has anyone here used Johnson Controls' Champion HL20 ASHPs? If so, I would be interested…

• Delta Maxx Titan vs GAF Deck Armor

  We are evaluating permeable roof underlayments for a project on the border of zone 2 and 3. Roof is standing seam metal installed on floating clips with an air space…

• recessed lighting

  We have continued to use traditional can light fixtures because they are cheap and reliable. There is a wide variety of bulbs available, including LED and CFL, and those continue…

• sheathing approach

  We normally run sheathing panels vertically and try to use single sheets where possible. This has worked well from an air-sealing perspective. On a current project, there is a wall with…

• MASA vs anchor bolts

  Today's footing article (//m.etiketa4.com/article/all-about-footings) was informative. Our next project will have a slab on grade foundation in central Texas. The structural engineer has provided an option to use traditional anchor bolts…

• ERV Without Bath Fans in Humid Climate

  On recent projects in the PNW (zone 4), we have connected the interior "return" side of the ERV to bathrooms, kitchen and laundry. The interior "supply" side was ducted to…

• Insulation for Standing-Seam Metal Roof in Hot Climate

  We’re in the design phase for two SFRs in central Texas between San Antonio and Austin. Sites are on the border of IECC climate zones 2 and 3. Conventional frame…

• exterior insulation in central TX

  We're in the design phase of a house in central Texas between San Antonio and Austin. The wall and roof framing will be sheathed with OSB, perhaps Zip. We would…

• HVAC planning for central TX

  We’re in the planning stages for two 4000 ft^2 SFRs in central Texas (between Austin & San Antonio). It’s a cooling-dominated hot and humid climate. Air-sealing and insulation will be…