Recent Q&A

• Why is my canned spray foam product inconsistent?

  I'm using Great Stuff Pro spray foam (windows & doors, as well as gaps and cracks) with the Pro 14 gun, and I keep getting the same problem occur. The…

• Should I use a poly-type Membrain sheet or vapor retarder paint for ceiling?

  I'm at a crossroads with how to deal with the ceiling vapor retarder in my new construction home in climate zone 5. I'm prepping for drywall, and am wondering if…

• Should I revisit my insulation strategy? Insulation company told me to cut out the mid-wall smart vapor barrier

  I recently had the largest insulation company in my area come out to my new construction house to quote insulating the walls. They immediately told me to cut out all…

• How do I prepare for a blower door test in new construction?

  I'm interested in doing a blower door test on my new construction house. I have read some of the articles on here about blower door testing, and most appear to…

• Is it OK for cap staples to penetrate THROUGH the sheathing when attaching housewrap?

  I'm preparing to attach Tyvek house wrap to the 1/2" thick plywood wall sheathing. My newly purchased Bostitch cap stapler shoots 1" ~ 1-1/2" staples. Should I be concerned with…

• Has anybody out there used fanfold insulation as a rain screen gap material?

  I'm wondering if anyone has used 1/4" XPS fanfold insulation for a rain screen gap and if there are any downsides I should be aware of. This was one of…

• Is it a good idea to vent a bath fan exhaust out of eyebrow roof?

  I originally liked the idea of venting the bath fans out a gable end of the house in order to minimize roof penetrations on the steel roof. I did some…

• How should I address the lack of plywood boxes for my double stud wall rough openings?

  Blame it on lack of clarity on my part, but when my framer built my double stud walls he didn't oversize the window rough openings to account for 1/2" plywood…

• What is the roof raised heel height for R-60 insulation value?

  What is a typical heel height to achieve R60 insulation value? Wondering opinions on a somewhat standard height that I can tell my truss manufacturer. And what type of insulation…

• What is the best way to attach the sub-slab vapor barrier to the walls?

  In regards to laying the 6 mil poly vapor barrier down prior to pouring the concrete slab... Should the poly wrap up the side walls higher than the concrete floor…