Recent Q&A

• Would a $5,000 investment in rooftop solar make economic sense?

  I'm building an all-electric home. I am currently paying 7.22 cents per KWH. I'm poor, but could possibly budget $5,000 for solar power, if 30% of that $5,000 is returned…

• What to expect in getting a bank to finance a pretty-good house

  After reading the musings of Holladay, Dorsett, Chulpp, Lstirubek, and Risinger on green building for the past six months, I spoke at length with a builder this week. When I…

• Pros and cons of Grace Ice and Water compared to Tyvek Drainwrap

  If applying a WRB under rigid foam insulation, what are the pros and cons of using Grace Ice and Water Shield compared to Tyvek Drainwrap, in terms of protecting the…

• Interior insulation for rim joist covered with rigid exterior foam

  I plan to use R-20 exterior rigid foam. My foundation will be Superior Walls, with R-20 insulation. Should I add insulation to the interior of the rim joist in Zone…

• Exterior rigid foam and gable of unconditioned attic.

  I'm building a one-story home, with an unconditioned attic. I will be installing four inches of exterior rigid foam. Does the gable also require exterior foam? If not, what's the…

• 在外墙表面连接sense with batt insulation?

  I've read a lot about the difficulties of properly installing batt insulation. If I kept my plumbing out of exterior walls, and used surface wiring on exterior walls, would that…

• What is the best interior cavity insulation to use with rigid exterior foam insulation?

  I plan to build a one-story house in northern Ohio. My initial thought is 4 inches of exterior rigid foam, over OSB or plywood sheathing, with 2 x 6 interior…