Recent Q&A

• Cellulose Quality in 2022

  Over the last 2 years I have noticed a steep decline in quality of cellulose insulation from several manufacturers. I have attached a picture of the garbage in our machine…

• Ceiling Condensation and Dew Point

  Clate Zone 4 non marine. Client changed from wood roof to composite (dark). Condensation now forming on the entry ceilings in the summertime and growing mold. 18-20 ft ceilings. Skylight…

• Encapsulated Crawlspaces/Attics

  Often I am asked if is ok to leave the existing insulation in a crawlspace ceiling, or attic floor when encapsulating with foam insulation on the foundation or roof-deck. My…

• Effects of tapering insulation at eaves

  I am trying to quantify the effects of insulation tapering off as you get closer to the eaves. eg. R-49 in the main attic, but the final 2 ft as…

• Wet roof sheathing above open-cell spray foam

  Recently I was called in to investigate a roof failure on a 6 year old remodel job (50+ year old house). The roof sheathing was rotting from the bottom side.…

• Insulation behind stucco

  I have a customer who has requested 3" of closed cell foam in the walls of his 1920's house. He has removed all lath and plaster and exposed everything. My…

• Air infiltration through sump pit

  Ran a blower door on what should be an extremely tight home. However I am getting significant leakage through the sump pit which is essentially connected to the outside via…

• Humidity and negative pressure

  一个客户家(zone 4 non-marine) has condensation problems (summertime) on a particular HVAC duct. Upon inspection the %RH was at 60%. There is a whole house dehumidifier hooked in…

• Baffles and blocking at eaves (retrofit)

  When doing a retrofit application in an attic we typically install 2 baffles for each soffit vent, and then block off below the baffle in order to prevent insulation from…

• Modified Perfect Wall, What happens?

  When looking at Joseph Lstiburek's Perfect wall system; What happens when we change the order of some of the layers. I am looking at the Zip-R Sheathing produce which would…