Recent Q&A

• Minisplit Condenser Efficiency

  I am looking for some guidance on mini-split condenser efficiency. I have calculated cooling loads for my home (accounting for elevation derating), for the heads shown below. 3 of the…

• Cathedral ceiling insulation situation

  Hello,I need a little insulation guidance on an existing cathedral ceiling roof assembly, prior to re-roofing.I have an older home near Denver that was remodeled by the prior owner, unpermitted,…

• High relative humidity in below-grade slab and flooring

  I live in the Denver area and am remodeling the below-grade area of the house. It's slab on dirt, without capillary break (1958), about 4' below grade, and with soil…

• Spot HRV distance from openable portion of window

  I am installing some Lunos e2 Spot HRVs in a residence - they alternate between pushing and pulling of air out/in the home. Do I understand correctly that these must…

• Sealing a below-grade foundation wall penetration

  What are the current acceptable approaches to sealing pipe penetrations through a below-grade foundation wall? I've heard 1. high viscosity polyurethane 2. Low-expansion urethane foam + boot outside (fine homebuilding)…

• Exterior drainage plan feedback

  As part of my remodel of my lower level (~4' below grade, zone 5a Colorado), I found evidence of some moisture and bulk water issues, though I wouldn't say I…

• Comfortbatt/Rockwool/Roxul and temporary compressibility

  I have some framers coming tomorrow and have a basement wall being constructed inside the existing wall so as to insulate inside the stem wall. I'm planning on using rockwool…

• 这是一个vapor-permeable空气屏障吗?

  1960's home... wall construction is as shown, with face brick on the back side. Silver faced material is thin (maybe 1/8" thick). I did not notice originally, but in good…

• Air sealing sill plate while allowing permeability

  Have an older home, with the lower level 4' below grade, zone 5. Currently remodeling, sill plate sits directly on the stem wall (no gasket), which is pretty much at…

• Relatively non-toxic concrete joint filler/sealing material that will last?

  I have a failed cove joint in my below-grade level, and need to replace part of the fiber board joint material that exists between the slab and foundation wall. I…