Recent Q&A

• HVAC options for “foamed” finished attic

  I am finishing a clients large, 6 year old home's 3rd fl. The 80% efficient heating cooling system for the 2nd floor is up there. We installed 9" of .8…

• Wall section schematic help

  I have a wall section scheme from an architect that has multiple vapor retarders and i'd like to value engineer it for energy and $savings- I think there is a…

• Is this truss lift??

  http://www.flickr.com//photos/[email protected]/sets/72157629408912251/show/ The link is to images of this case. Click the "show info" upper right of slide show for captions. This production house in S.E. Pa. has a trussed roof.…

• Help with article

  I will be writing an article on an energy retrofit and wanted some feedback. Here is an article I had published in the past. I hope to get comments/criticisms of…

• Chimney problems

  A new client has hired us to solve a chronic chimney leak problem. It is a unique convergence of roof angles and chimney. they have had a new crown installed…

• Insulated roof question

  I have a cape and have torn off the roof, added eaves and overhangs, moved the thermal boundary from the knee-walls to the gable walls and now am tweaking my…

• What is the best approach to waterproofing stone foundation walls?

  We have a 100-year-old home, and are introducing exterior foundation drains to help mitigate water infiltration in basement. What is the best approach to waterproofing stone foundation walls? Spray-on products?…

• Basement block foundation wall insulation

  I have been auditing & retrofitting homes as an additional service to my remodeling company for 3 years now. My all-star insulator sadly passed away recently and I am just…

• Township Building Department & Unvented Roof Assembly

  I am a few weeks away from beginning a roofing/insulation project on a cape. I went into my local code enforcement office to pull permits and the official told me…

• Choosing the most efficient natural gas water heater

  This project involves abandoning a chimney and replacing a natural gas water heater. We were going to go solar (with condensing direct vent back up), but after realizing how efficient…