Journal of Light Construction (jlconline.com) published an article a few days back that presents interesting information on the diminishing returns of adding insulation. Some of you may find it interesting.…
Please see the attachment. I’m working on a double wall assembly design and I’d like people’s thoughts on two issues, air sealing and framing the double wall. My experience is…
I'm looking at common passivhaus details, which basically consist of wrapping the house in a very, very thick layer of petrochemical based insulation and I'm wondering, has anyone done a…
I'm hoping my friends and colleagues here can help me make sense of the IRC2021 roof insulation requirements."Assemblies shall have a U-value equal to or less than that specified in…
Does anybody have experience with exterior insulation of adobe masonry walls? I know that materials such as spray foams are used. But I'm considering the possibility of applying 2-4" of…
A question for builders and building science geeks - Part of achieving a good air barrier involves taping all the laps of housewrap on walls. What are the pros &…
I understand that sustainably harvested western red cedar shingles and shakes are a very low environmental impact choice for walls and roofs. However the articles I've seen on the subject…
I saw an article by Steve Easley about changes coming in the 2021 IRC for wall insulation and I'm wondering about what current options are going out the window. Any…
I'm looking at a slab on grade, using frost protected shallow foundation design and have a concern about incorporating radiant floor heat. IRC 2015 Figure R403.3(1) shows a frost protected…
Recent Q&A
Diminishing Returns of Added Insulation
Journal of Light Construction (jlconline.com) published an article a few days back that presents interesting information on the diminishing returns of adding insulation. Some of you may find it interesting.…
Best plane for air barrier in a double wall, and easiest way to frame said wall
Please see the attachment. I’m working on a double wall assembly design and I’d like people’s thoughts on two issues, air sealing and framing the double wall. My experience is…
How green is passivhaus?
I'm looking at common passivhaus details, which basically consist of wrapping the house in a very, very thick layer of petrochemical based insulation and I'm wondering, has anyone done a…
Trying to make sense of IRC2021 roof insulation requirements
I'm hoping my friends and colleagues here can help me make sense of the IRC2021 roof insulation requirements."Assemblies shall have a U-value equal to or less than that specified in…
Exterior Insulation for Adobe Masonry Walls
Does anybody have experience with exterior insulation of adobe masonry walls? I know that materials such as spray foams are used. But I'm considering the possibility of applying 2-4" of…
Taping sheathing vs housewrap – which do you prefer and why?
A question for builders and building science geeks - Part of achieving a good air barrier involves taping all the laps of housewrap on walls. What are the pros &…
Treated cedar shingle/shake life cycle assessment
I understand that sustainably harvested western red cedar shingles and shakes are a very low environmental impact choice for walls and roofs. However the articles I've seen on the subject…
Exterior foam wall sheathing vs flash & batt
I saw an article by Steve Easley about changes coming in the 2021 IRC for wall insulation and I'm wondering about what current options are going out the window. Any…
Frost-protected slab on grade with radiant floor heat
I'm looking at a slab on grade, using frost protected shallow foundation design and have a concern about incorporating radiant floor heat. IRC 2015 Figure R403.3(1) shows a frost protected…