Use a dehumidifier
Dryer air lowers the need for air conditioning. A dehumidifier makes air seem cooler, so AC settings can be bumped up or smaller equipment can be installed. A central cooling system's capacity to...
View ArticleChoose high-efficiency T8 fluorescent lamps
Good light at low operating costs T8 fluorescent lamps are extremely efficient. They can produce a wide variety of casts of light ("color temperatures") and are capable of producing very good color...
View ArticleUpgrade existing concrete basement floors
A high-performing, concrete basement floor successfully manages bulk and capillaryForces that lift water or pull it through porous materials, such as concrete. The tendency of a material to wick water...
View ArticleManage Basement Moisture on The Outside First
A dry, comfortable basement begins on the outside with a well-functioning foundation wall. It is well-drained, damp proofed, insulated, and durable. To keep out as much water as possible you must first...
View ArticleRemove organic waste from walls and crawl spaces
Don't leave wood chips or sawdust in wall cavities or crawl spaces. This organic matter can promote mold growth. Decomposing wood also can attract termites and carpenter ants.Further ResourcesBuilding...
View ArticleIf you must ventilate during construction, change HVAC filters often.
During construction (renovation or new construction), building air is full of dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCsVolatile organic compound. An organic compound that evaporates readily into the...
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Basements
Full Basements Should Be Insulated and Protected From Water Bird's eye view Key Materials Design Notes Builder Tips The Code Green basements are comfortable and healthyMost basements have dampproofing...
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The Stay-Dry, No-Mold Finished Basement
When you remodel a basement, moisture mattersread more
View ArticleGreen Remodeling is a Process of Discipline and Discovery
When you're talking about building and remodeling three words should be part of the conversation: Green, smart, and quality. Some parts are up to consumers, some are up to us. We guide the discovery...
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Direct-Gain Passive Solar Heating
Subtitle: A way to heat a house without combustion, electricity, or moving parts Images: Over the past two weeks I've written about two relatively obscure passive solar heating strategies: isolated...
View ArticleWall section retrofit // interior perimeter drain // radon vent // 1" rigid...
9-00033 Wall section retrofit // interior perimeter drain // radon vent // 1" rigid interior insulation imageRadon remediation fanInterior drainage mats for retrofitting existing basementsRadon...
View ArticleMechanically fastened subfloor over 1" rigid insulation
9-00017 Mechanically fastened subfloor over 1" rigid insulation imageTape all joints between rigid foam sheetsWhat to do if your existing basement slab is wetRigid insulation - choosing between EPS -...
View ArticleConceptual air sealing strategy at foundation / mudsill
5-02010 Conceptual air sealing strategy at foundation / mudsill imageTermite flashing at mudsillFinished grade slopes away from buildingContinuous Air BarriersFoundations - Overview
View ArticleRetrofit for Radon Vent
1-00402 Sub slab radon vent // retrofit at dirt floor imageTermite flashing at mudsillRadon remediation fanRadon remediation systemSealing joints in polyethylene ground coverFinished grade slopes away...
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Inground Gutters
Inground Gutters Keep Water Away from the Basement Bird's-Eye View Key Materials Design Notes Builder Tips The Code Inground gutters pitch water away from the houseWhether they're called an underground...
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