Whole House

• Focus on Energy: Simple Airflow Test (Subscriber content)

  Simple pressure test for ductwork

   

• Vented vs. Unvented Roofs: The Great Debate (Subscriber content)

  In a perfect world, air retarders and careful insulation details would keep moisture out of the roof. But real buildings are never perfect, and venting is still the safest approach, especially in cathedral ceilings.

   

• Case Study: Roof Ventilation Retrofit (Subscriber content)

  If you’ve ever considered skimping on ventilation details, think again. This moisture-damaged roof system is an extreme case, but it teaches an important lesson about doing the job right the first time.

   

• Adding Ventilation to Forced-Air Heat (Subscriber content)

  Mechanical ventilation doesn’t have to be expensive and complicated. This simple system has dried up moisture problems for one builder.

   

• Q&A: Roof Venting Basics

  Q: Here in the West, we often build with exposed rafter tails. For attic roof vents, we typically drill three 1 1/2-inch holes through every other soffit block, and install ridge vents. Is this enough ventilation?

   

• Q&A: Safer Treated Wood

  Q: Clients have been asking us about ACQ, a new pressure-treated wood that is supposed to be "nontoxic." Does this product pose fewer hazards than CCA lumber? How does the new product perform?

   

• Heating With Sealed Combustion (Subscriber content)

  In a tight house, kitchen and bath exhaust fans can interfere with the natural draft of chimney-vented heating equipment. An energy expert explains how power vents and combustion air supply ducts can solve the problem.

   

• Are Your Houses Too Tight? (Subscriber content)

  Tight construction is now standard practice, and though it makes the house more energy-efficient, it can create serious indoor air quality problems. Three energy specialists team up to explain how to test for tightness and improve ventilation.

   

• Water in the Walls -- Three Case Studies (Subscriber content)

  Whether it comes from green framing lumber or household sources, moisture trapped in wall cavities can cause major headaches. These real-life cases illustrate the expensive consequences of failing to get water out of the walls.

   

• Focus On Energy: Blower Door Basics (Subscriber content)

  Testing for tightness with blower doors