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The 2012 Code Encourages Risky Wall Strategies
Building codes promote “R20+R5” walls in cold climates — a recipe for mold and possible rot
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Every House Needs Roof Overhangs
Adequate roof overhangs help shade windows in hot weather and reduce the amount of rain that hits your siding, windows, and doors
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South-Facing Skylights: Threat or Menace?
Owners of sunrooms have developed a variety of ways to address their buyers’ regret
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Polyethylene Under Concrete Slabs
Does the poly vapor barrier belong above the rigid foam or below the rigid foam?
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Banish These Details From Your Plans
Some features and methods are so difficult to implement that designers might want to avoid them entirely
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How Balanced Ventilation Systems Become Exhaust-Only
Joe Nagan sends out another one of his humorous e-mails
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Universal Design
Should your house be ready to accommodate neighbors, friends, and relatives with special needs?
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Vermont House Uses Only Half a Cord of Firewood
In Ripton, Vermont, this fuel-stingy replica of Chris Corson’s Maine Passivhaus was heated last winter by a small wood stove
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New Green Building Products — May 2014
An ERV that dehumidifies, a tiny ventilation system for single rooms, a rugged ventilation baffle, a cap for recessed can lights, and a tape for XPS seams
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Earthship Hype and Earthship Reality
Should you build your house out of old tires, rammed earth, and empty cans?