-
Open-Cell Spray Foam and Damp Roof Sheathing
When open-cell spray foam insulation is installed on the underside of OSB roof sheathing, the sheathing sometimes gets damp
-
Stupid Energy-Saving Tips
Martin’s roundup of ill-conceived internet advice
-
Casey Makes a Bet
Martin’s fifth annual Christmas parody
-
Insulation for Cold Climates
Although extruded polystyrene (XPS) is rated at R-5 per inch, it performs better than R-6 polyiso in cold temperatures
-
All About Attic Venting
We vent attics for four reasons, and all four goals can be better achieved by adopting measures other than attic venting
-
The Klingenberg Wall
To build a high-R wall, Katrin Klingenberg recommends using I-joists for studs, fiberboard for exterior sheathing, and interior OSB as an air barrier and vapor retarder
-
Cut-and-Cobble Insulation
Does it ever make sense to cut rigid foam into strips and insert the strips between your studs or rafters?
-
All About Embodied Energy
For ordinary buildings, embodied energy isn’t very important — but what about superinsulated buildings?
-
Can Solar Power Solve the Coal Problem?
A New York Times article discusses the need to transition from a coal-based economy to a solar energy future
-
Monitoring Moisture Levels in Double-Stud Walls
Is there any evidence that double-stud walls have damp sheathing?