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Heading Off Ice Dams Before They Form
As a roof replacement approaches, a Boston area homeowner looks for precautions against winter ice dams
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Does This Roof Need More Foam?
Spray foam contractors recommend one thing, the building inspector says another. Who's right?
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What’s the Best Way to Insulate a Basement Slab?
For new construction in the northeast, a homeowner considers XPS, EPS, and spray polyurethane foam
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Does This Footing Need a Capillary Break?
The barrier is designed to keep moisture out of the foundation walls, but the building inspector isn't convinced
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Let’s Solve This Insulation Puzzle
Looking for ways to reduce thermal bridging when continuous insulation on the building exterior isn't an option
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Does My Vent Hood Need Makeup Air?
With plans for building a tight house, a homeowner wonders whether makeup air should be provided for the kitchen hood
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My House Won’t Cool Down
Recipe for a hot house: HVAC in the attic, not enough insulation, poor duct design
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Choosing an Air Barrier and a Housewrap
If Zip System sheathing is out of the running, what's the best way to air seal the exterior of walls?
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Sanity Check on an Unvented Roof Assembly
An insulation contractor has suggested a way to save money, but the homeowner worries about the added risks of moisture accumulation
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The Framers Botched Their Job on ZIP Sheathing
Overdriven sheathing fasteners compromise structural integrity as well as the water- and air-barriers