The toughest details are those that have to match up with someone else's work, or those done — even done well — when energy was really cheap. These details are a collection of some common — and tough — dovetails of existing work with retrofits or additions. Bear in mind that green remodeling means creating a new operating regime that is better, not worse, than the one that may well have been working just fine before. Integration of energy efficiency, moisture management, and indoor air quality is much more important and challenging in remodeling than in new construction.

Up to 40% of a home's heat loss or gain comes through air leakage. To make matters worse, that same air almost always carries moisture with it that can condense as it cools on its way into or out of the house. Then comes mold, rot — ugliness. These details offer solutions to the most common home air leaks. Only performance testing — usually with a blower door or fog machine — can identify the leaks in your buildings, but acting on this collection will address the lion's share of air leaks in most homes.

Further Resources

Blog: Blower Door Basics

Blog: Pinpointing Leaks With a Fog Machine

Video: Blower-Door-Directed Air Sealing