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Q&A Spotlight The desire for exterior insulation is complicated by overhangs and bay windows By Chuck Bickford | November 3, 2025 An exterior overhang is only one complication on the path to a deep energy retrofit. The term deep energy retrofit (DER) can make even the most seasoned homeowners or contractors nervous. It’s an ambitious […]
Hi Everyone, I’m starting design and builder interviews for a custom home in Oakland County, MI (Climate Zone 5A) — a 1-acre clearing on a heavily wooded 15-acre parcel. The goal is to build about 25 % better than current code following Pretty Good House principles: comfort, durability, reasonable cost, and solid building science rather […]
An excerpt from a Fine Homebuilding article states: Two-story homes usually have another ring of rim joists above the first-floor ceiling. If you need to insulate these rim joists, it’s best to hire a cellulose-insulation contractor. Does anyone know why this is? What’s a good alternative to insulating a 2nd story rim joists? Currently have […]
I’m building an addition on my house, on top of a concrete slab. The general plan is to use 3.5″ xps, 3/4″ osb, then hardwood flooring. I’m building a frame around the xps with 2×4 pt lumber on edge, anchored to the pillars and the existing house. The entire area being enclosed is about 20′ […]
Join the leading community of building science experts Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field. Start free trial Replies climbing_carpenter | Nov 01, 2025 11:47am | #1 While there are methods to execute this assembly successfully, most here would advise […]
