Comments on: 11 Building Science Secrets Every Home Builder & Remodeler Should Know

By: Hans Eich

Hans Eich — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:21:44 +0000

Geoff Hartman: Amen to the
Geoff Hartman: Amen to the last one. I think we will still see an epic showdown in the next few years, I predict massive failures of envelopes that have been designed by so called "building science professionals"

By: Allison Bailes

Allison Bailes — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:17:13 +0000

Dale S.:
Dale S.: Indeed! Now, if only the ASHRAE 62.2 committee will come around to that point of view...

John M.: Agreed. I've made the change.

By: John Mattson

John Mattson — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 23:58:43 +0000

"Ducts systems should
"Ducts systems should NOT be in attics, especially in hot climates." Should read "Un-conditioned attics". Especially in desert areas, conditioned attics are exactly where they belong.

By: Dale Sherman

Dale Sherman — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 19:19:11 +0000

If you're planning on moving
If you're planning on moving air out of the building, plan for air moving into the building. Mechanical exhaust only doesn't exist by itself, it's always coupled with infiltration; and ideally should be coupled with conditioned mechanical supply air.

By: Allison Bailes

Allison Bailes — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:53:50 +0000

geoff h.:
geoff h.: Thanks. Those three 'secrets' that you mentioned are definitely worthy of mention, too. And you and I both know that even these 14 still don't cover it all.

By: geoff hartman

geoff hartman — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:39:24 +0000

Great summary. Add;
Great summary. Add;
Great codes do not build great homes, or buildings. Competent, trained, and experienced consultation, combined with verification and documentation (what works, lessons learned, debrief evaluations) help to institutionalize best practices.
And;
Rules do not equal compliance. Enforcement and positive support to achieve compliance (not just a big stick & fines) help ensure the intended results.
And;
A trained fool is still a fool. Sorry, but a fancy degree or certification is not a guarantee of competence. Evaluate results and ability to customize guideline or recommendations to local applications and individual needs.

Keep up the good work!