Walls and Roofs

Condensation on windows in our homes - why is it there? - how to stop it?
Walls and Roofs

Condensation on windows is a pain but is it a problem & how to stop it?

Condensation on windows is a pain in winter and runs down the wall can mean hidden issues in our homes - What causes fogged up windows, how big a problem is it and, most importantly, how do we stop it. Condensation on windows – is it bad? It’s that time of year when condensation on windows becomes a pain, we wake up…

Air and vapour barriers

What is a blower door test? What's the cost? How do you find a company to do one?

A blower door test identifies air leakage in a home; you can find & fix those air leaks for a more airtight, mold & rot-free & energy-efficient sustainable green home easily. But you need specialized equipment and a trained professional Energy Auditor. What is a blower door test? Blower door tests are becoming a…

Passive House wall system ; Larsen Trusses & dense-packed cellulose insulation
Wall assemblies - new construction

Larsen truss wall systems with double-stud construction & extra insulation for new homes & energy efficient home renovation

Larsen truss wall systems are ideal for improving wall insulation when renovating homes & for building new homes with high performance insulation systems & double-stud walls. Larson truss wall systems for new green home building & renovations for max wall insulation A Larsen Truss is a type of lightweight & non…

Air and vapour barriers

Aerobarrier home and attic air-sealing spray

Aerobarrier is a non-toxic acrylic spray that quickly and affordably seals air leaks in attics and homes. We cannot overstate the importance of airtightness in homes and attic rooms. A proper air barrier reduces heat loss in winter, overheating in summer, and prevents moisture build up in walls which can lead to…

Hemp insulation products for USA & Canada rolling off the production line
Insulation and soundproofing

Hemp insulation in Canada & USA - insulating naturally is an eco-friendly alternative

Discover the benefits of hemp insulation for sustainable building solutions. Learn how hemp offers eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and non-toxic alternatives to traditional insulation materials, perfect for reducing your carbon footprint. A comprehensive guide to hemp insulation: a sustainable choice for insulating…

Carpenter ants are a common pest and nuisance to get rid of in homes
Pest control

Removing insects and rodents from your home, safely & humanely (by preference)

Solutions for preventing and eliminating some common pests and insects safely & humanely (if possible). Insects & rodents - how to keep them out of your home Below is a list of some of the more common rodents and insects that invade homes, and some ideas on how to rid yourself of the offending guests . We would…

Renovate, Remodel or Rebuild? How to choose which is Best for Homes
Wall assemblies - renovation

Should I be renovating my home or tearing it down & rebuilding?

Whether a house is worth rebuilding or is better torn down depends on a lot of factors, many of them personal, but also financial considerations like grants, sustainability & current condition of the building structure. Should I renovate, remodel or rebuild? This very question comes up a lot for me during site…

4th generation blowing agents for spray foam
Insulation and soundproofing

New HFO blowing agents for spray foam will make it over 1,000 times less harmful to the climate

Foam blowing agents long ago stopped harming ozone, that switch had a huge impact on climate. That problem has now been solved. New blowing agents for spray foam coming by the end of 2017 Foam insulation is a petroleum-based product and nothing will change that. But that was never the biggest problem the 'eco'…

Shou sugi ban carbonized wood siding
Exterior cladding

Shou sugi ban carbonized wood siding from Japan, what is it & how to make it?

Shou sugi ban burnt wood exterior cladding is naturally made, very durable & originated as a Japanese wood finish for homes revealing the beauty of the natural preserved timber. What is Shou sugi ban siding? © Resawn Timber Co. Shou sugi ban is an ancient Japanese carbonized wood finish created by burning the…

Roof coverings

Living green roofs: the secrets to success

Learn the steps to creating a successful commercial green roof - concept, design and maintenance. Commercial green roof case study AB Canada Nestled in the Oldman River valley in Lethbridge Alberta, the green roof on the Helen Schuler Nature Centre (HSNC) has been attracting local and international attention from…

Repainting and refinishing brick facades
Exterior cladding

All about painting brick, is it a good idea and what paint to use?

Are you planning on repainting brick finishes on the exterior or interior of your home? Using standard oil or latex paint can trap moisture & at best may cause the paint to chip or peel. Discover more here. Is painting brick a good idea? Bricks will absorb moisture from the interior of a home and they need to be…