High-Performance Building Tape Applied to a Wall Sheathing

How to Choose the Best High Performance Building Tapes

A guide to choosing the best building tapes for a durable and airtight building envelope, ensuring a long-lasting, high-performance home. Are high quality building tapes worth the money? In the world of high-performance building, the saying 'the devil is in the details' couldn't be more true. When designing homes…

A worker installs natural non toxic insulation batt made from grass

Canadian Government Cancels Green Home Retrofit Loan Program

Tax breaks, low interest loans and green home grants help homeowners improve the efficiency of their homes. What green building incentive will replace the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program. Ottawa shutting down green home loan program - what program will replace it? The Canadian government just announced it will be…

An Old Brick Faced Home Tricky To Air Seal - Image © Blackstone Edge Studios

How to Air Seal Older Homes for Better Energy Efficiency

An expert guide to safely and effectively sealing air leaks in older homes. Learn how to find leaks, choose the right materials, and improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. Air sealing older homes Improving the airtightness of an older home is one of the most effective ways to improve its comfort…

Worker Installing EIFS Exterior Rigid Insulation Panels

Installing EIFS over Brick for Energy Efficiency Renovations and Retrofits

A comprehensive guide to installing exterior insulation (EIFS) on brick homes, covering everything from surface preparation to attachment methods. EIFS over brick: a homeowners and pros guide EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems) are increasingly popular in new construction, and an excellent solution for…

Clever Kitchen Design Tips to Maximize Space and Convenience

Discover innovative, space-saving, and convenient design ideas for kitchens, from hidden drawers to smart storage solutions and ergonomic layouts. Clever kitchen design ideas: a homeowner's and pro's guide The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a source of frustration if the space is not designed…

A close-up shot of cleaning black mold spores on a wooden beam in a basement

A Guide to Safe and Non-Toxic Mold Removal from Wood Framing in Homes

An expert guide to safely and effectively removing mold from wood framing in basements and attics using non-toxic, eco-friendly methods. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to prevent it from coming back. Safe mold removal from wood framing Finding mold on the wood framing in your home's attic or basement can be…

Choosing attic insulation: which is best?

Insulating Attics in Old Homes - Energy Efficiency Renovations

A comprehensive guide to upgrading attic insulation in heritage properties, covering everything from material choices to safety protocols and ventilation best practices for a healthier, more efficient home. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the key aspects of this topic. Below is an overview of the…

Workers installing a smooth, textured finish of an EIFS exterior on a building

A Homeowner's and Pro's Guide to EIFS Exteriors

A definitive guide to Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), covering their components, benefits, drawbacks, and critical installation practices for superior energy efficiency. EIFS exteriors: a homeowner's and pro's guide In the world of modern building, you've likely seen homes and commercial buildings…

Close-up of a Rustic, Sealed Terra Cotta Tile Floor.

Floor Tile Buyers Guide - Choosing Floor Tiles for Home Renovations and New Builds

A comprehensive guide to choosing the best floor tiles, covering durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and sustainability for any new home or renovation. Home floor tiles: a homeowner's and pro's guide When it comes to choosing the right floor tiles for a home, the decision goes far beyond aesthetics. The ideal tile…

Hard Water Stains Around Sink Faucet

Non-Toxic Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains From Sinks and Toilets

Learn how to effectively and safely remove stubborn hard water stains from toilets and sinks using simple, eco-friendly, and non-toxic household ingredients. Hard water stains are a common and frustrating problem in many households, leaving chalky, mineral deposits on sinks, toilets, and fixtures. While commercial…

A classic modern-style home with a beautiful grey stucco exterior

Stucco as a Home Exterior: Pro's & Con's

Discover if stucco is the right exterior finish for your home. We'll explore its pros and cons, cost, lifespan, and maintenance. Stucco as an exterior home finish Stucco is a classic and versatile exterior finish that has been used for centuries to protect and beautify homes. A mixture of cement, sand, water, and…

The Definitive Guide to Building an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Kitchen

Learn how to design and build a sustainable outdoor kitchen that is durable, functional, and energy-efficient for both homeowners and building professionals. How to build an outdoor kitchen: a homeowner's and pro's guide An outdoor kitchen is more than just a place to grill; it's a versatile, functional extension of…

Tilt and turn window in a modern home, shown in both tilt and turn positions.

Choosing window mechanisms - casement, slider or tilt and turn, which is best?

The definitive guide comparing casement, slider, and European tilt and turn windows, exploring their performance, cost, functionality, and role in green building. Choosing window mechanisms: a homeowner's and pro's guide Windows are a critical component of any building envelope, affecting everything from energy…

Hempcrete home Image via Ecolibrium Designs

Hempcrete Walls: a Homeowner's and Pro's Guide

All about hempcrete - a carbon-negative and highly efficient building material for sustainable construction and renovation projects. Hempcrete walls: a homeowner's and pro's guide More people all the time are looking for more healthy and eco-friendly building materials that are sustainable, resilient and non-toxic…

A lush, vegetated green roof on an urban grocery store Image © The Green Line: G

Green Roofs: A Surprising Weapon in the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution

Discover how green roofs serve as an innovative and effective nature-based solution for capturing microplastic pollution from the air and rainwater, making them a key component of sustainable urban design. Green roofs: a homeowner's & pro's guide Green roofs are gaining popularity as a key sustainable solution for…

A traditional salt-based water softener with its main resin tank © Ecohome

Types of Water Softeners for Well Water: a Homeowner's & Pro's Guide

Choosing the right water softener for your well is critical. This guide breaks down the types of systems, explains the importance of water testing, and outlines installation and maintenance for homeowners and professionals. Those that live off of municipal water systems tend to be more aware of the journey their…

Air Gradient Indoor Air Quality Monitor image via BreathSafeAir.com

A Comprehensive Guide to Home Indoor Air Quality Monitors for Homeowners and Professionals

Learn what indoor air quality monitors are, what they measure, and how they can help you create a healthier, more comfortable home. Indoor air quality monitors: a homeowner's & pro's buyers guide You wouldn't buy a car without a dashboard, so why live in a home without a window into its air quality? Indoor air…

Which is Better: Cedar, Pressure Treated or Composite Plastic Decking? a Homeowner's & Pro's Guide

A definitive guide comparing cedar, pressure-treated, and composite plastic decking based on cost, durability, maintenance, and environmental impact to help you choose the best material. Which is better: cedar, pressure treated or composite plastic decking? a homeowner's & pro's guide Building or renovating a deck…

A unvented roof design allows for large open spaces and natural light

Vented and Unvented Roofs - What's the Difference and Which is Better?

The definitive guide to choosing between vented, unvented, and arctic roof assemblies, covering proper design, insulation, and moisture control for all climates. Choosing between vented and unvented roofs: a homeowner's and pro's guide A lot goes in to choosing a roof design. There is energy efficiency to consider…