Windows & Doors

Windows, doors, solariums and greenhouses

Guide

Alternative wall coverings to drywall

The best alternatives to drywall for finishing interior walls

Drywall is the most common interior finish surface inside homes due to ease and affordability. But there are options! see below for the best natural healthy alternatives to drywall for finishing interior walls. Walls in residential homes are almost exclusively finished using gypsum board (either recycled or…

What is Interstitial Condensation? (And how to stop it!)

What is Interstitial Condensation in Walls or Roofs? (And how to stop it!)

What is Interstitial Condensation in Walls or Roofs? How to know if it's happening, & how to fix it if it does? We're glad you asked, as it can cause serious & costly damage within the structure of our homes. As a precursor to a new post exploring everything you wanted to know about Dry Rot but were afraid to ask…

How to Vent Roofs - the Methods, Vent Types, Fans

Why Roofs need to be ventilated and how to ventilate a roof properly

Roofs - all homes have them in one form or another, and they're a potential cause of all manner of problems effecting the durability and performance of homes. Roof ventilation needs to be adapted to the type of roof and the climate. It is pretty much inevitable that at least some warm, moist air from living areas…

Suspended-film insulating glass windows are high-performance windows

Suspended-film insulating glass windows - A definitive guide for these high-performance windows

High-performance suspended-film insulating glass windows may offer the perfect solution of window performance, window cost & window weight. As early versions of suspended coated film windows had issues, we took another look & review the LiteZone units. Why suspended-film insulating glass windows may be a…

Reflective window film to reduce overheating

Product feature: window film treatment to reflect heat and lower air conditioning bills

Passive cooling techniques such as reflective window films can increase comfort, home durability and lower energy bills at the same time. After a difficult first half to 2020, heat waves then took hold across North America, from Canada down into the Southern and Central USA. These extreme summer temperatures pose a…

How to Insulate Exterior Walls from the Outside US Canada Ecohome

The easiest way to insulate walls from the exterior in older homes

Fitting extra insulation to an older home when renovating can be a great idea, but when insulating exterior walls from the outside take care to do it right. Ecohome investigates the easiest ways to retro-fit insulation to walls. How to insulate house walls from the outside Adding extra insulation to the exterior…

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

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…

When should you replace windows

When should you replace old windows?

Replacing old windows in all but the most extreme cases will not save money in your lifetime. Repairing old windows or adding layers may be a more cost-effective solution. Windows, Replace or Repair? We often get asked if it is a good idea to replace old windows with new and better performing windows to save money…

Skylights can be problematic in a high performance home

Are skylights an asset or a liability?

Skylights offer natural light in a home but account for a lot of heat loss and can cause problems in cold climates. Here are some tips for selection and installation. So are skylights a good or bad idea? It has been said that there are two kinds of skylights; those that leak, and those that are going to leak. This…

Correct window installation details

How to install windows

Tips for window installation that will give you the best performance and durability. Fitting Windows, how to fit windows correctly to avoid air or water leaks  Watch more Green Building videos here The Edelweiss LEED Platinum V4 Demo House has been oriented towards the south to increase passive heat gain and reduce…

Correctly installed Triple pane south facing windows on Ecohome's Demo House

Installing doors & windows for the best performance in high efficiency homes, LEED & Passive House

Top Tips for installing windows & doors to prevent water leaks & air infiltration, helping them perform better & last longer, especially in LEED, Passive House & ZNE Homes. The importance of installing doors and windows correctly: Window and door openings are breaches in a building envelope that need to be carefully…

Advice

Can you provide more information on Sky Wells?

Posted by john swanson June 9, 2022 Windows and doors 1 response

How do you know when to replace old windows?

Posted by Dawn Thomason March 22, 2022 Windows and doors 1 response

Is the ZIP Sheathing system better than house wrap?

Posted by Fred Martens Dec. 18, 2021 Walls and Roofs 1 response

How to add greenery to an existing metal roof?

Posted by Alexandra Dobrescu Dec. 3, 2021 Walls and Roofs 1 response

Are straw sips panels available in bc or Canada?

Posted by Jocelan Maxwell Nov. 14, 2021 Walls and Roofs 1 response

Cost to install alternative wall panels to drywall?

Posted by Adrian Baerlocher Nov. 12, 2021 Walls and Roofs 4 responses