DIY Builds
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Is foam board considered a vapor barrier?

Rigid foam board, especially foil-faced polyisocyanurate, creates a vapor-impermeable barrier, so the wall would have limited drying potential. Even more permeable types of insulation, such as expanded polystyrene, are vapor barriers when the installation is thick enough.

What does a 1/12 slope mean?
What does a 1/12 slope mean?

For a ramp the maximum running slope allowed is 1:12. That means for every inch of height change there should be at least 12 inches of ramp run.

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What are the cons of a Barndominium?
What are the cons of a Barndominium?

List of the Cons of a Barndominium Barndominiums are not immune to corrosion. ... There is still a cost element to consider with barndominiums. ......

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Many builders add one or more layers of rigid foam insulation to the outside of a house to lower heat losses. Rigid insulation has an R-value of up to 6.5 per inch, but it also can be an effective vapor retarder. His concerns seem well placed. In a cold climate during the heating season, moisture vapor inside a building is driven outward into exterior walls. When it reaches a surface that’s below the dew point, the vapor condenses into a liquid. That surface is typically the back side of the exterior sheathing. Rigid foam board, especially foil-faced polyisocyanurate, creates a vapor-impermeable barrier, so the wall would have limited drying potential. Even more permeable types of insulation, such as expanded polystyrene, are vapor barriers when the installation is thick enough. No one argues this point of view more forcefully than Robert Riversong of Vermont, who has been building high-performance houses for many years. Riversong notes the exterior skin of a house should be at least five times as vapor-permeable as the interior. Yet 2 in. of extruded polystyrene insulation — the amount it would take to keep sheathing above the dew point in a cold climate — create an effective vapor retarder. Further, Riversong argues that long-term studies have shown foam-clad walls have no way of drying out in the event of even minor rain penetration. He suggests there are better ways of increasing R-values and reducing thermal bridging, such as double-framed walls or using foam board on the interior. He also favors cellulose insulation and other natural materials over petrochemical plastics because they are more… Weekly Newsletter Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. Signing you up... Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

How many square Metres can you build without planning?
How many square Metres can you build without planning?

The most common reasons for needing planning permission are when you want to: Build an extension which is more than 40 square metres (this includes...

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How many roof vents do I need for a 2000 square foot house?
How many roof vents do I need for a 2000 square foot house?

This formula is traditionally used for static roof vents which are rated for Net Free Area in terms of square inches. Let's go through an example…...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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What kills termite instantly?

What chemical kills termites? There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact.

In This Guide: How Do You Get Rid Of Termites? | Types of Termites | Identify An Infestation | Preventing Termites | FAQs | Professional Termite Control Services If you suspect you have termites in your home, it’s important to take action quickly. Telltale signs like hollow-sounding wood and mud tubes will let you know they’re taking over. It pays to be vigilant, because termites can do a lot of damage before you even realize they’re there. Homeowners across the country spend $5 billion a year on termite control and repair, according to the pest control company Orkin. The best way to get rid of termites is to call in a professional pest control company. Even the savviest homeowner can’t compete with a trained technician’s experience, knowledge, and commercial-grade products and equipment.

Can I spray foam myself?
Can I spray foam myself?

Spray foam acts as a great insulator and vapour barrier, but it's made up of chemicals and needs to be handled with care. While kits are available...

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What do you put in front of a shed?
What do you put in front of a shed?

You can plant flowers, shrubs, small-growing evergreen bushes, vegetables, or herbs in front of your shed. Typically, most people plant either...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Does not having building regs affect insurance?
Does not having building regs affect insurance?

Can I get buildings insurance without building regulations? Even if you successfully arrange buildings insurance, in the event of a claim, your...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How many feet is a 12x12 shed?
How many feet is a 12x12 shed?

A 12×12 shed is 144 square feet of space perfectly suited for work, exercise, storage, creativity, and relaxation. Not too big or not too little....

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