There are many types of insulations that have been developed with each one having different advantages and disadvantages. Lets discuss the advantages and disadvantages of closed cell, open cell and batt insulation and how they compare to each other. Also this report will include the advantages and disadvantages to SIP’s (structural insulated panels). Overall we will see what insulation is actually the best. Closed Cell Foam Closed cell insulation or Spray Polyurethane Foam insulation has … [Read more...]
Naturally Cool Your Home and Save Money
I do door to door sales for a living right now and I always hate knocking on west facing doors. It feels like an oven. The as the sun goes down in the afternoon it starts to heat up the west side of houses. The concrete and siding suck up all that heat from the sun and heat transfers into houses into the evening. I have been thinking about this a lot lately, because I continue to bake on west facing porches and doors. How can you minimize the suns heat on your home during the summertime? It … [Read more...]
Behold, the symbol of SUSTAINABILITY!
The “S” symbolizes what sustainability means to me. The top part of the “S” represents going back to the basics—meaning, focusing on the period of time when folks lived off the land, grew their own food and had simple lifestyles. They worked hard and had to survive without the luxuries of electricity and many other comforts that we use today. Frequently you will hear me refer to those skills that people have been using for thousands of years before modern conveniences. The bottom part of … [Read more...]
Energy From Compost
When I first learned of Jean Pain Composting I was blown away. Whenever I thought of how to make energy for my home I always thought solar or wind. Getting energy from compost is another way that has multiple benefits. Jean Pain was a French innovator who used compost to provide all of his energy needs. He used the natural occurring biodegrading compost to heat his house and water. It became his water heater and furnace. He also would make energy by collecting the distilling methane … [Read more...]
Great App for Making Sure Your New Home is Being Built Right
If you are building a new home or are thinking of building one in the near future you really need to understand building science. So many contractors today will just throw your home together as fast as possible. There are good contractors out there who have done their research and really know how to build a sustainable, energy efficient home. Most people don't understand what is right and wrong in building a new home. If you know and understand building science you can make sure your home is … [Read more...]