2186 Green Pro Questions

October 08, 2015
I have a crawl space under the house that is a bit damp, what is the best insulation application. I am wanting a R value of 38 or 39
Larry Heihn ,
Answered by: Monica Rokicki on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:24

If your crawlspace is damp, the first thing is to solve the moisture problem. Be sure that you have a properly lapped and sealed vapor barrier on the crawlspace floor and extending up the sides of...

September 12, 2015
What is the most cost-effective and efficient way to insulate and heat the breezeway between our house and garage?
Megan ,
Answered by: Harold Remlinger, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:26 Birmingham Michigan

Before investing into a heating source, you need to focus on the insulation. To do this properly, consider stripping off the bead board to expose the studs, and install either blanket...

March 12, 2015
Where is the dust in our house (pink/grey fiber-like particles) coming from, and what is the most allergy friendly insulation for attic?
Lee ,
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Thu, 08/27/2015 - 08:00

While I have to say air-sealing is a necessity it is probably not the cause of this especially as the air flow typically for you is not coming in from the attic but heading out through the...

October 30, 2015
insulation
william mackey Derby, NY
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 03:12

Based on codes & best practices you need to use a hot roof system & it does not need to be vented (50" of snow is tipping point) You will need more than 1" of closed cell foam - you...

October 26, 2015
Worth adding foam if I'm replacing cladding?
Alan Duluth, MN
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:23

In short, yes it is unless you are talking about that fanfold stuff. For best results you should consider two layers with offset seams as all materials do expand & contract. Not only will...

September 28, 2015
We have baseboard water heat. Does it make sense to open our house once each season so fresh air can circulate through the house or is this
Scott Kalamazoo, MI
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:22

The best item would be installing an ERV which would help year round - with that it doesn't hurt to open things up to help clear out pollutants. For more -...

September 28, 2015
W have baseboard water heat. Does it make sense to open our house once each season so fresh air can circulate through the house or is this
Scott Kalamazoo, MI
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Thu, 10/01/2015 - 05:18

Open up your house as much as you like, but for the times you can't you should have some sort of ventilation system. In this climate most opt for an exhaust only system due to its cost.

September 18, 2015
We are intersted in installing solar panels on our 23 year old home. What do you think about companies that offer leasing options for instal
J. Lopez Clarksville, TN
Answered by: Harold Remlinger, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB on Sun, 09/20/2015 - 18:03 Birmingham Michigan

I am a huge supporter of the use of solar power. However, installing panels on a home which is 23 years of age may not be the best idea. Solar panels are not the end all to our energy...

September 18, 2015
We are intersted in installing solar panels on our 23 year old home. What do you think about companies that offer leasing options for instal
J. Lopez Clarksville, TN
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Thu, 10/01/2015 - 05:14

In short - generally run far & fast. Long answer - first see what you can do about reducing usage - air-sealing, insulating, changing of bad habits, etc... As for solar vrs. buy - you maybe...

September 18, 2015
how do I get a contractor to come to my house
PAULA Hampden, MA
Answered by: Harold Remlinger, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB on Sun, 09/20/2015 - 18:08 Birmingham Michigan

The down turn in the economy has taken its toll on the skilled trades, and with construction a lending in an up turn, it is harder to find contractors and trades men to handle small projects....

September 15, 2015
New sod - how to care for it?
jill Englishtown, NJ
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:25

The first week is critical for watering, after that you need to cut back. As for mowing, let it dry for a day or two after that first week & you should be able to mow with no issues As for...

September 06, 2015
Will a swamp cooler harm wood floors?
Donna Copperopolis, CA
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 11:22

Yes you can, as the only time one really works is when humidity / dew points are real low which would help stop the floor from drying out to much

August 29, 2015
How to add circulation timer pump to passive recurlation system.
Tom M Morro Bay, CA
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 09/16/2015 - 10:22

Yeah Title 23 says no from what I recall - must be a demand activated which is the better option anyways. The where depends on your piping system - with then exception of homerun types of...

August 26, 2015
Does the epa make house calls?
Roquitta Street North Las Vegas, NV
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 09/16/2015 - 10:23

No they don't, but check out Nevada rental rights & local State agencies like Dept of Health

July 27, 2015
Is there a green product I can use to prevent ventilation soiling of my wool carpet?
Deborah San Jose, CA
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 08/12/2015 - 15:28

Caulk would be better due to expansion & contraction - as for "soiling," was the system tested for leakage. You are in California & it should have been but was it sealed adequately.

July 27, 2015
VOC sealer
Rebecca Helm Los Angeles, CA
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Fri, 08/07/2015 - 12:07

Just let it air out - the VOC's dissipate over time as the product sets

July 22, 2015
Is it true that a wheelchair will tear apart an engineered hardwood floor if it's floating?
Elizabeth Charlotte, NC
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Wed, 08/12/2015 - 15:27

No it's not true (if installed properly) & the buckling is probably caused by the moisture from the slab - adding more glue won't help. It needs to be torn up, glue scraped & installed...

July 19, 2015
energy recovery ventilation system
michael polega Brownville, ME
Answered by: Sean Lintow Sr on Fri, 08/07/2015 - 12:06

The first thing to consider is how big of a system do you need - this is generally based off of # of bedrooms & square footage. As for the layout - that is based on the layout of your house...

July 15, 2015
my home was built in the late 70;s is it worth the money to get foam insulation
cynthia Reynoldsburg, OH
Answered by: Jason Kliwinski on Wed, 08/12/2015 - 15:26 Lambertville NJ

It would benefit you by saving cost on energy for sure. If you look at your annual spend and the percent this insulation will save you, you can calculate your return on investment for foam...