Green Construction is the practice of building in a way that increases efficiency of the use of materials like energy, water and other materials and resources while reducing the impact on human health and the environment during the process of building through more efficient design, site selection, construction, operation, maintenance and finally removal. Green construction buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact that the environment of buildings can have not only on the environment but also on human health by making efficient use of energy, water and other natural and man made resources, protecting the health of occupants, improving the productivity of employees, reducing waste, reducing pollution and emissions and reducing the amount of environmental degradation as well.

Green construction follows the same basic concept as natural construction, but natural construction or natural building is usually on a much smaller scale, focusing on using natural materials that are available on a local basis rather than actually focusing on the reduction of the construction’s carbon footprint as it were. Two other commonly used terms for this concept are sustainable design and green architecture.

Sustainable development and overall sustainability are both integral to the concept of green building and green construction for numerous reasons, including:

1 - Reduced operating costs through an increase in productivity as well as using less water, energy and other resources.

2 - An improvement in the health of the public and building occupants because of an improvement in the quality of the air.

3 - A reduction in environmental impacts through activities such as lessening runoff from storm water and heat island effects.

People who practice green construction often seek to achieve not only ecological harmony but also aesthetic harmony as well, between structures and their surrounding natural environments. Sustainable buildings are not intended to appear different from less sustainable counterparts, and in many cases are near indistinguishable.

One of the primary intentions behind green construction is to reduce the overall environmental impact that buildings and construction create. Buildings tend to account for quite a large amount of land use as well as consumption of energy and water and alteration of air and atmosphere. In the United States alone, more than 2,000,000 acres worth of open spaces, wetlands and wildlife habitats are developed every year, meaning that they are mowed down and reconfigured to be zoned for buildings, and this is exactly what green construction seeks to eliminate, or at least significantly lessen.

It is surprisingly easy to underestimate the environmental impact that buildings place on our earth, especially while the perceived costs associated with green building and green construction are grossly overestimated. According to recent surveys conducted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, green costs tend to be overestimated by as much as 300 percent, because the true difference in cost is only around 5 percent between green construction and conventional construction despite the fact that key players in construction and real estate often inappropriately cite the cost difference at 17 percent or more.

Green construction practices bring together a wide variety of different techniques and practices that intend to reduce and ultimately eliminate the negative impacts that building has on human health and the environment. It often is capable of emphasizing the advantage that comes from using renewable resources such as using photovoltaic, passive and active solar and other techniques like rain gardens and green roofs and rain water runoff reduction. Many other techniques are used as well, such as using concrete or asphalt as a means of enhancing the replenishment of ground water. Creating green construction techniques that are effective is about systematic attention to the life cycle impacts that resources place in the act of building rather than acting as a random jumble of environmentally friendly techniques. The building’s complete life cycle is carefully planned and considered before any construction begins.

There are a number of materials and other resources that are used in green construction including materials that are rapidly renewable such as:

- Sustainable managed lumber
- Bamboo,
- Straw,
- Dimension stone,
- Recycled metal,
- Recycled stone
- Other non-toxic products that are either reusable, renewable or recyclable such as:
- Linoleum,
- Sheep’s wool,
- Trass,
- Paper Flake Panels,
- Baked Earth,
- Clay,
- Rammed Earth,
- Flax Linen
- Vermiculite
- Sisal
- Seagrass
- Cork
- Clay Grain
- Coconut
- Wood Fiber Plates
- Calcium Sand Stone

By reducing the amount of waste created by construction, reducing the environmental impact that building has, and any harmful elements that many affect human health, green construction has become a cost effective way to make positive changes in the environment, showing that we do not have to be quite as harmful to the planet as we have been in the past.

GreenConstructionContractor.com is your source for electric trucks and hybrid trucks as well as all things renewable and sustainable when it comes to construction. Whether you are looking for solar energy panels or renewable and sustainable natural resources like Sisal and Vermiculite, GreenConstructionContractor.com is your connection to the sustainable resources and other green construction elements that you need to get your sustainable or green construction project jumping off the papers and into life. By combining smart and efficient practices regarding energy use and resource use with sustainable resources that buildings can be crafted from, green construction can create environmentally friendly building sites at only a slightly higher cost than traditional construction. Despite the cost increase, green construction is a significantly improved practice because it impacts the environment fare less, giving our world a chance to re-grow its rainforests, wetlands and open spaces that were previously wiped out by non-sustainable, harmful building practices.

Sustainable, green construction will be the future standard for all construction in the United States and other developing countries, because despite slight additional costs averaging at about 5 percent above traditional construction, sustainable and green construction impacts the environment far less negatively and is much healthier for human occupants as well.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-09-15 14:31:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Recent studies that have been sponsored on the behalf of NYSERDA, insulated vinyl siding has demonstrated that it contributes to energy consumption savings as well as savings in CO2 emissions and energy costs, which means that insulated vinyl siding is capable of outperforming fiber cement when these environmental measures and energy measures are compared between the two materials. These studies were recently conducted by a group called Newport Ventures as a part of the High Performance Residential Development Challenge on the behalf of NYSERDA. The studies included the analysis of homes that were in Saratoga Springs and Burnt Hills in New York.

In the Burnt Hills area, researchers performed a field test of the two products side by side, comparing fiber cement and insulated vinyl siding to one another. The test was conducted in the winter time on a two story colonial home that was built by a company called Stewart Construction. According to a thermal imaging comparison, there was clearly far less heat loss when it came to the insulated vinyl siding in comparison to the heat loss experienced by the fiber cement.

In addition to this side by side field test, researchers used a whole building energy simulation tool known as REM/Rate to evaluate the relative performance for each product. This analysis ended up finding that on average, the specification of the insulated vinyl siding compared to fiber cement would be able to provide an expected savings every year of $56 dollars just in electric utility and natural gas costs, as well as savings of 3.2 million Btu an 448 pounds worth of CO2 in a single year.

In the Saratoga Springs area, a single story home built by the Belmonte Builders company received the insulated vinyl siding. This home was the first Gold Rating home in the capital region of New York, with the Gold Rating coming from the LEED certification, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification offered by the United States Green Building Conference. By installing insulated vinyl siding, a home can achieve as many as three points under LEED, and as many as 205 points for the Green Building Standard, National ICC 700-2008.

The single story Saratoga Springs home also managed to confirm that both curb appeal and environmental performance are capable of going hand in hand. During an open house, 68 percent of visitors participating in a survey reported that they felt that the insulated vinyl siding was very attractive. 95 percent of those surveyed agreed that the visual appeal of the insulated vinyl siding was better than the average.

NYSERDA is the Energy Research and Development Authority for New York State. This is a public benefit group that focuses on the research and development of projects relating to environmental effects of the consumption of energy, the development of resources that are renewable and the advancement of technologies that are innovative.

Photo Credits: Alside

Originally posted 2009-06-25 16:35:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Quick and Easy Steps to Green Remodeling For a lot of home remodelers, the idea of going green can be absolutely overwhelming. Luckily, there is a wealth of information out there, and just because you are not already implementing these ideas, that does not mean you're too far behind to make some leeway. According to leading remodelers......
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Watching home improvement television may inspire you to tackle your own home renovation projects, but just as quickly as you found the inspiration to get started, you will find yourself getting over your head. Every year, millions of Americans are tackling their own home remodeling projects, both large and small. Unfortunately, getting the job right relies on familiarity with power tools and some basic skills. According to a research study at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Duke University Medical Center found between 1991 and 2005 that the number of homeowners admitted to the emergency room with nail gun injuries rose by 200 percent.

The trick to having a successful home renovation does not have to do with being born with a carpenter’s thumb, but rather has to do with making proper use of the tools that you have on hand. This is a strategy that will save both time and money in the long run when it comes to both minor and major home remodeling projects.

- Take a common sense approach.

Before you end up heading directly to the hardware store, buying a handful of different tools, it is important that you explore the resources that are available to you and take advantage of them. Bookstores, for example, are a great place to get started. Most hardware stores in this day and age also offer classes so that aspiring home remodelers can learn more about the task at hand and better prepare themselves for using the tools in their possession.

- Slow and Steady.

Having a few days where you have nothing else to do may be an excellent time to tackle a project like painting or renovating a bathroom, but you shouldn’t rush. Taking your time is going to mean that the project will be done right, and you will be left with something that you can be proud of.

- Know when to Fold.

Painting may be one thing, but taking on a massive project is something that you should consult a professional over, especially if it is a plumbing, electrical or structural problem with safety and municipal building codes to consider.

- Consider more than the dollar.

When your home repair does call for assistance from a professional trades person, keep in mind that choosing simply based on the cost is not the wisest way to go. Take the time to research your options and speak to different options in your area to get a good idea of what is out there. Price does matter, but the quality of the work is also going to matter, as will the satisfaction of customers of the past.

There is a lot that you can do to improve your home without turning to a skilled trades person. If you do decide to take renovations into your own hands, make sure to read instructions, wear proper foot wear and eye wear, establish a child free zone where dangerous things can be stored, and above all else make sure to use common sense.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2009-01-28 05:32:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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There is a renewed need for mechanical filtration in our homes, as the technology that has become part of the house helps to work more efficiently, leading to a need for maintain air quality in much tighter quarters. This need is very significant, as the American Lung Association has compiled a list of correlations between asthma and lung health issues and the tightening of our homes and introduction of new chemistries to our indoor space. This one-two combo of new and increased pollutants and the smaller enclosures has led to the only possible solution; one must do what is needed to ensure that the air in our homes is fresh and pollutant free.

What is in our air?

It can be hard to fathom, but the air around us contains particulates. Some particulates you can see, for example those within a sunbeam, but most you are unable to see. Those we cannot see are the worst kind, such as VOCs. These threats are the most harmful.

The solution is to design and install a ventilation system. The system should filter air for all areas of the home, and the system must meet ASHREA standard 62-02. This states that the air movement should be 7.5 cubic feet a minute per bedroom plus and additional 0.01 CFM per square foot. A good rule of thumb is to have around 50 CFM for a 1900 square foot, average home. There are two principle design strategies to designing the ventilation system – exhaust and supply systems and air to air heat recover systems.

Exhaust and Supply Systems –

This system’s primary mechanism is the placement of an exhaust fan, typically on the second floor. This fan runs quietly either on a low speed continuous or high speed intermittent. This fans placement may allow it to piggy back other parts of the system, but over all the system uses the exhaust fan to take out fresh air for the inlet. The entire system can be modified by removing the exhaust fan and letting the air handler draw in fresh air. The cost of this system is between $400 and $1000, which is heavily dependent on the equipment used.

Air to Air Heat Recovery Systems –

This is a more expensive alternative that recovers some of its energy during its operation. The basic mechanism is that the exhaust passes by the incoming fresh air giving some of its heat (or cold) to the incoming air. These systems also have airflow adjustment to allow the system to work during exhaust. The price for the system can be from $1,800 and $2,500, again heavily dependent on the equipment utilized.

It is important to ensure that your home is free of airborne particles. Choose a high quality filter and a system designed for the needs of you home to ensure that the airborne pollutants are kept to a minimum. This is a necessary element to ensuring the respiratory health of you and your guests.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2009-01-30 05:41:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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There are five common errors that builders make in the efficiency of energy, resources and health. There are far too many green builders out there that are completely missing the mark. There are five mistakes that are being perpetrated, but that you can avoid easily with the right know-how.

#5: Installing HVAC Ducts in Unconditioned Spaces

HVAC ducts should be installed in better locations, such as between the floors or in dropped soffits that are positioned within conditioned areas inside the home. This way, the conditioned air will always travel though the ducts at the room temperature. Some builders that are thinking ahead are making sure to condition the attic, placing insulation in the roof deck rather than in the ceiling to bring down attic temperatures which is a step in the right direction.

#4: Tight Homes Build without Any Ventilation

You should be installing a complete house ventilation system as standard equipment within a home in order to provide plenty of fresh air in a home that is air tight. The solution is always to design a home with fresh air in mind. A whole house ventilation system should be installed and then tested for performance. The ventilation system should make sure that the house is bringing in as well as dispersing 50 CFM worth of fresh air for a period of 15 or 20 minutes every hour or so for the best results.

#3: Using Improper Flashing and Improper Drainage Planes

When it comes to managing water, using improper drainage planes and flashing is a rookie mistake. It becomes important, then, to pay extremely close attention to flashing on windows, sealing penetrations and where the water coming off of your roof is ending up. There is very little room available for flexibility. You need to be prepared to pain flash doors and windows in every type of climate for the best results. You also want to flash any and all penetrations using a weather resistant barriers, and kick flashing, complex connections and gutters should all be properly flashed and drained using intentional paths for water, slopes and shingling.

#2: Selecting and Installing the Wrong Insulation

We only get one single shot when it comes to properly insulating our homes as well as air sealing them, and this is not a place where we should be scrimping. It is vitally important, then, that we choose the right type of insulation, such as a sturdy blown-in type of insulation that can fill walls as compactly and as tightly as possible. All penetrations in the attic, garage and leading outdoors should be sealed to get the most out of your insulation. The right sealing with the right insulation will mean cheaper heating and cooling costs as well as improved customer satisfaction at the same time.

#1: Wasting Resources

You probably do not need as much stuff as you once thought. The building industry often uses too many resources, wasting them. What are you throwing away that could be reused? There is nothing more effective in green building than reusing everything that you can. There are always ways to be more profitable, greener and infinitely more effective just by using less. If you plan ahead and really take a hard look at what you’re looking at, you can find ways to streamline the building process, wasting fewer resources in the process.

Photo Credits: billjacobus1

Originally posted 2009-07-24 05:22:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Green construction has to be neither cost prohibitive or complicated, according to experts at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference. According to these experts, building homes that are green and energy efficient does not have to be rocket science at all, but rather you can build a very efficient home at a very low cost. The following is a collection of building practices that are attainable and sustainable that can help you make your building projects greener without requiring a lot of money.

Energy Efficiency –

In most green building certification programs, energy efficiency plays a very large role. Consumers want homes that offer reduced costs of operation. Begin by building the home to require less air conditioning in the first place, and make sure that the air conditioning unit is charged properly otherwise the system’s SEER may drop out. When installing insulation, make sure to use the thermal bypass checklist by Energy Star, which shows common insulation installation mistakes and how they can be avoided. The most cost effective features for saving energy tend to vary based on the climate for your local, for example tankless water heaters are excellent for climates like San Diego where you do not need much heat or air conditioning.

Durability –

Install backer board that is resistant to moisture, such as DensShield Tile Backer by Georgia Pacific, because standard gypsum board is an excellent breeding ground for mold, which needs to be avoided. Concentrating on the initial design is the best way to provide the biggest bang for the amount of money that you are spending. Another thing worth implementing is to avoid roof pitches that intersect with vertical wall planes, because this can cause problems relating to moisture management. Remember the basics when it comes to durability, most of all. One tip that was recommended was to avoid reverse shingling house wrap, which can cause enormous problems in the long run.

Water Efficiency –

Aim to install high efficiency fixtures and appliances, as high efficiency dishwashers can use only 5 to 7 gallons of water per load rather than 12 gallons for example. Other high efficiency fixtures are also useful, such as toilets, showers, washing machines and faucets, many of which can provide savings of up to 50%. You should also work to install water conserving landscaping, avoiding invasive species and only using low flow irrigation systems, drip and bubbler systems along with smart irrigation controllers for the best results.

Resource Conservation –

You should avoid using plants in your landscaping that require a lot of shearing, because green waste like this can take up a lot of space in local landfills. Instead, include a built in recycling center so that recycling can be made easier for homeowners.

There are many building practices that can create greener homes without requiring much more money in the process.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2009-02-04 05:50:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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If you are confused when it comes to green building products and the claims that are being made by their manufacturers, you are not the only one. Navigating the complex world behind green products and the claims that they make is not always easy, but it has become necessary in this day and age.

While there is still a lot of work that needs to be done when it comes to establishing reliable standards for green products and the attributes that define them, there is good news: There are a large number of really dedicated people that are working hard on this particular problem, and there are already a large number of resources that are available to help people like you find the right comfort level when using third party verifications of these products and the green product claims that they make. When you understand the complexities behind the selection of green products, and you understand how these products are certified and labeled, then you can better choose the right products.

Ultimately, whether you are getting information about green products from your local supplier, from the manufacturer directly or through surfing on the internet, the most critical thing that you can do is to trust your source and to understand the criteria that stands behind the recommendations that are being made to you.

Greenwash Factor: Greenwashing is what you have when companies make false, exaggerated or misleading claims, whether intentionally or unintentionally. There are some ways to determine whether or not greenwashing is being perpetrated. Is the claim being made obviously false, or is it irrelevant or unrelated to the product at hand? Is the claim so generic that it doesn’t make sense, or does it only address a single feature when other features are being ignored? If you cannot verify a claim online, then greenwashing is obviously being perpetrated.

Independence Levels: Who is backing up the green product claims that are being made? First party certifications are made by directly associated parties such as manufacturers, second party certifications are made by outside organizations with financial interests in the product, and third party independence levels are made by unbiased parties. Knowing where the certification is coming from should help you make a better decision, but not enough to make a concrete one.

So what is the best course of action here? There is no single solution to this problem, at least not yet. Trying to select a single green product is just the same as trying to select a non green product. Use the criteria that you have here to evaluate, but create your own criteria as well. If there is not yet a certification process in place for a product you seek, you will have to rely on your own personal greenwash radar in order to filter out improper and unrealistic claims that are thrown at you. The system of independently verified claims for green products will eventually sort itself out.

Photo Credits: sreenisreedharan

Originally posted 2009-07-20 14:16:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Ten Tips Toward a More Eco Friendly Home Tip 1 - Turn the lights off any time that they are not needed, even if you are just moving from room to room in the course of your day. According to Energy Star, as much as 20 percent of a home's overall energy use comes from its lighting. Using......
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For a lot of home remodelers, the idea of going green can be absolutely overwhelming. Luckily, there is a wealth of information out there, and just because you are not already implementing these ideas, that does not mean you’re too far behind to make some leeway. According to leading remodelers in the industry, the best way to handle green remodeling is not to allow yourself to become swamped, as long as you take things one step at a time. Do not try to take everything on at once, but rather, pick one or two things to green up your projects and go from there. You do not have to go to the extreme in order to have a green remodel. Keep these small and quick tips in mind and you can green up your remodeling project without overwhelming yourself in the process.

Low-E Windows filled with Aragon Gas –

You may not immediately think of it, but one of the easiest ways that you can go green is through the use of these windows. They allow you to significantly reduce heat gain because they reflect light during the summer months, and they help to keep heat inside during the winter months as well. If you make these windows your standard replacement windows, you can actually save money for homeowners and can reduce their reliance on artificial heating sources that produce harmful greenhouse gasses.

High Efficiency Furnaces –

Another area that you can easily sell to homeowners is high efficiency furnaces because of the energy payback. If a homeowner has to replace a furnace anyway, why not pay a little bit more if it means getting significant savings in return? Because utility bills are continuing to go up, anything that cuts the use of energy in the home is usually a big seller with homeowners who are looking to remodel.

Paints and Finishes with Low-VOC Ratings –

This one will cost more rather than saving any money for the homeowner, but it is all about improving their general comfort and health instead. These paints do not have any volatile organic compounds in them, preventing home owners from having negative reactions to them.

Dual Flush Toilets –

These are toilets that offer two flushing options; one for liquid waste and one for solid, and they use the bare minimum of water required for each, saving the homeowner a significant amount of money in the process. They offer significant savings over toilets from earlier than 1992, going from the standard of 5 gallons per flush to 0.8 to 1.6 gallons for liquid and solid waste respectively.

Low Flow Fixtures –

There are many faucets and showerheads that exist to reduce water, offering a savings of as much as 25 to 60 percent.

Reconfigure First –

Can you find a way to offer what the homeowner is looking for without requiring additional space? Sometimes the clients believe that they want more space, but really all they require is a space that is more efficiently designed. Smaller homes can use fewer materials and will require much less energy for heating and cooling.

Purchasing Locally –

Increasing how much you buy locally will significantly reduce your impact on the environment, even without changing anything else. One of the biggest ways that a product has an affect on the environment is the transportation of those materials across the state, country or even across the world.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2009-02-02 05:46:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Today’s article is written by Joe Lederman, an Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

When purchasing or remodeling a home or building, there are many variables to consider. Homes which were built prior to 1980 have a strong likelihood of containing asbestos materials.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that gained popularity in many industrial applications throughout the 20^th century. Used as forms of insulation, piping, roofing and flooring, asbestos’ qualities as flame and heat resistant, made it an ideal choice.

Potential home buyers or those seeking to remodel older homes should be aware that asbestos exposure can cause many health concerns. With a steady progression of green sustainable methods of building and technology, there are many different ways to make sure your property is free of this corrosive material.

Although not all asbestos poses harm when left alone, damaged or broken down asbestos can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of asbestos lung cancer. Recent studies indicate that over 2,000 to 3,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the United States. With no mesothelioma cure, workers and real estate’s-man all over the world are now receiving the proper indications and information towards the risks they face.

If asbestos is suspected in the home, the best advice is to leave it un-disturbed as this can make its fibers go airborne. A professional home inspector can determine the best course of action. If removal is necessary, a licensed abatement contractor who is licensed in handling dangerous materials will perform the removal. The Environmental Information Association has further information in regards to the removal, inspection of asbestos and green sustainable methods of construction.

The implementation of eco-friendly products can reduce annual energy costs in the household by 25 %. Many cities in the United States have begun adapting to the green paradigm in hopes of instilling environmentally sustainable building products that achieve a healthy home. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of lcynene foam, cotton fiber and cellulose. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be fireproof. A water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene features no toxic components.

Waste is also decreasing in landfills that used to be eerily contaminated because of these recycled building materials. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise. Living in a world where environmental sustainability is a vital concern to the future of mankind, it is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.

Originally posted 2009-02-18 09:36:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The first thing to understand is that there is a difference between vapor barriers and what air barriers are. When properly defined, a vapor barrier alone is not capable of controlling the movement of air, but rather it is responsible for controlling the movement of moisture. Vapor barriers are not actually barriers, but rather they are retarders of vapor diffusion. They regulate the flow of moisture from outside in or inside out on a molecular level. When the vapor diffusion retarder is used in the structure, the moisture control function happens. Unlike with an air filtration barrier then, the VDR does not have to be sealed, continuous or free of holes in order for it to do its job. These vapor barriers are rated based on the level of vapor diffusion control that they are capable of providing.

The original reason behind using vapor barriers was to keep ceiling and wall assemblies from becoming wet. Now when VDRs are installed onto an assembly interior, they can prevent inward drying as well which is actually capable of leading to serious problems such as mold and rot. Another variable to consider is climate. Another complication to the vapor flow between exterior and interior is cladding choices as some claddings are capable of retaining significant qualities of water when they become wet. In weather that is hot and humid, the moisture can be drawn inward, increasing the pressure of the vapor on the assembly.

The industry surrounding residential building has plenty of controversial construction techniques, and vapor barriers tend to rank high when it comes to these kinds of things. Few builders really understand how vapor barriers work and as a result, they do not know why or how to use them. Builders are not the only people that are confused, as building code officials also often misinterpret and misunderstand their requirements. Just because things were done a certain way in the past, that does not mean that today’s modern day wall systems will be the same way.

The current proposals are to define:

• Vapor barriers of 0.1 perm or less as Vapor Impermeable rather than Class I Vapor Retarder,
• Vapor barriers greater than 0.1 perm and less than 1.0 as Vapor Semi-Impermeable rather than Class II Vapor Retarder,
• Vapor barriers greater than 1.0 perm and less than 10 perms as Vapor Semi-Permeable rather than Class III Vapor Retarder,
• Vapor barriers greater than 10 perms as Vapor Permeable

When in doubt, Class I and Class II should only be used in the coldest zones, zones 7 and 8. In these zones you can use MemBrain, which installs like poly but behaves similar to a vapor diode which allows the perm rate to be increased when the vapor pressure is increased. Reducing the amount of vapor that enters a wall during the winter months will allow Class II requirements to be met. For other zones you can use a good quality wall primer in lieu of a traditional VDR. Before you prime the drywall, it has a perm rate of 50 but after a few coats of a latex based paint you will have a perm rate of only 2 or 3.

Photo Credits: RobW_

Originally posted 2009-07-22 05:17:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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