Windows & Doors

Dry rot really is a rotten problem to have to deal with - but this destructive fungus that can infest homes is preventable, repairable and treatable - if you know how. First though, the identification of dry rot, and discover all about it. So what is dry rot? Dry rot - two words that can send shivers down the spine…

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 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…

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…

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…

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 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 up…

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 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…

Tips for window installation that will give you the best performance and durability. How to install 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 energy demand…

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…