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EPA - Indoor Air Plus

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Moisture Management of Foundations: Perimeter Sub-Surface Drainage

January 21, 2011 by Anne

The finished soil grade will be sloped away from the building so that surface water will naturally drain away from the structure. As an additional best practice for managing site and foundation drainage, we have installed a sub-surface "French drain" system at the base of the foundation walls to insure that sub-surface water can never accumulate and seep into the crawlspace.  Storm of the century or flood?? ...bring it on. This house will stay high and dry.

Moisture Management of the Foundation: Liquid Rubber and Stucco Coatings

January 21, 2011 by Anne

The crew is applying a special blend of adhesive, high strength, elastomeric liquid rubber to the exterior ICF walls which will create a water-proof membrane around the foundation. This coating is waterbased and contains no petroleum. It is non-toxic and VOC-free.

Moisture Management of the Crawlspace: The Vapor Barrier

January 6, 2011 by Anne

To protect the house from water vapor entering the crawlspace by evaporation of water contained in moist soil, we cover the gravel base with a high performance vapor barrier. The materials are made using virgin high density polyethylene . This bright yellow product is called StegoWrap. It's a tough 10 mils thick and very puncture resistant.

Moisture Management of the Crawlspace - Gravel Base

January 5, 2011 by Anne

As designers and builders of high-performance homes, we believe in buildings that will remain durable over a long time (like 100 years or more at a minimum). Persistent moisture on wood will eventually lead to rot and failure of joists, sills and posts. Moisture also creates an ideal environment for mold, mildew and fungus which causes poor indoor air quality. Keeping everything dry is the single most important element of durable, healthy buildings.

Crawlspace Drainage System

January 4, 2011 by Anne

In the middle of the crawlspace floor area on top of the building pad we place a perforated drain pipe with gravel and cover it with filter fabric.

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