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Pros and Cons of an airtight house
A house needs to breathe, right?
Yes, they do, but not the way most builders or homeowners think they do. Many argue for a leaky house to allow the house to breathe. That is one method
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50% of the "perfect wall" control layers with one product
The only way to mainstream advanced building science concepts is to make them simple to install. As we designed and are building the #1920sMakeoverATL, we have to work with readily available mat
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The “Perfect Wall” defined and demonstrated
We keep using the term “perfect wall” when describing the various control layers on the #1920sMakoverATL deep enegy retrofit and learning house. This concept does deserve to be unpac
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What is a "water resistant barrier" (WRB), examples and misconceptions
A water-resistant barrier (WRB) is a material used in construction to prevent the intrusion of moisture into the interior of a building. It is an essential component of the building envelope, designed
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What is ACH50, and why does it matter?
We have been making good progress on the #1920sMakeoverATL learning house. In some content we created about this project, we have thrown out the term ACH50 without explaining why it matters. &nbs
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Clean Vapor Becomes a Land Science Certified Applicator
Rate It Green Gold Company Member Clean Vapor has become a certified spray-applied barrier applicator for the Land Science family of products. Adding spray-applied vapor barriers continu
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Hi-Velocity HVAC System for Modern Designed Homes
I worked with a high-velocity HVAC system attached to a ground source heat pump a decade ago. We had to use this system because the architect did not leave us any room for ductwork, so the
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Buildings need to dry- not breathe!
Hopefully, by now, most people understand that "Build tight/ ventilate right" is how most green building programs require you to build. Less understood is the necessity for buildings t
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There are more to toilets than just low flow
When low-flow toilets were introduced to the market decades ago, they were a complete failure. Toilet manufacturers took older models and changed a few parts to be compliant. I even rememb
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Niagara's One Piece Phantom Toilet - Save on Water Bills and Look Good Doing It
Niagara’s Phantom One Piece Toilet with Stealth Technology looks great, flushes quietly, and saves on water bills. We think Green Builder Matt Hoots may have had &n
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Green Builder Matt Hoots spoke to Will Shippee of Schneider Electric at the International Builders Show (IBS) and got a look at Schneider Electric's impressive suite of home energy man
Plaex Building Systems, Inc. - Modular, Durable Construction Blocks with over 90% Recycled Materials
Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. recently spoke with Matt Durnnian of Plaex Building Systems, Inc at the International Building Show (IBS), and really we kept thinking,
Mitsubishi's Ceiling-Mounted, Mini Split, for New Construction and Renovations
As David Hazel of Mistubishi shared with Green Builder Matt Hoots at the International Builders Show, mini splits heat, cool, and filter effectively, so customer satisfaction with performance ha
Rheem was the first manufacturer to launch a plug-in hybrid heat pump water heater, and Green Builder Matt Hoots got an up-close look and spoke with Scott Cohen of Rheem Water
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The Benefits of Induction Cooking, with SHARP Home Technologies
Why go with an induction stove? Green Builder Matt Hoots had the opportunity at the International Builders show to discuss the benefits of induction technology with Peter Weedfald with S
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Top 5 reason induction cooking is safer than cooking with gas
Induction cooking is superior to gas in many ways, and manufacturers are realizing this and adapting according. In 2021, Zline added induction cooktops to their appliance offerings. When I met them in
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Observations at the 2023 International Builder's Show.
I noticed a new theme at the International Builder's Show this year. All exhibitors made a point to tell me about their innovati
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Your Employment or Consulting Status
Green Building Professionals,
By answering "PERM" or "SELF" are you a permanent, F/T employee of someone else's firm OR are you in business for yourself? Please add what CER
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Free Traffic to your Online Presence
If you're a certified or experienced green building professional we invite you to post your profile on FootForward.
Your provider listing is all you need to promote, book and receive payment fo
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Why everyone is confused about gas and electric cooktops
Twenty years ago, I promoted gas appliances to my clients as the best option. Gas was and is much better at heating the pot than electric options. As a green builder, I ensured that t
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As Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. reminds us, part of green building is wasting less. There are quite a few ways to reduce waste, but among the simpler methods are throwing fewer items into l
Rate It Green Featured on EveryDay Green Home Podcast with The Green Home Coach Marla Esser Cloos
Rate It Green was fortunate to be featured recently on The Everyday Green Home Podcast with Marla Esser Cloos. An expert green home coach, consultant, and educator, Marla talks with he
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High Performance Residential Vapor Barriers - StegoHome and the #1920sMakeoverATL Renovation
Hotels of the Future: How is Artificial Intelligence Changing the Hospitality Industry?
The use of AI in the hospitality industry is still in its relative infancy, but the possibilities for adoption are vast. Though technology will never entirely replace the human touch that is at the co
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How to Achieve a Smart and Sustainable Built Environment?
The built environment is the center of human life on earth – responsible for an estimated 40% of global GDP, and where we spend the majority of our work and leisure time. However, the built envi
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