Roofing is Hard
Work by others: (Shingles bridge the gap between framing and trim)(floppy tails)… The roofing contractor starts late, often on sub-par DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, & FRAMING work, that happens after they price their work, possibly “by the square”, and its like standing in line to get whooped. Many building contractors reinforce this fault by prioritizing price and … Read More »
Attic Flooring, Attic Shelving, Crawlspace Shelving, and Various Storage Solutions
When Stetten Home Services began providing weatherization of attics and crawlspaces we were surprised with how eager people would be to utilize these spaces, and how creative they were. All homes are unique, even track-homes, because the owners personalize things. There is a growing trend of people needing more storage. Stetten Home Services has various … Read More »
Pony Wall Continuous Insulation OPTION for Floor Insulated Sealed Crawlspaces
This post is designed to be linked to in crawlspace proposals provided by Stetten Home Services. We are champions of the floor insulated sealed crawlspace because we have data to prove that sealed crawlspaces with “no insulation” or “floor-insulation” perform about equal to those with “wall-insulation”. Its a sealed box with no windows or doors … Read More »
Deluxe Sealed Attics and Associated Work
Times are a changing. It is increasingly common for people to decide to seal up their vented attics and to choose spray-foam to do it and otherwise take control of that air-space. As “Sealed Attics” become more common in Raleigh NC and Wilmington NC I have noticed builders and code enforcement officials struggling with these … Read More »
Converting your NEW CONSTRUCTION vented crawlspace to a sealed crawlspace, affordably
For various reasons builders still build vented crawlspaces, yet have “sealed crawlspaces” under their own homes. Vented crawlspaces can work but it isn’t fantastic to have a crawlspace which allows dust/smoke, pollen/spores, hot/cold, wet/dry, light for critters to enter and thrive…. If you buy a new home in 2019 and it has a vented crawlspace … Read More »
Kings Arm – Project recap
This home was unique in 3 ways: [ngg src=”galleries” ids=”334″ display=”basic_slideshow”] 1) Garage Air-Handler with no supply duct-work in the crawlspace. The air-handler was in the garage. In order to install a Supply-Air Drying-Mechanism (which is one of several acceptable ways to provide a mechanical means of keeping a sealed crawlspace dry), we needed to … Read More »
Adjustable House-Air Drying Mechanism (for sealed crawlspaces)
This method is our 3rd choice. Various options are provided in the NC sealed crawlspace code for how to provide a Drying. 1st Choice) Adjustable Supply-Air Drying Mechanism on existing crawlspace plenum or distribution box. 2nd Choice) Adjustable Supply-Air Drying Mechanism “chased down” from the attic or interior duct-work. aka DUCTED DRYING MECHANISM 3rd Choice) … Read More »
Sealed Vapor Barrier
This is the standard vapor barrier treatment offered by Stetten Home Services: As you can see we provide extra materials and do an excellent job. The 1/4″ reflective insulation we use for air-barriers, house-wrap, padding, door-gaskets, is now called “Solex” and it has peel and stick adhesive on one of the edges. 4×125 is how … Read More »
NC CLOSED CRAWLSPACE BUILDING CODE
Without commentary: NC Building Code SECTION R409 : CLOSED CRAWL SPACES R409.1 Air sealed walls. Closed crawl spaces shall be built to minimize the entry of outdoor air into the crawl space. Specifically prohibited are foundation wall vents and wall openings to ventilated porch foundations. When outdoor packaged heating and cooling equipment is used, solid blocking … Read More »
HVAC
HVAC There is no graceful way to explain our thoughts on HVAC, given the variables, so without further ado, a random list of thoughts/facts on High-Performance HVAC Critical Details: In 2011, the average residential customer in the U.S. spent 11.7 cents/KWH via U.S. Energy Information Administration. The EIA reports that each KWH via Electricity = … Read More »
Mold Chart for Temperature and Humidity Monitors
There are often many factors and measures in science where knowing a few allows you to determine others. With Temperature and Relative Humidity you can determine Dew Point of air, Preservation Index of paper, “Days to Mold” of wood, and finally, Equilibrium Moisture Content of wood, respectively. 100% of the above information was laboriously extracted … Read More »
Lights Camera Action
Have you ever wondered why crawlspaces and attics are so awful?I would argue that the #1 reason is poor lighting. People want better lighting and quality of work plummets in darkness. Once one workman leaves a bit of trash under a home, or in an attic, it becomes a trash can for the rest of … Read More »
Floor System Air Sealing
Here is another method which is awesome! It is hard to believe the NONE of our competition in the sealed crawlspace business is sealing the floor system before they seal in all the funk and begin positively pressurizing the crawlspace with supply side air induction. Crazy! Another method of “Sealing the Boots” :
Bare-Minimum-Sealed-Crawlspace
Bare Minimum Sealed Crawlspace CRAWLSPACE_PHOTO_TOUR Crawlspaces have become a source of confusion for consumers. Let us end that.What are the minimum requirements for a vented crawlspace? Vented.Most brand new homes with a vented crawlspace have black 6mil vapor barrier overlapped to cover all of the ground, although you can easily pull it back, and it … Read More »
Interior Interceptor Trench
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Crawlspace Low Point Drain
Ideally there would be two separate pipes leaving the foundation laying directly on top of the lowest footing. These pipes could be run parallel and to daylight and it is often okay to marry the two pipes downstream. A vapor barrier should convey any liquid that falls on top of it directly to a low-point … Read More »
Adjustable Drying Mechanism
The NC Sealed Crawlspace Code requires a mechanical means of moisture control. For crawlspaces with existing supply duct-work a simple louvered vent will suffice as the Code Approved Crawlspace Drying Mechanism. This is far superior to a dehumidifier. In homes with no ducting in the crawlspace it is possible to create a duct-run just for … Read More »
Attic Ventilation
Hello Folks, I am sorry you are thinking about your attic, if you weren’t planning on thinking about it, and you now are, I am doubly sorry. I will start by stating that ideally attic spaces would be completely controlled spaces, for example, Attics can actually have: – Comfortable temperature and humidity year round- Excellent … Read More »
Floor System Insulation Strategies
NOTICE HOW WE MAKE IT A POINT TO INSULATE THE BAND-JOIST!
Attic Insulation Prep
Attic insulation preparations are actually more important than the level of insulation itself. Here is a list of things to consider BEFORE adding insulation to your attic: 1) Does your attic needs more lights? It is likely going to be much harder to navigate AFTER the additional insulation is installed. Installing better lighting before your … Read More »
Roofing is Hard
Work by others: (Shingles bridge the gap between framing and trim)(floppy tails)…
Critical Details List
Why do we write and provide these presentations regarding the Critical Details of Construction? Because we are constantly bombarded with poorly executed work. The quality of the existing housing stock is horrible. In the event a property owner or contractor wants to do what is best for a property, with long-term thinking, there is really … Read More »
Bonus Room Comfort Solution
Don’t be confused about radiant barriers. If you have high-bills and comfort problems, you do not need “radiant barrier”. There are plenty of folks and products that aim to reduce the temperature of the attic. What we do initially is air-seal the attic air-barrier, ducts, and protect your wall insulation from the attic so that … Read More »
Deluxe Sealed Crawlspaces with Closed Cell Foam
Stetten Home Services creates many variations of “sealed-crawlspaces” to suit peoples varying needs. The photos in the link below represent our “Deluxe” Crawlspace Renovations. What sets us apart, is all the hard work we put into preparing the space. We can remove all the old insulation and debris, hang all the wires and ducts properly, … Read More »
Sealed Crawlspace No Insulation
Hello folks with vented crawlspaces. The best and most affordable method for increasing comfort, saving money, reducing household moisture, reducing pest infestation, and improving indoor air quality. The Sealed Crawlspace with No Insulation. [nggallery id=85] A sealed crawlspace with zero insulation in the floor and zero insulation on the walls will always outperform a vented … Read More »
Attic Air Sealing
Here are some good photos of “Attic Air-Sealing” which are “INCLUDED” as applicable, when you choose “ATTIC AIR SEALING” as an “ADD-ON” to a Sealed Crawlspace Project in the “OPTIONS” portion of the proposal or “INCLUDED” with all “BONUS ROOM COMFORT SOLUTION” , “Cape-Code Comfort Solution”, and “3rd Floor Comfort Solution” PROJECTS. The insulation is … Read More »
Sealed Attics
… spray foam as it pertains to our mixed-humid Raleigh, NC climate… Foam, the best insulator, adds strength to everything it touches while it stops air movement. Spray foam is possible due to specialized heating, pumping, mixing, and breathing equipment. Unlike the cans at the hardware store, to get the speed and consistency that you … Read More »
No Parallel Floor Joists within 48 inches of Perimeter Wall
Calhoun
Mold – Chapel Hill, NC Complaint: Mold all over walls around HVAC system, and around the registers.Problem started when new HVAC system was installed by big company in red and blue van. Diagnosis. Air-Handler and Heat-Pump/Compressor over-sized. Ducts are leaky. House is negatively pressurized when HVAC system is operating drawing in air through the paths … Read More »
Interior-French-Drain
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More-Sealed-Attics
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Morrison Deluxe Energy Remodel
The photos depict what seems to be the absolute best energy remodel possible, in terms of performance, & also the level of detail. Prep took 2.5 Days: Insulation & Debris Removal, Venting Bath Fans, Vapor Barriers, Surface Protection. About a week passed… we took care of several plumbing leaks and added a roof penetration in … Read More »
Sealed Crawlspace with Slab
Just two pics of this crawlspace. This is really the ultimate in High-Performance Construction as far as crawlspaces are concerned. We recommend the use of a mechanic’s cart when working in a crawlspace like this. Your knees with thanks us!
The Energy Formula
HOW DOES YOUR BUILDING STACK UP TO OTHERS? HOW MANY DOLLARS / SQUARE FOOT / YEAR do you spend on energy bills? Somewhere between $0.40/sf/yr and $2.50/sf/yr. Hopefully less because of weatherization. All buildings should have a logical place for information to be stored and accessed. A website, a folder, a binder, anything. One of … Read More »
Testimonials
What are people saying about Stetten Home Services? Below is a Google Grab from January 2014 Stetten Home Services Write a review 4.8 Average Stars 8 reviews Sort by: Most Recent Nate Greatthe 1 month ago Adam did an awesome insulation job on my project. He was very fast, efficient and extremely professional. Definitely the … Read More »
Yount
DELUXE SEALED ATTIC and CRAWL – Downtown Raleigh, NC Owner purchased energy audit immediately upon taking ownership years ago. As a result, SHS removed the fiberglass from the crawlspace, installed a heavy-duty vapor barrier, and sealed all the duct-work, and at that time, the budget didn’t allow for insulating. The homeowner saved up and was … Read More »
Coracini
Raleigh, NC – Coracini Residence DELUXE SEALED CRAWLSPACE – August 2010 Stage 1 – Bush Removal, Junk Removal & Insulation Removal, Crawlspace Lighting Installation 8/12/2010 Stage 2 – Heavy Duty Sealed Liner 8/13/2010 Stage 3 – Seal/Insulate with “banana pudding”, Fix Door, Install Walking Pad, Signage, and RH monitor 8/14 No drying mechanism installed on … Read More »
Air-Flow-Basics
These simple concepts will allow you to understand how your home uses energy to increase comfort. Air-Flow Basics A hole and a driving force are needed for a building to leak. A driving force can be anything…. Wind, Heat, Fans, Clothes Dryer, Dirty Filter, etc… Air leaks through the hole of least resistance. If some … Read More »
Davidoff
Deluxe Sealed Crawlspace + Deluxe Sealed Attic. Raleigh, NC The Completed Tasks List: 1-Removed Fiberglass insulation from crawlspace and attics. Removed Junk. 2-Installed Heavy Duty Plastic Liner in crawlspace, Taped Seams and piers, Vents are plugged. Crawlspace Drying Mechanism in Crawlspace. Brand-New High-Quality Crawlspace Door. 3-Sealed Attics with spray-foam. Sealed Crawlspace with spray-foam. 6-Replace vented … Read More »