Walls and Roofs

Insulation and soundproofing

The pros and cons of sheep's wool insulation for homes

Fancy being a bit of a black sheep when it comes to your home insulation? Try sheep wool Insulation for homes, tiny homes and van conversions. As more people begin to factor indoor air quality and health of occupants into home building and renovation plans, natural insulation materials are gaining traction in the…

Roof coverings

Asphalt roofing shingles: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Asphalt shingles are the most common thing found on pitched roofs, but unfortunately the most common building material in landfills too. Here is how to decide which are the best asphalt roofing shingles and what to know before deciding on a roof covering. In North America, about 90% of pitched roofs are covered with…

Roof coverings

Which is Better - Metal Roofing or Asphalt Roofing Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roof covering you can buy, until you need to replace it. The short lifespan of shingles makes metal roofing a viable option. We compare the pros and cons of both roofing types to see if metal or asphalt shingles are best. Asphalt shingles are the most common and cheapest roof…

Walls and Roofs

Rotten Luck - Why Dry Rot in Homes is Best Prevented

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…

Insulation and soundproofing

Does a home need a radiant barrier in walls and ceilings? When is it worth it?

Radiant barriers can help reflect heat and reduce heating and cooling costs, but by how much, and are they worth the investment. Do radiant barriers work? If you have noticed that the rough interior of some unfinished buildings or attics is covered in a layer of foil and you’re afraid that you might be missing out…

Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam a good choice? Lessons from the UK's spray foam insulation crisis

In North America rarely a day goes by without a home renovation show or well known home renovation celebrity extolling the virtues of spray foam insulation. Homeowners in the UK are starting to realize what an expensive mistake spray foam can be. Spray foam insulation has gained popularity in North America as a…

Insulation and soundproofing

Spray foam insulation: the hidden environmental costs of difficult removal

The challenges of removing spray foam insulation means that recycling or even sustainably disposing of homes in the future will be problematic for those choosing this popular insulation material - a favorite of many TV renovation shows. Spray foam insulation is often promoted as an environmentally friendly option…

Air and vapour barriers

Which is the best caulk or sealant for caulking windows and bathrooms etc?

Caulk, caulking, silicone, sealant - the gooey stuff in a tube used to seal windows, doors and to fill the gaps in buildings, comes in all different types - some of which usually gets on your clothes! Here we look at which caulk is best. Which is the best caulk or sealant? Finding the right caulking, and better…

Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam insulation a good choice for your home? Or a toxic recipe for disaster?

Spray foam insulation has been used primarily for home renovations as a way of sealing and insulating in one step, but spray foam is now even finding a home in new build - but, is it safe? Is spray foam insulation the best idea. There is a plethora of home improvement shows demonstrating how easy it is to buy…

Walls and Roofs

The best alternatives to drywall for finishing interior walls

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…

Walls and Roofs

What is interstitial condensation in Walls or roofs? (And how to stop it!)

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…