Windows Installed

Throughout the construction process so far, we have had quite a few rain delays. The week before last, all the windows were put in, then rain delayed the start of the siding work. This past week, boxing and siding has been started. This picture shows the windows just after they were installed. These windows represent another one of our GBI choices. They are low-e, double-paned, and gas-filled which gives them very high efficiency ratings.

Rough framing is almost complete

Now that the rough framing is nearly complete, we will be moving on to some new GBI decisions. We are currently getting quotes for sealing the attic, just as we sealed the crawlspace. This has all the same benefits of sealing the crawlspace, but it has additional benefits. First, you no longer need attic vents or fans. Another benefit has to do with removing a limitation normally imposed by building green. Green building frowns on the use of "can" lights (also called recessed lighting) because it creates a gap from the attic into your conditioned space. If your attic was not sealed, you would be creating a bridge from outside air to your inside conditioned air. Thus, if you seal your attic, you no longer need to worry about that, and you can utilize recessed lighting without harm to your home's energy efficiency.