I would like to thank you for doing theses videos (I also watched the PHC vs Net Zero). It is really good detailed and simple enough. I wanted to mentioned 1 otem you repeated twice in the presentation "you need triple glazed fiberglass windows with foam... vinyl crap" (24:40). I am a building envelope specialist (currently representing window company). The highest passive house standard is coming from Europe. Europe have almost no fiberglass windows and is based on uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows. Accordingly, mosy of the passive house certified windows are uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows and minority of foam filed fiberglass. I worked with fiberglass manufacturer as well and I am not here to talk down the fiberglass high performance products (although not all of them) but I felt that fair treatment should be given to the certified high performance uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows as well. I will be happy to further discuss this with you but wanted to professionally correct it for the public.
First, great video and thank you for sharing it! This comment is going to sound somewhat harsh and cynical but if you are a builder and are reading this, please don't take it personally. It's more an evaluation of the industry landscape than a indictment. At 17:40 you spoke about the risks of trying to go as cheap as possible. That makes sense. Something I've been wondering about, however, is the high end of cost, and how to sort out the ones who actually provide added value. In the USA, high volume builders are already charging quite a it--for example, Toll Brothers is setting the asking price of their homes at around $500/sqft. Lennar and Pulte are asking $350-400/sqft. So there really is no "low end" here any more, or anything close to what used to be consider low end for cost ($200-250/sqft). In some markets, these prices reflect an emphasis on higher end finishes and plain old cost increases across the board. However, the building envelopes and other detailing are not really much better. So of course going to a custom home builder is considerably more. But the choices in this domain are quite murky. With production builders you know what you're getting, even if it's not something you would want. I believe you are in British Columbia, but please correct me if I'm wrong. The BC codes are lightyears ahead of the USA. But in custom here, it's harder to sort out who actually understands what they are doing, compared to what could be cynically described as following the virtue signals or ideological indulgements (e.g. Passive House, LEED) and/or applying a production builder value engineering mindset to the whole process. For example, there are several architects/builders, some small, some pretty large, advertising wall assemblies that look like: drywall, furring, Intello, TJIs/2x6-10 + dense pack cellulose, OSB, mechanically fastened or self-adhered membrane, cladding fastened directly to membrane. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this assembly, but for the prices they're asking which are even higher than the production builders, I don't understand why they are marketing these assemblies as if they are premium in terms of performance and durability. It's just a fat cavity wall with an interior vapor control membrane. They are touting them as high performance (Passive House even), green, sustainable, etc. There's no ventilated rainscreen drainage gap, there's no exterior insulation, etc. When I asked one of these companies why they chose this type of assembly, they just said "well we can send you the WUFI analysis". So I said yes, and they sent the WUFI analysis. And what it says is "We performed a WUFI analysis and it passed." No details on model parameters and study design, modeled sheathing temperature, modeled cavity humidity, etc. This is a design-build firm that is showing off portfolios of $700-800/sqft homes, advertising their Passive House credentials, and going to industry conferences to give seminar talks. What is going on? And the kicker is--the panel manufacturer they work with advertises panels that feature exterior insulation, rainscreen gaps, etc as standard offerings! So why are they asking the panel manufacturer to do runs of non-standard panels that will have lower performance and durability? And how do you call this out without making enemies like you talk about earlier in the video?
I am glad you found value in the video. There is also space for you to have a voice on issues that you care about. Im going to do my best to speak to some of the topics you brought up. Let me know if I missed anything. There is no question that the base cost of construction is high. In the Okanagan where I am from, the price of a lot starts around $400K these days. And that on its own adds significant cost to construction, and as you have noted, the most of the expense (and customer attention) is on the interior finishes. BC does have very progressive building codes, but even still, those are not without issue. I have come to realize that there are conflicts in how the code mandates some things, that work against ideal energy efficiency and the resilience of the infrastructure (such as the number and location of plumbing vent terminations, utilization of various vapour retarder methods, etc. I agree that it is very hard to sort out who understands what they are talking about. And I also have seen that you can build an energy-efficient house that isn’t healthy, or durable (but is still very expensive to build). That is one of the greatest risks I see right now - especially as people try to piece together “efficient solutions” that do not work as interlaced parts of a whole system. (The neglect of drying potential in the wall assemblies is the one I am most concerned about, and the other is the ineffective ventilation of the house which doesn’t include enough makeup air for the exhaust fans on the stove, bathroom, and dryer) I would say that Passive House is beyond simply and ‘ideology’. I do think they understand a “house as a system” - but to have an audited project is not cheap either - but it does offer a guarantee for the design and construction. I speak to the advantages and disadvantages of Passive House in this video. th-cam.com/video/VXGli1G2YMM/w-d-xo.html Regarding wall assemblies - you are on to a very important topic. Yes, people are touting options that are on one hand well insulated, and on the other hand not-durable. And yes, unfortunately you can manipulate tests like WUFI, and people are doing that. This sort of ‘greenwashing’ is going to get business’s and customers in trouble in the long run. My absolute favourite resource on that topic is Dr. Joseph Lstiburek, because he speaks about these things with candour and intelligence. I highly recommend that you take one of his virtual training classes. He is a trustworthy guide who will help you navigate smoke and mirrors. - Tell him Brandon from Kelowna sent you. www.BuildingScience.com Regarding calling out people - this is one of the hardest parts about the path we walk. The world is full of people blaming and shaming each other, and we don’t need to be a part of that. Showing up with authenticity, humility, and curiosity is where we try to be. I also recognize that most people are not trying to hurt anyone, while they are also trying to prosper. I believe that as individuals consciousness shift and evolve (as mine has) - things like resilient walls (with exterior insulation and rain screens) may be even more valuable than granite countertops and double vanities. Right not it seems that many people are trying to maintain a traditional value system around cosmetics, believing that “good enough” for walls is the way to keep costs down, and get the badge of energy efficiency. If the market wakes up to demand homes that are NetZero Ready and last at least 150 years, people will need to start thinking about the types of things you have brought up in this comment. Keep going on this path - you are not alone, and many people are awake to the contractions in the construction industry and are doing something about it.
@@levelupstrategies Thank you for these! I find it very refreshing that you are coming to terms with where we are, and not giving up hope that we can do better. I understand how frustrating all this green-washing can get and how disheartened we can become. Please don't stop what you are doing, we need people with your idealism and perspective in this space. I took a look at the Building Science link above and it looks amazing for builders/professionals. But do you have any suggestions on where a potential home buyer (non builder) could educate themselves? We are considering building a "forever" home in the NE of US (Maine/Vermont area), as high performing as we can, but know very little about what to look for, ask for or consider. Any suggestions on resources for us, so we can be as educated as possible when we start asking questions/interviewing builders?
@@claretrim2318 It is exciting that you are considering building a forever home. I would say that Passive House USA (PHIUS) is where I would look for a community that cares about energy efficiency. Even if you don't build a full passive house - they do a great job at establishing a community and there are probably groups in your area that are on this path. (im guessing they also have builders that are listed) which is a great place to start because unfortunately many people who are licensed to build homes still need to be convinced of the value of energy consciousness. HOWEVER - would add (this is a very important detail that I care a lot about). it is possible to build energy efficient homes that are not resilient. So, to ensure durability, I would suggest that Dr. Joseph from BuildingScience.com is where you spend some time. He has lots of videos TH-cam, but more impressively has a 4 part course that he runs from time to time. - It will cost a few hundred dollars but is the best money you can spend to have your eyes opened to the essential elements of Moisture Managment in walls Drying potential Membrane sequencing Insulation placement etc. He also just released a book / PDF that he is selling on his website that teaches you how to build in cold climates. My Short list of recommendations to avoid trouble and achieve high performance results 1. Insulate under the slab - and footings (aim for R10) 2. Full vapour / air barrier under the concrete and around the footings - then up the walls. 2.1 Add insulation on the outside of the concrete (aim for R20) 3. Combine the Water Repellent Barrier & Air Barrier into 1-membrane and put it on the outside of the sheeting - fully adhered or fluid applied 4. Put all the insulation on the outside of the home - over the WRB/AB (aim for R40 on the walls) 5. Put your insulation on the top of the roof sheeting (aim for R60) - this means that there will be no insulation in your attic or rafters - just on top of your roof sheeting. (this will also be an unvented roof) By doing these things you will ultra simplify your building sealing process. The continuity of the membranes will be maintained. And if there is ever a leak - it will not get trapped in the walls and rot the structure. it will be visible, accessible, and addressable. Of course triple pane windows with the appropriate overhang coverage will help as well. - just make sure they are installed by someone who understands how seal the rough opening. foursevenfive.com has details on this as well. Hope this helps :)
I would like to thank you for doing theses videos (I also watched the PHC vs Net Zero).
It is really good detailed and simple enough.
I wanted to mentioned 1 otem you repeated twice in the presentation "you need triple glazed fiberglass windows with foam... vinyl crap" (24:40).
I am a building envelope specialist (currently representing window company). The highest passive house standard is coming from Europe. Europe have almost no fiberglass windows and is based on uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows.
Accordingly, mosy of the passive house certified windows are uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows and minority of foam filed fiberglass.
I worked with fiberglass manufacturer as well and I am not here to talk down the fiberglass high performance products (although not all of them) but I felt that fair treatment should be given to the certified high performance uPVC and aluminum clad wood windows as well.
I will be happy to further discuss this with you but wanted to professionally correct it for the public.
First, great video and thank you for sharing it!
This comment is going to sound somewhat harsh and cynical but if you are a builder and are reading this, please don't take it personally. It's more an evaluation of the industry landscape than a indictment.
At 17:40 you spoke about the risks of trying to go as cheap as possible. That makes sense. Something I've been wondering about, however, is the high end of cost, and how to sort out the ones who actually provide added value.
In the USA, high volume builders are already charging quite a it--for example, Toll Brothers is setting the asking price of their homes at around $500/sqft. Lennar and Pulte are asking $350-400/sqft. So there really is no "low end" here any more, or anything close to what used to be consider low end for cost ($200-250/sqft). In some markets, these prices reflect an emphasis on higher end finishes and plain old cost increases across the board. However, the building envelopes and other detailing are not really much better.
So of course going to a custom home builder is considerably more. But the choices in this domain are quite murky. With production builders you know what you're getting, even if it's not something you would want.
I believe you are in British Columbia, but please correct me if I'm wrong. The BC codes are lightyears ahead of the USA.
But in custom here, it's harder to sort out who actually understands what they are doing, compared to what could be cynically described as following the virtue signals or ideological indulgements (e.g. Passive House, LEED) and/or applying a production builder value engineering mindset to the whole process. For example, there are several architects/builders, some small, some pretty large, advertising wall assemblies that look like: drywall, furring, Intello, TJIs/2x6-10 + dense pack cellulose, OSB, mechanically fastened or self-adhered membrane, cladding fastened directly to membrane.
Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this assembly, but for the prices they're asking which are even higher than the production builders, I don't understand why they are marketing these assemblies as if they are premium in terms of performance and durability. It's just a fat cavity wall with an interior vapor control membrane. They are touting them as high performance (Passive House even), green, sustainable, etc.
There's no ventilated rainscreen drainage gap, there's no exterior insulation, etc. When I asked one of these companies why they chose this type of assembly, they just said "well we can send you the WUFI analysis". So I said yes, and they sent the WUFI analysis. And what it says is "We performed a WUFI analysis and it passed." No details on model parameters and study design, modeled sheathing temperature, modeled cavity humidity, etc.
This is a design-build firm that is showing off portfolios of $700-800/sqft homes, advertising their Passive House credentials, and going to industry conferences to give seminar talks. What is going on?
And the kicker is--the panel manufacturer they work with advertises panels that feature exterior insulation, rainscreen gaps, etc as standard offerings! So why are they asking the panel manufacturer to do runs of non-standard panels that will have lower performance and durability?
And how do you call this out without making enemies like you talk about earlier in the video?
I am glad you found value in the video. There is also space for you to have a voice on issues that you care about.
Im going to do my best to speak to some of the topics you brought up. Let me know if I missed anything.
There is no question that the base cost of construction is high. In the Okanagan where I am from, the price of a lot starts around $400K these days. And that on its own adds significant cost to construction, and as you have noted, the most of the expense (and customer attention) is on the interior finishes.
BC does have very progressive building codes, but even still, those are not without issue. I have come to realize that there are conflicts in how the code mandates some things, that work against ideal energy efficiency and the resilience of the infrastructure (such as the number and location of plumbing vent terminations, utilization of various vapour retarder methods, etc.
I agree that it is very hard to sort out who understands what they are talking about. And I also have seen that you can build an energy-efficient house that isn’t healthy, or durable (but is still very expensive to build). That is one of the greatest risks I see right now - especially as people try to piece together “efficient solutions” that do not work as interlaced parts of a whole system. (The neglect of drying potential in the wall assemblies is the one I am most concerned about, and the other is the ineffective ventilation of the house which doesn’t include enough makeup air for the exhaust fans on the stove, bathroom, and dryer)
I would say that Passive House is beyond simply and ‘ideology’. I do think they understand a “house as a system” - but to have an audited project is not cheap either - but it does offer a guarantee for the design and construction. I speak to the advantages and disadvantages of Passive House in this video.
th-cam.com/video/VXGli1G2YMM/w-d-xo.html
Regarding wall assemblies - you are on to a very important topic. Yes, people are touting options that are on one hand well insulated, and on the other hand not-durable.
And yes, unfortunately you can manipulate tests like WUFI, and people are doing that. This sort of ‘greenwashing’ is going to get business’s and customers in trouble in the long run.
My absolute favourite resource on that topic is Dr. Joseph Lstiburek, because he speaks about these things with candour and intelligence. I highly recommend that you take one of his virtual training classes. He is a trustworthy guide who will help you navigate smoke and mirrors. - Tell him Brandon from Kelowna sent you. www.BuildingScience.com
Regarding calling out people - this is one of the hardest parts about the path we walk. The world is full of people blaming and shaming each other, and we don’t need to be a part of that. Showing up with authenticity, humility, and curiosity is where we try to be.
I also recognize that most people are not trying to hurt anyone, while they are also trying to prosper. I believe that as individuals consciousness shift and evolve (as mine has) - things like resilient walls (with exterior insulation and rain screens) may be even more valuable than granite countertops and double vanities.
Right not it seems that many people are trying to maintain a traditional value system around cosmetics, believing that “good enough” for walls is the way to keep costs down, and get the badge of energy efficiency.
If the market wakes up to demand homes that are NetZero Ready and last at least 150 years, people will need to start thinking about the types of things you have brought up in this comment.
Keep going on this path - you are not alone, and many people are awake to the contractions in the construction industry and are doing something about it.
@@levelupstrategies Thank you for these! I find it very refreshing that you are coming to terms with where we are, and not giving up hope that we can do better. I understand how frustrating all this green-washing can get and how disheartened we can become. Please don't stop what you are doing, we need people with your idealism and perspective in this space.
I took a look at the Building Science link above and it looks amazing for builders/professionals. But do you have any suggestions on where a potential home buyer (non builder) could educate themselves? We are considering building a "forever" home in the NE of US (Maine/Vermont area), as high performing as we can, but know very little about what to look for, ask for or consider. Any suggestions on resources for us, so we can be as educated as possible when we start asking questions/interviewing builders?
@@claretrim2318 It is exciting that you are considering building a forever home.
I would say that Passive House USA (PHIUS) is where I would look for a community that cares about energy efficiency.
Even if you don't build a full passive house - they do a great job at establishing a community and there are probably groups in your area that are on this path. (im guessing they also have builders that are listed) which is a great place to start because unfortunately many people who are licensed to build homes still need to be convinced of the value of energy consciousness.
HOWEVER - would add (this is a very important detail that I care a lot about).
it is possible to build energy efficient homes that are not resilient.
So, to ensure durability, I would suggest that Dr. Joseph from BuildingScience.com is where you spend some time.
He has lots of videos TH-cam, but more impressively has a 4 part course that he runs from time to time. - It will cost a few hundred dollars but is the best money you can spend to have your eyes opened to the essential elements of
Moisture Managment in walls
Drying potential
Membrane sequencing
Insulation placement etc.
He also just released a book / PDF that he is selling on his website that teaches you how to build in cold climates.
My Short list of recommendations to avoid trouble and achieve high performance results
1. Insulate under the slab - and footings (aim for R10)
2. Full vapour / air barrier under the concrete and around the footings - then up the walls.
2.1 Add insulation on the outside of the concrete (aim for R20)
3. Combine the Water Repellent Barrier & Air Barrier into 1-membrane and put it on the outside of the sheeting - fully adhered or fluid applied
4. Put all the insulation on the outside of the home - over the WRB/AB (aim for R40 on the walls)
5. Put your insulation on the top of the roof sheeting (aim for R60) - this means that there will be no insulation in your attic or rafters - just on top of your roof sheeting. (this will also be an unvented roof)
By doing these things you will ultra simplify your building sealing process.
The continuity of the membranes will be maintained.
And if there is ever a leak - it will not get trapped in the walls and rot the structure. it will be visible, accessible, and addressable.
Of course triple pane windows with the appropriate overhang coverage will help as well. - just make sure they are installed by someone who understands how seal the rough opening. foursevenfive.com has details on this as well.
Hope this helps :)
Thank you so much!
nice video very helpful
Glad you think so!
I want to discuss some important matter with you how can I contact you
Feel free to send an email to spark@levelupstrategies.com
@@levelupstrategies Thank you to share the contact mail I send you mail please check it.