Housebuilding Hints

The new buzz word among hopeful home builders seems to be "solar heat." Careful design can help take advantage of what Nature provides, even in Alaska. But the homebuilder should not let himself be detracted from also considering the fundamentals. In this regard teachings contained in the Book of Eb are worthy of study (Building in the North, by Eb Rice, available for the paltry sum of four dollars.)

Some of the hints (as interpreted by me)

Foundations - Do not build your dream home on permafrost. If you insist, better investigate carefully and be prepared for trouble.

Insulation - To get the most for your money forget the foam insulations, except for special uses. Friction fit fiber batts (not foil-backed) are the thing to use. Use at least 6 inches in walls, 12 to 15 inches in ceilings and 6 to 10 inches in elevated floors.

Vapor barrier - It is absolutely essential that an impermeable barrier be placed in interior surfaces. Use two layers of polyethylene film and tape the joints with freezer tape. Let the outside surface breath.

Windows - Use 3 or 4 panes spaced as far apart as possible. Seal the inside pane but let the others breath so as to avoid internal condensation.

Best of all, read Professor Rice's book.