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Green Building Discussion
Topic: New NAHB Building Guidelines
Discussion Participants:
All postings are the opinion of the writer, and BuildingGreen can take no responsibility for their accuracy or appropriateness.
Pat Ballantine with a review of NAHB book
From: Ballentine
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 1996 12:27 PM
Re: New book/BAD book My characterization, but PLEASE review this book and comment.
ìResidential Construction Performance Guidelinesî published by NAHB should be entitled, ìNAHB Excuse Guidelines.î I think itís dangerous. I think itís disinformation.
If builders follow the guidelines, it will set back quality construction by 30-40 years.
I saw an article about this new book in Professional Builder, Dec. 1996.p. 26. written by that magazine. It quotes an east Michigan builder as saying, ìIf you (as an industry) donít have standards and you go to court, then a judge will decide what the standards are.î Further, a Nebraska builder says, ìI believe this book will keep builders out of trouble and actually prevent lawsuits in the future.î It seems to me that the intent of the guidelines is to protect builders from legal liability by setting a benchmark that is low enough for even the lowest scalawag.
Example: ì2--18.Observation: Dampness is evident on basement wall or floor.
Performance Guideline: Dampness caused by wicking through the basement walls or floor and condensation of water vapor on cool walls and floor are not the responsibility of the contractor.
Corrective measure: None. Dampness prevention is the responsibility of the owner. Discussion: The ownerís failure to maintain a proper grade away from the house can contribute to dampness. Condensation also contributes to dampness.î
Joe Lstiburekís ìMoisture Control Handbookî gives the estimated amount of moisture that can wick through a basement slab-- from 0 to 105 pints a day. Source--Angell and Olson, Cold Climate Housing Information Center, U. of Minnesota.
ALL John Carmodyís drawings in ìBuilderís Foundation Handbookî show 6 mil.vapor retarders under slabs and a seal between footings and foundation wall. What better sources than these?
The Interior Climate Control chapter is the same sort--youíd have to read it. This work requires a public response from knowledgeable people.
Available at NAHB Bookstore, 800-223-2665. About $43.
Pat Ballentine Lansing, MI
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