[Greenbuilding] A Challenging Project

[Corwyn]

On Feb 19, 2007, at 18:41, Bryan Fenoff wrote:

> OK.
>
> I am embarking on a restoration of a 1920's Adirondak Lodj home.  It
> weighs in at a hefty 6500 sqft.  Inspection of the attic revealed NO
> insulation.  I would assume the walls are in the same state.  The heat
> system is steam powered by a room size oil boiler.  The windows are
> single pane and barely stay closed.  The roof is mostly slate with
> sections of composite shingle.  There are 3 cottages which require heat
> also.  Currently the main house heat is separate from the cottage heat.
> There is also a pool on property that requires heat.

Easy things:

Solar pool heater.  This can be something as easy as a coiled black 
hose sitting in the sun through which the filter water is pumped.

Attic Insulation. As much as you can get.  Make sure to seal all 
penetrations of the attic plane beforehand, and install a vapor barrier 
if that is indicated for your climate.

Basement Insulation: Heat loss through the basement floor often exceeds 
that of the attic if there is any insulation in the attic (heat does 
_not_ rise).

Wall insulation.  Blown in cellulose is probably easiest for existing 
walls.  Again make sure that the vapor barrier issued is dealt with.

Building sealing.  This is very much dependent on the current state of 
the building, but a lot can be done with a couple of cases of Great 
Stuff and good caulk.  Not so green materials, but green results.

Not so easy things:

Weather stripping: Can the physical windows and doors be made air tight 
(with tuning up, and weather stripping)?  If not, they are going to 
need to be replaced, but if they can, you might be able to keep them.  
There are many options at that point, interior or exterior storm 
windows, either permanent or removable, replacing just the glass in the 
sash with double pane glass (www.bi-glass.com is one company that does 
this).

Replace the furnace: Some steam systems can be retrofitted to hot 
water.  This loses you a lot of heat output, but with the improvements 
you made to the envelope, it might suffice, and would be much more 
efficient.

You don't say what the cottages will be used for, but if it's for 
intermittent habitation, I would be tempted to put in wood stoves (and 
insulation) and leave it at that.

Much of making a house greener is often mostly hidden stuff, and should 
not impact a historically motivated restoration at all.


As to the lead paint, depending on local regulations, and its 
condition, leaving it as is, and covering it might be the safest 
option.  Consult with an expert who is not going to be the one paid to 
remove it.

Thank You Kindly,

Corwyn


-- 
Corwyn
Kermit didn't know the half of it...
http://www.greenfret.com/
corwyn at greenfret.com