Q: Magnesium-oxide board (ExtremeGreen board) seems to be a ideal building material, but Wikipedia and other sources say it has a problem of attracting condensation due to its salt content. Can you offer any advice? -- Keith B. A: Magnesium-oxide building products – sheathing, wallboard, siding, and other products such as SIPs – are very new in the U.S. so there is little … [Read more...] about Magnesium-Oxide Wallboard & Sheathing
Moisture Problems
Should I Install A Vapor Barrier in the Basement?
Pierre writes: My basement wall is insulated with a 2 inches of Styrofoam on the interior and I built a 2×4 wall and added Roxul insulation. I planned to install vapor barrier on top. Is it OK to add this vapor barrier? It is for a bathroom with a tiled shower. I live in central Ontario, Canada. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a … [Read more...] about Should I Install A Vapor Barrier in the Basement?
Getting Bids for Rot Repair
Rich writes: On 75 townhouse units, is it better to get bids or pay for time and materials on new siding and repair of dry rot? You can't tell the extent of the dry rot until the siding is removed. I think the job will cost $300,000 to $400,000 to complete. The association members have many views. What do you advise? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: It sounds … [Read more...] about Getting Bids for Rot Repair