Green Building Product Discussions

European vs. American Windows - What's the Difference?

Energy Efficiency,air sealing,Windows,Doors

by Rate It Green Team

Have you been wondering what the difference is between European and American windows? (And have you had a European window seem to fall on you during vacation, and perhaps you panicked?) Check out this video by Green Builder Matt Hoots… more...

  Filed under: Doors, Windows and Openings

Energy Efficient Steel Windows and Doors - Arcadia Custom

by Rate It Green Team

  Arcadia Custom Windows and Doors has met the challenge to prevent energy loss and to meet or even exceed energy codes with steel doors and windows. In this video, Matt Hoots talks with Morgan from Arcadia Custom Windows and Do… more...

  Filed under: Doors, Windows and Openings

Deciding When to Replace Windows

Energy Efficiency,air sealing,Windows,Caulking,Window replacement,Window frames

by Rate It Green Team

Thanks to GreenBuilder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. for kicking off our series on Windows and Energy Efficiency!  In this conversation, Matt explains when it’s time to start thinking about window replacement, and the a… more...

  Filed under: Doors, Windows and Openings

Top Factors for Selecting New Windows

Energy Efficiency,Windows,Home Building,New windows

by Rate It Green Team

How do you decide what windows you need?  Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. shares some top considerations, but first he reminds us that every client, every job, every building, and every budget is different. So, that me… more...

  Filed under: Doors, Windows and Openings

Learning About Rockwool's Versatility with Matt Hoots at the International Builders Show (Video)

Insulation,ROCKWOOL,Stone Wool,Mineral Wool

by Rate It Green Team

Did you know that Rockwool is actually made out of volcanically derived rock - basalt from the earth’s crust and recycled steel slag?  Join Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Design, Inc. and Dan Edelman of Rockwool to learn mo… more...

  Filed under: Mineral Wool Insulation

What is the Compressive Strength of ROCKWOOL Insulation?

Insulation,ROCKWOOL,Stone Wool Insulation,Mineral Wool Insulation

by Rate It Green Team

  No, you shouldn’t drive over ROCKWOOL or any other insulation, but apparently people have done it….    In this video, Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. and Chris Laumer-Giddens of LG Squa… more...

  Filed under: Mineral Wool Insulation

Hi-velocity HVAC system used in modern designed homes

Energy Efficiency,HVAC,Ventilation,Heating,Cooling,Air Conditioning,comfort,Hi Velocity

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

I worked with a high-velocity HVAC system attached to a ground source heat pump a decade ago.  We had to use this system because the architect did not leave us any room for ductwork, so the four-inch ducts that were part of the hi… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Buildings need to dry- not breathe!

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

Hopefully, by now, most people understand that "Build tight/ ventilate right" is how most green building programs require you to build.  Less understood is the necessity for buildings to "dry out." In most climat… more...

  Filed under: Rain Screen Products

50% of the "perfect wall" control layers with one product

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

The only way to mainstream advanced building science concepts is to make them simple to install.  As we designed and are building the #1920sMakeoverATL, we have to work with readily available materials and keep in mind the skill set of… more...

  Filed under: Air Barriers

Pros and Cons of an airtight house

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

A house needs to breathe, right? Yes, they do, but not the way most builders or homeowners think they do.  Many argue for a leaky house to allow the house to breathe.  That is one method to get fresh air. However, it is not th… more...

  Filed under: Filtration