Question: I am having a house built partially on a slab and on a crawl space. Is it necessary to install a vapor barrier under the concrete, and is this something I can do myself to save some money?

If you took a poll of building envelope and construction forensic experts, it's likely that moisture barriers would be high on the list of most poorly understood products used in wall assemblies.

Although loved for their timeless aesthetics, hardwood floors have several enemies. These include direct sunlight, stiletto heels, and, worst of all, moisture. From cupping, signified by the edges ...

When it comes to vapor intrusion barriers, ease of installation is one of the key elements contributing to a successful project. Recently, a full suite of vapor barriers has been released that employ ...

Q:Thanks for your explanation on insulating a crawl space (Insulating, bracing crawl space a smart idea, Oct. 13). I have a rental house in San Carlos that gets mold on the walls near the floor in the ...

Dear James: I need an extra bedroom for my kids. It will be built on a slab and utilize floor radiant heating. I would like to install hardwood flooring over it. Is this OK over a heated slab? - ...

When it comes to controlling moisture at the building envelope, the construction industry has traditionally focused on blocking water and vapor from entering and getting trapped in the external wall ...

Dear James: I am having a house built partially on a slab and on a crawl space. Is it necessary to install a vapor barrier under the concrete, and is this something I can do myself to save some money?