EarthCraft Renovation

The EarthCraft Homes program was developed by the Home Builders of Atlanta and Southface to assist residential builders in constructing energy efficient houses and improving the Atlanta enviromnment.

Cruickshank Remodeling has seen limited demand for green building practices locally. In September my Remodelers Advantage peer review group toured the Neil Kelly company, arguably the greenest residential builder in the greenest city in the US. I was profoundly influenced by their commitment, progress and practices. Prior to going to Portland, I'd joined the EarthCraft program and after returning, I was inspired. I decided to make my project our pilot.

In addition to specific building materials and techniques, the Program encompasses construction practices. On the project we have a recycling container for construction crew bottles and cans. We utilized stump grindings from a removed tree, on-site for mulch. We've gone to extremes to control site erosion and top protect storm sewer catch basins from it. We've limited the construction impact area and used gravel over geotextile cloth to protect adjacent trees.

During demolition, we salvaged framing lumber, the bricks from the chimney, foundation vents, and heart pine flooring, all for re-use.

The floor system framing members are all engineered lumber; a more efficient use of our timber resources than traditional dimensional lumber. All scrap framing material is being consolidated into one area to promote using even small cut-offs for blocking and nailers.

Much of the program's focus is on sealing the building envelope, thermal insulation, and moisture control. Techniques we are employing include caulking all exterior wall plates to the subfloor, using housewrap with all seams taped, icynene spray foam insulation, 2-stud corners, and an insulated crawlspace. Moisture control has been addressed with a foundation drainage matt, termite shields, door sill pans, and proper window and door flashings.

All fireplaces have their own outside air sources to improve efficiency.

And of course, building equipment efficiencies are a big focus. We will replace two existing heat pump systems with high efficiency, variable speed furnaces with super high efficiency, two-speed condensing units. We plan on peforming both blower door and duct blaster tests on the house.

Finally, we will insulate the underside of the roof deck in the attic (rather than the attic floor) so as to keep the attic HVAC equipment inside of a conditioned space, thereby improving efficiency. This technique is a radical departure from building tradition but is the current school of thought.

These are only some of the many approaches we are employing on the project. What I've come to appreciate is that these standards are not so much the result of a momentary peripheral approach to residential construction. Rather, they are good building practices designed to improve the longevity of a home, minimize resources used, and lower continuing operating costs; all good things.