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Tables of Contents for Healthy House Building
Chapter/Section Title
Page #
Page Count
PREFACE
3
2
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
5
10
ABOUT THIS BOOK
15
4
PART 1: GETTING STARTED
19
34
CHAPTER 1: WHY A HEALTHY HOUSE?
19
8
Modern Construction
19
1
The Pollutants
20
3
Biologicals
20
1
Pesticides
21
1
Gases
21
1
Metals
21
1
Minerals
22
1
Radiation
22
1
Vapors
23
1
Increased Risk
23
2
Modern Illnesses
24
1
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
24
1
Solutions
25
2
CHAPTER 2: NEW CONCEPTS IN HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
27
10
The Holistic House
27
1
Outgassing
28
1
The Time Factor
28
1
The "Bake-Out"
29
1
Selecting the Site
30
1
Site Analysis
30
1
Subdivision Restrictions
31
1
Airtight Construction
31
1
Principles of Healthy House Construction
32
2
Principle 1: Eliminate
32
1
What to Eliminate
32
1
Principle 2: Separate
33
1
Principle 3: Ventilate
33
1
Compromises
34
1
Miscellaneous Considerations
35
2
CHAPTER 3: SELECTING A DESIGNER AND CONTRACTOR
37
6
Who Should Be in Charge?
37
1
Are You Ready?
38
1
Preplanning
38
1
Who Will Design the House?
39
1
Design for Health
39
1
The Way Many Houses Are Designed
40
1
Who Will Build the House?
40
1
Do-It-Yourselfers
40
1
Remodeling
41
1
Precautions with Remodeling
41
1
Prefab and Kit Houses
41
1
Special Precautions
42
1
CHAPTER 4: LOCATING AND PURCHASING HEALTHY MATERIALS
43
10
Defining Healthy Materials
43
3
Generically Healthy Products
43
1
Wood and Wood Products
44
1
Plastics
44
1
The Fleece Factor
44
1
VOCs: My Argument Against Them
44
1
Low Outgassing Materials
45
1
Paints, Adhesives, Caulking
45
1
Material Safety Data Sheets
45
1
Salvaged Materials
46
1
Using Unhealthy Materials
46
1
Special Orders
47
1
Ordering in Advance
47
1
What Does It Cost?
48
1
Health Care vs. Mortgage
48
1
A Special Note for Sensitive People
49
4
PART 2: THE STRUCTURE
53
102
CHAPTER 5: FOUNDATIONS
53
26
Moisture Control
53
1
Radon Control
54
1
How Much Radon Is Too Much?
54
1
Testing for Radon
54
1
Termite Control
55
2
Common Termite Control Strategies
55
2
Alternative Termite Control Strategies
57
1
Energy Savings
57
1
Concrete
57
1
Selecting a Foundation Type
58
1
Pier Foundations
58
1
Slab-on-Grade Foundations
59
1
Moisture
59
1
Radon
60
1
Termites
60
1
Insulation
60
1
Existing Houses
60
1
Crawl Space Foundations
60
2
Moisture
61
1
Ventilation
61
1
Radon
61
1
Termites
61
1
Insulation
62
1
Existing Houses
62
1
Basement Foundations
62
1
Moisture
62
1
Radon
62
1
Termites
63
1
Insulation
63
1
Existing Houses
63
1
The Model Healthy House Foundation
63
16
Placing the House on the Lot
64
1
Constructing Footings and Foundations Walls
65
2
Installing the Foundation Drain
67
1
Installing the Plumbing Lines
67
2
Radon Removal
69
1
Crushed Stone
70
1
Insulation
70
3
Crack Prevention
73
1
Placing the Concrete Slab
74
1
The Garage Foundation
75
1
Porch Walls
76
2
Grading the Land
78
1
CHAPTER 6: FRAMING
79
36
Framing Alternatives
79
4
Wood Framing
79
1
Termites and Wood Framing
80
1
Concrete and Masonary Framing
80
1
Steel Framing
80
3
Cost of Framing Options
83
1
Passive Solar Heating
83
1
"Superinsulation"
83
1
Framing the Model Healthy House
83
32
Designing with Steel Framing
84
1
A Variety of Sizes
84
1
Heat Loss with Steel Studs
84
2
Calculations: Load-Bearing Framing
86
1
Wind Loading
86
1
Axial Loading
86
1
Load Tables
86
1
Calculating the Actual Axial Load
87
1
Rafters, Floor Joists, and Headers
88
1
Professional Design Assistance
88
1
Calculations: Non-Load-Bearing Framing
88
1
Working with Steel Framing
88
4
Cutting Steel Framing
92
1
Fasteners and Screw Guns
93
1
Assembling the Load-Bearing Walls
94
1
Upper and Lower Channels
94
2
Studs
96
1
Door and Window Openings
96
2
Standing up the Walls
98
1
Sill Sealer
98
1
Diagonal Wind Bracing
98
1
Horizontal Bridging
99
2
Incorporating Passive Solar Design
101
1
Solar Angles
101
1
Calculating Wall Heights and Roof Overhangs
101
1
Roof Framing
102
1
Obtaining Extra Rafter Height
103
1
48" Rafter Spacing
103
1
2x4 Purlins
103
2
Metal Furring Channel
105
1
Non-Load-Bearing Walls, Phase 1
106
2
Sealant Gaskets
108
1
Assembling Non-Load-Bearing Studs
108
1
Door and Window Openings
108
1
Blocking
108
1
Garage Framing
109
2
Porches
111
1
Wood Deck
111
4
CHAPTER 7: ROOFING
115
14
Roofing Products
115
3
Composition Shingles
115
1
Wood Shingles
116
1
Slate Shingles and Clay Tiles
116
1
Metal Roofing
116
1
Metal Shingles
117
1
Sheet Metal Roofing
117
1
Roof Ventilation
118
1
Roofing for the Model Healthy House
118
11
Cost Considerations
119
1
Working With Sheet Metal Roofing
119
1
Safety and Metal Roofing
119
1
Handling Metal Roofing
119
1
Storage
119
1
Fasteners
120
1
Cutting
120
1
The Actual Installation
121
1
Drip Edge
122
1
Getting the Material up onto the Roof
123
2
Sealing between Sheets
125
1
Rake Trim
126
1
Sealing the Eaves
127
1
Peak Trim
127
1
Moisture Control and Ventilation
128
1
CHAPTER 8: WALL SHEATHING AND WIND BARRIERS
129
6
Sheathing
129
1
Sheathing for Structural Purposes
130
1
Insulative Sheathing
130
1
Sheathing as a Stiffener behind Siding
130
1
Sheathing as a Wind Barrier
130
1
Is Sheathing Necessary?
130
1
Wind Barriers
130
1
Builders Foil
130
1
Disadvantages of Using Builders Foil without Sheathing
131
1
Installing the Wind Barrier on the Model Healthy House
131
4
Aluminum Foil Tape
131
1
Working with Builders Foil
131
4
CHAPTER 9: WINDOWS AND DOORS
135
8
Window Frames
135
1
Vinyl-Framed Windows
135
1
Wood-Framed Window
135
1
Aluminum-Framed Windows
135
1
Windows and Energy Efficiency
136
1
Windows as Fire Escapes
136
1
Solar Considerations
137
1
Exterior Doors
137
1
Windows and Doors in the Model Healthy House
137
6
Window Installation
139
1
Painting the Doors
139
1
Door Installation
140
1
Special Door Threshold
141
2
CHAPTER 10: SIDING
143
12
Siding Materials
143
3
Vinyl Siding
143
1
Metal Siding
143
1
Wood Siding
144
1
Masonary Siding
144
1
Stucco
145
1
Cement Fiber Siding
146
1
Siding the Model Healthy House
146
9
Fasteners
146
1
Installing Aluminum Siding
147
3
Soffits and Fascia
150
1
Caulking
151
1
Gutters
152
3
PART 3: AIRTIGHT CONSTRUCTION
155
50
CHAPTER 11: THE AIRTIGHT HOUSE
155
14
An Unhealthy Airtight House
155
1
Simplified Example of Healthy House Construction
155
1
Energy Efficiency
156
1
Water Vapor Control
156
1
How Air Moves Naturally
157
1
Wind
157
1
Stack Effect
157
1
Why You Shouldn't Rely on Natural Pressures to Supply Fresh Air
158
1
Control of Indoor Air
158
1
Airtight Construction Using the Two-Phase Technique
158
1
Alternative ADA Techniques
159
1
Phase 1 Rough-In in the Model Healthy House
160
9
Ventilation Rough-In
160
1
Plumbing Supply Rough-In
161
1
Solar Water Heater Rough-In
161
1
Plumbing Drain/Vent Rough-In
162
1
Radon Removal Fan Rough-In
163
1
Central Vacuum Rough-In
164
1
Electrical Rough-In
165
1
Airtight Electrical Boxes
165
1
Clothes Dryer Rough-In
166
1
Air Conditioning and Telephone Rough-In
166
1
Boric Acid
166
1
Rough-In Summary
167
2
CHAPTER 12: INSULATION
169
8
Insulating Materials
169
2
Foam Insulation
169
1
Cellulose Insulation
170
1
Fiberglass Insulation
170
1
Alternative Insulations
171
1
Working with Insulation
171
1
Insulating the Model Healthy House
172
5
Superinsulation
172
2
Ordering the Correct Size
174
1
Cutting Fiberglass
174
1
Ceiling Batts
174
1
Wall Batts
175
1
The Smell of Formaldehyde
175
2
CHAPTER 13: DIFFUSION BARRIERS AND DRYWALL
177
12
Difference Between Air and Diffusion Barriers
177
2
Which Is More Important, Air or Diffusion Barriers?
177
1
Diffusion Barriers
178
1
Diffusion Barriers in Different Climates
178
1
Air Barriers
179
1
The Airtight Drywall Approach (ADA)
179
1
Aerosol-Foam Insulation
180
1
Caulking
181
1
Barriers and Sealing the Model Healthy House
182
7
Hanging the Drywall
182
1
ADA Sealing at Windows
183
1
ADA Sealing at Doors
184
1
ADA Sealing at the Center Partition Wall
184
1
ADA Sealing, Miscellaneous
185
2
Airtight at Last
187
2
CHAPTER 14: INTERIOR FRAMING
189
16
Light-Weight Steel Framing
189
1
Interior Framing Variations
189
1
Interior Framing in the Model Healthy House
189
16
Installing the Channel on the Floor
197
1
Installing the Channel on the Ceiling
198
1
Installing the Studs
198
1
Z-Furring
199
1
Hall Ceiling
199
1
Double Wall in Kitchen
199
1
Built-Ins
200
1
Blocking
200
5
PART 4: SYSTEMS
205
52
CHAPTER 15: VENTILATION AND FILTRATION
205
24
Ventilation Strategies
205
4
Exhaust Systems
205
2
Supply Systems
207
1
Balanced Systems
208
1
Heat Recovery Ventilation
209
1
How Much Ventilation Is Enough
209
1
Filtration Strategies
210
4
Particulate Filters
211
1
Electrostatic Precipitators
211
1
Extended-Surface Filters
212
1
HEPA Filters
213
1
Gaseous Filtration
213
1
Miscellaneous Air-Cleaning Devices
214
1
Electrostatic Air Filters
214
1
Negative-Ion Generators
214
1
Ozone Generators
214
1
House Plants
214
1
Ductwork
215
1
Duct Material
215
1
Duct Locations
215
1
Leaky Ducts
215
1
Duct Insulation
216
1
Ventilation/Filtration Rough-in for the Model Healthy House
216
13
The Design Criteria
216
1
Filtration Equipment
217
1
Filtration Layout
218
1
Ductwork
219
1
Duct Locations
220
1
Sealing the Ducts
220
1
Heat Recovery Ventilator
220
1
HRV Layout
221
2
Operation of the HRV and Filtration System
223
1
Noise Control
224
1
Vibrational Noise
224
1
Air Noise
224
1
Spot Ventilation Equipment
224
1
Kitchen Range Hood
225
1
Master Bath Fan
225
2
Bath-Laundry Fan
227
1
Garage Fan
227
1
Operating Spot Ventilation Equipment
227
2
CHAPTER 16: PLUMBING
229
10
Plumbing Lines and Pipes
229
2
Water Supply Lines
229
1
Solder
230
1
Drain Lines
230
1
Vents
231
1
Bathtubs
231
1
Water Filters
231
1
Water Heating
232
1
Plumbing Rough-in for the Model Healthy House
232
7
Water Supply Lines
233
1
Anti-Scald Valves
233
1
Leak Testing
234
1
Water Filter
234
1
Drain and Vent Lines
234
1
Bathtubs
234
1
Bathtub Drains
234
2
Washing Machine Drain
236
1
Solar Water Heater Connection
236
1
Radon Removal System
237
2
CHAPTER 17: CENTRAL VACUUM
239
2
Central Vacuum Rough-in for the Model Healthy House
239
2
CHAPTER 18: ELECTRICAL
241
8
Electrical Components
241
2
Electrical Wire
241
1
Electrical Boxes
241
1
Ground Fault Interrupters
242
1
Smoke Detectors
242
1
Electromagnetic Fields
243
3
Electrical Rough-In for the Model Healthy House
246
3
CHAPTER 19: HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
249
8
Forced-Air Systems
249
3
Problems with Forced-Air Systems
250
1
Backdrafting and Spillage
250
1
Duct Problems
251
1
Forced-Hot-Water Systems
252
1
Problems with Forced-Hot-Water Systems
252
1
Electric Baseboard Heaters
252
1
Ductless Air Conditioners
253
1
Heating Rough-in for the Model Healthy House
253
1
Air-Conditioning Rough-in for the Model Healthy House
253
4
PART 5: INTERIOR FINISHING
257
84
CHAPTER 20: WALLS AND CEILINGS
257
8
Plaster
257
1
Drywall
258
2
Drywall Joint Compound
259
1
Wood Paneling
260
1
Ceramic Tile
260
1
Walls and Ceilings in the Model Healthy House
260
5
Foil-Backed Drywall
261
1
Attaching the Drywall
261
3
Taping and Finishing
264
1
CHAPTER 21: PAINTS STAINS, AND FINISHES
265
8
Environmental Concerns
265
1
Health Concerns
265
1
Healthier Alternatives
266
1
Low-Outgassing Finishes
266
1
Natural Finishes
266
1
Interior Stains
267
1
Finishing Wood Floors
267
1
Using Coatings as Barriers or Sealants
267
1
Outdoor Paints
268
1
Selecting a Paint
268
1
Testing Finishes for Chemically Sensitive People
268
1
Wallpaper
268
1
Painting the Model Healthy House
269
4
Painting the Walls and Ceilings
270
1
Finishing the Woodwork
271
2
CHAPTER 22: FLOORS
273
12
Carpeting
273
2
Microorganisms
274
1
Carpet Pads
274
1
Carpet Installation
274
1
Cleaning Carpet
274
1
Carpet and the Environment
275
1
Do You Still Want Carpeting?
275
1
Composition Flooring
275
1
Wood Floors
276
1
Ceramic Tile
276
2
Types of Ceramic Tile
277
1
Mortar
277
1
Grout
277
1
Other Floor Coverings
278
1
Floors in the Model Healthy House
278
7
The Tile
279
1
Laying Out the Job
279
3
Setting the Tile
282
1
Grouting
283
2
CHAPTER 23: KITCHEN
285
14
Kitchen Cabinets
285
2
Healthy Cabinet Options
286
1
Older Cabinets
286
1
Custom-Built Wood Cabinets
286
1
Steel Cabinets
286
1
Countertops
287
1
Appliances
287
2
Range
287
1
Microwave Oven
288
1
Refrigerator
288
1
Dishwasher
289
1
Range Hood
289
1
The Kitchen in the Model Healthy House
289
10
Installing Steel Cabinets
292
1
Cabinet Base Units
293
1
Stainless Countertops
294
1
Upper Cabinets
295
1
Appliances
296
3
CHAPTER 24: BATHROOMS
299
6
Bathtub Surrounds
299
1
Shower Doors
300
1
Toilets
301
1
Lavatory
301
1
Bathrooms in the Model Healthy House
302
3
CHAPTER 25: COMPLETING THE SYSTEMS
305
10
Ventilation/Filtration
305
2
Plumbing
307
1
Water Filter
307
1
Water Heater
307
2
Central Vacuum
309
1
Electrical
309
1
Heating
310
2
Air Conditioning
312
3
CHAPTER 26: WOODWORK
315
10
Finishing the Woodwork
315
1
Interior Doors
315
2
Wood Trim
317
2
Built-Ins
319
6
CHAPTER 27: FINISHING TOUCHES
325
16
Light Fixtures
325
1
Light Bulbs
325
2
Full-Spectrum Lighting
325
1
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
326
1
Standard Incandescent Bulb Alternatives
327
1
Light Bulbs in the Model Healthy House
327
1
Closet Organizers
328
1
Window Coverings
329
1
Owner's Manuals
330
1
Radon Testing
330
1
Formaldehyde Testing
331
3
Airtightness Testing
334
2
Summary
336
5
PART 6: RESOURCES
341
36
APPENDIX 1: LIVING IN A HEALTHY HOUSE
341
3
Books
341
1
Periodicals
342
1
Organizations
342
2
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF SPONSORS
344
3
Project Sponsors
344
3
APPENDIX 3: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
347
5
Books
347
3
Periodicals
350
1
Organizations
350
2
APPENDIX 4: HOUSE PLANS
352
25
Sheet 1, Title and Index
352
1
Sheet 2, Site Plan
353
1
Sheet 3, Floor Plan
354
1
Sheet 4, Foundation Plan
355
1
Sheet 5, Floor Plan, Phase 1
356
1
Sheet 6, Full House Section, Phase 1
357
1
Sheet 7, Wall Section
358
1
Sheet 8, Wall Framing Details
359
1
Sheet 9, Wall Framing Details
360
1
Sheet 10, Steel Stud Details
361
1
Sheet 11, Entry Details
362
1
Sheet 12, Sealing Details, Phase 1
363
1
Sheet 13, Floor Plan, Phase 2
364
1
Sheet 14, Built-In Cabinetry
365
1
Sheet 15, House Elevations
366
1
Sheet 16, House Elevations
367
1
Sheet 17, Eave Details
368
1
Sheet 18, Deck Details
369
1
Sheet 19, Electrical Plan
370
1
Sheet 20, Plumbing Schematics
371
1
Sheet 21, Ventilation Details
372
1
Sheet 22, Kitchen Details
373
1
Sheet 23, Stainless Steel Details
374
1
Sheet 24, Garage Details
375
1
Sheet 25, Garage Elevations
376
1
INDEX
377