Links we’ve found helpful during our build.
jump to:
structural
material weights
embodied energy
r-values + insulation
rainscreen+siding
doors + windows
plumbing
electrical
ventilation
vapor barriers
solar
wood-fired hot water
wood stove
utilities
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structural
How to calculate load bearing beams:
https://www.hunker.com/12484662/how-to-calculate-load-bearing-beams
Rafter span calculator:
https://awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software/spancalc
National Design specifications for wood construction:
https://www.awc.org/pdf/codes-standards/publications/nds/AWC-NDS2015-ViewOnly-1411.pdf
The Shelf Sagulator:
(An extremely cool tool for determining how thin your shelving can be without sagging)
https://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/
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material weights
Good table of plywood weights:
https://www.inchcalculator.com/how-much-does-plywood-weigh
Good table of framing lumber weights:
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/green-kiln-dried-pressure-treated-lumber-weights-d_1860.htm
Table various building materials weights:
http://demolitionforum.com/material-weights
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embodied energy
Good article on embodied energy:
https://www.pmcarchitects.com/sustainability-content-paul-mcalister-architects/your-carbon-budget-understanding-embodied-energy
Takeaways:
- Only 5-10% of a homes total lifetime energy consumption is embodied energy
- Longevity of a structure is the biggest factor in reducing embodied energy
- Increased thermal performance can rapidly offset high embodied energy
Another article on embodied energy:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/all-about-embodied-energy
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r-values and insulation
Excellent resource on avoiding global warming impact of insulation:
https://www.buildinggreen.com/news-article/avoiding-global-warming-impact-insulation
Excellent article on whole wall R-values:
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2017/07/10/closed-cell-foam-studs-waste
R-values of common building materials:
http://www.coloradoenergy.org/procorner/stuff/r-values.htm
How compressing insulation changes R-value:
https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Compressed_R_values.pdf
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rain screen + siding
Rain Screen installation:
https://hammerandhand.com/best-practices/manual/4-rain-screens/
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doors + windows
Choosing window flashing:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-backyard-test-of-peel-and-stick-flashings
Good French door install video:
https://youtu.be/Gr46nuFA1Bw
Marvin coating comparison tool:
https://www.marvin.com/support/energy-data
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plumbing
Environmental and economic life cycle assessment of PEX and copper plumbing systems:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305823758_Environmental_and_economic_life_cycle_assessment_of_PEX_and_copper_plumbing_systems_A_case_study
PEX or Copper: Which is more sustainable?
https://www.phcppros.com/articles/158-pex-or-copper-which-is-more-sustainable
Comparison of PEX and Copper for Potable Water Piping:
https://bacwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BAPPG-Technical-Memo-Copper-vs-PEX-25June2014.pdf
Good view of a pumped tank system:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZl5iefn9bQ
Video with excellent links for on/off grid tiny house plumbing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGKLy1gPmg
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electrical
Wiring a sub panel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N-J6ygvqEI
Wiring a 240V water heater for 120:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-water-heater-for-120-Volt.html
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ventilation
How much fresh air does your house need:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-much-fresh-air-does-your-home-need
Ventilation for a small home:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/ventilation-small-home
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vapor barriers
Do you need a vapor barrier?
https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/54110/You-Don-t-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier-Probably
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solar
The basic idea for the thermosyphon solar hot water system is here, sizing recommendations seem accurate:
http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/solar-hot-water/flat-plate-collector.htm
Solar hot water resource:
https://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/waterheaters-figures.html
20 sq ft flat plate collector suppliers:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/titanpowerplussu2-solar-flat-plate-collector-p-501608.html
https://nlsolarheating.solartubs.com
Build it solar, a giant mess of great information:
https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/Components.htm#Storage
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wood fired hot water
The most reputable wood fired water jacket system is the Axeman’s Fire Flue
http://www.axeman-fireflue.com
There appears to be an Amish knockoff of the axeman’s fireflue:
http://woodstoves.co/141-fire-flue-water-heater.html
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utilities
Tiny house internet options:
https://www.tinyhomebuilders.com/blog/getting-the-internet-in-your-tiny-house/