The Retro Rambler, a case study project led by award-winning Symbi Homes, is a living, breathing demonstration of how builders can achieve higher standards of wellness, energy efficiency and technology for the places we call home. [...]
The Retrofit Lab is offering a half-day workshop on converting homes to energy-efficient heat pumps for building professionals in the Washington, DC area. Symbi Homes’ Matt Kulp and Nicole Tysvaer are teaming up with Noah Lawrence from Retrotec [...]
Check this out! Top plates (horizontal framing where roof meets top of exterior wall) are notoriously leaky spots in homes with vented attics. Air sneaks through the wall assembly causing undesirable drafts to permeate the living [...]
Check out this Symbi Homes exclusive! Nicole is delighted to share that Symbi was selected by @jameshardie to prototype their new product, the TimberHue wood-look lap siding, shown here in the Weathered Oak finish at our Retro Rambler [...]
Check this out! Old hardwood flooring has more character and depth than new material. At Symbi Homes, we love thrifting for reclaimed wood at our favorite construction recycle warehouse @secondchanceinc where we found 1000sf of 2-1/4 red [...]
Check this out! Want to build super comfortable and efficient high-performance homes? Don’t forget to test for air leakage BEFORE DRYWALL!! We use a @retrotec US5100 Blower Door System with the DM32X manometer and Retrotec AirTracer to [...]
CLICK HERE TO WATCH the full step-by-step window install at our Retro Rambler project using Huberwood ZIP System 1-inch insulated sheathing plus the ZIP System Stretch Tape with Energy Star Pella Mid Atlantic Lifestyle aluminum clad [...]
Check this out! High quality cellulose insulation is our preferred product for thermal protection and sound attenuation for all of Symbi's homes. Made from recycled paper, @greenfibersanctuary is a carbon negative material that is more healthy, durable [...]
Check this out! Wow what a difference! Proud to be part of @pnnlab national pilot study for exterior insulation while residing. We are using 2.5” (R-16.7) @sikausa Rmax Thermasheath insulation and Energy Star Lifestyle @pellawindows. Advanced insulation, air sealing, comfort, daylight, [...]
Check this out! Off to a not-so-great start with re-siding our Retro Rambler. Found significant water damage under the vinyl siding due to poor install 10+ years ago. Proper window flashing and water-resistant barrier are absolutely [...]
