Stud Size NYC Code


Hi there. Question: What would the required framing stud size be for external walls in a new building in NYC that is 5 stories high? Is it 2×4 or 2×6? Thanks much for your help.

Categories: Structural
By PSGal | 04/20/2011 6:24 PM | Comment

Interior Wall Insulation


Hi there. We live in a newly constructed condo that has no insulation in the interior walls (like between the bedrooms). Is this standard? We do have forced air heat, so I’ve heard that this is the way to go in that situation. That said, sound really travels throughout the apartment and I worry that heat doesn’t stay in bedrooms and that there is no fire retardant in those walls.

Does anyone have thoughts? Should we insulate these interior walls, and if so, with what product?

Thanks for any help.

Categories: Insulation
By PSGal | 04/01/2011 12:08 PM | Comment

Whole House Humidifier


Hi there. I have a very dry, newly constructed condo and believe I need a whole house humidifier.

But there are some challenges. The HVAC set up is horizontally- installed, forced-air heat (boiler hot water to coil/air handler). The ducts begin very close to the coil on the supply side, preventing the adequate space for the placement of most models of whole house humidifiers. We tried a mister humidifier on the supply BEFORE the coil, but it leaked. No go.

Recently I learned that there are some models, like the Honeywell True Stream, that can be remotely installed with just a little space needed on the supply to allow for the installation of a hose.

Questions:

First, will this humifidier type work in the kind of HVAC set up I’ve described.

Second, are these steam humidifiers a good bet.

Third, does anyone have a recommendation of who could help me with this issue?

Just by way of FYI, the condo is about 2700 sq ft and has average air infiltration.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Categories: Heating
By PSGal | 03/15/2011 1:45 PM | Comment

Residential Insulation R-Level


Question: Can anyone tell me what NYC or NYS code requires in terms of insulation R-level in walls for new, multi-unit dwellings?

Categories: Insulation
By PSGal | 02/09/2011 8:35 AM | Comment