Policing DIY.com - stop bad building advice at the source

I am always looking for good information and resources to share with customers about building science.  I really want to engage people to understand building science, and empower them to work on their own homes more.  Sometimes, the task of deconstructing misinformation is bigger than I realize...

 

Cruizing the internet this afternoon, seeking recources for some customers who intend to take on their own basment remodel.  I have found lots of good DIY guides on the DIY Network, so I went there to look for basement recommendations. 

 

But I am horrified to find them purveying bad advice! 

Their "Waterproofing Basements" article makes this recommendation:

An alternative to epoxy coatings is to use a polyethylene membrane. Although it holds back water, it may be necessary to install channels and a sump pump to collect and remove water from behind the membrane.

GAAAA!  Not only are they trapping the moisture in the wall cavitiy, they're adding electrical equipment to consume electricity in removing the trapped water!

 

The "How to Run Electrical Wire and Install Insulation"

Article recommends running wiring through this wall assembly, and I can only imagine the hazards created by putting electrical wiring through a moist and dank wall cavity. 

 

On the other hand, I've found a lovely guide that I would be happy to give my customers, on the Building Science.com website.  (oh man, I love that website - it's got lots of great technical data to satisfy many of my geeky research desires) 

Renovating Your Basement

Does anyone else have good, customer-friendly literature for DIY retrofits? 

 

Views: 32

Tags: Advice, BAD, Building, Communication, Customer, Science

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Comment by Ely Jacobsohn on June 13, 2011 at 10:48am
I wonder how many other similar articles there are from what are supposed to be reputable sources.  How should we as an industry address this?  Who would be the most effective spokespeople?

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