11-20-2008, 05:04 AM
Some construction doesn't use subflooring and has T & G floor decking used as the only flooring. It is a bit harder for the construction crew since they shouldn't put muddy boots on what will be the finish floor, but saves in building materials.
A lot of houses in Hawaii are not sealed up at all. Many of them have ventilation added as part of the construction process. A lot of the older houses have ventilated floors in the closets with louvered closet doors. The cooler air from under the house goes up through the closet to cool off the house. Having high ceilings (minimum nine feet, IMHO) with open-able vents up near the ceiling helps keep the building cool. Ventilate the heck out of the attic space so hot air doesn't stay trapped up there. A light colored or white roof will be significantly cooler than a dark colored roof. Three foot (minimum) roof overhangs shade the side of the house to keep it cool inside, too. A covered lanai gives you a wonderful place to be outside yet still inside and helps keep the inside areas cool because the incoming air has time to cool off before going into the house.
A lot of houses in Hawaii are not sealed up at all. Many of them have ventilation added as part of the construction process. A lot of the older houses have ventilated floors in the closets with louvered closet doors. The cooler air from under the house goes up through the closet to cool off the house. Having high ceilings (minimum nine feet, IMHO) with open-able vents up near the ceiling helps keep the building cool. Ventilate the heck out of the attic space so hot air doesn't stay trapped up there. A light colored or white roof will be significantly cooler than a dark colored roof. Three foot (minimum) roof overhangs shade the side of the house to keep it cool inside, too. A covered lanai gives you a wonderful place to be outside yet still inside and helps keep the inside areas cool because the incoming air has time to cool off before going into the house.
Kurt Wilson