March 23, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Framers
Homes built in high-wind areas must be able to withstand the wind forces known as uplift (which try to roll the structure over) and shear (which tries to push the structure sideways). Catastrophic damage to property and tragic loss of life have prompted industry professionals to look for cost-effective ways to build homes better able to withstand combined shear and uplift using products trades are familiar with. Now structural wall sheathing can provide the required continuous load path needed to resist high winds and meet high wind codes.
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March 3, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Using the right nail for each job will mean that your work lasts longer and can reduce expensive callbacks. For example, using the incorrect nail for a sub-floor installation could result in squeaky floors, uneven surfaces and bounce.
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February 29, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Nails literally hold the world together, but just how much do you know about your fasteners? Do you use the same nails for every job out of habit? Always ask your design professional to stipulate sizes and fastener patterns, but knowing what kind of nails to use may save you time and money on work that lasts.
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February 22, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, Framers
One of the constant responsibilities of the construction industry manager is soliciting new business. Word of mouth can bring in a good amount of business, but you must augment your good reputation with marketing methods that work. Selecting marketing that will give you a good return on investment will help you to reduce your costs.
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February 18, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Eight strategies for getting the most out of your retrofit budget. Ensure that your home is as energy efficient as your budget will allow by spending your money where it makes the most difference.
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February 16, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Homes built as recently as the 1980s are riddled with gaps in the building envelope and have far too little insulation to measure up to modern energy efficiency standards. Retrofitting an old home will make it more comfortable, will reduce energy costs and will make it kinder on the environment. The question is; where do you get the most bang for your retrofitting buck? Here is a basic guide to help you to decide where your money is best spent.
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February 11, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Raised heel trusses provide additional attic space which allows you to add cheaper batt insulation. This means you increase the efficacy of your building envelope. Throw in some taller wall panels like Windstorm or TallWall and you have a recipe for building envelope brilliance.
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January 15, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Construction workers are exposed to extreme weather when on site over the winter months. It’s good to review the basics of staying safely warm when outdoors. This will help to keep your crew safe and reduce sick days.
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January 11, 2016
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Despite code restrictions on supply ducting in building cavities, they are regularly utilized for return ducting. However, this practice compromises your building envelope and leads to leaks. When return-air plenums are installed, it results in energy loss, an increase in energy bills and a less efficient HVAC system.
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December 17, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
An effective building envelope is a combination of insulating building materials and a reduction in air leakage. This reduction can be achieved by using taller wall sheathing panels and through effectively sealing air leaks. When determining which air leaks construction professionals should focus on, Dave Wolf from Owens Corning Science and Technology has conducted a study to see which leaks require the least effort and sealant and provide the highest returns in building envelope efficiency.
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