Energy costs that go to conditioning the air in a home add up to about half of its overall energy consumption. Improving the competence of the building envelope and using insulation with R-values that exceed those stipulated by the local building code will help to reduce the homeowner’s energy consumption.
Insulation is the key to energy savings only if it is accompanied by an effective air barrier. Gaps and holes in your air barrier will mitigate the efficacy of even the most robust insulation. When any holes in the building envelope are effectively sealed, the homeowner can expect to save up to 30% of their home energy bills.
When a ‘whole house’ design approach is adopted, construction professionals can effectively improve energy efficiency with little or no increase in construction cost as higher costs may be offset by using a smaller HVAC system or less material. Efficient wall systems enable the construction professional to secure the building envelope and prevent energy loss.
As a contractor, you know that you have to constantly be working towards the next sale and the online world provides a free source of business. A blog and social media platforms cost nothing but time and effort and can really help to promote your business if used correctly.
Whether you already have your own construction company or you have aspirations for the future, good business practices are universal to all companies and trades. While you may know everything there is to know about your trade, you can always learn new techniques of dealing with customers.
As sea levels rise and severe weather incidences increase, more residents along the North American coast lines become vulnerable to flooding during storms. One way to reduce the Raised wood flooring systemsdamage done during flooding is to build homes that are above the flood level. One option which is gaining traction is the raised wood flooring system.
After the devastation wrecked by Hurricane Sandy, New York’s Mayor Bloomberg released a report called “A Stronger, More Resilient New York,” which informed residents that rising sea levels and climate change had created a need to improve defenses against flooding. the restoration and expansion of sand dunes “is a proven method of effectively reducing flooding. It had a huge positive influence on areas along open shores during Sandy.”
While the focus is usually on the window itself and the energy efficiency and insulation value it will contribute to the building envelope, a thought should also be spared for the material from which the window frame is made. Coupling efficient window framing materials with the right glass options for your climate will give you the most effective window framing systems.
The DBA is hosting the Dallas Builder’s Show on October 15 which offers industry professionals a day of insights and opportunities. The DBA Show kicks off with a member’s meeting with special guest speakers Ross Perot Jr. and Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, have a trade show featuring 70 exhibitors and a cocktail reception in the evening will benefit the worthy Operation Finally Home.
Energy efficient home design relies on effective building envelopes and as these get tighter, some concerns are being raised about poor indoor air quality. This has led many construction professionals to add mechanical ventilation to their designs.
