Earthquake Survival Guide

Each year, the US averages around 20,000 earthquakes or around 55 a day. 42 States are currently at risk of a major earthquake. Here are a few tips to being ready for any eventuality. Be sure to discuss the best response options with your family too.

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The Advantages of Vertical Wall Panel Placement

Traditionally, wall sheathing is placed horizontally on the studs with an open joint seam running through the middle of the wall system. Now some innovative wall sheathing manufacturers are creating engineered taller wall sheathing panels that can be installed vertically. This provides a number of advantages for builders including lower labor costs and improved energy envelopes.

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How to Speak about Acclimation and Ongoing Care of Hardwood Flooring with your Clients

Most clients will think that hardwood flooring is a ‘set it and forget it’ aspect of their homes, and few will realise the importance of maintaining their indoor environment in order to ensure that their hardwood flooring stays pristine. When clients don’t maintain a consistent environment, you get expensive callbacks and a lack of customer satisfaction.

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FEMA’s Guide to Hurricane Preparedness

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has some concerning statistics for the 2013 hurricane season. While a normal season sees an average of 12 named storms, this season is expected to host 13 to 20. Being adequately prepared for hurricane season mitigates much of the property damage and loss of life that can result from big storms. Here are some tips from FEMA for hurricane preparedness.

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Secrets to OSB Sheathing Success

OSB sheathing is a sustainable, durable, economical and practical choice for builders and framers. OSB sheathing success relies on proper installation and there are a number of strategies to follow to minimize call backs and to ensure that your build enjoys longevity and aesthetic appeal.

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Jobsite safety: Best Practices from OSHA

We’re no experts on safety, so we turned to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for some guidelines on best practices for onsite job safety. They set standards for employers and employees to follow to reduce the risk of injuries on construction sites. Here are some of the most important steps to keeping your job site safe. Always check for local requirements before embarking on a new build.

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