How to Build for Major Wind Events
If you live in an area that is prone to wind events, you can build to mitigate damage to property and risk of injury.
Builder Insights / Blog
What are the Small Black Diamonds on Tape Measures?
Ever noticed the little black diamonds or triangles on your tape measure?
Utilizing Raised-Heel Trusses will Improve HERS Rating
We already know that raised-heel trusses save you time. But raised-heel trusses can also save you material and money. Allowing full-depth insulation over the wall plates may allow a lower R-Value in the attic in some climate zones. Because the insulation won’t be compressed, you are able to use less insulation which saves you money.
Maintaining Professionalism When you Don’t Know the Answer
Discovering gaps in your knowledge is great as it helps you to improve and research areas that will make you a better builder and a better construction manager.
Recruiting and Retaining the Best Crew in Today’s Building Market
Looming labor shortages are at the forefront of every construction manager’s mind. You know the value of reliable workers who are able to work efficiently and finish projects on time.
The Importance of Attic Ventilation
Ventilating your attic is key to reducing moisture and avoiding mold. Attic ventilation is a critical factor to ensure that moisture and hot summer air issues are addressed correctly. This will help to preserve the structural integrity of your roof system, reduce energy costs in the warm summer months, improve the effectiveness of your insulation in the winter months and prevent the formation of ice dams.
Raised-Heel Trusses Save You Money and Time
One way to work smarter is to build using raised-heel trusses. From the APA: “Also known as energy-heel trusses, raised-heel trusses deliver cost-effective energy performance especially when combined with continuous plywood or OSB sheathing.”
Don’t Forget to Space your Panels Correctly
Floor, Wall and roof sheathing panels must be spaced 1/8’ apart. Wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture conditions and these gaps are essential in preventing buckling. So read on to make sure your space correctly!
With Blower-Door Tests, Timing is Everything
If you have been administering your blower door test at the end of your build, then you may be missing out on an essential opportunity to make your building envelope even tighter. Doing two blower-door tests; one mid-way through your build and one at the end, will give you a unique opportunity to fix cracks and holes before they get covered over by insulation and sheetrock.
Heavily Loaded Drywall Carts Damage Wood Panels and Floor Systems
Drywall Carts are used to ferry materials around construction job sites. When these carts are overloaded and traverse wood sub-flooring panels, they can cause damage, especially when these panels are wet from exposure to the elements.