As rebuilding efforts commence in the wake of this summer’s storms, construction professionals seek ways to ensure that homes are safer and built to withstand major wind events. There are several techniques that will help to keep property and lives safe.
Placing notoriously leaky HVAC ductwork into an unconditioned space will not make for an energy efficient heating or cooling system.There are a few options which locate the ductwork within the thermal enclosure of the home. Options include moving the ceiling plane to the underside of the roof with an unvented attic or placing the ductwork in a conditioned basement. A third option is the installation of plenum trusses which allow for a compact ducting system to be placed in a conditioned bulkhead.
According to OSHA, nail guns are responsible for 37,000 trips to the emergency room each year. Here are the six most important safety tips to follow to avoid nail-gun injuries.
Avoid common framing mistakes with a step-by-step guide for success. Learn to use the right nails.
Fiberglass batts, when installed properly, can provide exceptional value. Here are some tips to getting the most out of your insulation:
If you live in an area that is prone to wind events, you can build to mitigate damage to property and risk of injury.
Framing is the single biggest contributor to the construction budget, accounting for (on average) around 18%. With rising costs and labor shortages, framing is becoming increasingly expensive. It behooves the small to medium construction firm to find ways in which to make the framing as efficient and cost effective as possible. You can mitigate some of the framing costs with careful planning, an efficiently run jobsite and the right tools.
Intersecting walls pose an energy-efficiency conundrum. The usual way to address the situation is through ladder backing (as opposed to 3-stud wall bucks) and continuous sealant for the top and bottom places along the stud edges. But this incredibly clever solution is easier, and provides room for more robust insulation.
Plywood and OSB paneling expands and contracts as it adjusts to the moisture content of the building site. Unrestrained by fastening and framing, panels can move an average of 1/8 inch as they acclimatize. Correct spacing of panels will help to make allowances for expansion and prevent buckling of walls, floors and roofs and gaps in the building envelope that will compromise energy efficiency. “Energy savings start with the framing.”
