When picking a builder in Florida, I had the opportunity to ask the building supervisor questions. One of the most important questions was “… tell me the three best ways to make the house more energy efficient”. Based on this discussion, I agreed to pay a surcharge for a radiant barrier on the roof. While … Read More
Wall Insulation Tips: What Kind & Installation
Our houses are becoming more energy efficient thanks to building codes focused on driving down US energy consumption. Similar to Energy Star appliances you see at the store, building materials like wall insulation must also meet more stringent building codes. In Florida, there are different codes based on the type of construction and where the … Read More
Difference Between HVAC Registers and Grilles
If you’re hungry you’ll want to cook up some burgers on a grill (no e) in the backyard. You definitely won’t find much success trying to cook anything on the wooden grille shown below (right). This is a good example of how confusing home related words like registers and grilles that mean almost the same … Read More
Rebar, Short for Reinforcing Bar
You probably know where there’s concrete in your house. Your foundation might be poured concrete or you house might sit on a concrete slab like my house being built in Florida (pictured above). What you’re probably not as familiar with are the somewhat strange, thin metal bars that are buried in the concrete to make … Read More
What are Lintels & How They Hold Your House Up
The exterior walls of a house and some interior walls are known as load bearing walls. That’s because they support the ceiling, the floors above and everything up to the roof of your home. Where there are doors and windows in these walls, lintels are the structural support beams that span the opening in a … Read More
Stack Effect & Home Ventilation
Your home’s indoor air isn’t as clean as outdoor air. Home ventilation using the stack effect insures the air inside your home is exchanged with outside air. Here’s an example of the stack effect that’s easier to understand. You know when you light a fireplace smoke is created. The smoke goes up the chimney based … Read More
8 Wood Rot Repairs Your Home Might Need
Wood repair is one of the most common home repairs because your house has a lot of wood. Most (not all) wood rot occurs on your home’s exterior when your home gets wet and water doesn’t run off or evaporate. While some home repairs might seem optional, you’ll save money by making wood rot repairs … Read More
What is Drip Edge & Why It’s Important
Drip edge is the flashing that protects the edges of your roof, both the eaves and the gable ends. It is required by the 2012 International Building Codes (IBS) for shingle roofs, and you should make sure that it’s properly installed with any new roof you get. Optional for years, drip edge is now required by the International … Read More
Roof Repairs vs New Roof, a Big Decision
Roof repairs versus a new roof is a big decision. We’re all so busy and unlike our cars that we listen to every day we drive, we seldom look at our roof — we’re running late when we leave the house and coming home, we’re focused on what’s next like making dinner. That means most homeowners … Read More
Water & Wood Rot: Repair Rotted Wood DOOR Bottom
Driftwood is beautiful to look at but often it’s soft and falls apart easily due to its exposure to water. One of the most common wood rot problems faced by homeowners is found at the front door. The door threshold, the kick plate below the door and the door jambs wrapping an exterior door. That’s … Read More
