Building enveloped that perform poorly reduce energy efficiency, increase ROI times, and increase carbon footprints and utility bills for building owners. A blower door test can help to establish the airtightness of small to medium buildings, measure the flow of air between different areas in a building and test the airtightness of ductwork.
Knowing what R-value and U-values mean is key to following energy issues and to selecting products that best suit the climate zone you are building in. R-value is essentially a product’s resistance to heat flow. Adversely, U-value measures the rate of heat transfer. This means that products with a lower U-value will be more energy efficient. It is tempting to think that these two values are direct opposites of each other, but there are some important differences to note.
Suffering a major labor shortage, the construction industry is finally opening up to women. If you are thinking of a career in construction, there are a number of resources that can help you along the way. If you are already involved in the industry, these resources can connect you with the large network of resources, …
The garage is a convenient place to store goods and we tend to use it as the repository for all that doesn’t fit in our homes. There are items, however, that should not be stored in the garage. Here’s a couple of storage tips to follow. Dirty Rags If you’ve used a rag to clean …
Knowing the climate zone your residential build will take place in will influence many of the decisions you will make as to construction methods and building materials. As energy conservation becomes a growing concern, building to your climate zone is an excellent way to ensure that you are providing your clients with the best options. Keep in mind that building and energy codes are the minimum standard.
The extreme cold affecting large swathes of the US and Canada has many crews working in life-threatening conditions. Hyporthermia can affect you even when the temperature is above freezing, so it’s important to know the signs and ensure your crew is properly prepared for cold weather. Get the Right Gear Start by dressing right. Layering …
We’ve come to understand that the quality of batt insulation relies heavily on the installation. No matter how good your insulation is, the way it is installed will determine your ability to reach increasingly stringent requirements for programs such as HERS, ENERGY STAR and LEED. Here’s some things you should focus on when installing batt …
It’s boom time in the construction business as housing demands increase. When this happens, there may be a temptation to take on more than you can handle. With a labor shortage and aging workforce, you may be caught with work and no one to do it. Here’s how to grow responsibly. Do it Yourself The …
As the seasons change, it’s time to give your heating system a once-over to avoid any mid-winter freezes from dysfunctional furnaces. Regular maintenance of your ducting and furnace can reduce energy costs, and improve the efficiency and longevity of your furnace.
Does the prospect of soaring winter heating bills give you the chills? You can slash your winter energy bills and prevent emergency repairs with these simple home maintenance tips.
