June 14, 2019
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
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.
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June 4, 2019
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Increased incidence of strong weather systems and the tragedies that follow high wind events have encouraged engineers and designers to rethink the way we build to improve wall strength. Stronger walls will keep home occupants safer during weather events and will increase the lifespan of the home. One of the problems is that the roof, wall and flooring systems are installed as separate entities. Connecting the OSB wall sheathing and the flooring system can create a continuous load path which can improve wall strength by up to 38%.
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January 3, 2019
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
In an effort to create an airtight building envelope, you may want to know which gaps to focus your energy on. When considering air leaks, there are some that will give you more bang for your energy efficient buck.
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June 13, 2018
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
The APA (the Engineered Woo Association) recommends that construction professionals leave a 1/8-inch gap between each panel edge and end joint. As ambient moisture changes, your OSB or plywood panels will expand and contract. When you butt the panels together tightly, there is no room for expansion and this can cause buckling in the panels. …
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May 7, 2018
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
Thinking about installing your Windstorm panels horizontally? Is it even possible? You best check in with the Ol’ Sage Builder before starting that project, he’ll set you right!
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February 27, 2018
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
More and more home builders are recognizing the importance of insulation in achieving a good home energy envelope and the improved energy efficiency that home buyers are demanding. With raised-heel trusses, you not only get more space to put insulation, you also get trusses that offer greater curb appeal. Here’s how they can save you time and money.
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December 22, 2017
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
We recently received a message from one of our readers, and the Ol Sage thought he would pass it along as it is important to be concerned about Volatile Organic Compounds.
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September 29, 2017
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, Framers
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.
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September 5, 2017
/ Posted in: The Ol' Sage Builder
The trend toward more 9-foot ceilings in both single-family and multifamily housing starts is really gaining traction. Surveys shows increased production output in 2011 and 2012 of 9-foot and longer trims with no end in sight to this trend. Read on for more details…
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