It took a couple months to get the concrete steps removed from my house. Now that they are finally gone, I can concentrate on the exterior of the home. Continue reading “My Cape-Exterior Work Update”
Energy Audit-Homeowner Education
During an energy audit, I occasionally come across a homeowner living in a newer home they had built or had purchased that did not received any training on the home’s systems or how to maintain the home. In my opinion, understanding the basics of how your home works is an important detail in owning a home. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Homeowner Education”
Energy Audit-Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is a tool I use for energy auditing, but it’s usefulness goes way beyond. I often use my camera during building projects and at my own home to help detect problems. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Thermal Imaging”
Construction Design-Attic Truss
An attic truss is a type of roof truss with an integrated living space built into its design. This truss is commonly used over garages to create a bonus room, but sometimes the space becomes bedrooms, offices, or even second living rooms. Continue reading “Construction Design-Attic Truss”
Construction Materials-Fluid Applied WRB/Liquid Flashings
When I first started in the construction industry, more than 20 years ago, adding water and air membranes and sealing the exterior of a home was in it’s infancy. Sure, adding tar paper or felt to the exterior of a home had been around for many decades, but the use of Tyvek and Typar were fairly new and a lot of builders and homeowners were confused about how they worked. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Fluid Applied WRB/Liquid Flashings”
Mechanicals-Adding Mechanical Ventilation to an Old Home
Something I suggest before any renovation to an older home that includes improvements or changes to the water, air, vapor, or thermal control layer is to have a blower door test conducted. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Adding Mechanical Ventilation to an Old Home”
Building Science-Ghosting
Indoor air quality can effect a lot of things, of course the biggest is people’s health. How do you know if you have poor indoor air quality? One possible indicator is a phenomenon known as ghosting. Continue reading “Building Science-Ghosting”
Energy Audit-Common and Not So Common Appliance Energy usage
During an energy assessment or audit, I often test household equipment and appliances for energy usage. Over the years, many people have been surprised that some devices use the amount of energy they do. This weeks blog will be all about how much it costs to operate the electrical stuff in a home. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Common and Not So Common Appliance Energy usage”
My Cape-The Exterior Projects
The snow is finally gone, the weather is warming, and it’s time to start the outside projects I have planned for my 1952 Cape. What I’ve found while working on the exterior has forced me to change my initial plan of tackling the heat loss and air sealing needs of the upper level of my home and instead concentrate this year on the exterior. Continue reading “My Cape-The Exterior Projects”
Mechanicals-The Refrigeration Cycle
All of us have experienced an air conditioned space, whether it’s your home, a business you visit, or in your car, there’s nothing better than entering a cool space on a really hot day. Yes, Northern Minnesota does experience heat. Continue reading “Mechanicals-The Refrigeration Cycle”