When I was building full time, one of the common requests homeowners often had for me was no maintenance siding. Of course, there is no such thing as “no maintenance”, but there are some products that require less. The siding materials that require the most maintenance are wood sidings that are painted or stained. The best way to keep wood looking good and reduce how often a finish needs to be re-applied is by keeping it dry or to promote rapid drying if it should become wet. A way to promote drying is to install a rain screen, which is what this weeks blog is all about. Continue reading “Construction Design-Rain Screen”
Codes-Crystal Ball
The way we build a home is constantly changing. New codes come out every three years, new technology is evolving faster than I can keep up, and new materials help to make building a home easier. (Sometimes!) So, what are we striving for? Continue reading “Codes-Crystal Ball”
Construction Design-Solar Photovoltaic
I’ve been conducting energy audits and assessments for the past 10 years, over that time, I have had several people ask me about adding a solar system to their home. Does it make sense installing a system in Minnesota? How about in any northern climate state? This blog will discuss the basics of photovoltaic solar. Continue reading “Construction Design-Solar Photovoltaic”
Mechanicals-Ductwork in Attic
A couple weeks ago I conducted a blower door test on a home with ductwork that left the conditioned space of the home and was installed in an unconditioned attic. That home failed the code required blower door test, as a matter of fact, of the two new home’s I’ve tested that failed the test, both had ductwork in the attic. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Ductwork in Attic”
Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 2
This past winter has been one of the snowiest and coldest I can remember in my 50 years living in Minnesota. I wasn’t completely sure what to expect from the home I purchased late last fall. I know it has issues, especially with the roof air sealing and insulation. Continue reading “Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 2”
Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 1
Today, I’m starting a 2 part series on how I plan on fixing the ice damming on the roof of my 1952 Cape. This first part is going to show photos of my neighborhood, which has many houses suffering from the same condition as mine. Continue reading “Construction Design-Fixing Ice Dams from the Interior, Part 1”
Construction Materials-Electrical Overcurrent Protection
As some of you know, I hold a journeyman’s electrician license in the state of Minnesota. During my trip to the International Builders Show recently, one of the most interesting new products I saw happened to be a new type of circuit breaker. I know, exciting! Actually, this new technology goes well beyond protecting some electrical circuit or piece of equipment. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Electrical Overcurrent Protection”
My Cape-Office Build-Out
We moved into my 1952 Cape last December. Winter was upon us, no time or desire to start any of the major renovation and energy updates I have planned. My office was moved temporarily into the extra basement bedroom with a plan to build-out a new office adjacent to the bedroom. Continue reading “My Cape-Office Build-Out”
The Energy Audit-Report
Many of you know by now I have a part time gig conducting energy assessments and energy audits for a few local power companies. Basically I help their customers who have a high bill complaint or are looking for solutions to heating and cooling problems in their homes. Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Report”
Mechanicals-Floor Warming
When working as an energy auditor, I often see homeowners using under tile floor warming as a supplement heat source. When working on custom tile jobs, I often install these systems. These all electric heat sources add comfort by warming the tile, but can they be used as a source of heat for a room in a northern climate? What do they cost to operate? This weeks topic, electric floor warming. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Floor Warming”