December 17, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
An effective building envelope is a combination of insulating building materials and a reduction in air leakage. This reduction can be achieved by using taller wall sheathing panels and through effectively sealing air leaks. When determining which air leaks construction professionals should focus on, Dave Wolf from Owens Corning Science and Technology has conducted a study to see which leaks require the least effort and sealant and provide the highest returns in building envelope efficiency.
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December 8, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Safety is the most important thing on every jobsite. It may take a little more time and cost more money to keep your jobsite safe, but it is worth the investment. Your workers are your most valuable asset and you must protect them no matter the cost. OSHA has comprehensive guides for every aspect of the construction industry.
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December 2, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Remodeling does not come cheap, but when you look at remodeling as an investment, it does take the sting out of all those home improvement costs. As a construction professional, you advise your potential customers on which renovations will add value to their home, but here are some ideas that may actually reduce the value of their homes.
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November 24, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Looking for innovative flooring techniques? Check out the APA’s newest video which shows a premium I-joist floor assembly that uses 7/8 Performance Category OSB glued and nailed to 14-inch-deep I-joists that are spaced at 24 inches on center. This new flooring assembly results in a stiff floor with a quality feel.
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November 13, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, Framers
Inaccurate quotes cause headaches for you and for your clients. The ability to create accurate quotes is essential to providing good service. While past experience will help you to avoid common mistakes, it’s important to remember that no two jobs are the same. This means you must create custom estimates for each new client. Here are some tips to help you streamline and develop your process.
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November 12, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY
Is the peace and quiet of your home compromised by rattling ductwork? As your furnace heats the ducts, you may be subjected to popping, banging and a plethora of annoying sounds. There are no easy solutions, but there are measures you can take to mitigate the noise pollution from your ducts.
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November 9, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, Framers
Hardwood can make for a durable and beautiful floor, but small mistakes in the subflooring or installation can wreak havoc and buckling, squeaky, uneven floors can all result from poor installation. While this is not a definitive guide to hardwood installation over OSB panels, there are some important points to ponder.
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October 29, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
The winters can be hard on tools and if you are consistently working in below zero temperatures, there are some essential maintenance steps you must take in order to keep your compressors and pneumatic tools in good working order. If at all possible, avoid using pneumatic tools in sub-zero conditions. If you must work below zero, then ensure that your equipment is properly maintained.
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October 19, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Mold is insidious and occurs where moisture collects in a home. Once you get mold in your home, it can cause cosmetic damage, stains to furniture and drywall and reduce the quality of indoor air. Worse still, it can cause rot in wood and this may compromise the structure of the home. As with all things, prevention is the best cure, so here are some ways to stop moisture from collecting in the first place.
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October 5, 2015
/ Posted in: Builders, Dealers, DIY, Framers
Framing is the single biggest contributor to the construction budget, accounting for (on average) around 18%. With rising costs and labor shortages, framing is becoming increasingly expensive. It behooves the small to medium construction firm to find ways in which to make the framing as efficient and cost effective as possible. You can mitigate some of the framing costs with careful planning, an efficiently run jobsite and the right tools.
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