Best Construction Calculators

Measure twice, cut once – you know it, you love it and here’s an easy way to make sure you get it right. A construction calculator needs to be portable and practical so you can solve those construction math problems on the fly. Jobber 6 Great for construction calculations and converting between metric and US. …

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Blower Door Testing 101

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.

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Understanding R-value and U-value

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.

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Resources for Women in Construction

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, …

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Garage Storage Tips

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 …

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Know your Building Science Climate Zone

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.

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Tips on Dealing with Extreme Cold

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 …

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Where Contractors and Budgets Part Ways

It’s estimated that 70% of construction projects come in late and over budget which can be frustrating for investors. Construction managers can look to these four areas as the mostly likely to cause budget issues. Weather Inclement weather can have a big impact on building schedules, causing delays for both contractors and trades. Rain, snow …

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