Despite code restrictions on supply ducting in building cavities, they are regularly utilized for return ducting. However, this practice compromises your building envelope and leads to leaks. When return-air plenums are installed, it results in energy loss, an increase in energy bills and a less efficient HVAC system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In an increasingly competitive market, most contractors are working to the slimmest profit margins. One way to improve your profit margins is to reduce the cost of each build. When you run a tight ship, your processes are streamlined and you offer a better, faster service with an organized, experienced crew. Many of the costs associated with a build are beyond your control; materials, land and labor all come at a price which the market dictates so your focus should be on the direct construction costs.
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.
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.
The rising costs of gas and construction materials, as well as increased competition mean that small to medium construction companies have to work hard to keep costs to a minimum. One of the ways to do this is to conserve energy and water onsite. However, there are really great reasons why you should turn on the HVAC and leave it on for the duration of your build.
