Corrections to OSHA Fall Protection Standards

OSHA’s Personal Fall Protection System Standards were released last year, but contained some errors. Corrections took effect in December 2019. Some of the corrections included updating the gate strength of protective equipment like D-rings, carabiners and snaphooks. These items must be proof tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without any damage. Side …

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3 Ways Construction is Attracting more Women

The construction industry has been a male-dominated world for decades, but that is changing fast. A dire labor shortage has seen many companies turning to women to take up their tools. “What I find most fulfilling about working in the trades is starting with an idea and turning it into something that people can enjoy …

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Winterizing your Paint

You know paint doesn’t like extreme temperatures, so as we dip into cooler weather, here’s some items to add to your winter preparation list. Latex and acrylic paint and latex caulk will be useless once they freeze. Bring your paints and caulks into the workshop and ensure the temperature never dips below freezing. If you’ve …

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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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Where Water Damage Hides

Building materials don’t like water. Often, by the time we see water damage, it’s too late and we have structural damage. You can get ahead of mold and mildew by regularly checking these areas to ensure you don’t have a moisture problem. This is especially helpful when buying a home—these sources of moisture may stay …

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Keep Cool without Paying More this Summer

As the thermostat rises, your desires to crank up the AC may result in higher bills. Here are some energy friendly ways to stay cool without paying more. Get a smart thermostat and set it to 78°F when you’re at home and 83°F when you’re at work or away. Close window coverings during the day. …

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Fiberglass is the Most Popular Insulation Material for Home Builders

The 2019 Home Innovation Research Labs builder survey found that construction pros still favor fiberglass insulation over other options. In fact, fiberglass batt insulation takes just over half of the market for single family homes while blown fiberglass is gaining traction at 19%. Of the 1,600 builders participating in the study, 71% used fiberglass in …

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Plenum Truss: Get Your Ducting into a Conditioned Space

Placing notoriously leaky HVAC ductwork into an unconditioned space will not make for an energy efficient heating or cooling system.There are a few options which locate the ductwork within the thermal enclosure of the home. Options include moving the ceiling plane to the underside of the roof with an unvented attic or placing the ductwork in a conditioned basement. A third option is the installation of plenum trusses which allow for a compact ducting system to be placed in a conditioned bulkhead.

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