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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Stronger Walls in One Easy Step

Increased incidence of strong weather systems and the tragedies that follow high wind events have encouraged engineers and designers to rethink the way we build to improve wall strength. Stronger walls will keep home occupants safer during weather events and will increase the lifespan of the home. One of the problems is that the roof, wall and flooring systems are installed as separate entities. Connecting the OSB wall sheathing and the flooring system can create a continuous load path which can improve wall strength by up to 38%.

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Ways to Minimize Buckling in Wood Sheathing Panels

Buckling is mostly the result of moisture which causes wood sheathing panels to expand. While buckling does little to effect the structural integrity of the OSB panel, it can have a negative aesthetic effect which would result in expensive callbacks. Here are some ways in which you can mitigate the effects of buckling by accounting for normal moisture conditions and through moisture control.

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Essential Fall Roof Maintenance

Giving your roof a once-over in the fall is a great way to ensure you make it through the winter without damage or the need for repairs. One of the biggest winter risks is a leaky roof. These are most often caused by ice dams which occur when snow on the roof melts during the …

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