Archives: Structure

Bay Window Floor Insulation Detail

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Bay Window and Floor Deck Cantilever Insulation Details I’ve written quite a few articles on how to insulate basement walls and floors but one more specific topic related to this subject keeps coming up and that’s how to insulate a bay window floor or cantilever floor framing. In this article I’ll share a detail for…

Continue reading »

Custom Colonial Style Fireplace Mantel

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Interior Decorating

Custom Fireplace Mantel There’s something about a beautiful fireplace and mantel that really makes a home feel warm and inviting. A fireplace mantel can also be a beautiful prominent architectural feature. I’ve built a couple custom mantels over the years and the one featured in this article is my latest one in our new home.…

Continue reading »

Selecting TJI Floor Joist Sizes

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Sizing Trus Joist TJI’s I’ve received dozens of emails asking me how you size TJI’s for a new home. Sizing Trus Joist brand TJI’s isn’t really that difficult once you understand the issues. Most people think that joists are sized based on minimum design loads. That is ultimately true, however, loading doesn’t usually govern the…

Continue reading »

Winter Window Condensation – Sweaty Windows

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Windows

What Causes Window Condensation Each winter I’m asked repeatedly why new energy efficient windows have condensation on them. I’ve written several articles about window condensation, Winter Window Condensation Problems, Window Condensation – Part II, and More On Winter Window Condensation, but I thought it was worth reviewing the issues because it seems to be so…

Continue reading »

Asbestos Siding – Remove It or Leave It Alone?

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

Should You Remove Asbestos Cement Siding? Here in New England there are thousands of homes with Asbestos Cement Siding. Not only can it be really ugly but many home owners fear the obvious health risks and financial liability that may be associated with it. Many homeowners often ask whether or not they should have it…

Continue reading »

Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation, Siding & Trim

Installing Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding Today more than ever before homes are being built with foam board insulation installed on the outside of the sheathing and under the siding. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits…

Continue reading »

Remodeling Tips for Historic Buildings

By Todd Fratzel on Remodeling

Historic Structures Require Careful Collaboration and Coordination Recently my crew and I had the pleasure of working in a beautiful historic library. The library was built with such craftsmanship that it would take incredible amounts of money and time to replicate in today’s world. We were hired to install a continuous handrail from one floor…

Continue reading »

LP® SmartSide® Siding – Tougher Than The Competition

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

LP® SmartSide® Siding Every time we build a new home for a customer there is a lengthy discussion about what type of siding to install. In a perfect world where money didn’t matter and we all had a full time maintenance crew to take care of our homes the discussion would likely end quickly with…

Continue reading »

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.