Archives: construction

How To Insulate Basement Walls

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Foundations, Insulation

How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I’d like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…

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How To Seal An Asphalt Driveway

By Todd Fratzel on Driveways

Sealing Asphalt Driveways Sealing your asphalt driveway is an important maintenance step that’s needed to prolong the life and keep it looking like new. Asphalt driveways are a simple yet effective mixture of asphalt, stone and sand. When properly maintained an asphalt driveway can last 15 to 20 years. Maintenance of asphalt driveways consists of…

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Flashing A Deck Ledger Board Properly

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Framing

Deck Ledger Board Flashing Detail Lately I’ve been seeing problematic deck ledger flashing details so I’d like to share with you my perspective on how to properly flash and secure your deck to the house. Properly flashing a deck ledger seems to be a lost skill with most weekend warriors…..let’s discuss how to properly secure…

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Insulated Door & Window Headers

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Insulation

Energy Efficient Door & Window Headers With a continued focus on energy efficient construction (Green Construction) we are always looking for ways to improve upon residential construction techniques. Insulated door and window headers are one way to improve on standard framing methods. Old School Headers Years ago we used to build door and window headers…

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Basement Vapor Barrier For Basement Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Insulation

Basement Vapor Barrier and Insulation We’ve written several articles about basement insulation and a cost effective approach to basement insulation using foam board and fiberglass insulation. Since writing those articles we’ve received quite a few questions about when to use a basement vapor barrier and when not to. So we thought it might be a…

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Cabinet Blocking Inside Wall Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry, Framing

Cabinet Blocking I’m often reminded that I should write articles about even the simplest details as what I might take for granted is not so obvious to all readers. If you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one where cabinet installation is involved then you should pay attention to cabinet blocking. Installing cabinets…

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How To Frame Window Openings

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Framing Window Openings One of the most basic framing techniques involves framing window and door openings. Understanding the anatomy of a framed window opening will help you properly frame both window and door rough openings. The adjacent diagram shows a traditionally framed window opening from a recent project.  Each of the major components are labeled…

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Are Cracks In Concrete Foundations Bad?

By Todd Fratzel on Foundations

Concrete Cracks I often get asked about cracks in concrete foundations. Many home owners are nervous when they see cracks in concrete and wonder if they are bad or dangerous. While it’s a natural reaction to be concerned when you see something cracked the reality is that 95% of cracks in concrete are harmless and…

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