Archives: engineering

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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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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Rim Joist Insulation – Insulating Options

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

How To Insulate Rim Joists We’ve written a number of articles on insulating basements including; insulating basement walls, insulating basement floors and basement insulation options. In this article I want to focus on rim joist insulation and the options that are available. Rim Joist Spray Foam Spray foam insulation is the best way to insulate…

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What Are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Energy Conservation, Framing

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) A reader asked me the other day to explain what’s the difference between Structural Insulated Panels and Prefabricated Wall Panels. Before answering the question on the difference it is important to answer the of: What Are Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs? Structural insulated panels (or structural insulating panels), SIPs, are a…

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Paslode CR175C Cordless Roofing Nailer Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Paslode CR175C Roofing Nailer Paslode recently introduced the CR175C Roofing Nailer at the 2010 Remodelers Show in Baltimore. The CR175C is a continuation of their popular fuel powered cordless nailer built for roofing. Paslode recently sent us the new CR175C to test on a job and below are our thoughts on this exciting new product.…

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Replacement Windows – Best Energy Saving ROI

By Todd Fratzel on Windows

Replacement Windows Are A Great Return On Investment It’s not a mystery that replacement windows can help make your home more energy efficient resulting in significant energy savings each year. However, what some of you might find interesting is the fact that replacement windows are considered one of the best return on investment when it…

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DewStop Bathroom Fan Switch Review

By Todd Fratzel on Bathrooms, Product Reviews

DewStop™ – Condensation Sensing Fan Switch The folks at DewStop™ sent us their FS-100 Fan Switch to review. In today’s tighter more energy efficient homes there’s a huge need for better ventilation and moisture control. We’ve written several articles on the causes of window condensation and the leading culprit is too much moisture in the…

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Paslode Unveils Cordless Roofing Nailer

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Paslode Fuel Powered Cordless Roofing Nailer System, Model CR175C Paslode has just announced the first ever cordless roofing nailer at the 2010 Remodelers Show. To say this new tool concept is innovative would be an understatement. Paslode has taken their proven cordless technology and built the new CR175C to meet the demands of roofing specialists…

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