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Imagine a world where the building code does not allow returns to be installed in closets to control mold and other contaminants. That would be insane right? Welcome to the real world. Let me make… Read More

HVAC systems and windows have almost as interesting a relationship as the “Odd Couple” - Oscar and Felix - did in the 70’s1.  However, unlike Oscar and Felix’s relationship, the relationship between… Read More

 I feel the earth move under my feet1 To state the obvious earthquakes are a major threat to the structural integrity of homes.  New homes and existing homes need to be connected to foundations to… Read More

  I, as an engineer, am born with a genetic defect….as all engineers are…the “efficiency gene”.  We can’t help ourselves.  The more efficient a thing is…the better it is…in our engineering brains….I… Read More

Stucco over concrete masonry units (“CMU’s)1 aka “block walls” is a Florida thing….that sometimes migrates north.  We know a lot about how they work…but sometimes we forget…  And then subtle things… Read More

My pappy said, “Son you’re going to drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t stop framing that hot rod1 buildin’…” Have you heard the story of the frame wall race Where spruce and pine were settin’ the pace… Read More

My Spidey sense is tingling [1]Note that this is an “opinion column” [2]Work with me on this: In response to COVID, the CDC and others are now recommending a room air change rate of 4 to 6 air… Read More

Hanging cladding – hang on cladding, cladding hang on[1].. Continuous exterior insulation is such an obvious thing to do….and we are finally getting serious about it…but we still seem to go out of… Read More

Surface tension can cause all kinds of problems in buildings. Rainwater can flow around a surface as a result of surface tension (Figure 1).  The traditional way of dealing with surface tension is to… Read More

Thirty years ago I said the moldiest buildings in the United States were air-conditioned hotels with vinyl wall coverings that operate under a negative air pressure….they literally “sucked”…. Not… Read More