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Where foundation insulation is on the exterior of foundations and touches the ground it needs to be protected.   Yes, this should be obvious, but it is often overlooked.  One of the most overlooked… Read More

To vent, or not to vent…that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer  The slings and arrows of outrageous moisture, Or to take arms against them And by opposing end them.  To… Read More

At the most basic level a building is an environmental separator – it keeps the outside out and the inside in.  Why?  Well, sometimes the outside sucks and we want to keep it from getting into the… Read More

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