I sense a Monday musing coming out soon but in the meantime, I have to ask… If you look on the other side of this wall, it is an honest to god “” install, but as you can see by this picture this would be considered ““ – while some might argue “” that would […]
2018 IECC – Illinois Adoption Delayed
UPDATED: For those following along with the Illinois adoption of the 2018 IECC (Energy Code) you might have noticed that it has gone strangely quiet especially as they were supposed to take effect March 1st per the EEB Act. Well as of this moment it appears that the “official” date will now be May 1st. […]
Monday Musings: Polar Vortex Lessons Learned
There is nothing like adding together some colder than normal weather & wind to see just how well designed your home or a building is. With all the news coverage leading up to this last polar vortex you would have thought we were going to see ships outside our front doors like in the movie […]
Wacky Weds: Conduit for water pipe?
The polar vortex sure did some damage with frozen water lines, but this one made me do a double, ok make that a triple take… Someone used conduit for the water lines??? You can easily see the difference between the copper fittings & pipe (yes that is rust on it also). Interestingly you might notice […]
FAQ: Bifold door knob location
Why is it so hard to open or close my bi-fold’s? I just bought new, or am replacing my bifold door, where should I place the knob(s) & how high? Heh, should I measure from the top of the door like others or the bottom? Well let’s dig into this, but first make sure your […]
2018 IECC – 2nd Public Comment Period Open
Illinois is now officially one step closer to adopting the 2018 IECC as amended by the CDB. The official language can be found on page 5 (aka pg 21,491 of volume 42, issue 49) of the Illinois Register. As required there is one more public comment period that lasts for 45 days (till January 22, […]
Energy Code Basics: FAQ – State Wide Code Apply Locally?
Does a “state wide” code still apply if the local Building Department / has not adopted it? What happens if they “adopt” or “list” it but flat out state that they don’t enforce it or maybe just certain parts of it? How does this impact you; are you free to skip some items, use less […]
Tuesday Tip: Fixing a common closet light chain issue
Unless you have a walk in closet or one with a light switch, one big issue is just where is the cord to turn on the light? Sure you could turn on the bedroom light, but waking up your spouse or sleeping kids… yeah not a good idea. Adding in a light switch? Yeah that […]
2018 IECC – Illinois Board Approved Version
Based on the Administrative Rules for the Energy Code (71 IAC 600.130) once the Advisory Council has recommended modifications to the Energy Code (See: Where we stand (Sub Committee’s)), the Capital Development Board is to review them (9.11.18). As they review those amendments they are also allowed to accept, reject, or make changes on there […]
Wacky Weds: Just a slight bow…
Wow – this piece of drywall was bowed out almost 3″ above the fireplace… The culprit? Well besides the change of paint color making it obvious the answer is two-fold. The first was it was never screwed or nailed in properly. Now even if this happens you won’t get a bow like this without water […]