The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Getting the details right: Bathroom Exhaust Venting

For numerous years the codes have required that all bathrooms either had a window OR a light & mechanical exhaust system be installed (see legal section below). The thought process was the homeowner could either open the window to remove certain obnoxious gasses &/or the excessive moisture or turn at least turn on a fan […]

Wacky Weds: Bad bad vent

we generally have to dig through cellulose or fiberglass to spot these issues… Now I have got to say, I had no clue they even made these & quite shocked anyone would actually buy one – a ventless vent. If you really have to ask what’s wrong with either of these, make sure you check […]

Making the jump to the AERC

As many of us know (or are about to find out), the codes are a changing here in Alabama and in many other areas of the country. While most of the focus has been on the Energy portion, there are quite a few other changes in the “building” aspects which hardly ever get mentioned. Besides […]

A new label for houses?

For many the following email & idea may come as a surprise. For some of us the only surprise is that they have taken this long to think of it. It appears that RESNET in conjunction with their Energy Smart Builders program would like a new label to use on their buildings. Good idea or no… […]

Wacky Weds: Job Security

I wonder where the shingles are hiding & where the water might want to go… Oh yeah & that results in this type of damage Even with the shingles overhanging the sheathing by 2″, you still need to install a drip edge to prevent water from being wicked back by surface tension & wind. That is […]

Infrared Fun

Sometimes one just needs a laugh or head scratcher, so in honor of April Fool’s Day here are a few cool, funny, & head scratching infrared pics we had… So, hot off the press our newest post… I guess this was the painters idea of an April Fools joke… (Visible) Isn’t it amazing what infrared […]

New-School Ways to Heat & Cool: WiFi Programmable Thermostats

This week we have a guest article from Garret Stembridge of Extra Space Storage of Brighton MA. As part of their focus on optimizing the customer’s experience in finding and using self storage units, they have implemented many conservation initiatives like solar power, implementing energy efficient lighting systems and daylight harvesting. As part of this process […]

Wacky Weds: Cellulose Duct Insulation?

Now this is way too funny… This ummm… cellulose wrap comes to us courtesy of Joe Cooper, MPH, LEED AP Homes (& verifier) at EcoSouth.org up in Huntsville. I got to imagine that this wasn’t found on one of the houses he does LEED or Earth Craft consulting & verifications for. In case you are wondering as I […]

Myths & Misconceptions; Insulating water lines

As many of you know, last week was “Fix a Leek” week which was the primary focus of KB Tribes weekly Twitter chat (Group of Kitchen & Bath designers, builders, and manufacturers). During this chat on saving water, our friends @PfisterFaucets said “In the bath or anywhere – insulate your pipes. It saves.” Yep you […]