The HTRC

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Wacky Weds: Got a shoehorn handy

In auto mechanics many gripe about the engine being built around the part you need to remove… but in a house? Yep the water heater is not only jammed tight against the return duct, but the water meter sticks out in front of it by about an inch. The Gas line doesn’t run straight up […]

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday May 8, 2019 By SLS

Wacky Weds: Nice Door

Talk about doing a double take: When I asked the homeowner what happened they essentially said that it happened right after the temps hit the -20° mark, it was pristine till then… I got to say it looks like it was maintained  (UV coating appeared good) & while they were right that the temps played […]

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday April 10, 2019 By SLS

Monday Musings: Paper or Plastic?

Growing up I remember all the groceries being packed in paper bags. Then a really stupid question started to be asked – Paper or Plastic? For a while paper bags still were the favorite but then people started hearing about all the deforestation that was going on & plastic started becoming more popular. Pretty soon […]

Filed Under: Myth or Misconception April 8, 2019 By SLS

Wacky Weds: Can Fiberglass ever be…

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 […]

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday March 6, 2019 By SLS

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. […]

Filed Under: Building Codes Tagged With: Illinois Energy Code March 4, 2019 By SLS

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 […]

Filed Under: Consumer Awareness February 11, 2019 By SLS

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 […]

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday February 6, 2019 By SLS

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 […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology January 29, 2019 By SLS

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, […]

Filed Under: Building Codes December 12, 2018 By SLS

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 […]

Filed Under: Building Codes November 14, 2018 By SLS

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