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FAQ: Should I always use the Bathroom Fan when taking a Shower?

I am sure you have heard it all before; start the bathroom exhaust fan before your shower or bath, use a timer, run it for 10/20/30 minutes after… The question though is do I really need to always use the bathroom fan; does anything change based on it being summer or wintertime? Heh, does this […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Ventilation February 2, 2021 By SLS 2 Comments

FAQ Insulation Values & Comparisons – Metric and Imperial

Have you ever wondered what the insulation requirements are like in other countries? Shoot, are we as behind as some might have you believe? Well before we can start to figure that out, did you know that there are also differing ratings? As one gentleman from down under said “We use metric (SI) units. Not […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Insulation January 19, 2021 By SLS Leave a Comment

2021 IECC Insulation vrs PHIUS 2.0 & other programs

In our last post we looked at the newest insulation requirements found in the 2021 version of the IECC. Curious how that stacks up to say an ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Home, or maybe even Passive House (PHIUS)? Well lets do that, but first a quick recap with the full chart showing how the […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Building America, Insulation December 29, 2020 By SLS Leave a Comment

Insulation Requirements & 2021 IECC First Look

One common question many people ask is, just how much insulation should I have or use for XY or Z? This generally gets followed up by what type, is more better, how about diminishing returns, and the list goes on… On the flip side, most of those that have building homes for quite a while […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: 2021 ICC, Insulation December 21, 2020 By SLS Leave a Comment

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 Leave a Comment

Electrical FAQ: Off the wall questions…

In some past articles we have talked about swapping out outlets in your house with newer Tamper Resistant ones especially if you wish to child/baby-proof your home or if you wish to give your house a facelift. Last week we also posted a question – just what is wrong with these pictures? If you haven’t […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Electrical June 25, 2018 By SLS Leave a Comment

FAQ on Duct Cleaning: All Hype or Worthy Expense?

It must be spring time… I got the following in the mail just the other day: 5 different ads all for duct cleaning. With allergy season starting along with my favorite ad asking just “How often are you dusting?” one has to wonder, is it worth it? Along those lines, looking at the pricing and […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: HVAC, Slider April 16, 2018 By SLS 2 Comments

FAQ: Humidifiers – To humidify or not…

It’s that time of year again when the air is drier which can lead frizzy hair, static shock &/or for those in older homes, the doors to finally shut properly. It is also cold & flu season with many doctors recommending humidifiers be run at night for kids who get sick. For many the questions […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: HVAC, Slider December 29, 2017 By SLS Leave a Comment

BS4D: Envelope Leakage Testing 101

Lately there have been some questions on just when should I or how early can I do a Blower Door Test. This is also referred to as an air leakage or envelope leakage test (aka as the second part of the DET code mandated testing). This is quickly followed up by what do I need […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building, FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology November 9, 2017 By SLS Leave a Comment

FAQ: What is a Construction Lawyer (and Why Should You Call One)?

I am honored once again to have Christopher G. Hill, LEED AP to post again. He is a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator, construction lawyer and owner of the Richmond, VA firm, The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC.  Chris authors the Construction Law Musings blog where he discusses legal and policy issues relevant […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Guest Article's July 28, 2016 By SLS Leave a Comment

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Featured Posts

Getting ready for Spring: Your deck & grill

Hopefully, this last snow storm was it for spring (really?) meaning most of us can start getting ready to grill and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Needless to say for ...

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March – Early Spring Maintenance Checklist

March and the start of spring, is a great time, as it seems to bring out a new life in everything. The trees start to bloom, the animals that were ...

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Preventing or fixing frozen water pipes

Updated: This article was originally posted in early 2010 after the Alabama Department of Health issued the following warning via press release: Prolonged period of cold weather ahead prompts warnings to ...

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BS4D: Saving on Heating Related Energy Costs

For the bulk of the year, energy costs are not a big concern to many and instead most calls relate to comfort, safety or health issues. We are now starting ...

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Common Sense Building: Build Radon Out

Common Sense Building: Build Radon Out

As many of you probably already know, January is National Radon Month. Just like CO, it is an odorless & tasteless gas; however, unlike CO there are no warning signs ...

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FAQ: Ceiling fan direction - summer & winter

One of the biggest questions out there is which direction should my fan be running and how can I tell. You look at the switch and realize it isn't any ...

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FAQ on Duct Cleaning: All Hype or Worthy Expense?

It must be spring time... I got the following in the mail just the other day: 5 different ads all for duct cleaning. With allergy season starting along with my ...

Read More

Random Glossary term

  • Volatile Organic Compound

    I am honored once again to have Christopher G. Hill, LEED AP to post again. He is a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator, construction lawyer and owner of the Richmond, VA firm, The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC.  Chris authors the Construction Law Musings blog where he discusses legal and policy issues relevant […]

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