The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

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

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

FAQ: Why are my windows always so drafty during the winter?

I had new home builder once ranting — it is negative 30 degrees outside & I have an individual standing in front of a huge picture window in a robe, complaining to me over the phone about how cold it is… You know how I know this? Well I was driving by at the time, […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology February 2, 2016 By SLS

FAQ: Exterior HVAC units – Should I cover my unit, or… fall & wintertime questions

When it comes to the exterior HVAC unit most people wonder about hiding them and reducing the amount of noise. We delved into that topic in our Spring & Summer HVAC FAQ but now that fall & winter has arrived… Yep now the leaves &/or snow starts falling the some start to wonder; should I […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: HVAC January 13, 2016 By SLS

FAQ – Do I need storm doors or windows?

As the weather starts turning colder many start wondering – should I replace my windows, get a storm door, install storm windows, or??? Shoot I live in an area governed by an HOA and they won’t allow them, are there other options? For others, I replaced my windows last year & I still have condensation […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Slider November 19, 2015 By SLS

Getting the details right: Door & window openings (interior)

When buying new doors & windows (for either new or remodeling) most manufacturers generally require a rough opening size 1/2″ larger than the actual unit size. This requirement is just in case things are not perfectly square or plumb. So how should one finish it off after the unit is installed (fiberglass / foam/ who […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building, FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology October 23, 2015 By SLS

FAQ: Soffit Venting

I am air-sealing & insulating my attic trying to help prevent ice dams which included adding baffles in each bay. Well while looking outside I see that I only have one vented panel every 4′. Do I need to change out / use ventilated soffits outside only? Hmm, how about the eaves, would it hurt to use ventilated […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology September 10, 2015 By SLS

FAQ: Exterior HVAC units – Shading, Misting & other summertime questions

It seems there are numerous questions regarding the outside HVAC unit – from how can I hide it, can I build a deck over it, to does shading it really help save me money? Well lets see if we can help answer some of these typical spring & summertime questions and look at some of the reasons behind […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology September 1, 2015 By SLS

FAQ: To remove or not to remove… (WRB’s aka Tyvek & tar paper)

The guy I have installing my vinyl siding just placed the foam over the old “Tyvek”, is that ok or should he have removed it first? The house has tar paper &/or XYZ on it, can I just go over it / will that cause moisture issues? I had a few delays and am now ready […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology May 27, 2015 By SLS

FAQ: How quickly will my water heater…

I just drained my tank, how long will it take to heat up? How much hot water can I expect with my shower running? Will I have enough hot water with three teenage girls… These are just a few questions that revolve around just how well a water heater will actually perform based on your needs. In order […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Water May 13, 2015 By SLS

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Popular Categories

  • Common Sense Building
  • Tips & Tricks
  • FAQ’s, Acronym’s, & Terminology
  • Off-Grid Living
  • Spring Maintenance Checklist
  • Air Sealing & Insulation
  • Building Codes
  • Disaster Preparation
  • Deck & Outdoor Living
  • Holiday & Vacations
  • How-To’s & Planners
  • Myth or Misconception
  • Tool & Shop Safety
  • Universal Design

The HTRC - Copyright © 2006–2026 by TheHTRC.com & SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC http://SLS-Construction.com