The HTRC – Page 25 – The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

FAQ: What decking material should I use

You can say one nice thing about lawsuits, they tend to grab ones attention & ask questions that they probably had never even considered before. For example after being quoted in a recent article saying “In some cases decking is installed in places where it wouldn’t be recommend…” I received the following email; I am trying […]

FAQ: How often should I replace my smoke detector?

This is the final piece on Daylight Savings Time & Smoke Detectors. In this one we ask the final question, just how long is the unit good for aka when should I replace it? While many manufacturers state 10 years (and for newer units a “replace by date” is listed) we recommend every 5 years […]

FAQ: Do I really need to test smoke detector monthly?

Yes, for a few reasons. The primary reason for a stand-alone system is to make sure the battery is still alive & the unit is working properly. For interconnected units which will set every unit off, this is to ensure that a mouse or other critter hasn’t done any damage. Most have a simple “test” […]

FAQ: Smoke Detectors, Batteries, & DST?

I am not sure you have caught it yet on the news or around the water cooler, but this Sunday marks the start of Daylight Savings Time (DST.) You can almost be guaranteed a piece on a clock shop & a reminder to change out your smoke detectors batteries. Amazingly most forget to mention your carbon monoxide batteries. When […]

Renovations That Are Kid Friendly and Home Friendly

This week we have a guest post from Michelle LaRowe who has “over 20 years of experience in the nanny world as an award-winning nanny, agency director, parenting author, and considered a leading industry expert. A mom herself, she loves to educate parents and nannies on the importance of quality in-home childcare. You can find out more about […]

Getting the details right: Air barrier behind the shower & tubs

Table N1102 is an interesting part of the codes as much of what is required isn’t listed elsewhere in the codes & can even occasionally be contradictory to what is allowed in other sections. (i.e. all headers must be insulated while ones under 4′ can use solid 4x stock) While not a huge issue, one item […]

FAQ: Are all air leaks equal?

When it comes to air-sealing a home many people wonder if all air leaks are as important as others. For most the answer is simple – NO. Without any doubt most professionals will say that sealing the leaks up high (i.e. the attic) is the most important. Below is a form used by Maine which shows their […]

FAQ: Dear Abby… Valentines Renovation Edition

Growing up one basically started the day with the newspaper. One guilty pleasure section for some guys (yeah I read one or two… occasionally) was Dear Abby, where one would write in about an issue they were having – personal, financial, how to handle whatever. They would then generally end it with a playful name […]

FAQ: Do I need to change my HVAC filter monthly?

If you follow our Monthly Maintenance Program, the first item we have listed is “Change out your HVAC filter.” This has brought up a few questions, namely: Do I need to change it out every month & if I don’t what will happen? I have a thick specialty filter & the manufacturer says I should […]

Notes from the field: Multi Point Test

In our area, some code jurisdictions are now requiring a “multi-point” blower door test, instead of the more standard & improved “single-point” test for code compliance verifications. For many that have undergone just BPI training or were trained before RESNET adopted (802.6) this as another “verification” protocol many have a deer in the headlight look. While I […]