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2012 IRC Codifies Window and Door Pan Flashings
Window and door flashing best-practices are now code-minimum practices in the 2012 IRC
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Step Flashings - Code calls for 4 in. legs
5 commentsThe 2009 IRC now has prescriptive step flashing size requirements. They're still puny and don't meet my sniff test but it's a step in the right direction.
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Indoor Airflow - Perfect Balance vs. Door Undercut
Unbalanced indoor air movement diminishes HVAC comfort and can lead to increased energy bills. Testing identifies problems and two door treatments can solve them.
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Choosing a Chimney Flue-Top Damper
Pop-up dampers and hinged dampers install and operate similarly.
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Surviving the Storm, Energy efficient framing practices for hurricane and tornado country
1 commentBuilders have been slow to adopt 24" OC 2x6 optimum value framing due to concerns about the strength of the structure. We have adopted several framing techniques that work with OVE to improve storm survivability while also maintaining good energy efficiency and stiffness.
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Another Take on Framing a Bell Curve
I always find articles of interest in Homebuilding each issue, but your March 2011 had an article that really grabbed my attention— “Framing the bell curve” by Noah Woodruff. Imagine! Someone else with the same project I am currently completing.
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Inswing or Outswing Doors?
12 commentsHinged entry doors can swing in or swing out. Which style is best for sealing out weather and thwarting would be thieves?
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How to Make a Stealth Soffit Vent
A carport expanding to a two car garage causes us to consider soffit venting for this addition to a heavy timber 1950's home in Fort Lauderdale. Don’t you have anything else to do or write about? The Construction market is on fire here in South Florida, especially in the...
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How to Repair a Roof Flashing Boot (in a Flash)
20 commentsHere's a quick and trouble free way to repair a vent pipe roof flashing when the rubber seal part has failed from UV damage. Sure beats tearing out the whole flashing!
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Free 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Download
The US DOE has provided funds so you can get a free digital copy of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Since many states and code jurisdictions are adopting the 2009 IECC - this is a code you'll want to refer to when planning and building a new home or extensive renovation.
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Garage Progress
We're making good progress on the garage shop at the project house. Drywall is hung, carriage doors are installed and the new front facade has been painted. read more
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