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      • So what is GREEN anyway? Another excerpt from the book....
        02/26/10
        So much today is claimed under the “Green” approach to home improvements. What is “Green?” I have asked this simple question since the very onset of the term into the vernacular of application toward exterior home improvements. It seems everyone has their own idea of the meaning of the term. The

      • How do manufacturers influence the marketplace: Another excerpt from the book
        02/25/10
        Another excerpt from "Green Exterior Home Improvements"

        Manufacturers Push Methodology;
        Trade Shows, and the “Knowledgeable” Consumer

        The small home improvement businesses within the service industry have an increasing level of burden to meet governmental obligat

      • New Growth Wood: Field Longevity an exerpt from "Green Exterior Home Improvements"
        02/25/10
        It is clear that a near 100% New Growth Wood usage is well under way in the new construction market. Quite certainly, the drive is present to produce new growth woods and to have them grow faster than ever before. This seems to have begun in earnest in post WWII time, as there was a surplus in

      • What is Green Construction?
        02/23/10
        We ask the question because it seems the world wants to capitalize on this new idea of “Green.” An argument seems to be made for every product out there being Green. Green construction is defined by two major characteristics:

        1. The amount of strain or stress on the natural environment

      • Old Growth Wood lasts far longer than any trim.
        02/22/10
        We have addressed the accelerated deterioration of New Growth Wood. Old Growth Wood however is many more times durable than New Growth Wood, to the extent it is hard to multiply the difference for explanative purposes. Old Growth Wood is so many times more durable than New Growth Woods, and even n

      • PVC Lumber – Trim Expansion and Contraction Issues
        02/21/10
        We moved away from Cellular and Solid PVC Lumber a couple of years ago with the exception of having to use it where we are down on the ground or in wet areas. The problems with the thermal movement without an adequate resolution from the manufacturers caused much angst for our installers and custom

      • Do not allow a novice to destroy your natural roof of slate, tile or cedar
        02/20/10
        Slate, Tile & Cedar Roof Repairs by Novices Can Cost You

        It is the constant peeve of the old world craftsman to see the new crop of novices every year that crawl upon good and sound repairable roofs and slather them with roof cement and caulk. It would provide some solace if these ef

      • Half Round Gutter is Truly Superior even in Ice & Snow
        02/18/10
        Most people look at me like I am some kind of throw-back from the past when I suggest Half-Round Gutters. They are period accurate to the turn of last century and up until the 1950’s. These gutters are superior to any gutter when installed properly.

        With all the ‘K’ Style that is sold a

      • Seepage Leaks on Vertical Masonry & Sealing
        02/17/10
        Vertical Masonry Leaks

        We call them seepage leaks. We receive a multitude of calls when the weather is cold and the heat is on on the inside of homes. It seams that water flows toward the heat, soaks into masonry chimneys and walls and gravity pulls the water down to the points of entry

      • Ice Dam Prevention Starts With Understanding the Causes of the problem
        02/16/10
        The very first thing to consider once the damage is done and the work is being considered to repair the area is a provision for proper ventilation. The second thing to consider is better insulation for the attic space. If the roof is an asphalt roof, an ice & water underlayment can be install

      • Solar Panels - Solar Cells - installation - Bonding to Tile & Slate - Best System Application
        02/15/10
        There has been a great push for the installation of solar applications onto rooftops. The natural place for these units, the aesthetic concerns are often placed secondary in the scheme of things. Also down on the list is the practical application of these units.

        With all these units a r

      • Underlayment Craze Causing Dew Points Within Walls
        02/14/10
        The increased use of tight underlayments in the field under sidings and roofing systems has caused some issues to arise. One important problem is the reliance on these superior underlayments as part of a “system.” It has always been our contention that underlayments should never be viewed as prima

      • New Growth Wood - Accelerated Deterioration and Rot
        02/14/10
        New Growth Wood – Accelerated Deterioration

        We have seen accentuated rotting in wood construction materials. These are usually wood framed constructed homes dating back to approximately1988. Cedar Sidings and Roofing are almost always deteriorated beyond viability (with some exception t