News
Insulation Education
Since we all spend most of our time in our homes, it makes sense to want to be as comfortable as possible. Insulation does that, plus it makes this comfort affordable by increasing our home’s energy efficiency. No matter what your choice of material for insulation, they all basically work in the same manner. Insulation traps air in small pockets, which slows the exchange of heat from the inside and outside the home. This process can be thought of as resistance, which translates to the R-value that insulation is commonly measured with. The higher the R-value, the higher the resistance....
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Use System Thinking On Your Next Roofing Project.
There is more to roofing than just nailing down shingles. A roofing system must also adequately ventilate the attic space. Proper roof ventilation prevents shingles from curling and reduces energy bills. Research shows that a simple balanced system of soffit vents and continuous ridge vents is the most efficient combination for maintaining adequate roof ventilation. Use ridge vents combined with external baffles Install ridge vents from end to end along the entire ridge Install soffit or eave vents so air flows between every rafter Install high-efficiency ridge vents with external baffles even when the entire roof doesn't need replacing Talk...
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How to Approach a Project Started By Another Contractor
Sometimes homeowners will contact you about a particular project that is half way completed. Usually the owner is unhappy with the work their current designer or contractor is doing and will ask you to take over and complete the project. In order to start construction again, most firms will evaluate the existing conditions, request any additional permits, purchase materials if needed, and then begin construction. Landis Architects and Builders performed “house rescues” a few times and offered some insight on what homeowners might be looking for the second time around. If the client did not understand the extent of the...
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Fall Essentials for Contractors: A Seasonal Shopping Guide
As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the crispness of autumn, contractors are gearing up for a new season of projects. Fall brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for professionals in the construction industry. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of autumn essentials that contractors need for a successful and productive season, highlighting products available at your store. Cold Weather Gear: As temperatures drop, contractors need warm and durable clothing. Showcase items such as insulated work jackets, thermal gloves, and cold-weather boots designed to keep contractors comfortable during outdoor work. Outdoor Power Equipment: Highlight...
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Siding: Clean, Paint or Replace?
Due to age, environmental conditions or bad weather, the siding we put on our homes will eventually need attention. It’s true that proper maintenance will go a long way in keeping things nice, but the day will come when you pull into your driveway (or company does), and you see that something must be done. Depending on the type of siding you have or the extent of the need for attention, there are a lot of options and decisions to make: Clean? You’d be surprised what a good cleaning will do! It is recommended to clean aluminum, vinyl or wood...