-
Stachybotrys mold, contractor licensing, radiant heat claims, Business Tune-Up, more
Though it ultimately comes down to the carpet installer, there are measures the GC can take to ensure a top-notch job. Here’s the lowdown on choosing the right carpet and pad, locating seams, and prepping the site for installation.
-
Although manufacturers of PEX tubing tout its many advantages, most plumbers still prefer copper
-
Q: I want to install a thin radiant slab over a wood subfloor in a remodel. The flooring will be ceramic tile. What is the thinnest slab I can get away with?
-
Q: A customer wants me to install hickory flooring over radiant heat. Does hickory present any unusual problems in this application, compared to other species?
-
Q: In his November 1998 article, "Using Water Heaters for Radiant Heat," Bill Clinton shows how to heat a home with a gas water heater. Will an electric water heater work in this type of system? How about a tankless electric water heater?
-
Q: I have seen many ads for radiant barriers designed to save energy. Is there any evidence that these radiant barriers can reduce home energy costs? If so, in what climates are they most effective? How should they be installed?
-
Q: The architect for a new home in Virginia has specified a product called Energy Brace sheathing instead of plywood or OSB. The product feels like cardboard covered with foil. The manufacturer claims that the product has energy benefits. Am I right to be doubtful?
-
Q: When designing a radiant floor, can there be such a thing as too much thermal mass? Here in Alaska, we sometimes see the temperature jump from -10°F up to 40°F above in just a few hours.
-
Building materials are always changing and so are the tools used to install them. Here’s a look at what’s new and worthy, from foundation to finishes.