Log Home Basics
Log homes may be site-built or pre-cut in a factory for delivery to the site. Some log home manufacturers can also customize their designs. Before designing or purchasing a manufactured log home, you need to consider the following factors for energy efficiency. The R-Value of WoodIn a log home, the wood helps provide some insulation. Wood’s […]
Lightning: Facts and Dangers
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® Lightning is the “visible discharge of static electricity within a cloud, between clouds or between the earth and a cloud,” as defined by Underwriters Laboratories. Lightning is unpredictable and a serious threat to buildings and their occupants virtually everywhere. Facts about lightning: Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning rod in 1752 –- […]
Constructed Wetlands: The Economic Benefits of Runoff Controls
By InterNACHI People have a strong emotional attachment to water, arising from its aesthetic qualities — tranquility, coolness and beauty. As a result, most water bodies within developments can be used as marketing tools to set the tone for entire projects. A recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that “whether […]
An Easy Fix for Rust Stains on Clothing
Every once in a while, the washer creates a rust stain on clothes. Maybe rust was in the water, or there’s a little rust in the washer drum, or perhaps you left a rusty part in a pants pocket. Now the rust appears as a dark red spot on your pants or that new white […]
A Ton of Cooling
A Ton of Cooling – Indoor Air Conditioning Ever hear of a two- or three-ton central air conditioner? Does that mean a two-ton air conditioner weighs 4,000 pounds? Is the term related to cooling capacity, or is it a random term that tech folks use to impress us? When engineer Joe Cool (at least I […]
Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Yes, you can be green, save money on your utility bills, and still water your plants and garden. Consider a rain barrel to catch water from the roof for use around your yard. This also helps solve problems with excessive water runoff that overloads rivers and streams. Start by doing a little online research. Your […]
The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
On many cold, sunny days it would be great to air out your home without feeling a nasty cold draft from an open window. It may be essential to air out the house when you have just fried some bacon, and the kitchen exhaust fan can’t remove the odor. But if you open the window, […]
Why Use Primer When Painting?
Why Use Primer When Painting Your Home If you are painting, priming the wall would be a good idea. Primer helps your paint adhere to the wall and produces a good finish on your wall. Without primer, the paint can be absorbed unevenly, especially if the wall is porous. Priming is also important if you […]
5-in-1 Tool Makes Painting Easier
While painting is a bit of a chore, the right tools can help you get the job done easier and faster. Lots of small tools exist for paint preparation, but who wants to carry around a bunch of tools? Try a 5-in-1 or a 10-in-1 painter’s tool. Many manufacturers make them. They offer slight variations […]
What to Do In The Event Of Fire
What would you do in the event of fire? How would you react? These are some important questions you need to ask yourself. According to statistics, only 23% of families in the US know the answers to these questions, which is pretty low considering the remaining 77% have little to no idea what to do […]