If you’re in the market for new windows and doors, there are a lot of things to consider – including energy efficiency, price, durability, style and other factors. Our experienced project managers and carpenters can help you select the right windows and then professionally install them. Here are some Read more »
You look up one day and see water dripping inside your house. This is odd because it’s been chilly, but it hasn’t been raining. Plus, your roof is quite new and shouldn't be letting any water in. If the air hasn't been wet with precipitation...why do you see dripping? We’re Read more »
Bob and Ann woke up at night to water dripping from the ceiling over their bed. They had recently installed a 50 year roof on their home in northwest Washington. Was the flashing installed poorly? Did the roofers forget to install the shingles? Was it a plumbing leak? Bob and Read more »
Have you ever taken a peek inside your crawlspace? It’s okay, lots of people haven’t. Maybe they’re the smart ones. At least, they’re the happy ones—ignorance is bliss, right? After all, if you never look in your crawl, you never have to think about: Live Animals That isn’t the name Read more »
This is the first post in a series on the basics of energy use in your home. This series will be a foundation of knowledge upon which to build more complex understandings and discuss more detailed topics. So, let’s start as basic as it gets: Where does the typical house Read more »
There are three main reasons that your floor might be cold. Not enough insulation.DraftsNot enough heat. To solve the problem, you'll need to find out which of the three things is the problem (or maybe it's all three). Start by taking a look under the home at the insulation levels. Read more »
Exterior paint blisters: what causes it and how to fix it. There are two culprits and two solutions. When paint dries too fast (especially latex paint on a hot sunny wall) it can form a skin over the liquid paint. As the liquid paint dries, there is nowhere for the Read more »
Insulation levels in a home heated by natural gas. From the top down: R38 in the peak attic, R13 in the 2x4 kneewalls, R38 in the kneewall flats, R-13 in the the 2x4 walls, R30 in the 2x10 floor. Sketched by Kyle, a great employee and artist. The ideal amount Read more »
What makes it extreme? Today I traveled across the border with our fair international neighbor to the north 4 times to run one of these for 15 minutes. Why? Because the Washington State Energy Code requires blower door testing of all new residences, and any addition over 750 sq ft, Read more »
Thermal image of air leaks behind the trim, and at the poorly installed weatherstripping on the door. When doors are installed, there is generally a gap between the door frame (the part that the door closes against) and the studs in the wall. Trim is placed over this gap to Read more »