Archives: Home Improvement

2010 International Builder’s Show – Day 2

By Todd Fratzel on Design

2010 International Builder’s Show Day 2 at the IBS was packed with fun demonstrations and meetings with folks that we’ve been working with on HCI. We also had the pleasure of meeting some new folks from companies that will be excited to feature here. Our second day at the show also featured some of the…

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Solar Box Window Heater

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Green Building, Solar Power

Solar Box Heater Solar energy can be used to heat your home in several ways including this easy DIY solution. The idea here is to put solar box window heaters in south facing windows during the winter to supplement your heat needs. The beauty of a solar box window heater is you can make one…

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Top Ten Remodeling Tips

By Todd Fratzel on Remodeling

Remodeling Tips Remodeling your home can be a great alternative to moving and building a new home. This is especially true in today’s real estate and financial markets. A well planned and executed remodeling project can significantly increase the value and comfort of your home. Having said that I wanted to share some remodeling tips…

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Warped/Buckled Vinyl Siding

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

Vinyl Siding – Causes of Warping and Buckling We’ve received several emails recently asking why their vinyl siding is warping and buckling. Warped and buckled vinyl siding is one of the most common results of improper installation. If you’re vinyl siding looks like the sample photo then you need to read this article. What Causes…

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Noise Control Benefits with Simonton StormBreaker Plus® Windows and Doors

By Todd Fratzel on Doors, Windows

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – What do the following three things have in common: honking horns, barking dogs and your neighbor’s favorite rock band? The answer? They’re all annoying noises that can be prevented from entering your home if you have Simonton StormBreaker Plus® windows and doors. Made with laminated glass that can help lower the…

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Spice Up Your Kitchen with New Faucet Collections from JADO

By Todd Fratzel on Plumbing

New Faucet Collections from JADO Combining the utmost in functionality with distinctive modern designs, these four new kitchen faucet collections were created with your inner top chef in mind. PISCATAWAY, N.J. (January 5, 2010) – JADO has introduced four new kitchen faucet designs that promise to stir the imaginations and the appetites of design-savvy faucet…

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Using Infrared Camera To Identify Radiant Heat Location

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning

Using Infrared Cameras Recently I had the pleasure of seeing how infrared cameras can be used to locate radiant heat tubing in a concrete slab. These infrared cameras are amazing to say the least. We were building a large assisted living facility that had radiant heat in the slab. We needed to drill in some…

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Oxmoor House Book Recall – Home Improvement Books

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Safety

Home Improvement Book Recall The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of nine books published by Oxmoor House that deal with home improvement projects and faulty wiring diagrams. The faulty wiring diagrams can lead to shock and fire hazards. For specific information on the recall click here. The recall recommends that you…

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