Archives: Structure

What Are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Energy Conservation, Framing

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) A reader asked me the other day to explain what’s the difference between Structural Insulated Panels and Prefabricated Wall Panels. Before answering the question on the difference it is important to answer the of: What Are Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs? Structural insulated panels (or structural insulating panels), SIPs, are a…

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Settlement In Chinese Drywall Dispute

By Todd Fratzel on Drywall

Defective Chinese Drywall Last year we published an article about How To Identify Chinese Drywall after scores of homes in the Southern US reported significant damage due to defective Chinese drywall. This week we’ve learned of news that Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin will fund the drywall replacement in 300 homes located in the Southern US as…

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Replacement Windows – Best Energy Saving ROI

By Todd Fratzel on Windows

Replacement Windows Are A Great Return On Investment It’s not a mystery that replacement windows can help make your home more energy efficient resulting in significant energy savings each year. However, what some of you might find interesting is the fact that replacement windows are considered one of the best return on investment when it…

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EZ-HANG™ Door Installation System

By Todd Fratzel on Doors

EZ-HANG™ – Simplifying Door Installation At this years Remodelers Show there were lots of exciting products debuted including an exciting, inexpensive product to help with door installation called EZ-HANG™. The EZ-HANG door installation system simplifies and speeds door installations for everyone from carpenters to DIY’ers. The system is quite simple and easy to use. The…

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How To Measure Replacement Windows

By Todd Fratzel on Windows

Replacement Windows This weekend I helped my dad install some new replacement windows. Installing replacement windows isn’t really that hard and it’s certainly a great DIY project for anyone with moderate DIY and construction skills. We replaced five double hung windows in about six hours. Replacement windows are installed in a way that doesn’t require…

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Owens Corning Roofing Contest

By Todd Fratzel on Roofing

The folks at Owens Corning are promoting their Duration Series Designer Colors Collection shingles this summer and fall with a great contest. The That’s My Roof Contest runs until October 2010 with monthly winners and one grand prize winner who will have their new roof completely refunded up to $10,000. Ownens Corning Duration Series Designer…

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Mixed HardiePlank Colors Hightlight School Addition

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

HardiePlank ColorPlus® Technology Featured On School Addition We recently built a three story wood framed addition for a local Montessori School which featured HardiePlank® Lap Siding with ColorPlus® Technology. Over the years we’ve become huge fans of HardiePlank® Lap Siding for both residential and light commercial projects. In this article I wanted to point out…

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Remodeling Expected To Accelerate In 2011

By Todd Fratzel on Remodeling

Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) According to the Joint Center For Housing Studies at Harvard University there may be some good news for the remodeling industry as we move into 2011. According to their study it appears homeowners are beginning to feel more optimistic and likely to start investing in their homes again. The…

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