Archives: Building Materials

How To Insulate Basement Walls

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Foundations, Insulation

How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I’d like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…

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How To Seal An Asphalt Driveway

By Todd Fratzel on Driveways

Sealing Asphalt Driveways Sealing your asphalt driveway is an important maintenance step that’s needed to prolong the life and keep it looking like new. Asphalt driveways are a simple yet effective mixture of asphalt, stone and sand. When properly maintained an asphalt driveway can last 15 to 20 years. Maintenance of asphalt driveways consists of…

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Flashing A Deck Ledger Board Properly

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Framing

Deck Ledger Board Flashing Detail Lately I’ve been seeing problematic deck ledger flashing details so I’d like to share with you my perspective on how to properly flash and secure your deck to the house. Properly flashing a deck ledger seems to be a lost skill with most weekend warriors…..let’s discuss how to properly secure…

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Basement Vapor Barrier For Basement Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Insulation

Basement Vapor Barrier and Insulation We’ve written several articles about basement insulation and a cost effective approach to basement insulation using foam board and fiberglass insulation. Since writing those articles we’ve received quite a few questions about when to use a basement vapor barrier and when not to. So we thought it might be a…

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Are Cracks In Concrete Foundations Bad?

By Todd Fratzel on Foundations

Concrete Cracks I often get asked about cracks in concrete foundations. Many home owners are nervous when they see cracks in concrete and wonder if they are bad or dangerous. While it’s a natural reaction to be concerned when you see something cracked the reality is that 95% of cracks in concrete are harmless and…

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Rim Joist Insulation – Insulating Options

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

How To Insulate Rim Joists We’ve written a number of articles on insulating basements including; insulating basement walls, insulating basement floors and basement insulation options. In this article I want to focus on rim joist insulation and the options that are available. Rim Joist Spray Foam Spray foam insulation is the best way to insulate…

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Decorative Bulletin Board | Displaying Children’s Artwork

By Todd Fratzel on Interior Decorating

DIY Bulletin Board for Displaying Children’s Artwork Our son is in Kindergarten this year and each day his backpack is full of artwork that he’s made during the days lessons. Recently he asked me if he could “nail” a picture to the wall so everyone could see it. A light went off in my head…

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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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