Archives: construction

Porch and Deck Footing Types

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Foundations

Spring is quickly approaching and many of you are dreaming about a new deck or porch. Decks can be a fun DIY project if you take your time and understand the basics. The basics start with a good foundation so this article will show you several alternatives to porch and deck footings. Porch and Deck…

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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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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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Paslode CR175C Cordless Roofing Nailer Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Paslode CR175C Roofing Nailer Paslode recently introduced the CR175C Roofing Nailer at the 2010 Remodelers Show in Baltimore. The CR175C is a continuation of their popular fuel powered cordless nailer built for roofing. Paslode recently sent us the new CR175C to test on a job and below are our thoughts on this exciting new product.…

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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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Paslode Unveils Cordless Roofing Nailer

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Paslode Fuel Powered Cordless Roofing Nailer System, Model CR175C Paslode has just announced the first ever cordless roofing nailer at the 2010 Remodelers Show. To say this new tool concept is innovative would be an understatement. Paslode has taken their proven cordless technology and built the new CR175C to meet the demands of roofing specialists…

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Recessed Vs Surface Mounted – Basement Lighting

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Electrical

Last week one of my readers asked a question: Which is better? Recessed lights or surface mount ceiling lights for basement lighting? Basement Lighting Options For starters basements typically have a lower ceiling height than the main floors. Most modern construction today results in the ceiling joists (1st floor joists) being 7′-6″ above the concrete…

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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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