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Evidence suggests fiberglass, rock wool and slag wool insulation beat out cellulose insulation hands down. What’s more, fiberglass, rock wool and slag wool insulation qualify for use in the Weatherization Assistance Program. While there are several types of insulation typically used for the weatherization market, none has the many advantages of loose-fill fiberglass or rock wool and slag wool insulation. AdvantagesFiberglass, rock wool and slag wool insulation can meet the federal government’s recycled content requirements. Today’s fiberglass insulation products contain 40% recycled glass and are made from sand, a highly renewable resource. Slag wool insulation contains approximately 70-75% recycled blast...

Since October is Fire Safety Month, it seems like the appropriate time to go over what you can do in regards to fire safety in your home. According to the CDC, deaths from fires and burns are still the third leading cause of fatal home injuries. Of these deaths, 70% are due to smoke inhalation. In addition, two thirds of deaths from house fires occurred in homes that either did not have smoke alarms installed, or they were not working properly. According to the US Fire Administration, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries. Statistics based...

The biggest factor in determining the type and quality of wood that you’ll use for your next project is the project itself. That’s because certain varieties of wood are best suited for certain projects. For example, a hardwood with a closed grain such as maple would be an excellent choice for a butcher block, rather than soft porous wood such as pine. Most lumber can be described as either being either softwood or a hardwood. Generally, softwoods are much less expensive, so determining your needs can help you to decide which type of wood to buy. This, in turn can...

Don’t let anybody tell you wood is not a “green” building product. Wood circulates energy savings throughout its life.To start, wood-frame construction is easy to insulate to high standards when compared to alternative framing materials. Wood itself has very good insulating properties. Inch for inch, wood is 16 times more efficient as an insulator than concrete, 415 times as efficient as steel, and 2,000 times as efficient as aluminum.When it comes to manufacturing wood products, wood again is the most efficient. The process of manufacturing wood products uses very little energy. Wood products make up 47 percent of all industrial...

Of course, homeowners bear the greatest burden for keeping new decks free from mold, but there are some things a builder can do: Gap the decking properly (minimum 1/8”) for drainage. Pitch the deck properly away from the house for drainage (minimum 1/8” in 8’). Space the ledger away from the wall with a 3/4” gap so that air can circulate behind it; allowing air to circulate behind it not only helps to prevent mold but discourages rot as well.