by srmi | May 19, 2017 | Energy News
Spring has arrived and Summer is just around the corner. If your heating system is in need of major repair or replacement, this is the time for you to get that done. If your furnace vents into an unlined masonry chimney, then you should install a chimney liner. If...
by srmi | Mar 2, 2017 | Energy News
Window manufacturers offer a variety of window frames for the variety of different new and retrofit window installations. Choose the right window frame. In most types of window installation, exterior window trim is an unnecessary and expensive extra to be avoided....
by srmi | Dec 29, 2016 | Energy News
My complements to the European high-performance window manufacturers for providing built-in sills for their windows. I hope that North American high-performance window manufacturers soon provide built-in sills. The built-in sills, along with block-frame window...
by srmi | Oct 17, 2016 | Energy News
The only thing worse than discovering your home has been water damaged is realizing that the damage has increased exponentially through mold. In less than two days, mold can begin to form in the recesses of your house after even minor water damage. Preventing Mold...
by srmi | Sep 20, 2016 | Energy News
The best time to make major energy retrofits (also called deep energy retrofits) is during a renovation. This is when you’re making major changes to the building, and probably getting a building permit. Ideally, the house will be vacant during this process. Here are...
by srmi | Aug 25, 2016 | external
Dry and Decontaminate Quickly Flood recovery begins with drying and decontaminating the home as quickly as possible after the flood recedes. Materials like carpet, sheetrock, ceiling tile, insulation, and fiberglass ducts are almost never salvageable because you...
by srmi | Jul 30, 2016 | Energy News
A roof’s purpose Before you choose a roof design for a new building, you should understand the purpose of a roof. The primary purpose of roof is to shed rainwater and snow. A secondary purpose — and a less appreciated one — is to provide shade. A roof’s enemies...
by srmi | Jul 1, 2016 | Education
A Collection of Adult-Learning Research Results The book, Building Expertise by Ruth Colvin-Clark, offers one of the best summaries of adult-learning (pedagogy) research available. Like so many fields adult-learning pedagogy is hindered by dubious assumptions and...
by srmi | May 6, 2016 | Energy News
Building assemblies can get wet Building scientists assume that some rainwater leaks through the cladding or roofing and that water vapor migrates through insulated building assemblies, sometimes condensing within those cavities. These two phenomena both can dampen...
by srmi | Apr 15, 2016 | Energy News
Relative Humidity, Temperature, and Moisture Content This is Part 2 of a two-part series on cellulose insulation and moisture. Cellulose insulation is a hydrophilic material, meaning that absorbs moisture readily. Under certain conditions condensation dampens...
