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Caulking is a fundamental part of sealing a building against water and air leaks. For a lot of folks starting out in the trades, it might be one of the first jobs they are asked to do, because it’s not always a favorite task for seasoned carpenters; as a result, the right way to caulk often gets ignored. In fact, a fair share of seasoned carpenters aren’t very good at it. But caulking correctly is essential, so let’s embrace it and dive in. Select the Right Caulk Caulking the right way starts with using the right material. That might sound...

If you look at a building's thermal envelope as a six-sided cube, the walls represent the largest surface area and have the weakest R-value. When the goal is to improve the thermal efficiency of that envelope, the walls have the most room for improvement. We can increase their R-value by making them thicker or by using insulation with a higher R-value per inch, but unfortunately, framing a thicker, better-insulated wall is only one piece of the puzzle. We also have to deal with the thermal bridging associated with traditional framing methods and we have to improve the windows. In fact,...

As winter approaches, it is a good time to finish a variety of home projects, both indoors and outdoors. Not only will these projects help make your home more comfortable, but they can also improve energy efficiency and prepare your property to safely withstand the winter storms to come. 10 Best Outdoor Projects to Finish Before Winter Early in fall when the days are still a bit longer and temperatures aren’t so chilly is a great time to wrap up outdoor projects and winterizing. There is still plenty of daylight to work with, and completing these chores in good time...

Going green is not only good for the planet, it can also be good for your wallet. Here are some simple ideas you can do to do two good things at once:Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)Do you know those curly-fry looking light bulbs you’ve seen everywhere? Those cut down on your energy usage and therefore save you money on your next electric bill. The next time your incandescent bulb burns out, consider a CFL as a replacement.Thermostat regulationIn the winter, set your thermostat a few degrees lower. In the summer, set it a little bit higher. Doing these things probably won’t...

Due to age, environmental conditions or bad weather, the siding we put on our homes will eventually need attention. It’s true that proper maintenance will go a long way in keeping things nice, but the day will come when you pull into your driveway (or company does), and you see that something must be done.  Depending on the type of siding you have or the extent of the need for attention, there are a lot of options and decisions to make: Clean? You’d be surprised what a good cleaning will do! It is recommended to clean aluminum, vinyl or wood...