What is Seismic Retrofitting?
Earthquakes are one of the most destructive forces on earth and can cause devastating damage to the structure of a home. Damage can include a home sliding off of its foundation, masonry breaking apart, [...]
A Slippery Slope – Poor Grading
Water should drain away from a home. While simply said, not so easily done. Many lots are sloped up away from the home, what is called a negative grade, on at least one side. [...]
Chimney Rain Caps and Spark Arrestors
Many homes, particularly in rural areas, rely heavily on wood burning fireplaces for home heating. Fireplaces can also serve as an aesthetically pleasing and comforting addition to a home. Chimneys and their respective safety [...]
Fiber Cement Siding Blocking
Properly flashed penetration blocking is a critical component in cement fiber siding systems. Although important, this exterior detail is often overlooked or executed incorrectly. One of the biggest violations of blocking requirements today, are [...]
How to Upgrade Two Prong Outlets
Two-pronged electrical receptacles, also known as ungrounded outlets, can present several potential issues due to their lack of grounding. The absence of a grounding conductor poses a safety risk as it increases the chances [...]
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron drain piping has been a popular choice in residential construction for more than a century. Its durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure have made it a reliable option for [...]