Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: What Are They and Where Should They Be?
Since their creation by Charles Dalziel in 1961, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) have become a commonplace item in homes and have saved countless lives from electrocution. But how do these devices work and [...]
Diverting Roof Runoff Away from Home
Allowing downspouts to drain directly at the foundation of a home is a common but potentially dangerous practice. Although it may seem harmless, this condition can have significant ramifications that jeopardize both the structural [...]
Dryer Vent Fires
A common and heavily used household appliance, the clothes dryer revolutionized the amount of time that people spent cleaning and drying clothes when it was first developed in 1938. While this machine is both [...]
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, [...]
DIY Weather-Stripping and Insulation at Attic and Crawlspace Hatches
Attic Access Hatch In most homes, air leakage through building penetrations is something that is hard to avoid, but there are some places in the home where excess air leakage can be [...]
What is a bootleg ground and why is it a problem?
If you are considering buying an older home you may discover that many of your electrical devices have three-prong cords that will not fit into pre-1960’s two-slot outlets or receptacles. One solution is to [...]