Funny things come up when talking to friends and neighbors. We were talking the pain of air conditioners the other day, and this is what we came up with. Air conditioning systems seem to fit in two categories: break your…
2013 Winter Has Come
So far, this winter has given us a glimpse of what the season will bring. We had some pretty strong weather, from wind, to snow, to freezing cold. These extremes are what make living in Rhode Island so special. They…
2013 New Year’s Revolution
There is one thing many profess but yet cannot find the time or gumption to do: New Year’s Resolutions. I propose we switch it up a bit and make it something with a bit more impact, and maybe easier: A…
Pressure Testing a House to Find out What is Best
The recent storms have been a real eye opener. Mother Nature not only has my attention, but my respect. As trades people, we spend our professional lives trying to keep weather out, make building’s last longer, and as of more…
Quick Fix Maintenance
Quick fixes are an essential part of maintenance. Exposure to the elements are a building’s worst enemy, and there are plenty of times we feel as if we cannot catch up. Failing gutters, leaking roofs and general water management are…
Caring for Buildings During an Economic Decline
I am seeing buildings getting less care, where things are not working or just plain falling off. It may be a lack of time, or being a bit tight on funds. Maybe people don’t see it happening, or they don’t…
Choosing The Right Wood
One of the most fascinating, dynamic, misunderstood and misused building materials is wood. Wood works in compression(push) and tension(pull). Wood can be manipulated, cut, milled, shaped, fastened, sanded and finished. Yet all woods are not the same. There are over…
Homeowner VS. Professional
There is a clear distinction between homeowner and professional home improvement. Homeowners learn from the web, salespeople, tv shows, commercials and trial and error. Professionals should learn from mentors, and with time and interaction with other professionals, products and techniques. …
Heating Analysis Case Studies
“At the end of the article you stated more or less flat out that the thermostat should be kept at a fixed setting. I agree doing that might be right in some cases. But whenever that is done, it should…