Choosing Windows
If you’re in the market for new windows and doors, there are a lot of things to consider – including energy efficiency, price, durability, style and other factors. Our experienced project managers and carpenters can help you select the right windows and then professionally install them. Here are some things to consider when you’re looking at new windows. Performance We recommend using ENERGY STAR qualified windows if your budget allows. These windows provide better Read more »
Electrifying Homes
In recent years, there’s been discussion at the city and state levels about legislation that would require new construction homes to use electricity instead of natural gas. In 2007, the city of Bellingham created the Climate Protection Action Plan Update and in 2021, Governor Inslee drafted the Climate Policy Package – both of which propose to eliminate natural gas from new homes, and slowly phase out natural gas from existing homes. If you’re building Read more »
Is Your House Dripping? Roofdeck Freezing: Why it Happens & How to Fix It
You look up one day and see water dripping inside your house. This is odd because it’s been chilly, but it hasn’t been raining. Plus, your roof is quite new and shouldn't be letting any water in. If the air hasn't been wet with precipitation...why do you see dripping? We’re here to tell you what’s probably happening. In the northwest and in Bellingham, it’s easy to over ventilate your house. When it gets especially cold, Read more »
The Case of the Phantom Roof Leak
Bob and Ann woke up at night to water dripping from the ceiling over their bed. They had recently installed a 50 year roof on their home in northwest Washington. Was the flashing installed poorly? Did the roofers forget to install the shingles? Was it a plumbing leak? Bob and Ann (not their real names) pointed out the spots that were leaking: one in each bedroom, and one near the front door. There were visible Read more »
What’s really in your crawlspace?
Have you ever taken a peek inside your crawlspace? It’s okay, lots of people haven’t. Maybe they’re the smart ones. At least, they’re the happy ones—ignorance is bliss, right? After all, if you never look in your crawl, you never have to think about: Live Animals That isn’t the name of the band that hangs out under your house between shows. More likely than not, some kind of creature has access to your crawlspace, and Read more »
Home Energy Basics: Where is energy used in a home?
This is the first post in a series on the basics of energy use in your home. This series will be a foundation of knowledge upon which to build more complex understandings and discuss more detailed topics. So, let’s start as basic as it gets: Where does the typical house use energy? 1. Heating: Most climates in the U.S. have periods when the outdoor temperature is less than the desired indoor temperature. We use energy Read more »
Why is my floor cold?
There are three main reasons that your floor might be cold. Not enough insulation.DraftsNot enough heat. To solve the problem, you'll need to find out which of the three things is the problem (or maybe it's all three). Start by taking a look under the home at the insulation levels. If your home is built on a slab, you can skip this step. Get a face mask, some old clothes, gloves, eye protection (things will Read more »
Why does the paint on my house blister?
Exterior paint blisters: what causes it and how to fix it.There are two culprits and two solutions.When paint dries too fast (especially latex paint on a hot sunny wall) it can form a skin over the liquid paint. As the liquid paint dries, there is nowhere for the evaporating fluids to go, so as the fluids convert to gas and expand, they push out the skin of dried paint. This only happens on freshly painted, Read more »
How much insulation should I put in my home?
Insulation levels in a home heated by natural gas. From the top down: R38 in the peak attic, R13 in the 2x4 kneewalls, R38 in the kneewall flats, R-13 in the the 2x4 walls, R30 in the 2x10 floor. Sketched by Kyle, a great employee and artist. The ideal amount of insulation in a home can depend on numerous things, such as climate, exposure, and comfort. But from a cost efficient perspective (for every dollar Read more »
Extreme blower door testing!
What makes it extreme? Today I traveled across the border with our fair international neighbor to the north 4 times to run one of these for 15 minutes. Why? Because the Washington State Energy Code requires blower door testing of all new residences, and any addition over 750 sq ft, which we provide for the very reasonable cost of $149 plus travel if outside of Whatcom County. Oh, you mean why the border crossing? Because Read more »