Foundations
November 5, 2018
Homes being constructed today are more energy-efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques, as well as the development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors believes that the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked nationwide. Heat loss from an uninsulated, conditioned basement may […]
October 29, 2018
Soil is a naturally-occurring mixture of mineral and organic ingredients with a definite form, structure, and composition. It’s composed primarily of minerals which are produced from parent material which is broken into small pieces by weathering. Larger pieces are stones, gravel, and other rock debris. Smaller particles are sand, silt, or clay. Since the original materials vary from place to place, the exact composition of soil […]
October 8, 2018
Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes, as well as commercial buildings, can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential […]
January 25, 2018
Newly-placed concrete develops tensile stresses as differences in temperature and moisture content develop in the drying concrete. These stresses are relieved by cracking. A number of factors can influence the development of such stresses. Control of Crack Locations Control joints are sometimes installed in an attempt to determine the areas at which concrete will crack. Control joints are grooves pressed into the concrete during the finishing […]