Articles

Discover articles and tips on everything related to maintaining your home—inside and out.

house slab

Concrete Slab Height – How high should my slab be compared to my yard?

The most important consideration is getting the water away from the foundation of the house. To do so, local governmental regulations dictate the height...
House drainage

How Do I Manage My House Drainage?

Let’s be real – no one likes drainage problems near their house.  Stormwater management is critical to resolving drainage issues in your lawn and...
floor insulation

Should insulation be installed between the floors of my house?

Keep in mind the purpose of insulation is to impede the transport of energy in the form of heat, between conditioned and unconditioned space....
attic insulation

How thick should attic insulation be installed?

The answer depends on where your house is located and the type of insulation in your attic. Building codes now prescribe how much energy...
Types of Wall Insulation

What are Common Types of Wall Insulation?

Wall insulation requirements vary for different regions of the country according to building codes.  The purpose of the insulation is to manage thermal (hot...
post-tension foundation

How can I tell if I have a post-tension foundation?

In residential construction, post-tension foundations are associated with concrete foundations resting on the ground, or slab-on-grade foundations. If your home is raised off the...
foundation failure

How can I tell if I have foundation failure?

First, we need to understand what a foundation is designed to do and what the term “foundation failure” means. A foundation is essentially that...
Common House Foundation

What are Common House Foundations?

All houses are constructed on foundations - we all know that!  But what type of foundation do you really have?  Most people readily recognize...
stucco crack

Do stucco cracks mean the stucco is not installed correctly?

The location and type of stucco crack may provide some insight into if the stucco is installed correctly. But not every crack means there...
brick wall crack

Should brick cracks be a concern to me?

Your level of concern on brick cracks in your wall is directly associated with the type, location, and nature of the crack. Keep in...
brick water damage

Can water get through brick, stucco, and house siding?

The quick, easy answer is absolutely, yes! The follow-up question is more important – why should you care and how does it affect your...
Common Electrical Problems

What are Common Electrical Problems in Houses?

A home inspection was just performed on your house and a list of electrical problems was created.  Or maybe you are tired of the...
types of Air Conditioning Systems

What are Common Types of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems?

There are many factors that contribute to the proper application of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in houses. Selecting the most...
air conditioning system not cooling

Why is my air conditioning system not cooling my house?

A good answer sometimes requires more questions and more information to understand the problem. Case in point – did the air conditioning system previously...