Oh, boy... Your question provides a bunch to discuss and consider.
Water damage
Covering up mold and rot is NOT a good idea. Any contractor who recommends this to you is the wrong contractor. Before you make any decisions on how to proceed, you should do an inspection of the wall cavities at the suspected points of water intrusion. Those areas are typically under windows and areas of concern based on visual inspection.
By opening up a few of these areas you can determine what
Thursday, December 30, 2010
1969-12-31 16:00:00
Database Error: Unable to connect to your database. Your database appears to be turned off or the database connection settings in your config file are not correct. Please contact your hosting provider if the problem
Barbour ABI's website gets a makeover
Barbour ABI reports on every new building project in the UK, enhancing planning application and public tender information at each stage of the construction lifecycle. Barbour ABIs new website is easier to navigate, looks cleaner and most importantly tells you all you need to know about Barbour ABI.The new look doesnt affect Evolution their online lead system, so customers will be getting the same user experience in the short
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
We need to replace our boiler - should we go to gas or stick with oil?
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Helen Torris Montclair, NJ
We have had a few estimates, but we feel the contractors are all biased to what they work with (Oil or gas). We already have natural gas in our home, but want to know which is cheaper and more efficient in the long
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Helen Torris Montclair, NJ
We have had a few estimates, but we feel the contractors are all biased to what they work with (Oil or gas). We already have natural gas in our home, but want to know which is cheaper and more efficient in the long
Why are more builders not building homes with radon resistant construction techniques? They fix radon and lower moisture!
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Allen Fields Greenville, SC
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Raymond Pruban
White Bear Lake, MN
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Allen Fields Greenville, SC
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Northern Ireland's eco friendly private development achieves A Grade in its Energy Performance Certificate assessment
Loguestown Green Coleraine Development in Northern Ireland includes 53 homes with a turn-key specification. It secured an A Grade in its Energy Performance Certificate assessment, the standard used to measure energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, and it is estimated that homeowners will be able to heat their houses for as little as 5 per week. The development was designed by Caraman Limited.Environment Minister Edwin Poots
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Artful Concrete
I recently visited Grandview, a concrete folk art sculpture park in Hollandale, Wis. In the 1930s and 1940s, dairy farmer Nick Engelbert filled his yard with a variety of animals and mythical creatures he constructed with concrete. He even set aside a picnic area and parking lot for visitors curious to see his creations.
Concrete may not immediately come to mind as an ideal material for artistic expression, but it would have been familair and available to a farmer during
Oil prices will keep rising in 2011-12
Commodity suppliers always boost their margins in a period of rising demand by adding new supplies very slowly. Typically, commodity suppliers earn most of their profits in any 4-5 year cycle during the 3-5 quarters when demand growth is the strongest. OPEC has announced that it has no plans to add to supply and is comfortable letting prices remain over $100/bbl. for an extended period. Brief price spikes to well over $100/bbl. are likely in this volatile market.
The ongoing price rise for
The ongoing price rise for
China Infrastructure Construction Corp's newconcrete production Xi'an plant in China has begun operations
Because of high labor and operating costs, many Chinese companies have begun to move their operations from eastern China to western China, where labor and operating costs are considerably less expensive than in the more developed coastal regions. Significant infrastructure and logistics systems upgrades and expansions are expected in China's western provinces in order to support growing fixed asset investments by governments and
Monday, December 27, 2010
Will We Ever Get Out of This Hole?
For architects, the Great Recession hasnt really let up since its official start in December 2007. Countless projects are stalled or canceled, including Santiago Calatravas Chicago Spire now a 110-foot-wide void. We investigate whats in store for architects in the near future and beyond.
By C.J. Hughes
‘Canstruction’ Holds Worldwide Competition in Memory of Founder
Once again the annual Canstruction competition has raised eyebrows and a lot of food for people who could use a little help. You can see many of the masterpieces, built entirely out of food cans, here.
Hunger is a topic that never seems to go away and according to FeedingAmerica 49 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger and 17 million of those are children. Across the globe malnutrition is the number one health risk, killing more people than AIDS, malaria and TB combined,
Hess ApS selects Subsea 7 to install and commission North Sea Pipeline Bundle system
Subsea 7 Inc. has confirmed that the North Sea Pipeline Bundle contract award it announced on 10th November 2010 is with Hess ApS for the South Arne field in the Danish sector of the North Sea. The contract is valued in excess of $55 million.The Subsea 7 work scope is to engineer, procure, fabricate, install and commission a 2.2.km bundle system. Also included in the scope of work are the associated subsea tie-ins and testing and
Friday, December 24, 2010
JMP provides Watford Borough Council with traffic engineering and parking related services
JMP has won a four year term consultancy to provide Watford Borough Council with traffic engineering and parking related services. The Framework is open to use by all the District Councils in Hertfordshire and to Hertfordshire County Council.JMP will provide a wide range of consultancy support including parking studies, design, consultation, management and implementation of Controlled Parking Zones, amendment, additions and new
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Red flakes of tissue-like material are blowing out of our heating system's ducts. Any idea what this is? What can be done to prevent it?
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Don E Wapakoneta, OH
Last year we experienced "Dirty Socks Syndrome" in our home and a specially coated heating coil was installed which took care of the objectionable odor. Later in the heating season, red flakes of tissue-like material started
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Don E Wapakoneta, OH
Last year we experienced "Dirty Socks Syndrome" in our home and a specially coated heating coil was installed which took care of the objectionable odor. Later in the heating season, red flakes of tissue-like material started
Metal Building Insulation Retrofits Offer Potential Tax Advantages Through 2013
The onset of cold weather often makes us remember about all those energy efficiency improvements we were going to do to make our buildings more comfortable and more affordable to heat. Simple things like replacing worn weatherstripping around doors and insulating exposed pipes by themselves represent tiny savings in energy use, but when added all together they become game-changers for building energy use. Tax incentives for commercial building owners continue now into 2013. According
Balfour Beatty reaches financial close for Derby City Schools programme
The Derby City BSF Partnership project involves the delivery of a capital investment programme for schools in Derby in partnership with Derby City Council. Balfour Beatty has reached financial close for the 55 million Derby City Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.Construction of a new PPP secondary school, Noel Baker and St Martin's School, which brings the co-location of a mainstream secondary school with that of a
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Jersey's sand and gravel quarry takes delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak
A Jersey-based sand and gravel quarry has taken delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak from Finlay Plant Southern. Simon Sand & Gravel Limited a fifth generation, family-owned quarry situated at St Ouens Bay on the west coast has been supplying the islands building trade since 1909.The Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak is being used for the secondary screening and processing of quarried gravel once it has been removed from
We need to find a nontoxic concrete sealer. We have a child with respiratory problems.
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Susan Blumberg Scarsdale, NY
We had water and mold problems. The basement has perimeter drains and a sump pump leading to new outside drainage and a dry well. There is both old and new cement in the basement. The den was completely dug up: gravel,
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Susan Blumberg Scarsdale, NY
We had water and mold problems. The basement has perimeter drains and a sump pump leading to new outside drainage and a dry well. There is both old and new cement in the basement. The den was completely dug up: gravel,
Is there one brand of vinyl windows that is more energy efficient and reliable?
As a green architect, I usually do not spec vinyl. This is highly debatable in the green world -- on the one hand, vinyl windows save trees and paint and are lower maintenance than wood. When compared to aluminum-clad wood windows, the vinyl at least saves on wood, if not the other two.
BUT vinyl is horrible for the planet. Its production has been shown to cause cancer as it pumps carcinogens into the environment during production as well as during a house fire.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Liverpool Mutual Homes launches Shared Apprenticeship Scheme
Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) has launched its Shared Apprenticeship Scheme to help young tenants aged 16 to 24 to gain skills for the job market. A Liverpool housing association and Liverpool City Council have joined forces with some of the biggest building contractors in the UK to say Youre hired to young tenants as part of an apprentice scheme.The apprentices will be employed by a third sector holding company called the
Are asphalt shingles recyclable?
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Linus Murphy Montgomery, AL
We are trying to recycle some of the demolition waste from our home renovation.
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Martin Grohman
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Linus Murphy Montgomery, AL
We are trying to recycle some of the demolition waste from our home renovation.
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Martin Grohman
How can my builder minimize waste on my remodel?
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Wayne, NJ
GAF
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GAF
Monday, December 20, 2010
Homebuilders Advance Their Environmental Records
Two recent news items are showing that homebuilders are seeing green, and it’s not the green of money, although that may follow. Both KB Home and Pulte got recognized for improving their policies and practices that affect the environment and natural resources. Earlier, KB announced it had completed the first four homes in the country bearing the WaterSense seal. WaterSense, is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that seeks to protect the
Kubota launches Dash 4 mini excavator
Kubota (UK) Ltd Construction Equipment has launched the new generation of Dash 4 mini excavators, for plant hire firms, builders, contractors, utilities, local authorities and owner operators.The manufacturers new U48-4, U55-4 and KX057-4 models have already been pressed into service following their UK introduction at the companys Kubota Live! event at Rockingham Castle earlier in 2010.The machines have built upon the
Government confirms support for anaerobic digestion at ADBA Conference
Building on its inaugural conference in 2009, ADBA's (The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association) second national conference in London attracted the industrys leading players to a packed day of speakers and discussions. ADBA's "Maximising the Value" conference saw its Chairman Lord Rupert Redesdale urge members to play their part in DECCs and DEFRAs AD Action Plan, which has already reached its first draft.Landias UK &
Saturday, December 18, 2010
I am on the hunt for a good cleaner that effectively cleans stainless steel appliances. Can you recommend something that works? Thanks!!
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Wendy M Fairfield, CT
I have used the non toxic brands available in the supermarket and they have not worked.
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Liberty Phoenix Lord
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Wendy M Fairfield, CT
I have used the non toxic brands available in the supermarket and they have not worked.
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Will a zero-VOC paint seal in offgassing from a primer? A VOC emitting product was used as the primer.
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greeengal Seattle, WA
Painters used Miller Performance PVA primer #8140 yesterday all over the interior of our newly remodelled home - it slipped thru. I had wanted zero-VOC paints used throughout - now, I'm wondering if low/no VOC interior paint
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greeengal Seattle, WA
Painters used Miller Performance PVA primer #8140 yesterday all over the interior of our newly remodelled home - it slipped thru. I had wanted zero-VOC paints used throughout - now, I'm wondering if low/no VOC interior paint
Friday, December 17, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 17, 2010
CARB Votes Today on Rolling Back Diesel Exhaust Limits
The California Air Resources Board is planning to roll back diesel emission limits for trucks, buses and off-road heavy equipment because initial estimates for emissions from diesel engines were dramatically too high. Analysis by the state shows an “80% reduction in emissions from what had previously been estimated, with about half of this reduction the result of the recession, and about half due to changes in inventory
William Anelay repairs grade 1 listed St Augustine's Church
William Anelay Ltd has announced it has completed the latest phase of work at the grade 1 listed St. Augustines Church in Hedon near Hull.The contract involved repairs and replacements to some of the buildings structural masonry, much of it dating back eight hundred years, as well as the sensitive introduction of newly carved masonry pieces produced at Anelays stoneyard in York. One of the buildings grotesques was severely
FM Conway orders Fuso Canter trucks to operate in London's Low Emission Zone
FM Conway, based in Dartford, Kent, has ordered 31 Canter 7C15s trucks to work on its portfolio of maintenance contracts with borough councils across the capital. The new fleet of clean, 'green' 7.5-tonne Fuso Canters will be used in London's Low Emission Zone.Supplied by local Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts of Kent, they are powered by 3.0-litre diesel engines which meet not only Euro 5 emissions limits but also the more
Thursday, December 16, 2010
NPE West Report: Economy Hurts Attendance but Quality Contractors Made It to Las Vegas
Well, just like the economy has been hammering contractors and manufacturers it took a swipe at National Pavement Expo West just for good measure…wouldn’t want to leave any event or organization unscathed, would it?
But despite the economy the 2010 NPE West in Las Vegas was , I think it’s fair to say, a success. Seminar rooms weren’t full but virtually all speakers presented top-notch programs that garnered “good” and “excellent” reviews almost across the board. That
I live in St. Pete, FL, and want to know more about closed-cell foam insulation for my crawlspace. Is it safe to use?
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David Deering Saint Petersburg, FL
The house is hot and moist during summer, freezing in winter, and I believe most of it is due to the crawlspace. House was built in the '50s.
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David Deering Saint Petersburg, FL
The house is hot and moist during summer, freezing in winter, and I believe most of it is due to the crawlspace. House was built in the '50s.
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I am putting spray foam insulation in my attic. What is the better option: open or closed cell?
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Gil Morelle Alpharetta, GA
I live in Atlanta, GA, and have received a handful of estimates to insulate my attic with spray foam insulation. I am hearing conflicting stories on what is the most appropriate product between open and closed cell
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Gil Morelle Alpharetta, GA
I live in Atlanta, GA, and have received a handful of estimates to insulate my attic with spray foam insulation. I am hearing conflicting stories on what is the most appropriate product between open and closed cell
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 15, 2010
Labor Dept. Seeks $829,000 in Back Wages, Suggests Debarring Demo Contractors
The U.S. Department of Labor has taken legal action to recover more than $829,000 in back wages for 32 workers employed as demolition laborers by Enviro & Demo Masters Inc. and Gladiators Contracting Corp., construction demolition companies based in Brooklyn and Queens. The department says that the companies violated wage and benefit requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act and the Contract Work Hours and
Kubota RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicles help maintain the perfect environment at Park House Pheasantries
Each year, Park House Pheasantries rears in the region of 50,000 birds for the shooting season and caters for small syndicates which require a couple of hundred birds through to large shoots which take 17,000 birds. Such are the quality of the pheasants reared at Park House Pheasantries that customers from across the UK return year after year. Park House Pheasantries needed an all-round workhorse that could help maintain the
JMP's assessment supports planning application for replacing a multi-storey car park in Westminster with a mixed use development
A new scheme, developed by project architect Squire and Partners, proposes the redevelopment of a Westminster site to include 60 private and affordable residential units above ground floor retail, a health centre and also a redeveloped Westminster City Council streetsweepers depot. Secure basement car parking for 50 vehicles on two levels and cycle parking will be provided.JMP has provided transport and highways consultancy
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 14, 2010
AGCO CEO Says CNH Deal Talk was ‘Theoretical’
The head of AGCO Corp. told Reuters on Thursday that comments he made earlier last week about wanting to buy portions of CNH Global were strictly academic because Fiat has no plans to sell it. On Wednesday, Fiat shares touched a 30-month high after AGCO Chairman Martin Richenhagen told the Italian business newspaper MF that he was interested in CNH and had met with Fiat’s Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne. (More at
Kier Stoke takes on 80 apprentices
As a recognised National Skills Academy for construction, Kier Stoke, a division of Kier Building Maintenance, is serious about investing in the future of its local community and hopes to have supported 200 apprentices by the end of the project in four years time. Despite the tough economic climate, the building maintenance company recognises training is imperative to support future growth and providing the skills needed to
Marley Eternit Natura Pro fibre cement cladding visually transforms housing refurbishment in Liverpool
A Natura Pro fibre cement overclad solution from Marley Eternit has visually transformed tired looking buildings with a low maintenance decorative rainscreen facade at a housing refurbishment in Rock Grove, Liverpool. Natura Pro was fitted on 52 apartments at Rock Grove, which are owned by Liverpool Mutual Homes. Built in the 1970's the plain red brickwork exterior of the buildings were looking dated and unpopular with
Monday, December 13, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 13, 2010
Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 Beats V8 Competitors in Towing Challenge
The Baja 1000 wasn’t the only head-to-head competition that one unit of Ford’s new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine faced during months of torture testing. Before it raced 1,000 miles across the harsh Mexican desert, that V6 EcoBoost in an F-150 crew-cab pickup also beat V8-powered pickups from Chevrolet and Ram towing 9,000-pound trailers up the steep Davis Dam hill climb in Arizona. Ford has been pushing this engine
Caterpillar releases new line of buckets for the 374D and 390D Hydraulic Excavators
Caterpillar Work Tools has announced the introduction of a new line of buckets for the 374D and 390D Hydraulic Excavators. This new line of pin-on and coupler buckets feature improved designs to take full advantage of increased machine performance. In the near future, this new bucket line will also become available for the E-series excavators.Caterpillar has a 35 year legacy designing and manufacturing excavator buckets
American Standard Takes Interest in Water Conservation
You certainly can’t argue that American Standard, the makers of bathroom and kitchen fixtures, has a vested interest in getting the word out about its products’ features, but when it comes to water frugality the company has also seen the light from a conservation perspective. After all, if water quantities and qualities decline enough the last things people will be thinking about buying will be new toilets, sinks and valves. So it behooves the company to build water saving fixtures
Saturday, December 11, 2010
How can I remodel a 1910 Portland craftsman to be a green home, and do so economically?
Dear Nate,
Your question is an excellent one and I will provide some general suggestions along with resources for your areas of interest.
How to keep your costs down
Let’s start with the economical side of things – how to keep your costs down.
Your number one strategy for keeping costs down is planning and organization. By taking a holistic approach to the project -- creating a master plan for all the things you want to accomplish and then executing them as your resources
Your question is an excellent one and I will provide some general suggestions along with resources for your areas of interest.
How to keep your costs down
Let’s start with the economical side of things – how to keep your costs down.
Your number one strategy for keeping costs down is planning and organization. By taking a holistic approach to the project -- creating a master plan for all the things you want to accomplish and then executing them as your resources
I need more hot water in my all-electric home. Can you help me choose between a 2nd heater, a recirculation system, and a heat pump heater?
Hi Bill,
Sounds like the problem is running out of hot water. It sounds like you are considering a lot of paths, each of which opens specific opportunities for providing more hot water, but let's first talk about when the problem occurs, and using less.
Washing machine
Running out of hot water in the shower is a real drag. But if this is frequently caused by the washing machine, this is a pretty simple fix that can cost $0-$600. Do you have a
I am looking for low-VOC flooring to finish a basement. I am debating between carpet or engineered wood planks. What do you recommend?
Stephen, we would highly recommend cork flooring for basements.
Bugs, mold, mites and even termites are repelled by cork due to a naturally occurring substance in cork called suberin. This waxy substance also prevents cork from rotting even when completely submerged in water for long periods of time.
Cork is a natural insulator and naturally maintains a comfortable median temperature, never getting very hot or very cool. Cork reduces the transmission of
Friday, December 10, 2010
Construction industry is committed to sustainable building and calling for a greater focus on refurbishment
According to a Green Building poll carried out by H+H UK, the industry is clearly committed to sustainable building, but is calling for a greater focus on refurbishment.500 specifiers, contractors and developers responded to the survey, with a significant majority (70%) agreeing that too much attention is focused on new build, we should concentrate on upgrading existing buildings.This is not down to any lack of commitment in the
McBains Cooper designs landmark Police Station in Yorkshire
Planning permission has been granted for the multi-million pound North Yorkshire Police Station on the outskirts of Harrogate. The new project will replace the existing 1930s building which would have taken half the cost of the new build to repair and maintain over the next ten years.McBains Cooper has designed the landmark Police Station in Yorkshire that will operate to the highest possible environmentally-sensitive standards.
Local Views Highlight Construction’s Diversity
You can review all kinds of statistics about construction and building at places like the Census Bureau and large aggregators like Reed and McGraw Hill. But it is always refreshing to see some perspective about the construction markets from people who are working in it everyday. By reporting on what they see affecting their work they give us pretty accurate pictures of what is happening in their local areas.
One such person is Imad Naffa, a building code and engineering consultant in
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The town building department doesn't want us to use concrete mixed with flyash. Do you have any information on contamination in flyash?
The building inspector has no jurisdiction to keep you from using the material, because at this time it has been approved for use in concrete.
But for me, the jury is still out on the use of flyash in concrete. The immediate idea of using flyash to reduce the use of Portland cement and to gain greater strength sounds great. But like many other new materials that have come along, and later have been found to have environmental issues, flyash may also follow that path. The
But for me, the jury is still out on the use of flyash in concrete. The immediate idea of using flyash to reduce the use of Portland cement and to gain greater strength sounds great. But like many other new materials that have come along, and later have been found to have environmental issues, flyash may also follow that path. The
Does a solar water heater have an AFUE?
Interesting question! As we move toward the understanding that decisions made on the individual parts of our home have an impact on how the whole house performs, there will be an attraction to understand the acronyms that define the current line of products available to renovate our homes.
Let's start with the definition of AFUE straight from the Energy Star website.
AFUE:
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures the amount of fuel
Is a garage door insulation kit worth the time and money? Will the insulation make a difference in temperature for a room above it?
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Chris Thomas Norcross, GA
Our garage is connected to our house and has a room above it. The garage stays cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
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Chris Thomas Norcross, GA
Our garage is connected to our house and has a room above it. The garage stays cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 8, 2010
Construction Unemployment Jumps to 18%
The construction unemployment rate jumped to 18.8% in November as the sector lost another 5,000 jobs since October, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The data indicates that the construction sector has suffered more than any other industry during the economic downturn, association officials said. (More at ForConstructionPros.com . . . )
CBO Reports Drop in
Redland adds Blue Brindle clay tile to its range
Staffordshire blues achieve their colour through an energy-intensive and complex firing process. Blue Brindle is the latest colour to be added to Redlands Rosemary clay plain tile range, introduced as a cost-effective alternative to the traditional Staffordshire blue tile familiar to the Midlands region.Redland, with its commitment to energy-efficient manufacturing, has produced a tile that achieves the same aesthetic effect
ISG expands in Scotland and secures major projects
ISG has opened a new office in Scotland, establishing a permanent base in the country headed up by members of the senior management team from Roks former Scottish business. The new base in Glasgow complements ISGs existing office network across England and Wales, and enables the business to further extend its comprehensive service offering to clients across the UK. The office has already been successful in securing major
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tax compromise: a good crisis has been wasted
These two additional tax cuts will advance significant spending from 2012 into 2011 and could spur GDP growth to well over 3% by the end of 2011. Then the tax cuts expire and tax rate increases become a drag on 2012 growth. But a small net plus to GDP growth over the two years should be expected. Accelerated depreciation directly targets capital goods spending. Small private construction projects not now firmly scheduled for 2011 or even designed or permitted as well as larger projects
Construction News Headlines for December 7, 2010
ARTBA Forecasts 4.4% Drop in 2011 Road and Bridge Construction
Budget challenges for state and local governments, the federal surface transportation bill’s uncertain future, and stimulus-supported infrastructure investment are expected to drive a 4.4% contraction in the U.S. highway and bridge construction market in 2011. That is the central finding in the annual forecast from American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Vice President of Policy & Senior
Wienerberger demonstrates Porotherm clay block walling system
At this year's Built Environment Solutions & Technologies Show (BEST) exhibition in Birmingham, more than 1,300 people had the opportunity to meet with experts from Wienerberger and discus the wide range of sustainable solutions offered through its comprehensive range of brick, block and roof tile products. A demonstration of the Porotherm clay block walling system and a debate on supply chain solutions were two of the
Monday, December 6, 2010
The issues surrounding pre-action costs and whether they can be reclaimed when pursuing payment
It may sound familiar. A party to a dispute has spent months attempting to conclude it. Finally, there is an agreement to settle and whats more, settlement was reached without the need to issue proceedings. However, it has come at a price. Not such insignificant sums have been incurred on a legal team which may include solicitors, professional advisors and experts. Is this expenditure in any way recoverable? Read on and get
I have an estimate for my 40 x 80 sq ft home built in 1976 to fill the first floor walls with soyfoam. Is $4250 worth it?
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Blair Frank Cedar Rapids, IA
I do not know if this is the priority I want now, but I do want to get the house as sealed as possible before getting solar panels. I already have Energy Star windows.
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Blair Frank Cedar Rapids, IA
I do not know if this is the priority I want now, but I do want to get the house as sealed as possible before getting solar panels. I already have Energy Star windows.
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How much will it cost to get solar panels on our 2200 sq ft Dallas home? Will we be able to eliminate our energy bills?
The first step to answering your question requires a site survey to be done at your home. Many solar installation companies will do this free of charge. They will survey a variety of factors, including the orientation of your home, your roof pitch, tree locations, your home's energy use history, etc.
Some major factors to consider: If your home faces north/south, you are in a better situation for solar panels than a home that is east/west in orientation. If your home
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I bought my children memory foam mattresses only to find out that they offgas some highly toxic chemicals. What should I do?
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Kelly Whysong-Zeltner Woodland, CA
Where can I find polyethylene mattress covers for my kids' twin-size mattresses?
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Susan Davis
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Kelly Whysong-Zeltner Woodland, CA
Where can I find polyethylene mattress covers for my kids' twin-size mattresses?
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
What can cause a hot-water baseboard heating system to not reach the set thermostat temperature for several hours?
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Don Randolph, NJ
Going from 62 to 68. New system just installed. High efficiency unit. Indirect hot water tank connected to boiler.
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Florian Speier
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Don Randolph, NJ
Going from 62 to 68. New system just installed. High efficiency unit. Indirect hot water tank connected to boiler.
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Florian Speier
I have a 1960s-era wood frame house with brick veneer on all four sides and no insulation in the walls. What is the best way to insulate?
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Betsy Hooper Manassas, VA
I have already added a lot of insulation in the attic and the windows are new (vinyl replacement). My heating bills are still quite high.
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Betsy Hooper Manassas, VA
I have already added a lot of insulation in the attic and the windows are new (vinyl replacement). My heating bills are still quite high.
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I have a 1923 home and want to install insulation in the attic, but there are no soffit vents. How can I retrofit them into my home?
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Tim Saint Paul, MN
I have a partially finished attic and want to retrofit insulation behind the knee wall and below the floors in the unused space. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any soffit ventilation in this area. I am concerned about
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Tim Saint Paul, MN
I have a partially finished attic and want to retrofit insulation behind the knee wall and below the floors in the unused space. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any soffit ventilation in this area. I am concerned about
Friday, December 3, 2010
Is there a redwood siding sealer that won't darken the wood? It has been stripped and is under the porch roof with no rain or sun exposure.
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katia Concord, CA
I want to protect it from occasional water splattering when I water potted plants.
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Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP
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katia Concord, CA
I want to protect it from occasional water splattering when I water potted plants.
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Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP
Are there any drawbacks to using soapstone for countertops and bathroom tile?
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buck Savannah, GA
I will be building a passive solar home using HTM construction.
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Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP
Los
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buck Savannah, GA
I will be building a passive solar home using HTM construction.
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Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP
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How expensive are terrazzo countertops?
Terrazzo countertops are a great choice for a green kitchen, and I love the way they look. Terrazzo usually refers to marble chips cast into a slab, tile or flooring. Lately a lot of products have entered the market that substitute recycled glass chips for the marble.
Both are very durable -- longevity is an important consideration in a green material. If you do not need to replace it, you are not using raw materials to create the replacement product, and not adding anything to
Both are very durable -- longevity is an important consideration in a green material. If you do not need to replace it, you are not using raw materials to create the replacement product, and not adding anything to
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Construction News Headlines for December 2, 2010
House Prices Expected to Fall into 2011
The Case-Shiller House Price Index fell 2% in the third quarter, reflecting the end of the home-buyer tax credit and a slowdown in mortgage foreclosures. Analysis from IHS Global Insight explains why Patrick Newport, U.S. economist, expects house prices to drop another 6 to 8%, and then turn around in 2011. (More at ForConstructionPros.com . . . )
Ford Sales Up 21%, Propelled by 30% F-Series Growth
With year-to-date sales totaling 1.74 million,
Concrete crushing market is bucking the general trend of the construction industry
The crushing market is set to grow bucking the general trend of the construction industry. Increasing EU pressure is forcing all businesses to consider how they handle their construction waste. Any construction project over 300,000 by law now has to have written statement how they handle the waste they will produce from the project.The construction industry currently produces 120 million tones of waste every year. Around 20
Interbuild Onsite attracts 5,000 visitors
The latest Interbuild Onsite attracted 4,929 of visitors to see the 60 companies, representing major brands, first-time exhibitors and international manufacturers at the event. The show featured the launch of new building materials, tools and equipment alongside a strong line-up of major commercial vehicle brands, including Citroen, Ford, Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Interbuild Onsite provided a platform for
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Fraud, MBEs And Justice
Schiavone Construction Co. agreed on Nov. 29 to a $22.4-million settlement of a federal probe into its use of phony companies in place of legitimate minority and women-owned subcontractors on big New York City infrastructure jobs. The news recalled the case of Reagan-era Secretary of Labor Raymond
Donovan. Before entering the public sector, he was a principal at Schiavone, one of the industry’s biggest tunneling
Donovan. Before entering the public sector, he was a principal at Schiavone, one of the industry’s biggest tunneling
Kier Building Maintenance brings hundreds of properties in line with the Decent Homes standard
The government set a target in 2000 to ensure all social housing would reach the Decent Homes standard. A Decent Home is described as one which is wind and weather tight, as well as warm and with modern facilities.Decent Homes improvements include works such as electrical wiring, central heating and renovating/refitting kitchens and bathrooms. It can also include external improvements such as new windows, doors and roofing. The
Stewart Milne Construction announces several major contract wins
Following several major contract wins earlier in the year, including the 40 million Moray Schools projects and three housing projects for Aberdeen City Council, Stewart Milne Construction has announced new contract wins totalling 20 million. The latest new contracts include private housing, student accommodation, affordable housing, and commercial developments.In Edinburgh, the company has won a contract to convert office
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