BUILDING SCIENCE & EXTERIOR INSULATION

My new favorite builder out of Texas, MATT RISINGER, explains the benefits of ROCKWOOL  (previously called ROXUL) insulation and the pitfalls of polystyrene exterior insulation panels.

This is a MUST SEE VIDEO for anyone doing new or renovation insulation on exterior walls, especially in a wet climate like we have in British Columbia.



Check it out:

https://youtu.be/E2Gmr-D1kDE

Build, This Old House, Holmes  On Homes are some of the influential programs I look at to get a better understanding of excellent building practices.

LUX? LUMENS? Here's a good calculator to use

LIGHTING HAS CHANGED - A LOT

LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has nearly taken over traditional forms of lighting in many applications.

Features include low power consumption, low operating temperature*, and pleasant light quality.

LUX & LUMENS?

Check out this site to get first-hand info
 
https://lamphq.com/lux-lumens-conversion/

*depending on the application

Interpeting Assembly Instructions

My work involves assembling furniture. Lately, I've noticed the instructions are too vague even for professional assemblers.

I understand the frustration this causes but it's not necessary.

Manufacturers should provide simple and easy to follow instructions. Anything less isn't tolerable.

Matt Risinger Comes to Canada

U.S. builder Matt Risinger is passionate about building technology. This episode brings him to Vancouver, BC.

Lots of technical info here!

Features: Rock wool insulation, Rainscreening, European design and engineering, High R insulation techniques  and MUCH MORE!


If you enjoy shows like This Old House, this one's for you.


Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/jKQIogspIcA

To Fix or Not to Fix?

                         I am a fixer by nature.

      When I see something in need of repair, I usually will attempt to get it functional. Case in point: Vacuums. Many people simply throw out these appliances due to simple issues such as a broken belt or being simply clogged.

     When it comes to more complex issues, repairs can be a challenge. Recently I acquired a rug shampooer. It needed a new belt. Easy fix. However, the accessory attachment was broken.

     Plastic piece gone. I could have purchased a replacement on eBay but the cost was prohibitive.

I can fix it!

     With my experience using fiberglass and Bondo on my various cars over the years, I have become good at using these materials. Such was the case with the shampooer part.

     I first had to find a piece of plastic suitable for the purpose. I happen to also be a bit of a hoarder of usable things. I had a piece of clear plastic from a car dash panel. I cut a piece to fit the part and used fiberglass to attach to the part. I finished it with Bondo (an automotive plastic body repair material) then painted it.

     Almost as good as new! Yet, if I were hired to repair this it probably wouldn't be economical.

     I believe in repairing rather than throwing out. It's green and I get satisfaction knowing something gets a new lease on life.

     So, if your vacuum has an issue, don't give up on it. There are good videos on YOUTUBE to learn how to fix it. A belt usually costs less than $20.

Slow Draining Sink? Easy Solution

    Pop-up stoppers (usually found in bathroom sinks) often get clogged with hair.  It's a relatively easy fix.

 
    I can do it or you can try this: Look under the sink and locate the horizontal rod sticking out of the back of the upper drain pipe. Where the rod enters the drain is a round nut that holds the rod in place. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove the assembly. The stopper may drop into the drain so pry it out carefully and remove the stopper. This is where the hair collects.

   Remove the clog and check the lower part of the drain for any other obstruction.  Reassemble the stopper and rod making sure the rod goes through the slot in the bottom of the stopper. Hand tighten the nut and test the drain for free-flowing action. There shouldn't be any pooling when the stopper is open.