Roofing is Hard

Work by others: (Shingles bridge the gap between framing and trim)(floppy tails)… The roofing contractor starts late, often on sub-par DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, & FRAMING work, that happens after they price their work, possibly “by the square”, and its like standing in line to get whooped. Many building contractors reinforce this fault by prioritizing price and … Read More »

Attic Flooring, Attic Shelving, Crawlspace Shelving, and Various Storage Solutions

When Stetten Home Services began providing weatherization of attics and crawlspaces we were surprised with how eager people would be to utilize these spaces, and how creative they were. All homes are unique, even track-homes, because the owners personalize things. There is a growing trend of people needing more storage. Stetten Home Services has various … Read More »

Pony Wall Continuous Insulation OPTION for Floor Insulated Sealed Crawlspaces

This post is designed to be linked to in crawlspace proposals provided by Stetten Home Services. We are champions of the floor insulated sealed crawlspace because we have data to prove that sealed crawlspaces with “no insulation” or “floor-insulation” perform about equal to those with “wall-insulation”. Its a sealed box with no windows or doors … Read More »

Converting your NEW CONSTRUCTION vented crawlspace to a sealed crawlspace, affordably

For various reasons builders still build vented crawlspaces, yet have “sealed crawlspaces” under their own homes. Vented crawlspaces can work but it isn’t fantastic to have a crawlspace which allows dust/smoke, pollen/spores, hot/cold, wet/dry, light for critters to enter and thrive…. If you buy a new home in 2019 and it has a vented crawlspace … Read More »

Adjustable House-Air Drying Mechanism (for sealed crawlspaces)

This method is our 3rd choice. Various options are provided in the NC sealed crawlspace code for how to provide a Drying. 1st Choice) Adjustable Supply-Air Drying Mechanism on existing crawlspace plenum or distribution box. 2nd Choice) Adjustable Supply-Air Drying Mechanism “chased down” from the attic or interior duct-work. aka DUCTED DRYING MECHANISM 3rd Choice) … Read More »

Sealed Vapor Barrier

This is the standard vapor barrier treatment offered by Stetten Home Services: As you can see we provide extra materials and do an excellent job. The 1/4″ reflective insulation we use for air-barriers, house-wrap, padding, door-gaskets, is now called “Solex” and it has peel and stick adhesive on one of the edges. 4×125 is how … Read More »

HVAC

HVAC There is no graceful way to explain our thoughts on HVAC, given the variables, so without further ado, a random list of thoughts/facts on High-Performance HVAC Critical Details: In 2011, the average residential customer in the U.S. spent 11.7 cents/KWH via U.S. Energy Information Administration. The EIA reports that each KWH via Electricity = … Read More »

THOMPSON

Here is an assortment of links specifically chosen to be pertinent to the recommendations and consulting provided to you: https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/lights-camera-action/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/mold-charts-and-temp-rh-monitors/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/floor-system-air-sealing/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/bare-minimum-sealed-crawlspace/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/fall-proof-full-proof-attic-ladder-attic-access-cover/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/sealed-crawlspace-no-insulation/ https://energyhandyman.com/critical-details/water-pressure-and-thermal-expansion/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/attic-ventilation/ https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/adjustable-drying-mechanism/ Here is a photo gallery with photos of your home. Many of the pictures have been edited with text, arrows and other shapes. Many of the photos … Read More »

SUMP PUMP

Most NC homes that have a “Sump Pump” actually have nothing more than a sieve, or a strainer, with a pump in it. The sides and bottom of the “collector” are often intentionally perforated. If so, and you get 1 gallon of water in the collector every day the pump would never turn on, the … Read More »

Amerault

AUDIT PHOTOS [nggallery id=272]   CRAWLSPACE WORK PHOTOS [nggallery id=281]   ATTIC WORK PHOTOS [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”326″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”100″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”999″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”1″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show as slideshow]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”1000″]

HOSCHEK

Scenario: 2014 New home with vented crawlspace. Builder did not offer un-vented option. Owner simply protecting their beautiful and unique hardwood flooring by converting to a SEALED CRAWLSPACE for durability and long-term energy savings. [nggallery id=259] Contracted SHS to: Convert basic vapor barrier to sealed vapor barrier with tape and spray foam. Install Relative Humidity … Read More »

Attic Insulation Prep

Attic insulation preparations are actually more important than the level of insulation itself. Here is a list of things to consider BEFORE adding insulation to your attic: 1) Does your attic needs more lights? It is likely going to be much harder to navigate AFTER the additional insulation is installed. Installing better lighting before your … Read More »

Chemical Degradation of Plumbing

  https://louisville.edu/speed/civil/cir/files/elastomer-degradation.html In summary, there is no code requirement that the quality of the water be verified. There are federal laws in place, but enforcement is anything but reliable across the country. I would recommend a custom filtration system with CLEAR filter housings that allow the user to visually inspect the cleanliness of their water, … Read More »

Gutters

Gutters should be simple. Architects should envision them when they design and take care straighten and lengthen overhangs so that fewer downspouts or chains are needed. Generous overhangs are more important than gutters. Lacking overhangs, make gutters more important. Shoot for 3′ overhangs! The dryer you can keep your “structural soils” the better. Ideally, overhangs … Read More »

matthews

[nggallery id=207]   While preparing for the Crawlspace Lighting Upgrades, Adam visited the home, installed the Crawlspace Moisture Monitor, and investigate the master bathroom for potential renovation. Also, because recent Plumbing, and Structural work was present, we did about an hour of free consulting. Also, PSNC had made recent adjustments to the gas piping. [nggallery … Read More »