Energy Master

Venting Glass Block

August 17, 2021
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Venting Glass Block is a not a good idea.  As a masonry product, it’s not really made to have a plastic vent inserted into it.  Some of the glass block windows you may have seen that are close to 100 years old do not have them in them and if you really think about it,…

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How to know when your Shingles go bad

August 17, 2021
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If you’re not sure if you need a new roof, this may be the most important article you will read.  To understand the wear patterns of a shingle you need to understand the 3 primary components of a shingle. If you look at your shingles closely and see something that looks like tiny white threads,…

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Roofing Tips for Homeowners to Prepare for your Install

July 28, 2021
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If you’re soon getting a new roof, you need to prepare for your install.  These top 10 roofing tips for homeowners can make your experience as smooth as possible and set reasonable expectations for what can and cannot be done.  The more you plan and prepare, the more likely you will be to have a great…

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Roof Ventilation Needs are Changing

July 24, 2021
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Ventilation needs are changing and you don’t need to be a building scientist to understand that building materials should change also.  For nearly 30 years the ridge vent has been the gold standard, but it has since fallen. Homeowners with ridge vents are beginning to have problems. Case in point — in the winter of…

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Due Diligence, Research and Reviews

July 11, 2021
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What does due diligence and research really mean when it comes to home improvements?  There are times, that after we show our customers how we can make the building sciences improve their homes, and do it for an affordable price, they say they need to do their due diligence and some research.  In an era where…

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3 Key Reasons to choose Glass Block Windows

March 1, 2021
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Choosing to install Glass Block windows is a great way to subtly improve your room but it should be done with planning and a solid understanding of what you hope to accomplish with what could transform into a new space in your home. A properly installed glass block window tends to brighten up the room while…

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Where Should a Shingle be Nailed?

December 28, 2020
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The nailing zone is a manufacturer-required nailing area just below the center of the shingles.  Manufacturers have specific instructions for installation companies. They tend to give about 3/4″ to work with in order to optimize the grip strength each nail has to hold down the shingle.  But it is not the nailing zone alone that…

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Building Better – Industry Innovation

December 17, 2020
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If you’re the type of person who likes to improve yourself or your projects each time you do one, you’ll appreciate our approach.  Building Better explains how we do things — every project, like every class or seminar, is an opportunity to improve.  We ask ourselves, how could this have been done better? Skepticism toward…

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Why is my soffit hanging down or drooping?

November 2, 2020
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Your homes soffit is an important part of a house’s roof system. It’s located on the underside of the roof overhang, and it provides ventilation for the attic space. However, over time, the soffit can start to sag, which can be a major issue. A sagging soffit can look unsightly and compromise the roof’s integrity.…

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What makes a Good Downspout?

November 2, 2020
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Downspouts are critically important if you want a good water management system and unfortunately are the most overlooked by homeowners who are convinced that they’ve already done their due diligence.  There are many differences and homeowners that stop at only one or two, make decisions they end up regretting. Here’s a short list of differences…

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