Want to Collect Roof Water Instead of Sending All of It Away? A rain barrel can capture a portion of roof runoff for later outdoor use. One way to connect it is with a: Downspout diverter. How Does It Work? The diverter is installed in the downspout. During rainfall, it redirects some water through a
HOW DOES A DOWNSPOUT DIVERTER WORK WITH A RAIN BARREL? Read More »
There Is More Under a Door Than the Threshold Exterior doors interrupt the wall’s water-management system. If water reaches the bottom of that opening, it needs a path back outside. That is the purpose of: Sill-pan flashing. What Is It? A sill pan creates a water-resistant layer beneath the door or window opening. It may
WHAT IS SILL-PAN FLASHING UNDER AN EXTERIOR DOOR? Read More »
Which Way Should the Door Swing? Pella defines: Inswing A door that opens into the building. Outswing A door that opens toward the exterior. That simple difference affects how the entrance uses space. Why Choose Inswing? Inswing doors are common on residential entrances. They keep the open door panel inside the house rather than occupying:
INSWING VS. OUTSWING EXTERIOR DOORS Read More »
Window Glass Gets the Attention. The Frame Matters Too. Two low-maintenance frame materials homeowners may compare are: Vinyl Fibreglass Vinyl Windows Vinyl is popular because it is generally: Low maintenance Cost accessible Available in many configurations Thermally efficient when properly designed Fibreglass Windows Fibreglass offers: High strength Good dimensional stability Resistance to rot and corrosion
VINYL VS. FIBREGLASS WINDOW FRAMES Read More »
You Want the Divided-Window Look But there are different ways to create it. Two common options are: Grilles-between-the-glass Simulated divided light Grilles-Between-the-Glass Decorative grille bars are sealed inside the insulated glass unit. That leaves the outer glass surfaces smooth. Pella notes that this makes the window easier to clean. Simulated Divided Light Grille bars are
GRILLES-BETWEEN-THE-GLASS VS. SIMULATED DIVIDED LIGHT Read More »
Can Window Performance Be Measured for Sound? Yes. Two ratings you may encounter are: STC OITC They are related, but they emphasize different sound ranges. What Is STC? STC stands for: Sound Transmission Class. It is widely used to describe resistance to airborne sound and places more emphasis on frequencies such as speech. What Is
STC VS. OITC: HOW DO WINDOW SOUND RATINGS WORK? Read More »
The Roof Leak Is Fixed. Is the Attic Finished? Not necessarily. Water may have reached: Insulation Roof decking Ceiling material Framing The attic needs to dry and the affected materials need assessment. Why Is Wet Insulation a Problem? Insulation is designed to control heat flow. Moisture can reduce performance and contribute to: Mould risk Material
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH WET ATTIC INSULATION AFTER A ROOF LEAK? Read More »
Do You Have to Remove Everything First? Not always. Building Science guidance allows blown insulation to be added over existing attic-floor insulation when the attic is otherwise suitable and the work is properly prepared. But: Don’t bury a problem. Inspect the Existing Material Before adding insulation, check for: Moisture Mould Animal contamination Roof leaks Compressed
CAN YOU ADD NEW ATTIC INSULATION OVER OLD INSULATION? Read More »
What Protects the Colour on a Metal Roof? Metal-roof panels often receive factory-applied paint systems. Two terms you may hear are: PVDF SMP What Is PVDF? PVDF stands for polyvinylidene fluoride. Metal Construction Association describes high-quality PVDF systems as premium exterior finishes known for strong weathering and colour stability. What Is SMP? SMP stands for
PVDF VS. SMP METAL ROOF FINISHES Read More »
Will Your House Sound Like a Tin Shed? This is one of the most common metal-roof questions. People imagine rain hitting exposed sheet metal. But a residential roof is an assembly. Under the metal may be: Roof deck Underlayment Attic Insulation Ceiling Those layers change what you hear indoors. What Does the Metal Industry Say?
ARE METAL ROOFS LOUD WHEN IT RAINS? Read More »