for Cold Climate Housing and much more

Found 128 results for the keyword ‘Problems’

  • Aluminum to Copper electrical connectors

    THE WIRE WORKS, THE CONNECTIONS ARE THE PROBLEM Aluminum wire does a good job of conducting electricity (although you do have to use one size larger wire than copper for the same electrical load) and can do the same job for less money. So for a short while it was used in houses for regular wirin...
  • Rainscreen Detailing and the Canadian Building Code

    I have reproduced below an article from the construction professional publication Solplan Review November 2008 because it was such a good article on this complicated subject.  In 2023, Solplan Review is no longer in publication.  For an animation on what is a rainscreen, follow this link.   But...
  • Copper versus PEX plumbing pipes.

    Copper is a trusted and proven piping for residential water systems.  For years people have been interested in one form or another of more flexible plastic or mixed metal/plastic pipes that could be snaked through a house with fewer joints and easier installation.  Unfortunately there have been m...
  • Avoiding painting errors.

    Ok, I'm not the best painter in the DIY world. I don't even enjoy painting that much. So I asked Alan Watkins from Sico paints to come in so I could grill him on my common painting errors. I always thought that the thick rollers were for rough surfaces and the low mat rollers were for smoother s...
  • Myths and misconceptions about concrete and water

    A comment from a reader: "I notice in your section on self leveling concrete that you mention about needing to let the water out before putting anything on top of the new compound. (Self Leveling Concrete) This is a common misconception about concrete, in fact the water does not leave, it become...
  • OVERVIEW: Electromagnetic radiation and your health: THE DEBATE

    Click here to scroll down past all the legal updates to see the Overview of the debate on Cell Phones, Wi-Fi and Smart Meters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update Dec. 2019:  The US Supreme Court just rejected an appeal of a lower court ...
  • Water radiator overheating the room.

    Controlling a hydronic radiator when there is no water shut-off valve.  Hydronic heating means heating with hot water or steam.  With older systems it often means overheating as well!   IS THERE NOTHING YOU CAN DO? Hydronic heating was what kept houses hot a long time ago, and some of the old...
  • What is a Renovation Coach?

    When I work as a Renovation Coach I do the following: Trace problems to their source Evaluate options for remediation Guide you in your project – step-by-step Help avoid future problems Critique conflicting contractor propositions Find solutions that fit your house and your climate Help po...