{Re}habitat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, random air infiltration through gaps and cracks is a leading cause of energy loss in homes, accounting for 25–40% of energy loss in most residential structures. Fortunately, Dow Building Solutions (DBS) has been a leader in building envelope solutions, including air sealing and insulation, for over 60 years. Dow offers the broadest array of solutions for minimizing energy loss and moisture damage caused by air leaks, including FROTH-PAK™ Foam Insulation and Foam Sealant Kits, and GREAT STUFF PRO™ Insulating Foam Sealants and Adhesives. At the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2011, the DBS booth featured a fun, fascinating, and interactive presentation about GREAT STUFF, which showed how the products work to fill gaps and cracks and how they can help to seal a home, increase energy efficiency, and save money.

With today’s tighter building envelopes, it is imperative that builders and contractors stay up to date on industry standards for ventilation systems in order to ensure good air quality inside the home. Longer duct runs and multiple elbows increase static pressure, which can reduce airflow. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) has set the industry standard for ventilation performance measurement at 0.25" water gauge for airflow. To meet this standard, Panasonic Home & Environment Company has introduced its third-generation WhisperGreen® line of premium ventilation fans.

Duradek has been in the deck and balcony waterproofing industry since 1974. They pioneered the use of PVC membranes as an outdoor walking surface and were the first to have an approved single ply "walk on" roof membrane. Duradek membranes are the primary approved roofing materials on tens of thousands of roof decks throughout North America. From large condominium and townhouse complexes to single-family homes, Duradek is the choice of architects, builders, property managers, and homeowners who appreciate our attention to detail.

What kind of electrical receptacle should you install in the kitchen or bath? The answer is a GFCI outlet, or a ground fault circuit interrupt outlet. A GFCI (or GFI) outlet should be installed in any place where electricity might come in contact with water; such as a kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry room, garage, or exterior space. Basically, a GFCI outlet will sense when electricity is going to pass through a person’s body and it will shut off before the shock is delivered. Installing this type of outlet is only slightly more complex than installing a standard three-pronged receptacle. Join the At Home channel’s host, Jeff Wilson, for a tutorial on how to install a GFCI electrical outlet.

The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be truer when it comes to your furnace. Whether you have an oil, gas, or electric furnace, it’s important for your health, safety, and even your home budget, to perform regular checks and maintenance. Join the At Home channel’s host, Jeff Wilson, for a review of some simple tips and tricks to keep your furnace operating safely at its highest efficiency.

A food waste disposer, commonly called a garbage disposal, was invented in 1927. According to the 2009 American Housing Survey (AHS) published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 50% of homes have a garbage disposal. Also, the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components that was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) suggests that a residential kitchen garbage disposal has an anticipated life expectancy of 12 years. A garbage disposal can be maintained to achieve its full lifetime with proper use, ensuring it is operating efficiently and safely.

If you are thinking about installing new siding on your home, engineered wood siding is becoming a popular choice for residential cladding due to its life expectancy and its ease of use. Although installing engineered wood siding may seem like a complicated project, a few tips and tricks can make it a job many experienced do-it-yourselfers can accomplish. Join the At Home channel’s host, Jeff Wilson, as he describes the benefits of engineered wood siding and demonstrates a few installation tips and techniques.

For those of you who grew up in the ‘70s, wallpaper may conjure memories of obnoxious stripes and florals that made you want to plan a great escape from your vinyl seat at mom’s aluminum breakfast table. I’m going to attempt to replace the outdated misconceptions that may plague your mind when you hear the word “wallpaper” and introduce a new perspective into your psyche: not only are today’s wallcovering options beautiful and environmentally friendly, many can truly be considered an art form.