by Shelter Associates | Mar 4, 2011 | Building 101
Q: What is a “rough-in”? A: “Rough-in” is a construction term that refers to the infrastructure or “guts” of a particular system in a house. This can include the pipes for the plumbing fixtures or the ducts for the heating and...
by Shelter Associates | Jan 18, 2011 | Building 101
Q: What qualifies a window as “insulating?” A: An “insulating” window is simply a window with two panes of glass separated in the frame by about a half-inch of air space. The air space acts as the insulator, retarding thermal transfer through...
by Shelter Associates | Jan 4, 2011 | Building 101
Q: How does a tankless water heater work? A: Unlike a traditional water heater with a storage tank, a tankless unit operates only when hot water is needed for an appliance or hot-water-using fixture, such as a shower or tub. Demand for hot water triggers the water...
by Shelter Associates | Dec 30, 2010 | Building 101
Q: How can I be sure a basement won't leak or an attic won't be stuffy and hot if I want to use it for living space? A: New products and systems that waterproof basements and create comfort in attics enable these areas to become full-time living spaces instead...
by Shelter Associates | Dec 18, 2010 | Building 101
Q. What is “low-e” in windows? A: The term “low-e” refers to a coating or thin, nearly invisible film on window glass that lowers the emissivity or radiated heat through the window. The result is a cooler glass surface and a reduction in the...
