Additional Glass Options Include:

• Low-e glazings are special coatings that reduce heat transfer through windows. The coatings are thin, almost invisible metal oxide or semiconductor films placed directly on one or more surfaces of glass or on plastic films between two or more panes. The coatings prevent heat loss during winter and slow heat from entering the house in the summer.
• Spectrally selective coatings are considered to be the next generation of low-e technologies. These coatings filter out from 40 to 70 percent of the heat normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light transmission.Read more...
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In this day and age, it no longer makes sense to install windows having only a single thickness of glass. Instead, all exterior windows located in living areas or heated areas of a house should be double- or triple-paned. The additional expense is well worth it; you should save enough in fuel and energy costs to more than make up for the initial investment within a few years and have a more comfortable home in the meantime.

More advantages to using double- or triple-pane windows as opposed to a combination of single-pane sashes and storm windows are that the multipanel windows offer a better appearance; are easier to clean; and provide increased soundproofing, a permanent installation, and even a better overall price. In all multipane windows, specify that the thickness of the sash is at least 13?8 inches. Read more...

Wet and damp basements can be more than just uncomfortable. Unchecked moisture allows mold and fungi to flourish, which can cause allergic reactions in people and pets and can result in peeling paint; rotting wood; and warped drywall or other wall, floor, and ceiling components.

Sample of the simplified drainage system

With either a basement or slab foundation, in addition to applying a 1?2 inch of parging masonry (or cement) on the outside surface of basement walls, followed by two coats of a bituminous tar sealant, make sure good drainage is achieved around the entire dwelling. Grading or sloping the soil away from the home’s perimeter is essential to effectively controlling roof and outside wall water runoff. As a rule of thumb, the soil should slope downward at least 6 vertical inches in the first 10 horizontal feet of travel from the foundation wall or outer vertical surface of the slab.Read more...

Fasades are not limited to the actual space they occupy as part of the entire structure, but also influence the space in and around the building. A fasade is the key element when observing a building from the exterior and has impact on the interior. View, lighting, ventilation, user comfort, some building services and possibly loadbearing are all tasks the fasade may need to address. Fasades are an integral element of the entire building with direct relation to design, use, structure and building services. This has decisive impact on the entire design and construction process.Read more...

C reating a construction schedule is the key to keeping control of your project. By getting an idea of how long each trade will take to complete, it is easier to move something that has already been scheduled than it is to ?rst get it on the books. Once you establish a rapport with your subcontractors, it will be easier for them to work with you and try to meet your needs.Read more...