Do you need to install a drainage system for your property? If so, it’s important to understand the different types of surface drainage systems. Two of the main types are French drains and trench drains. The main difference between French drain and trench drain systems are where they manage the water. French drains remove groundwater, while trench drains remove surface water before it enters the ground. Read on to discover how each system works in more detail. French drains Invented by Henry French of Massachusetts (not France), French drains are designed to remove groundwater. They feature a trench that is... View Article
The R-value of insulation measures its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-value for insulation means a better ability to insulate the home and resist heat transfer into or out of the home. The entire purpose of insulating the home is to make sure you can keep your warm air inside during the winter months and outside during the summer. R-value measurements give you a number to better quantify that ability when comparing potential insulation types. Depending on where in the United States you live, your recommended R-values will vary. In most cases, the Department of Energy will recommend exterior... View Article
You’re likely familiar with the process of waterproofing a foundation wall. But what is dampproofing? The process of dampproofing foundational walls involves using a tar- or asphalt-based mixture on the outside of the wall to prevent moisture from getting through the concrete walls, into the interior of your basement or crawl space. Most homes built today use a damp-proof coating that was designed and implemented to meet your local building code requirements during the construction process. However, after several years, these coatings will begin to fail. Unfortunately, it is difficult (and expensive) to install such a coating years after the... View Article
Open web steel joists have been the preferred framing system for large buildings for over a century. The design—composed of steel top and bottom chords with angular webs in between—provided superior structural support as buildings grew larger and larger. These web trusses are designed and installed to last for decades without fail. However, there may be a day when the joists in your building need to be replaced. This is no simple undertaking! Keep reading to learn about a few of the difficulties your chosen engineering team will face. Scale of project The first reason reinforcing joists is difficult is... View Article
You’re likely to see signs advertising pressure treated wood the next time you walk through your local hardware store or a lumber yard. But what exactly does “pressure treated wood” mean, and how do they pressure treat wood? Keep reading to find out these answers and more. How is wood pressure treated? Professionals pressure treat lumber by immersing it in a liquid preservative and then placing it in a vacuum-sealed pressure chamber. The chamber forces the chemicals into the wood fibers and ensures they make it to the core of the piece. Before the lumber is soaked, it’s incised to... View Article
HPEC is an active member of CAGE