Tidbits from the Top

Welcome

Tidbits from the TopWelcomeWelcome to our newest informative feature, “Tidbits from the Top”. These tidbits will inform you about topics relating to the building industry that may impact your...

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Braced Walls

Tidbits from the TopBraced Walls  “Braced wall” is a term used for describing a structural wall section needed to combat the environmental strains that wind has on a building.  I’m sure if you...

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Aerial Lines

Tidbits from the TopAerial Lines When preparing to construct a garage, people will often analyze the ground for the best placement and mark which trees or other items must be removed; however, it is...

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Roof Sheathing

Tidbits from the TopRoof SheathingThere are typically two types of sheathing used on modern-day roofs: plywood and oriented strand board (OSB).  Plywood is comprised of layers of veneer, or sheets...

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Curing Blankets

Tidbits from the TopCuring BlanketsPouring concrete when the temperatures are below ideal may require an elevated level of protection during the early curing stage.  If the air temperature is going...

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Vertical Foam

Tidbits from the Top Vertical FoamThe placement of foam vertically around the perimeter of a concrete slab enables easier heating to achieve a more comfortable floor temperature along the edges and...

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Addendums

Tidbits from the Top AddendumsHow many times have you made a purchase and later thought of something you missed, forgot to mention, or didn’t get your spouse’s opinion?  Yea, it happens.  Economy...

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Frost Actions

Tidbits from the Top Frost ActionsPeople are used to the weather getting cold and lakes freezing, but do you know what it is doing to the ground around and under your buildings?  When ground water...

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Firewall

Tidbits from the Top FirewallThis is one of those terms that when used, car guys & gals think of the wall between the engine compartment and the vehicle’s interior.  Computer minded folks tend...

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Ground Heater

Tidbits from the Top Ground HeaterThe cold climate in Minnesota and Wisconsin requires extra tools, care, and knowledge in order to properly pour concrete.  One tool, not owned by many, is a ground...

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Lumber Sizes

Tidbits from the Top Lumber SizesWhy is a 2x4 not a 2x4 you ask.  The world of dimensional lumber changed when quality became an expectation.  In years long past, when lumber mills cut dimensional...

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House Wrap

Tidbits from the TopHouse WrapHouse wrap is a general term used to describe an exterior weather barrier installed under most sidings.  They often are known by the names like, Typar, Tyvek, and...

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Clean-Up

Tidbits from the TopClean-UpI find it interesting when contractors say there is no cost for clean-up.  Are they saying that their employees are not getting paid, gas is free, or landfills don’t...

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Road Restrictions

Tidbits from the TopRoad RestrictionsLooks like the snow has finally melted, so let’s get this building project rolling... right?  Not so fast!  The fact is that weight limits are placed on roads in...

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Vapor Barriers

Tidbits from the TopVapor BarriersA vapor barrier in the building industry is typically polyethylene sheeting, or better known as plastic.  To qualify as a vapor barrier, the poly must be a minimum...

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H-Clips

Tidbits from the TopH-ClipsPanel Edge Clips, more often known as H-Clips (because they look like the letter ‘H’ when looked at from the side), are small building components having a large...

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Ice Barrier

Tidbits from the TopIce Barrier Icicles hanging off eaves is a very common sight in our neck of the woods.  Under insulated or under ventilated attic spaces, if not both, are mostly to blame. ...

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