All About Comfort

Simple Comparison of Clothes to a Buildings Envelope

Author:Scotty, Scotts Contracting-StLouis Renewable Energy 4/2/13

If you are reading this I’m going to assume that you aren’t a google bot or bing bot and wear clothes in your daily activities.  You are an actual human being who wears clothes.  

Besides the obvious fact we wear clothes to cover our nakedness.  

We humans wear clothes for protection: protection for our bodies: from the heat, from the cold, from rain and snow-summed all up from the Elements.  

We protect ourselves with clothes against the Climate and Elements we live in.

Just as you wear clothes to protect yourself from the elements the various parts of a properly constructed energy efficient building are there to protect it from the elements while keeping the inhabitants comfortable.

While it may sound complex in Nature it’s really rather simple in content when talking about a Building.

The simple comparison in how warm and dry an Insulated Wind Breaker is to a Simple T-Shirt.   

The Windbreaker stops the Cold Air from reaching your skin and the Insulation is the stuff that keeps the cold from creeping close to your body.  

1. While a T Shirt lets in both Air and Cold thus failing to keep you warm and dry. (This is the Framing of your Building. )
2. A Sweatshirt will help seal out a little cold but not for long. (This is the Insulation in your Building. )
3. But when a Windbreaker is put on over the Sweatshirt and T-Shirt it is such relief to be warm- almost anything is tolerable when in a Cold Windy Environment. (This is the Air Barrier in your Building.)
4. Caps or Hats (The roof of your Building see upcoming post-seeking sponsors)
5. Shoes and boots (The Foundation / Basement of your Building see upcoming post-seeking sponsors)

Examples 1 thru 5 when applied to a Building is your Buildings Envelope or Outer Shell.

The buildings we live and work in need protection too. Just as you will add layers against the cold to stay warm in today’s extreme climate. Your Building needs the same protection against the Elements of Heat and Cold.

The best protection against the Elements cold and heat from entering your building is: Insulation.

R 16 Unfaced Wall Insulation as used in Benton Rehab Project

Insulation is your Number One Source for keeping your building’s energy consumption as low as possible while staying comfortable.

 Insulation keeps the Heat and Cold from creeping in your Building.  

While building Insulation comes in many forms it basically performs the basic action that I mentioned above when talking about wearing a sweatshirt.  

Insulation is there to keep out the heat and cold that make life uncomfortable- (to include the uncomfortable feeling you get when you pay your local monthly Gas and Electric utility bills- for the over priced services they provide your building.)

Just as the Windbreaker stops the Wind from interfering with your body.  The Air Barrier does the same for your Home or Office.  Normal construction techniques have various Air Barriers All of which are designed to eliminate and reduce the cold or warm air from entering and leaving your Building.  This is the second most crucial step in protecting a building against the Elements of heat and cold.

So what is the T-shirt used in this examples place in a building.  The T Shirt in this example is the Buildings Walls and Roof.  See the bare wall in this photo of the Benton Rehab Project

Bare Wall Stud Framing with No layers of Protection from the Elements

 while the crew and I were rehabbing this building in St Louis.  This is the framing without layers of Insulation or Air Barrier.  It’s obvious that these walls will not keep out any heat or cold.  Just as a t-shirt performs.

The Air Barrier and Insulation coupled with a few other areas of your building is your Buildings Envelope.

Scotty, Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy 4/2/13

Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy  is  your local St Louis Green  and Sustainable Builder- Providing Affordable  Punctual and  Experienced General Contracting Services for the St Louis Region.  

Let us show you that Green Building Doesn’t Cost it SAVES!!!!

Use this contact form to schedule a no cost quote for improving your Building Energy Performance and Protect yourself from High Energy Costs

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CAD Design- Shady Jacks Saloon New Bar Design by Scotts Contracting

Final Bar CAD Design for Shady Jacks Saloon, Downtown St Louis MO-Design Build Green Project- CAD design by Scotty-Scotts Contracting http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Project Notes / Must Haves

1. Additional Room for the Newly Added Alcoholic Beverage Dispensers
2. Create a User Friendly area for the Bartenders with the addition of additional beer coolers under the lower shelf
3. Decor Must Match Existing Finishes

Materials Used

 

• 2″x20″x14′ White Oak Rough Cut  ”True Dimensional” Lumber from the Mill- Up-cycled materials that have been in storage for 8 years

Specialty Tools

• Kreg Jig used in Attaching the Shelves 
• Hand Planer
• Hand Sander
• Skil Saw
• Levels
• Torch Drivers

See the Before and After Photos  with Additional CAD Designs for the Project

Shady Jacks Saloon CAD drawing New Bar Design- Green Build Project- CAD by Scotts Contracting http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

March 30,2013-See the Additions Since Publication for the Design Build Project at Shady Jacks Saloon-CAD Drawing, Waitress Staff Area, Comments from: Customers, Waitstaff, Bartenders, Owner Shady Jack 

Final Bar Design Shady Jacks Saloon- Waitress Station and Center Shelving added to New Bar Design

 

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Introducing the NewPower™ Standard

the World’s First: Triple-Redundant Alternative Power System For Homes and Business

Your Building will never lose power again with this robust power system;

• 4500 Watt Solar Power Generation

• 8000 Watt Line-Interactive Inverter / Battery Back-up UPS / Power Center

• 8000 Watt Stand-by Generator to refresh the battery supply until the sun comes up or the grid is restored

 

Never Lose Power Again With The Triple-Redundant “Perpetual” Power System-Your Building will never lose power again with this robust power system;
​
4500 Watt Solar Power Generation
8000 Watt Line-Interactive Inverter / Battery Back-up UPS / Power Center
8000 Watt Stand-by Generator to refresh the battery supply until the sun comes up or the grid is restored

Renewable Energy Is America’s Future

Adjustable Dual Array, Pole-Mounted Solar Panels Convert The Sun’s Energy Into 4500 Watts of Electricity

Generac® Automatic Stand-by Generators Are America’s #1 Brand

 8000 Watt Stand-by Generator to refresh the battery supply until the sun comes up or the grid is restored

​

• 8000 Watt stand-by generator
• Runs on LP or NG
• Designed for quiet operation
• Recharges batteries in Power Center when required
• Automatic self-test weekly

​Learn More about the

NewPower™ by watching the Power Point Presentation

or fill in the form below and Scotty will reply to your inquiry.

​

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Check out the NEW POWER WEB PAGE

 

 

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Green Build – Gut Rehab of a 4 Family Masonry Building

But first I’ll give you a little background on the Building

Building History

There were many clues for determining the age of the building.

First Clue was the type of Bricks used.  When St Louis hosted the Worlds Fair.  The city planners realized that housing was going to be needed for everyone and started building all the brick homes that are still being utilized all over the city today.  It has to do with either the type of clay used to make the bricks or the way they ‘fired’ the bricks.  Either way when you have the type of brick as the ones in this building you have a building using bricks that were made in the Late 1800s or early 1900s.

Lumber: We have found that Douglas Fir was used 80% of the time.  True Dimensional Rough Sawn Lumber.

Nails: Hand Made Square various sizes

Plaster and Lathe

Tube and Knob Wiring

Water Cistern / Hand Pump

Gas Lighting

Rock Foundation

and more

Complete Rehab of a 4 Family Building with Garage and Warehouse

home was built in the late 1800s or early 1900s

1. Basement Foundation Rock Foundation Repair
   1. Hint: If you can see daylight  coming thru the mortar  cracks as the building did in these pictures (you have problems and need to tuckpoint your rock foundation).
   2. See other rock foundation repair at Green Blog
2. Removing the water damaged deck and back room addition
3. Roofing
4. Extensive Tuckpointing
5. Rebuilding the back room
   1. Supporting the 2nd Floor and Roof (we used a total of 5 Support Posts in a 6 Foot Area)
   2. While Digging in the Pier Footings we found an old water tank/cistern that was used to supply water to a kitchen sink in the hand pump days.
      1. Water Collection for re-use is/was a normal part of everyday living in the days gone past.  The water was collected by the buildings eve troughs, gutters, and patio area (in the days gone past-they didn’t call it green building.  It was called survival.)
6. Refinishing the Flooring
7. Remodel of Kitchen/Bath
8. Adding a Laundry Room
9. Weather Proofing and more

Stay Tuned for Photos and Details on the Green Build Four Family Flat- perfect example on why Building Green is not only affordable but can be profitable as well.

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Saving a Deck from the Landfill – Part 1

Deck Repair by Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy

Because the Deck was not built to current Building Codes the St Louis Building Code Department required:

“Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear it Down”

1. Structural Site Inspection and Documentation of Needed Repairs of the Deck by an Architectural Engineer,

2. Obtain a Repair Permit (based on the Engineers findings) for the needed repairs,

3. Structurally reinforce the existing deck to the Suggestions made by the Architectural Engineer,

4. Repair other areas that are in disrepair

5. Have the added “Structural Work” Inspected by the St Louis Building Code Official

6. Power Wash and Paint

7. Final Inspection by the St Louis Building Code Official and Property Owner

Day 1 Work Photos

Add ½ in by 8in Lag Bolts at 16in OC at Joist House Connection to existing 3/8 in Lag Bolts	Add ½ in by 8in Lag Bolts at 16in OC at Joist House Connection to existing 3/8 in Lag Bolts, Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy
Additional Photo of Added Lag Bolts to Joist Wall Connection	Additional Photo of Added Lag Bolts to Joist Wall Connection
Lag Bolts at 16in OC the Entire Length of the Joist	Lag Bolts at 16in OC the Entire Length of the Joist
Temporary Support for Safety and to make sure the Deck Stays True and Plumb while we added the Double 2×8 Main Support Beam Note: I don’t really think the Deck would have collapsed onto the crew while working on the Main Support but for Peace of Mind I went ahead and installed a Temporary 2×4 Post and Beam.	Temporary Support for Safety
Note: Simpson Strong Tie Connector- Post Beam Connection on 2 Center Posts Outer Post utilize 2- 1/2 x 8in Bolt, Nut, Washer	Simpson Strong Tie Connector- Post Beam Connection on 2 Center Posts

Day 2 Work Photos

Upper Stairs and New Deck Boards 3- 2×12 Stair Stringers 7 3/4in Risers 10 in Tread	Upper Stairs and New Deck Boards
Upper Stairs New Deck Boards New Upper Railing	Upper Stairs,New Deck Boards,New Upper Railing
Removing Lower Stair Case	Removing Lower Stair Case
Adding 2×8 to Existing Double 2×8 Joist- 3 Total 2×8- Combination of 16 Galvanized Nails, Screws, Glued, and 2-1/2 x 8in Bolt, Nut, Washer	Adding 2×8 to Existing Double 2×8 Joist- 3 Total 2×8- Combination of 16 Galvanized Nails, Screws, Glued, and 2-1/2 x 8in Bolt, Nut, Washer

Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy

Day 3 Photos will post in the next few days or click here to view complete project photos at Scotts Contracting Photo Album

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Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Needs

Power Point Presentation of how Incorporating Green Building Practices can Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Use

Both of which will Add Value to your Home in Comfort and Appraisal Value

This Green Build Wrap Around Porch was

Designed and Built by Scotty, Scotts Contracting

View the Power Point (with Before and After Photos) presentation here: How To Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Needs

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Recycling is not just for Cans

Earlier this year I was asked to replace a leaking roof on a Patio of an Investment Property.  The job consisted of Removing the existing Mound City Clay Roof Tiles from the Porch Roof and replacing with Certain Teed 3 Tab-Shingles (Energy Star Rated).

Rather than dispose of the Clay Roof Tiles in the local  landfill I choose to “Recycle” the roof tiles and am happy to report that they went to a good home and will be re-installed on future roofs by: “Old World Roofing Company Slate and Tile Specialists“

Mound City Clay Roof Tiles Recycled by Scotts Contracting

While I was at Old World Roofing Company and speaking with the business owner, Mr. Hagerty.  We discussed the aspects of his business that has his business backlogged with future projects into 2012.  I jumped at the opportunity to discuss and learn the various aspects that have made his business a success.  And was thrilled to learn that the things that have made his business a success are the same principles that I incorporate into my small business:

“Honesty and hard work, prompt customer service, keeping the customer informed of the progress on the job, and providing quality work!”

We also discussed the aspects that make the Clay Roofing tiles a Green and Sustainable product.  Clay Roofing Tiles-

• are traditionally made from locally available materials such as clay.

• Clay as a building material is one of the oldest building materials on Earth, among other ancient, naturally occurring geologic materials such as stone and organic materials like wood. Between one-half and two-thirds of the world’s population, in traditional societies as well as developed countries, still live or work in a building made with clay as an essential part of its load-bearing structure.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay#Clay_as_a_building_material

• Clay minerals are typically formed over long periods of time by the gradual chemical weathering of rocks, usually silicate-bearing, by low concentrations of carbonic acid and other diluted solvents. These solvents, usually acidic, migrate through the weathering rock after leaching through upper weathered layers. In addition to the weathering process, some clay minerals are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clay deposits may be formed in place as residual deposits in soil, but thick deposits usually are formed as the result of a secondary sedimentary deposition process after they have been eroded and transported from their original location of formation. Clay deposits are typically associated with very low energy depositional environments such as large lakes and marine deposits.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay

In keeping with the Title of the Article: “ Recycling is not just for Cans ” I’d also like to point out that recycling also saves:

“Landfill Space, Reducing the Energy to manufacture new products ie: Reducing Global Warming, and re-using building products in the construction industry will also save you money.” 

I encourage everyone to Re-use and Re-cycle!  If you are interested in recycling options on your next building project (St Louis Area) Scotts Contracting offers many options for recycling the building materials  and many times are tax deductible for added savings on your project.  Feel free to drop me a quick note by using the Contact form below and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will return your request asap.

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Repair It-Don’t Replace It-Concrete Steps

Repairing Concrete Steps instead of Replacing-Job Notes, Suggestions, and Hints.

Whether it is downturn of economy or people choosing to save money, many of my clients are choosing to “Repair rather than Replace” the materials used in the construction of their home or business.

If you decide that this type of DIY concrete repair is more than you can handle on your own.  Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in your project.  Fill in the form (provided below) and Scotty will respond asap to your request.

In the photos you can see:

1. How the prior concrete patch job had deteriorated and made the Concrete Steps a Safety Issue for the homeowner.
2. Quick and Easy Concrete Form for Repairing Concrete Walkway
3. Materials used to Repair / Resurface the Concrete Steps (Home Depot Products)
   

   Image via Wikipedia

   • Rapid Set Cement – Multi-Purpose Construction Material

   • Quikrete 1-Gallon Concrete Bonding Adhesive

   • Quikrete 1 qt. Acrylic Fortifier

   • Concrete Reinforcing-#4 Rebar- 1/2 in.
4. Tools needed to accomplish Concrete Step Repair
   • Darby
   • Hammer-Drill w/ 1/2 Concrete Bit and Flat Bit
   • Concrete Floats and Edgers
   • Screw Gun
   • Clamps
   • Wire Brush
   • Buckets
   • Broom/Brush

Before Photos of Concrete Step and Walkway Repair

Photo 1)

Before Photo of Concrete Step Repair

Photo clearly shows how the prior concrete patch had deteriorated into an unsafe and hazardous condition.

Question: Why did the prior concrete patch fail?

Answer: To the best of my knowledge whomever did the prior patch did not use:

1) Surface Bonding agent and

2) Concrete Additive to form a tight bond against the elements and use

3) Prior to patching the area may not have been cleaned which allowed the patch to work loose in time

Photo 2)

Before Walkway Repair

Photo 3)

Concrete Form for Repairing Concrete Walkway

Inexpensive Concrete Form used to repair edge of Concrete Walkway.

1) Concrete Form consisting of 2- 1×4 or 1×6 Screwed together and clamped to edge of Walkway

Photo 4)

View #2 Edge View for Concrete Form for Repairing Edge of Concrete Walkway

Edge View of Concrete poured into the Concrete Form used to repair edge of Walkway

Note: Before concrete was poured into the form it is suggested by the manufacture to:

1) Clean Area completely of any substances that will inhibit the new concretes adhesion properties.

2) After cleaning and prepping area: Apply a surface bonding agent (Concrete Glue) to the area with an old paint brush; carefully working the Adhesive into all cracks and crevices.

Photo 5)

Repaired Concrete Step

Notes:

Photo 6)

Close Up of Repaired Concrete Step

Notes: Notice how the Fast Dry Cement Patch is drying ( white areas compared to grey area )

Broom finish used for traction on the steps and the finished texture

Photo 7)

View #2 After Repair

This photo was included to point out the transition between the Step and Landing zone.  The area was filled with concrete to inhibit future seep-age of water from entering the area and further deteriorating the Foundation of the Home.

Hints and Suggestions:

1. To increase the life expectancy of this concrete patch and increase the adhesive properties.  (A)An acrylic bonding agent ____ was used in the mixture of Concrete and Water. (B) Surface Bonding Agent applied to clean surfaces before patch was installed.   The working time for the patch will be under 15 mins.  Only mix enough patch to work small areas ( 1/4 of a 5 Gal Bucket at a time )
2. When repairing steps if at all possible start at the top step and work down
3. Clean Hand Trowels often to remove adhesive from the Acrylic Agent for a smooth finish that can later be worked into the finished texture (Broom Finish or Swirl Finish)

If you decide that this type of DIY concrete repair is more than you can handle on your own.  Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in your project.  Fill in the form (provided below) and Scotty will respond asap to your request.

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Frost or Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign…

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign….

On the Frosty Mornings when you are outside your house scraping your cars windshield to prepare for your drive to work. Take a look at the Roof of your Home. -Lack of Frost or Snow on your Roof is a sure indication that it was melted by the Heat as it rises from the Interior of your House into the Attic Area-

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign…

• Does the Frost or Snow cover the whole roof?
• Are there places where the snow and frost melt first? (not caused by the Suns Rays)
• Is there Frost and Snow on the Garage Roof but not on the House Roof?
• Does your Neighbors House have Frost and Snow on their Roof- but-Your Roof Doesn’t?

Any or All the above may mean that:

1. Lack of Insulation In the Attic
2. Air Infiltration from the Interior of the House into the Attic Area
3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts inside the Attic

Scotts Contracting can Inspect your Attic for Proper:

1. Insulation Levels
2. Adequate Ventilation
3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts
4. Air Infiltration

Email scottscontracting@gmail.com and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. I will also provide a Cost Saving Analysis that will provide a ROI on your Investment. 

Weatherization doesn’t cost it Saves! - Rule of Thumb: For Every $1 Spent on weatherization You will Save $2-$3 on your Home’s Energy Bills

• Example: By adding the suggested Inches of Insulation you will save 10-30% amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home= Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels for you and your family

Additional Green Blog Posts:Energy Star Home Improvement Tips ,Insulation and Thermal Performance ,Which Kind Of Insulation Is Best? ,Radiant Barriersfor your Attic,Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors, Roof and Attic Ventilation ,

Email scottscontracting@gmail.com or use the contact form below and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. – Scotty, Scott’s Contracting

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