Author Archives: Matt Borrell
Energy Efficient Tip for Water Heaters
Have an old water heater and not ready to upgrade? Put a hot water heater blanket around your water heater and save on heating costs. A hot water heater blanket will set you back $15 to $25, but you could save more in the long run.
Posted in Green Building
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Energy Audit in Home Inspection Report
Beginning January 1, 2011, a home inspection and inspection report may, upon a client’s request, include an audit of the energy efficiency of a home, according to the standards of the Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS).
Posted in General
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FAQ – How Long Do Tile Roofs Last?
We get this question asked many times throughout the week. The answers here is “it depends”. The life expectancy for a concrete tile roof is marketed as a 50 year roof. However, the underlayment and batten system, even if good material and the proper…
Posted in Roofing
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What is an Electrical Circuit?
An electrical circuit is a closed loop formed by a power source, wires, a fuse, a load, and a switch. When the switch is turned on, the electrical circuit is complete…
Posted in Electrical
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What is an Electrical Ground?
An electrical ground is a reference point built into the electrical circuit, used as a baseline when measuring other electrical currents. It also serves as the return path for an electric circuit…
Posted in Electrical
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Can PEX be joined with solvent cement?
No. PEX cannot be joined with solvent cement, glues or heat fusion. PEX is installed using only mechanical fittings or compression fittings.
Posted in PEX Piping FAQs
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How do I thaw PEX lines?
When water freezes inside PEX tubing, it can be thawed using a hair dryer, warm wet rags or heat tape, taking care not to overheat the tubing beyond the maximum recommended temperature.
Posted in PEX Piping FAQs
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Is PEX freeze-break resistant?
PEX piping is freeze damage resistant and can expand and contract as water freezes and thaws within the tubing. No tubing material is freeze-break proof, however, and PEX should be installed using the same locally-prescribed insulation requirements to prevent freezing of any plumbing system.
Posted in PEX Piping FAQs
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Is the thermal expansion/contraction of PEX a problem?
No. While PEX expands more than other plumbing materials, directional changes made with the tubing and some slack in the tubing during installation accommodate the expansion and contraction of the system if properly installed.
Posted in PEX Piping FAQs
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How are PEX systems sized?
PEX systems are sized just like other CTS plumbing materials such as copper or CPVC when used in a trunk-and-branch installation. PEX can be sized in manifold systems to meet the specific demands of each fixture, reducing water and energy waste in the home.
Posted in PEX Piping FAQs
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