Interlocking Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Whether you are looking for a lower cost retaining wall to enhance your yard or to support your driveway, the Interlocking Concrete Block (ICB) (a.k.a. segmental concrete block) retaining wall… Read More »
Articles by Nancy Nichols, P.E.
Wood Foundations
This building was exciting to see (I am an Engineer after all). It is a wood foundation. To be clear, a wood foundation is not normal and customary practice in… Read More »
New Hampshire Subsurface Conditions
Shallow bedrock frequently occurs in New Hampshire. Building on bedrock has its own challenges. This photo is of an excavation for residential garage structure and breezeway. The ground surface slopes… Read More »
Basement Water
A basement is really a depression in the earth. Basements usually have damp proofing on the outside, but that does not stop the three main sources of basement water: runoff,… Read More »
Antique Post & Beam Attic
A client wanted to reinforce the roof framing so that it could support snow loads after the attic is well insulated. The roof framing is comprised of 4×6 rafters typically… Read More »
Attic Mold and Basement Moisture
What do attic mold and basement moisture have to do with one another? Everything! Moisture in the basement in the form of unseen and odorless water vapor migrates into the… Read More »
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) – HVAC Solution
As discussed in a previous blog, there are HVAC-related measures to potentially reduce the spread of pathogens, such as the coronavirus, that can be taken to supplement social distancing, surface… Read More »
Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Era of COVID-19
Is your HVAC system optimized to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other biological contaminants? SARS infected people over long distances suggests the possibility of aerosol transmission. COVID-19 may also… Read More »
2015 IPC on Attic Vent Termination
There has been confusion in the construction industry since adoption of 2015 IPC Section 903.2 about attic vent terminations. The NH Mechanical Safety & Licensing Board, NH Fire Marshal’s Office,… Read More »
Settlement of Shallow Footings
A shallow foundation on soil can be made for an individual load (i.e., isolated), or to support multiple loads (e.g., strip, raft or mat). The soil needs to be able… Read More »