The title of this article is intentionally provocative, challenging the conventional norms of the HVAC industry. No doubt you’ve experienced the widespread adoption of ductless mini-split heat pumps, which dominate… Read More »
The demand for efficient and sustainable heating and cooling technologies is ever increasing. Heat pump technology is continuously advancing to answer this demand by providing energy-efficient and low carbon emission… Read More »
We’ve encountered many wood-framed buildings, particularly high-end New England residences with supreme views, that require special consideration of framing their gable-shaped end walls. We often utilize steel moment/portal frames to… Read More »
Traditional details for attaching wood floor framing to foundation walls are proven and well-accepted. We’ve encountered many situations that require custom and creative approaches that are also practical and buildable.… Read More »
Recently a client came to us for a structural consultation concerning a noticeable gap in the floorboards of their home. Upon further inspection of the floor joists and beams below,… Read More »
One of my favorite seminars of my professional life was by a Boston based Mechanical Engineer. The topic was how to size a replacement heating/cooling system for an existing building. … Read More »
Epoxy anchors are the strongest and the most common chemical anchors in construction. Epoxy anchors are better than vinylester and polyester anchors for use on various surfaces, including concrete, masonry,… Read More »
Due to its cost-effectiveness, material-use efficiency, sustainability, and availability of labor and materials, wood light-frame construction is the go-to framing choice for single-family or multifamily homes and commercial buildings. Multi-story… Read More »
Steel beams, columns, and braces are needed in residential construction when wood members cannot support high loads and/or constraining geometry. For example, steel beams are often required to achieve a… Read More »
A flitch beam is a composite beam made of steel plate(s), sandwiched between multiple plies of wood members, and then bolted together to create a single beam. Flitch beams are… Read More »