Attic Storage
Attic architecture presents interesting options for wall storage. The gable walls provide the greatest surface area, perfect for shelving or custom cabinetry. Under-eave wall space can be transformed by constructing a knee-wall. Built out away ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Insulating Old Homes: Blow-In Insulation Options
Cellulose insulation is composed of up to 85 percent recycled newsprint. The remaining content is commonly a mixture of borate and ammonium sulfate that functions as a fire retardant. These chemicals also deter rodents, insects, and mold. Avoid ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Easy Attics
At Home Again’s Vermont Farmhouse project in Quechee Lakes, Vt., architect Hunter Ulf of UK Architects in Norwich, Vt., took advantage of both the speed and cost effectiveness of truss systems, while still making accommodation for a bonus space ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Finding Storage Space
To find out which one of these conditions is present, conduct the following test: Using duct tape, affix a piece of aluminum foil to the wall or floor of your basement. Leave the foil in place for three days. When you remove the foil, take note ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
How To Store Safely
Storing in cardboard boxes is a risk. Silverfish, certain types of roaches, and bookworms are attracted to the starchy materials found in book bindings and can even eat their way through the boxes to get to the books themselves. Silverfish lay ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Indoor Air Quality - Attic Remodels
Good air-sealing where the ceiling meets the attic is important not only to save energy and reduce fuel bills, but also to prevent moisture problems and even help reduce radon entry (as discussed below). Warm air has a tendency to rise, and this ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Indoor Air Quality - Home Ventilation
Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by: infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation. In a process known as infiltration, outdoor air flows into the house through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, and ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Insulation For Home Comfort
R-value is proportional to the insulation's thickness, and varies depending on the type of insulating material. An inch of fiberglass blanket or batt has an average R-value of 3.2, while the R-value of loose-fill cellulose is about 3.5 per inch. ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Mold Basics
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Natural Ventilation
The wind will naturally ventilate your home or business by entering or leaving windows, depending on their orientation to the wind. When wind blows against your home, air is forced into your windows. Heat accumulates in your building during the ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Storage At A Glance
Short-term storage, like short-term memory, must remain accessible. First determine whether the items are for seasonal, occasional or daily use, as this will determine how and where you will store them. Out-of-season clothes and holiday ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
