Deck Remodel – Portland, Oregon
This deck remodel replaced an older deck that been recently expanded. We replaced the older decking to match where the newer deck was tied in to the old structure.
Health & Safety
It is officially springtime, however it is still the season for coughs and sneezes. Colds, flu, and a new respiratory illness are all reasons to take precaution for contractors and non-contractors alike. This new respiratory illness, the novel coronavirus or officially known as COVID-19, is spread person-to-person through respiratory secretions. Similar to cold and [...]
Smart Thermostats
Imagine arriving home from work or anywhere else and your favorite room or the entire home is pre-cooled in the summer or pre-warmed in the colder months in anticipation of your arrival. This would not only feel comfortable to the senses, but would certainly save money in comparison to leaving the heat or air conditioning [...]
Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design utilizes a building’s site, materials, and climate to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Windows, walls, and floors can be made to collect, store, reflect, and distribute energy from the sun. Passive solar design helps to utilize this warm energy in the winter while limiting heat absorption and distribution in [...]
Preparing Gutters for Fall Weather
The cool and crisp fall days can feel refreshing and invigorating. This is the time of year to sip warm spiced apple cider, hot cocoa, or eggnog, whether it be outside in a covered porch swing or sitting by the fireplace. It is also when leaves gently fall from tree branches and create an outdoor [...]
Good Bugs vs Bad Bugs in Outdoor Spaces
Summer is a great time to enjoy gardens and outdoor gathering spaces. Soaking up the sunshine or feeling a warm breeze under the moonlight is even better without having to swat away mosquitoes or deal with other irksome bugs. There are various ways to help make spending time in outdoor spaces fun with fewer swarms [...]
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A geothermal heat pump, also known as a ground-source heat pump, is a central heating and/or cooling system that uses the constant below-ground temperature of soil or water to heat and cool a building. In the cooler months, this system draws heat from the earth or water and brings it inside the building using a [...]
Green Insulation
Insulation is a crucial component of energy efficient buildings. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, heating and cooling costs are 50-70% of energy use for the average household in the U.S. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by the ability of the [...]
Radon
Radon gas is a natural chemical element that affects the air quality inside of buildings. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which further breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled into the lungs. Radon is emitted from the ground [...]
Earth Buildings
Earth buildings are structures that are made from earthen materials, such as straw or adobe. An earth building can range from a simple garden shed to a residential dwelling that is large enough to be called home by multiple people. Earth buildings are environmentally sustainable, affordable, stable, strong, comfortable, and are appropriate for a variety [...]