Colder weather means it’s time to think about the condition of roof vents, which have just withstood a hot summer. They were baked by the sun and blasted with UV rays. Now they are faced with the prospect of heavy rain, high winds, snow and hail. It’s a good idea to get up on the […]
November has been declared Radon Action Month in Canada. What is Radon? In case you didn’t know, it’s one of the most dangerous carcinogens we can get exposed to. Where does Radon come from? It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed during the radioactive decay process of uranium and thorium. These are the […]
A recent study on attic ventilation found that extra airflow doesn’t guarantee less mold and fungus growing in the rafters. Really? Commissioned by the Homeowner Protection Office of BC Housing, the study was in response to “anecdotal observations” that a significant number of wood-framed buildings on the West Coast showed mold growth on the roof […]
Summers are getting hotter. In fact, ten of the most sweltering years on record have been since 1998. Keeping a house cool is becoming a bigger challenge than ever. Sure, there’s always the option of cranking up the air conditioning but with the high-energy costs it’s worth reducing the load on the HVAC system as […]
When looking at ventilation covers and grilles, the number one question to ask is what is the best material. In the past, metal presented a good option, as cheap plastic often didn’t stand up to the task. Nowadays, thanks to advances in technology, plastic resin is the clear choice for a number of reasons. […]
Most of us are concerned with the air we breathe, particularly if we live in polluted urban areas. But how many of us realize that the air in our home and workplaces can be even more toxic? Some of the pollutants circulating through buildings’ HVAC systems are not only dangerous to those with compromised immune […]
Ideally, in a passively vented system the attic is completely sealed from the living space by gypsum board and caulking along all ceiling joints creating an airtight seal. Venting an attic is essential for a number of reasons including: – It prevents moisture buildup that can cause mildew and rot in the attic framing and […]
Arguably the most important part of a building is the roof. It must protect the residential or commercial structure from precipitation and temperature extremes. This makes most installers a little nervous – if not reluctant – to mess with the integrity of a building’s top surface by adding vents. Not only does every new hole […]
Just like building technologies, maintenance practices are constantly changing and should be carefully monitored. One of the home upkeep services currently growing in popularity is duct cleaning. Increasing awareness of allergies, air quality, and perceived risks associated with clogged vents is driving concern and action on the part of homeowners. Mechanical contractors, builders and industry suppliers […]
Installation of an exhaust fan above a stove is a critical step in creating safe and enjoyable kitchens. Ideally, those fans will exhaust smells, smoke, water vapour and other gases to the outside. The idea is simple, but choosing the right materials to include in your design is not always easy. Most jurisdictions have strict standards […]
Routing HVAC ductwork can be a complicated challenge, but your troubles aren’t over when you reach the end of a duct in a wall or ceiling. You still need to cap it off with a vent or grille cover such as the PrimexVents Whisper Grille. Working in tight spaces can make achieving a clean finish […]
Moisture is a constant enemy in a home. Too much will create mold and other problems. Too little will aggravate allergies and create static electric shocks. Active venting is one important way you can help manage the water in the air. The bathroom can often be a home’s greatest source of moisture issues. Every day […]
At its most basic level, a home provides shelter. It helps keep a family dry in the rain, warm in the winter and shaded from the summer sun. A home’s ability to offer a healthy and controlled living space is in many ways its most important task. So just what is it that protects a […]