Open Up
For 28 years I’ve seen the windows of neglect: bound with paint, sashes screwed shut, locked-never to be opened, damaged hardware and screens, rotted sills. No matter what type home, town or
Ice, Snow and Old Houses
Notes on Stormageddon and the Decatur Old House Fair In my capacity as an engineering technician I’ve learned to evaluate storm damage. Keep me in mind if you’ve
Cold-Weather Comfort and the three-legged stool
Cold, Comfort and Energy Cold-Weather Comfort and the three-legged stool Building Science has shown there are three components required for comfort and efficiency: A
Tips for Home Christmas Gifts
Comfort, health, safety and efficiency are great presents for your whole family Open on Christmas Eve: Decorative handles remind you to OPEN and CLOSE your chimney damper.
Downhill Irrigation
This cistern harvests rainwater from the Hammond Park gymnasium roof and uses it to irrigate the soccer field. Less energy is needed to irrigate
Building Science and Home improvement
Fundamental #1: Managing Moisture There is no getting around it; the first step toward improving your home’s comfort, health and efficiency is moisture control. Here’s
Sustainable Savings Time
Green building practices save money. Use them when you build, renovate or replace. Maximum savings begin with good design Atlanta’s Southface Energy Institute is regional leader
Learn to Identify Potential Problems in Older Homes
A Checklist for Looking at an Older Home Was there a building permit? All but the most minor improvements require plan approval and site inspections
Energy Basics
Most of us relegate energy efficiency to the bottom of our home improvement checklist. Practical concerns such as correcting major defects, moving in and settling
A New, Old House
My ESL wife (English the Second Language) characterized the 1924 Bungalow we purchased in Candler Park in 1984 as our “New, Old House”. Take a
Good Growth vs Neighborhood NIMBYs
The Frazer Mess: When trying to be a good neighbor becomes impossible. The Frazer center is a non-profit operating on the former estate of Equifax
