NEWS & EVENTS

There is a buzz around the construction industry about the benefits of framing multifamily projects up to five stories with wood rather than steel. Yet, while wood framing is adaptable, cost effective and easy to work with, there are construction challenges to multi-story wood construction. Below, we discuss some of those challenges and identify several technical measures to help reduce the impact on wood frame construction. Understanding Shrinkage One of the key issues with

A number of builders use the Zip System® as an alternative to traditional OSB and house wrap since the panels and taped seams create an air tight and water resistant barrier. Yet, just as with traditional weatherization techniques for the drainage plane, penetrations in the Zip System® panels must be dealt with appropriately. So, when penetrations exist, what is the correct way to restore the integrity of the panels in order to meet the manufacturer specifications of the Zip

When building a zero-lot-line home, a strong understanding of code requirements is critical. As space becomes restricted, additional changes to the home plan become more difficult after construction begins or once the home is nearing completion. Any misinterpretation of code can be costly for builders in terms of both time and money. One area we notice builders making mistakes with zero-lot-line homes is in understanding the spacing requirements of homes with regard to the n

One area where Code Officials, Architects and other Construction Professionals often incorrectly interpret the code is as it applies to Safety Glazing (Tempered Windows). Many times the language of the code related to safety glazing is easily understood, however the “Exceptions” included with the code are often overlooked. For example, reviewing the plan to the right, we could simply read the code and decide the window next to the Bedroom 2 Closet Door needs safety glazing.

Leaks in Drainage Planes – No laughing matter! One of the costliest callbacks a builder will ever experience is a callback involving concealed water intrusion and the resulting damage. Many builders invest considerable dollars to eliminate these callbacks with the specification of proven exterior wall drainage plane materials, yet the success of drainage planes requires attention to detail and follow-through to win the war against water intrusion. A properly installed drainag

How much ventilation does an attic need? The IRC requires 1 square foot of net free ventilation area to every 150 square foot of attic floor space (1/150), but does not specify the location of intake vents or exhaust vents, nor does it specify the ratio of intake to exhaust. (EXAMPLE: 2,200 square feet of attic space divided by 150 equals 14.67 square feet of required net free ventilation.) Net free ventilation is the amount of clear air space of a ventilation product after d

Self-adhesive flashing tapes are an integral part of virtually every drainage plane we inspect. Primarily used as window and door flashing, they are also used to flash wall penetrations and sheathing seams as well as a variety of not so cost-effective, humorous applications. It is rare to encounter a drainage plane without some degree of improper bonding. Flashing tapes could be considered a builder’s best friend, yet they provide a false sense of security if not bonded corre

The challenge in residential wood-frame construction is to construct dwellings that are not only strong and resistant to the forces of nature, but also dwellings which are more energy efficient than in the past. Add to the mix increasingly stringent design parameters with ever changing energy conservation requirements and the challenge can become difficult. One means to overcome these challenges begins with the framing design which results in an energy efficient structure w

One of our greatest assets to Homebuilders is our attention to detail. Our clients rely upon Burgess Energy Services to provide accurate Energy Rating and Testing information quickly so they can keep building. We’re proud of our HERS Raters and Energy Consultants who work each day in pursuit of perfection, and it is this pursuit which helped Burgess Energy Services receive the “Most Accurate Energy Rating Firm” award for the Texas-New Mexico Power, High-Performance Homes Pro

The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is a having its annual Chili and Salsa Cook-Off on Friday, February 9th and Scott Gerner and the Burgess Houston Team will be there. Stop by our booth and try our passed-down family chili & salsa recipes. You'll be glad you did! Time: Noon - 8pm Location: 10401 Westoffice Houston, TX 77042 #GHBA #BurgessConstructionConsultants