Quality Starts Here

Appearing monthly in Professional Builder's new "Quality Matters" column, IBACOS authors an article that offers expert construction detail and illustrations on a specific topic. Topics range from foundations, framing, thermal enclosures, mechanical systems, and exterior and interior finishes, and focus on high-impact details that inform readers about the best method for achieving high performance in that context, and ultimately, lead to better-built and durable homes.

- Trouble-Free Flashing for Brick Veneer: Read

- A Great Impression: Read

- Getting the Results You Paid For, Part 2: Read

- Getting What You Pay For, Part 1: Read

- Essential Details for Warm, Dry Basements in Cold Climates: Read

- Getting Brick Ties Right: Read

- The Big Why: The Road to Quality: Read

- Getting Ducts Right: Read

- For Better R-Values, Blow in the Insulation: Read

- Making Sure that Doors Are Water-Tight: Read

- Building Garages That Are Airtight: Read

- How to Prevent Tile Cracks: Read

- Getting Deck Ledgers Right: Read

- Getting Batts Right: Read

- Proper Backfilling and Grading: Read

- Conquering Drywall Cracks: Read

- Sill Flashing with a Water-Resistive Barrier: Read

- Draftstopping for Optimal Efficiency: Read

- Sealing the Shower, Reliably: Read

- How to Prevent Squeaky Floors: Read

- How to Keep Stucco From Cracking: Read

- Calling For Kick-Outs: Read

- Conditioning the Crawlspace: Read

Check back each month for additional articles, as they are published.

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When it comes to window flashing, one of the best pieces of advice is to use the same care as you would if it were a skylight. That's especially true for recessed, or pot shelf windows. If your flashing is anything less than perfect, any water that happens to puddle on the sill of the recess can quickly seep into the structure.

While there are many ways to tackle this type of window, here is one possible sequence that will deliver a highly water-resistant assembly. It’s a complex installation. Unfortunately, choosing to build this type of architectural feature is an intentional choice to take on a complex installation. If you’re going to make that choice, do it right!

In the past, contractors sized heating and cooling systems using simple rule-of-thumb guesstimates, such as a ton of cooling capacity per 500 square feet of floor area. While these calculations may have been close enough for drafty old homes, they’re way too inaccurate for today’s energy-efficient building methods. 

The good news is that a growing number of HVAC contractors have moved beyond rules of thumb and are now doing load calculations using the steps outlined in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J, 8th edition. But just because the calculated load is 4 tons doesn’t necessarily mean you want a 4-ton air conditioner. That’s because the load calculation is just the first step in an accurate design: You also need the right equipment, along with well-designed and installed ductwork and registers.

Learn how to get it right. Read the full article in Professional Builder.