Month: March 2025

A popular trend in the flooring industry is 17-billion-dollar industry that is Luxury
Vinyl Planks (LVP). Is Luxury Vinyl Planks a luxurious flooring product or is it a
substandard finish flooring product?

There is a broad range when referring to acronym luxury vinyl
planks in conversation, because the low-quality brands are mixed in with higher quality brands, however all LVP are called LVP. Therefore, it is upon the buyer to find a product which meets their
budget and goals for this product.
What are some of the manufacturing specifications that you should aim for when
searching for luxury LVP planks and attain a 20-year warranty?

• Thickness of the plank, which includes this finished floor and pattern. A
  better rated plank would be 5mm to 8 mm.
• A good top layer for a LVP would be 12 Mil.
• A good LVP will have UV protection layers that is mixed into “wear
  layer”
• A vapor barrier would likely be recommended.
• A flat floor which doesn’t have rolls.
• Proper GAPAGE between walls-floors, and interior trim and thresholds.
• Read all the instructions associated with the flooring and follow all the
  instructions for the installation.

To be upfront, I have a low opinion of luxury vinyl planks products and would strongly discourage
any customer from using such a product. I don’t see the product as a long-lasting material.
LVP does not hold up to scratches, sand, and dirt as alternative flooring does. Luxury vinyl
planks does move a lot, and careful consideration needs to be made around door thresholds. I do see
LVP working in limited areas to decrease costs with material and labor.

One issue that luxury vinyl planks flooring has not been raised by the public is that the material in
most cases cannot be recycled, therefore the product goes to the landfill and takes the
valuable space needed in a landfill.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project

Today’s framing of residential homes would be classified as “Western Deck
Framing” or also referred to as “Stick Framing”. Overall independent sections/parts of the
frame are connected through load paths, which transfer from its origin all the way to the
footings that support the foundation. Because sections of the frame are being done in
smaller units, efficiency and accuracy can be achieved by an experienced builder. What is
attractive with this approach to framing a structure is that a relatively smaller crew can
perform this task. I have framed homes solo, which can raise eyebrows when I mention
this fact. One of the real strengths of Western Deck Framing is that extra attention can be
focused on point loads, girder connections, and component sections which can be
generously connected to one another.

In the 1920’s America began depleting its taller trees and western deck framing was
developed and honed over the next decades. Western deck framing eliminated ballon
framing, which combined sections of building as one. Typically, a two-story facade was
constructed and raised into position. Although, ballon framing does have a degree of
efficiency there are a lot of negatives when approaching a framing project in this manner.
The main issue is the weight of setting a wall of this magnitude. The other negatives
include floor to wall connections, and especially fireproofing.

I generally work on a combination of Timber framed, Ballooned framed, and
Western Deck framed homes. The Timber and Ballon framed homes require a lot more
work because the system and standards of yesterday will not meet today’s codes.
Therefore, I generally end up reframing a section of that area to transfer live and dead load
to a foundation, which may or may not have a footing. The other issue associated with
Ballon framed homes is insulation, fire stopping, and out of level-plumb rooms.

It’s more common in my area to find a hybrid Timber framed and Ballooned framed,
which have similar issues but suffer more failures than typical generic ballon framed.
Generally, the hybrid of the combination between Timber and Ballon can yield some
shocking discoveries in which the structure was utterly compromised. This type of
scenario is likely from a remodel or a plumber retro fitting the house for a bathroom.

I strongly urge consumers to find reputable remodeling contractors without a
fictional background in framing to work on their homes. Framing experience is gained by
doing the work as opposed to watching YouTube videos.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project

If I had to use generalities to highlight today’s present home build vs. yesterday’s
home build; what are some broad generalities that a potential home buyer should be aware
of? This is a perspective from a person who has spent their entire working adulthood
remodeling homes, building new homes, and designing homes in the residential
construction industry.

Today’s homes have some meaningful attributes, which can include:

1. Footings and Foundation and platform connection and water remediation.
2. Framing improvements include platform spans, wall depth, plywood usage, and
   improved roof framing sizing systems and standards.
3. Mechanical and electrical improvements would include grounding, energy efficiency,
   and system and standards for installation.
4. In terms of energy conservation today’s homes would perform better on-air infiltration,
   radiation, conduction, and possible indoor air quality.
   Yesterday’s home attributes, which generally include:
5. Older homes generally offer mature landscaping and meaningful neighborhoods.
6. Lot sizes for older homes are generally better than new homes, and better building lots.
7. Older homes built before 1945 were generally designed with classical style
   architecture, which can be timeless, balanced and have proper proportions.
8. The floor plans of older homes are generally logical and a level of charm, because of
   architectural detailing and proportions.

Both new and old homes have positives attributes, which can be blended into one,
but planning, budgets, and experienced professionals are the key ingredients in this
recipe.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project

Roofing shingles are constantly being tested daily, yet most consumers know little about their composition, functionality, and advancements over time. Whether it’s exposure to harsh weather conditions, UV rays, or physical impact, shingles must withstand numerous elements while protecting homes from the outside world.

Today’s roofing shingles are primarily constructed using a heavy fiberglass mat-base, which provides strength and durability. This base is then coated with ceramic-coated mineral granules, which are tightly embedded in carefully refined, water-resistant asphalt. These components work together to ensure longevity and resistance against environmental factors such as rain, snow, and wind. In recent years, the industry has largely transitioned away from traditional imperial measurements, opting instead for larger shingle dimensions to cover more area per unit, reducing installation time and labor costs.

Aesthetically, modern shingles are designed to resemble the look of natural materials such as slate or wood shake, offering a three-dimensional appearance with dual-tone granular color variations. This allows homeowners to achieve a sophisticated look without the high costs and maintenance associated with genuine slate or wood roofing.

Shingle technology has advanced significantly in recent decades. Many modern shingles now come with features such as stain guards to prevent algae growth, radiation deflectors to reduce heat absorption, impact-resistant technology for better durability against hail or debris, and high wind-rated capabilities to withstand severe storms. These technological improvements play a crucial role in extending the life expectancy of roofing shingles while enhancing their performance in various climates.

Compared to shingles from 30 years ago, today’s products are far superior in quality, design, and lifespan. The top four roofing brands—Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Tamko, and IKO—each offer a range of shingles with varying degrees of quality, warranty coverage, and product innovation. Homeowners and contractors alike rely on these brands for their reputable track records and commitment to product excellence.

The lifespan of a laminated shingle typically ranges from 20 to 22 years, but several factors influence its durability. Proper installation is crucial, as incorrect placement or inadequate sealing can lead to premature failure. The color of the shingle also plays a role—darker shingles absorb more heat, potentially shortening their lifespan in hot climates. Attic ventilation is another critical factor, as poor ventilation can cause heat buildup and moisture retention, leading to early deterioration. Additionally, extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, hail, and hurricanes can significantly impact longevity. The direction in which a roof faces also matters; south-facing roofs, for example, tend to experience more sun exposure, which can cause faster aging.

In conclusion, modern roofing shingles are far more advanced than their predecessors, offering improved durability, aesthetics, and technology to meet the demands of today’s homeowners. By understanding the factors that contribute to shingle longevity, consumers can make informed decisions when choosing the best roofing materials for their homes. With proper installation and maintenance, high-quality shingles can provide long-lasting protection and curb appeal for decades.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project