5 Reasons why we should STOP Reckless Tree Planting Belinda Carr 2022-02-10 | Head to squarespace.com/belindacarr to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code BELINDACARR There is no denying the importance of trees in our environment, and the need to curb rampant deforestation. But, planting trees has become an easy way out of our problem. Instead, we should be making difficult but important lifestyle changes and looking at the “root” cause of the problem. In this video, we’re going to look at 5 ways in which reckless tree planting can actually be hurting our environmentLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:45 Monoculture3:12 Residential5:09 Sponsorship5:43 Green Skyscrapers7:04 Urban Trees8:18 Grasslands9:33 ConclusionMONOCULTURETree planting initiatives are driven by numbers. They prioritize quantity over quality and diversity. Monoculture plantations can deplete soil, and cause erosion and degradation. They are more susceptible to pests and diseases. These biological deserts have lower levels of biodiversity than surrounding native forests. So, if diversity is the answer, how do we achieve it? Mixed tree plantations of local species for one. Another method is leaving natural areas alone and allowing them to recover. This hands off approach is called wilding. 20 years ago, Isabella Tree took over 3500 acres or 1400 hectares of farmland in England and gave it back to nature. It has since doubled the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil, and has a healthy mix of shrubs, natural grass and trees. RESIDENTIAL GREENERYAs our population continues to grow, huge swaths of land are being cleared for sprawling suburbs. However, our obsession with non-native grass and trees is wasteful and destructive. There are an estimated 50 million acres of lawn in the US. Trees planted next to houses cause serious issues to a home’s foundation, and shorten its lifespan. Green spaces are vital for our mental health. They can protect us from mood disorders, depression, and stress. However, we need to end this obsession with perfectly manicured lawns and non-native trees. GREEN SKYSCRAPERSRenderings of green skyscrapers are widely shared on social media. They give off the impression of being eco friendly and combating climate change. Bosco Verticale in Milan is one of the most popular vertical forests. This 110 meter tower holds 800 trees, 4,500 bushes and 15,000 shrubs. They are estimated to absorb 10,000 kg of CO2 per year. We need to change our perception of “green” buildings. They don’t need to literally be green, but they should be well insulated, use less glass, and be built with low carbon products. URBAN TREESThe average lifespan of roadside trees is shorter than those in rural areas because of the intense stresses they are exposed to such asDense Building which leads to soil compaction, limited space for root and branch growth, and limited access to direct sunlight.Artificial building materials which lead to high soil ph, surface runoff, and concentrated reflected beams of sunlight from glass buildings.Heavy traffic which leads to air and soil pollution and soil compaction. Instead of looking at the cause of poor air quality in urban areas and dealing with excessive nitrogen and sulfur oxides, trees are being planted to clean up the air.GRASSLANDSAfforestation is the act of planting of trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover. Careful afforestation can help protect against soil erosion and flooding. Done incorrectly, it can modify a biome, reduce biodiversity, introduce non-native and invasive species, increase the risk of wildfires and deplete the water table.Grassland biomes are often misunderstood. They can hold more carbon than tree-covered landscapes. Climate change is real and humans have increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. But it is dangerous and misleading to propose that tree planting can be a silver bullet to stop climate change. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=gB89ic1Cergyoutube.com/watch?v=EXkbdELr4EQhttps://e360.yale.edu/features/are-huge-tree-planting-projects-more-hype-than-solutioneuronews.com/green/2021/12/25/flying-gardeners-defy-gravity-to-keep-milan-s-vertical-forest-alive--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#teamtrees #climatechange #sustainability #environment #greenbuilding
How to monitor your air quality with an Atmotube PRO Belinda Carr 2023-09-08 | Comment with #whatsmyaqs to enter this giveaway! After a week, I'll randomly pick 5 winners. (this is not sponsored!) Affiliate link to their website: tidd.ly/486g9LKUse 10% promo code: BELINDACARRLink to my new website. www. boostaec.comPlease support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Chapters0:00 Introduction1:31 Atmotube PRO highlights3:23 Tests5:02 BOOST AEC5:50 GiveawayThe monitor tracks 3 types of particulate matter.PM1 which are emissions from cars, factories, cooking and heating. PM2.5 which includes smoke, soot, dust and aerosol particlesAnd PM10 which includes pollen, mold spores and dust. It also measures VOCs or volatile organic compounds which are given off by paints, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants. The other variables tracked are temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and altitude. Data points are recorded every minute, so you can dive into the specifics of every variable. It also averages the data by the day, week, month and year. The Atmo Tube Pro app gives you an overall air quality score or AQS based on all the data being measured. This score ranges from good to severely polluted. You can set personalized alerts for specific Air Quality Standards. If the air quality exceeds the chosen values, you will receive notifications on your phone.---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#airquality #wildfire #carbondioxide #airqualityindex
Can Robots Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis? Belinda Carr 2023-09-01 | The P4 Housing Collective in Idaho builds affordable apartment buildings in a factory environment with robot arms, gantry cranes, CNC machines and more. Their automated construction line can tackle the skilled labor shortage, which remains the key limiting factor to expanding home construction and improving housing inventory and affordability. Link to their website: p4housingcollective.comPlease support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Chapters0:00 Introduction1:23 Digital models1:51 Lumber processing3:20 Assembly4:46 Final construction6:44 Housing crisis7:50 Skilled labor shortage9:07 Scaling up production10:38 ConclusionThis innovative 400,000 sqft factory is a turnkey automation solution for offsite construction. The process removes a lot of the on-site risks by building prefabricated modules in a controlled, indoor environment. A digital kit of parts is sent to a Hundegger machine that cuts down all the structural lumber to size. It is then wrapped into bundles and sent off to the first assembly line. A vacuum robot lifts dimensional lumber, LVLs, glulams and other structural members onto conveyor rollers. The robot arms even cut out holes for electrical boxes and lights. All the waste pieces of drywall and OSB drop down onto a conveyor belt and head straight into a dumpster. In addition to wall assemblies, the team has automated the construction of floor assemblies. Open web joists are picked up by a large robot arm and placed on conveyor rollers. They are nailed to a supporting frame and passed down the assembly line to meet their corresponding wall panels.The communication and collaboration between workers also impressed me. Everyone seemed knowledgeable not only about their task, but also about the entire construction process. The company seems truly passionate about solving the affordable housing crisis in the States. To them, it is not just a tagline. Another advantage of automated factories for offsite, modular construction is the role it can play in helping fix the skilled labor shortage. The next generation of workers who will enter the construction industry are not as keen on outdoor, manual labor. Their lifestyles are different and their expectations are different. An automated, technology-driven environment with new methods of construction can attract new talent and younger workers. The company is applying the concept of gamification to construction. They don’t need to hire skilled masons or carpenters. They have actually found that video gamers are pretty good operators for their robotic systems. I think one of the many challenges to standardization of buildings is that clients and designers take a lot of pride in their projects. Construction isn’t identical to the automotive industry where we’ve accepted that we’re going to drive the same car as millions of other people. Homeowners, businesses and designers want a bespoke or unique project. I think architects need to work with people from a technical background, to prove that we can make bespoke projects with standardized components. ---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#housing #automation #construction #homeless #architecture #robots #3dprinting
5 Innovative LEGO Construction Blocks that can replace CMU Belinda Carr 2023-08-23 | The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/belindacarr08231While these concrete block walls have excellent fire resistance, sound insulation, and durability, their assembly is slow, tedious and expensive compared to other building methods. CMU block walls can also be affected by weathering, staining, and cracking, so they might not age as gracefully as other materials. In this video, we're going to discover 5 new, innovative building block systems that could replace CMUs.Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Chapters0:00 Introduction1:20 Polycare2:58 MyIB4:17 JustBiofiber6:06 Sponsor6:54 System3e8:05 Gablok8:58 Conclusion1 - POLYCARE90% of their block is a filler of natural sands and the remaining 10% is a liquid binder which fuses the sand together. The mixture is compressed in a mold to form an eco-friendly geopolymer concrete block. The blocks are 5 times stronger than traditional concrete, while using a remarkable 75% less material. 2 - MYIBTheir bricks are made of local soil with a clay content of around 30%. This soil is mixed with cement and water and compacted in a hydraulic press under very high pressure of 3000 psi. Their bricks have consistent tongue and grooves on the sides, circular bumps on the top and a void on the bottom. All these features allow them to interlock with one another. The company estimates that this construction method is 9 times faster and 90% cheaper than conventional brick laying.3 - JUSTBIOFIBERThe blocks consist of a biocomposite frame around which hempcrete is cast and cured. The heavy duty black frame blocks are used for tall walls, 30 feet high. The lightweight green blocks are used for standard residential construction up to 20 feet high. The inside and outside surface even have a scratch coat which makes it easier to apply the final lime and plaster coat.4 - SYSTEM3ETheir building blocks are made of perlite, a natural material of volcanic origin. The blocks have a characteristic tapered and self-anchoring shape. They click together without the need for mortar, glue or water. These perlite blocks are fire resistant and chemically inert. They also provide good thermal insulation, sound absorption, moisture resistance, vapor permeability and resistance to pests and mold. 5 - GABLOKhese insulated, structural stacking blocks are meant to simplify and speed up the construction of homes. The outer container is made of OSB or Oriented Standard Board. The insulating core is made of EPS or expanded polystyrene with a graphite additive. The blocks are designed to fit together without any adhesive or fasteners. ---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#cmu #innovation #technology #concrete #ecofriendly #plastic #carbonfootprint
How I built my bathroom & shower with green FOAM! Belinda Carr 2023-07-21 | Hydroblok’s shower wall boards and floor pans are made of 3 main components. The first layer is a fiberglass mesh that provides reinforcement through tensile and flexural strength. The second component is a gray polymer-modified cementitious coating. This custom-engineered material increases the waterproof characteristics and strength of the panel. The third component is the inner green core is made of a closed cell XPS or extruded polystyrene foam. Hydroblok uses a foam free of HCFCs or hydrochlorofluorocarbons, so it has no ozone depletion potential.Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Chapters0:00 Introduction0:50 Problems2:31 Waterproof panels3:21 Main components4:43 Installation8:01 Pros9:45 Cons10:30 Conclusion---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#remodel #renovation #diy #construction #building #home #house #architect #design
The many uses of FIREPROOF Ceramic Fiber Insulation Belinda Carr 2023-07-14 | The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/belindacarr07231Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1HOW TO USE A FLIR THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA: youtu.be/J0dvCHznK6kChapters0:00 Introduction0:59 How its made2:37 Fire resistance4:53 Sponsor5:35 Types of ceramic fiber6:38 Disadvantages8:30 New products9:11 ConclusionThe production of ceramic fiber blankets begins with the selection of high-quality raw materials, typically 45% alumina Al2O3, 50% silica SiO2, 2% Titanium oxide TiO2, 1% ferric oxide Fe2O3. And other trace compounds like sodium oxide Na2O and magnesium oxide MgOThese raw materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures. They are melted in a furnace and spun into fibers using centrifugal force. This process creates thin, continuous strands of ceramic fibers. The fibers are collected and formed into a loose mat on a conveyor belt. The mat passes through a needle-punching machine that mechanically stitches and interlocks the fibers, creating a stronger and more cohesive structure. The fiber web is then subjected to a heat treatment process, called "sintering". This step fuses the fibers together, resulting in a solid ceramic fiber blanket. The final product is then cut into the desired dimensions and packaged for distribution and use in various industries.Another name for ceramic fiber is alumina silicate blanket or ASB named after its main raw ingredients, alumina and silica, as we discussed earlier. There are many different brands that produce ceramic fiber; the most popular one is Kaowool. The brand name is derived from kaolin clay which is a soft, white clay used to make china and porcelain. However, it can also be melted down into a liquid and turned into fibers to make this insulation blanket. I personally find it fascinating that you can turn solids into a cotton candy insulation material. This process of turning clay into ceramic fibers is identical to turning basalt rock into Rockwool or mineral wool, slag into slag wool and glass into fiberglass insulation. Kaowool ceramic fiber insulation can withstand continuous direct flames at 1200 degrees Celsius or 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Above that temperature it will begin to shrink, become brittle and eventually melt. This insulation can play a crucial role in preventing heat loss, improving energy efficiency and saving money and resources. It has a lot of other advantages too.However, just like with every material, there are some downsides to handling and using ceramic fiber insulation. This product is not used in homes because it has a fairly low R value of 2.5 per inch, which is lower than mineral wool, fiberglass and cellulose. Another issue is that it can cause skin, eye and throat irritation because the loose ceramic fibers can get embedded in your skin and respiratory tract. You must wear protective gloves, a mask, safety glasses and long sleeve clothing when handling this material. Moreover, the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA classifies ceramic fibers as a possible carcinogen. Prolonged and repeated exposure to this fiber dust can cause cancer and lung damage. For these reasons, ceramic insulation is mainly used as pipe insulation in commercial settings where pipes are exposed to extreme heat.---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#fireproof #insulation #buildings #energy #ecofriendly #carbonfootprint #ceramic #kaowool #construction
Butcher Block vs Quartz Countertops | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2023-06-22 | Go to https://sponsr.is/cs_belindacarr and use code BELINDA to save 25% off today. Thanks to Curiosity Stream for sponsoring a portion of today’s video.Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Chapters0:00 Introduction1:04 How butcher block is made3:00 How quartz countertops are made4:43 Appearance5:23 Porosity6:38 Sponsor7:44 Cost8:48 Hardness and scratch-resistance9:41 Heat resistance10:14 ConclusionCountertop trends seem to change every single year and social media is fuelling this movement. Homeowners are encouraged to upgrade their work surfaces regularly to the latest trend to add value to their home. Butcher block and quartz countertops are the two most popular choices right now. Both materials can redefine the look and functionality of a kitchen or bathroom and create a space that reflects your personal style.Butcher block countertops are made from strips of wood which are glued together to create a solid, durable surface. Butcher blocks can be made from nearly any wood, but the most common ones are maple, walnut, beech, cherry and red oak. They can also be crafted from teak, bamboo and sustainably farmed exotics like wenge, zebrawood, and iroko. The top finish coat not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also provides protection against moisture, stains, and bacteria. It's important to note that using mineral oil or beeswax to seal your butcher block countertop involves regular oiling or resealing to prevent drying, cracking, and staining. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered stone made from a combination of natural quartz crystals and resins, resulting in a non-porous and stain-resistant surface. To make countertops, white and clear quartz or silicon dioxide is ground into a fine powder. It is mixed with plastic resins, colored pigments, recycled glass and metallic flecks. Quartz countertops are a fairly new product. They were invented in the 1960s and have recently become very popular because of their durability, low maintenance and wide range of color and pattern options. The manufacturing process of quartz countertops is more energy intensive than butcher blocks. Butcher blocks add warmth and natural coloring to a space. Wood mixes well with many other countertop materials, like granite, concrete, marble and quartz. Quartz countertops are usually more minimalist, lighter in color and have uniform designs. Next, let’s compare their porosity which refers to the amount of voids that allow liquid and air to pass through. Porosity determines the material’s susceptibility to water, oil and food stains. As expected, butcher blocks are very sensitive to liquid so you must limit any exposure to moisture. On the other hand, quartz didn’t absorb any of the liquid and wasn’t affected by the food coloring. They have the same susceptibility to oil. The unsealed butcher block was permanently stained, while the quartz sample was unaffected. One of the biggest advantages of butcher block countertops is cost. Butcher block is one of the most affordable countertop materials. With installation, it costs $40-$100 per sqft, much cheaper than quartz, which costs $100-$200 per sq ft. Their cost difference directly relates to their DIY-ability. We used basic tools to cut holes for the sink and faucet, route the edge and smoothen the surfaces. Butcher blocks are also not as heat resistant as quartz. You can’t place hot pots and pans on the wood because it will develop gouges and deep burn marks. Fortunately, sanding will take off a thin layer from the surface and eliminate any blemishes. Quartz countertops are heat resistant, but not heat-proof. You should avoid placing very hot pans on the surface since anything over 150 degrees Fahrenheit can permanently damage the resin in quartz.---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#butcherblock #quartz #countertops #diy #remodel #kitchen #construction #architecture #design
Could this LEGO Plastic Brick replace Concrete Masonry Units? Belinda Carr 2023-06-08 | The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/belindacarr06231Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Lok N Blok podcast with Gregory Siener: youtu.be/UvBvbQJ13sMChapters0:00 Introduction1:10 What is Lok N Blok?3:40 Assembly4:36 Properties6:06 Concrete blocks7:08 Plastic pollution8:20 Sponsor9:04 Pros9:27 Hurdles11:36 ConclusionLok N Blok is an innovative, easy to install, mortar-less, interlocking building block system. Its design enables quicker and easier installation than other building materials as it’s installed in fewer steps and doesn’t require specialized equipment. Lok N Blok is made of a proprietary mix of 49% recycled polypropylene, virgin polypropylene and fiberglass reinforcement. It also contains UV protection additives so it doesn’t become brittle in the presence of sunlight. It is smaller than a typical 8”x8”x16” CMU block. It is 12” long x 6” wide x 8” tall. The block has tapered female dovetails on the ends and main faces. The slots measure 0.82” on the top and 0.53” on the bottom. Tapered male dovetails slide into these slots to create secure and strong connections. They can form flat ends, corners and even openings up to 6 feet in length with no additional header or reinforcement to maintain structural integrity. Square posts on the top surface of the block, fit into the square voids on the bottom surface of another block. This allows them to be stacked either directly on top of each other or offset by a quarter of a block or even half a block. There is no mortar or adhesive needed between the layers. The plastic webs in the middle have several purposes. They reduce the weight of the block, create room for additional insulation, and allow utilities to run vertically. Another cool feature is this circular void created when the blocks stack, which allows conduit and wires to run horizontally. This system doesn’t require any reinforcement or concrete. However, you need to use a ⅝ inch threaded rod from the concrete slab or footer, through the entire wall. At the top of the wall, a compression spring nut holds the entire assembly down. All these features, especially the lack of mortar allows for quicker construction. It’s about 50 to 60% faster than traditional construction methods. Lok N Blok is water resistant, chemical resistant, UV resistant, sound absorbing, bacteria resistant, easy to use, efficient and eco-friendly. It also has a high compressive strength, it’s lightweight, has high tensile strength and it’s fire resistant. That being said, it’s a new product so it costs more than traditional construction methods right now. It’s more expensive than steel stud walls and wood stud walls but it is 8% lower in cost compared to ICF walls. ---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#lego #concrete #construction #plastic #recycling #buildings #energy #ecofriendly #carbonfootprint
Understanding the Basics of Mass Timber Construction Belinda Carr 2023-05-16 | Mass timber or Massive Timber is a term for different forms of engineered wood products that perform as structural elements. They can be made of douglas-fir, spruce-pine fir and western hemlock. In this video, we're going to cover the six most popular types of mass timber products.Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1The Era of Wood Skyscrapers is Here: youtu.be/opK73Zy3jLQChapters0:00 Introduction2:01 Glulam2:40 CLT3:24 LVL4:02 DLT4:45 NLT5:24 PSL6:27 Sponsor7:09 Urban Machine1- GlulamGlulam is made by gluing together three or more small pieces of lumber, typically 2 to 4 inches in width. Individual pieces of lumber or laminations are laid out with the grains running in the same direction, parallel with the length of the member. A durable, moisture-resistant adhesive is applied to each lamination. Then, the laminations are clamped together with a hydraulic press until the glue has cured. 2- CLTCLT is made by gluing three, five, or seven layers of lumber at right angles to each other. The panel is placed into a hydraulic press and compressed under high pressure to ensure that the glue is evenly distributed and that the panel is tightly bonded together. It is then trimmed to its final dimensions, sanded, stained, or coated with a protective finish. 3- LVLLVL is made by layering thin wood veneers and bonding them together with a strong adhesive. Logs are debarked, steamed and peeled into thin sheets, or veneers, 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch thick. Layers of veneers are stacked and a strong adhesive is applied. The panel is compressed at a high pressure and temperature to activate the adhesive and bond the veneers together. 4- DLTDLT is made with stacked dimensional lumber, fit together with hardwood dowels made of beech, maple, or oak. Dowels are inserted into pre-drilled holes and a hydraulic press forces the dowels to interlock with the boards, creating a strong, rigid panel. 5- NLTNLT is made by stacking boards and inserting nails or screws at an angle. Any excess nails or screws are trimmed, and the panel is sanded and finished to create a smooth surface. 6- PSLPSL is made from long wood strands that are bonded together with adhesives and heat. Logs are debarked and cut into long, thin strands 1/8 inch thick. Layers of veneers are stacked, a strong adhesive is applied and the panel is compressed with a hydraulic press. ---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#masstimber #ecofriendly #greenbuilding #wood #construction #architecture #carbon
ESG is DESTROYING the construction industry - 5 Reasons Why Belinda Carr 2023-04-28 | ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. It is a rating system that measures the sustainability and ethical impact of a company. So, will the ESG rating system reduce our impact on the environment? Will it help us build better? Or is it just another greenwashing tactic that will curb progress and bankrupt the construction industry?Thanks to our sponsor: https://www.masterworks.art/belindacarrMasterworks disclaimer: masterworks.com/about/disclaimer?utm_source=belindacarr&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=4-27-23&utm_term=Belinda+Carr+subscriberExposing the Carbon Credit SCAM: youtu.be/A5GAaCTwc9s5 reasons why we should STOP Reckless Tree Planting: youtu.be/QvLen4e0EbcMics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1Video scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:08 What is ESG?4:09 Reduced Productivity4:47 Cost to consumers5:25 Greenwashing6:06 Subjectivity7:06 Sponsor7:55 E versus S & G8:52 Conclusion---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#carbon #greenwashing #bankruptcy #automation #greenbuilding #construction
Can Aerogel Insulation cut down our energy bills? Belinda Carr 2023-04-20 | Aerogel is the world’s lightest solid. Around 99.8% of this material is air making it an excellent insulator. Aspen Aerogels embedded tiny particles of aerogel into fibers to create flexible insulation blankets that is 5 times better than standard insulation! Mics I use: amzn.to/3mQ0VaQShotgun mic I use: amzn.to/41AynASCamera I use: amzn.to/3UPqnd9Lens I use: amzn.to/3mTEKR1My video on "The beginner's guide to aerogel": youtu.be/fjf7vdSWbb8Video scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrThanks to our sponsor: bradhedges.comChapters0:00 Introduction1:04 How its made1:31 Properties of aerogel insulation3:05 Advantages of aerogel insulation5:40 Sponsorship6:20 Cons7:28 ConclusionAerogel is an incredible invention with many advantages. It is lightweight, elastic, it can be formed into any shape and it has a superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. However, since it’s mainly made of air, aerogel is very brittle and fragile. To make aerogel more resilient and versatile for the construction industry, tiny silica aerogel particles are embedded into a flexible fabric made of polyester and glass fibers. These fibers are also called a non-woven batting material. They are bonded together with the help of heat, pressure or chemical binders. They provide a flexible and durable support for aerogel particles, and turn a fragile material into a useful product. Aerogel insulation has an R value of 10.3 per inch, which is much higher than R2.7 per inch for fiberglass insulation, R3 per inch for Rockwool insulation and R5 per inch for XPS or extruded polystyrene insulation.The exact price of Spaceloft insulation depends on your location and the quantity being purchased, but in general, it costs around $7 to $20 per square foot, much more expensive than traditional insulation like Rockwool which costs around $2 per square foot. This is the biggest hurdle to mass adoption. ---------------------Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement or recommendation to products or services linked above, but i wouldn't put them here if I didn't like them! Your purchase helps support the channel and the video I product. Thank you!This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#insulation #aerogel #energy #ecofriendly #carbonfootprint #green #3dprinting #construction
This costs Texas homeowners $500 MILLION every year Belinda Carr 2023-03-30 | Did you know that 25% of homes in Texas have termites. Termite damage costs homeowners in this state around 500 million dollars annually!! A couple of months ago, we had a nasty shock when we found massive, disgusting termite damage in our living room. Chapters0:00 Introduction1:23 Termite damage3:53 Thoughts4:42 Termite prevention systems5:51 Sponsor6:41 ConclusionWe removed all the wood trim, paneling, ceiling beams and crown molding, piece by piece. Then we pulled off all the drywall. This part was messy because the termites had eaten the paper on both sides of the gypsum, so it crumbled into dust as we removed it. Pulling out hundreds of nails from the studs, base and top plates was another tedious but necessary task. Some people might say that we stripped the space of all character. Removing the wood paneling, the trim and the beams made it look clinical. I was hoping to preserve the character and paint the paneling, but the termite damage was so repulsive, I had no desire to scrape the wood and put it back up. I would rather have clean drywall than disgusting damaged paneling for the sake of appearances. The experience dealing with termite damage was frustrating, expensive and exhausting, but it made me realize the importance of termite prevention systems. They are not a full-proof solution, but they reduce the likelihood of termites in your home. The first and easiest thing to do is to install termite bait stations around the perimeter of your home. I made a video on this last year.After checking the ground with a probe to see if there are any pipes or wires running underneath, a hole is drilled and the station is placed in the ground. Another prevention method is to remove any wood outside your home. Planks are an easy source of food for termites and will attract them to your foundation. You can also get a liquid termiticide pumped into the soil around your home. A tell-tale sign of this treatment is concrete plugs every 12 inches. When you’re buying an older home, look out for small holes, mud or dirt piles or even loose paneling that flexes. Thanks to our sponsor: insulation4us.comUse Promo Code Belinda5 to receive an additional 5% discount off your next order with Insulation4US.comVideo scripts and citations: www.carrbuilds.comPodcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Please support me on Patreon if you can: patreon.com/Belinda_Carr---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#termite #fixerupper #diy #renovation #remodel
Reuseable plywood walls Belinda Carr 2023-03-06 | The XFrame system can be broken down and reused. No nails, screws or adhesives. Jut CNC milled plywood that is slotted together.
Why this brick robot could be BETTER than 3D printed concrete Belinda Carr 2023-02-28 | The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: https://skl.sh/belindacarr02231 Chapters0:00 Introduction1:52 Hadrian X5:05 Gantry vs Robot arm6:01 Building Science7:13 Appearance7:52 Sponsor8:45 Cost10:23 Conclusion3D printing has been one of the most revolutionary technologies of the past few decades, and it’s starting to make its mark on the construction industry as well. With the ability to print complex shapes and structures in a matter of hours, 3D printing has the potential to transform the way we build our homes, offices, and even entire cities.Now, I have some reservations about the use of 3D concrete printing in construction which we discussed in a previous video. But I still believe in the value and potential of automation in the construction industry. What if we are looking at the wrong type of 3d printers? Is there a technology or machine that is superior to these liquid concrete printers, but doesn’t get as much media attention?Hadrian X is a blocklaying machine invented by Fast Brick Robotics in Australia. It builds structural walls, brick by brick, in outdoor, uncontrolled environments. It produces far less waste than traditional construction methods, while improving site safety. The robot can lay 200 bricks an hour, approximately 10 times faster than humans. FBR’s technology turns digital Revit models into CMU block models to calculate the exact number and shape of bricks needed. They use precise, optimized and rectified blocks made of lightweight aggregate concrete. Their blocks are 12 times larger than standard house bricks which drastically increases the speed of construction. These bricks are transported to the job site on the back of a truck. They are fed through a huge telescopic robotic arm that can extend 25 meters or 82 feet. A special construction adhesive that is twice as strong as mortar, is applied to the ends of the brick. With the aid of a laser tracking head, the concrete blocks are placed at a precise spot on the wall. The robot head is dynamically stabilized so it corrects for any interference or vibration in the boom. The Hadrian X system can build the structural concrete walls of a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house in just 29 laying hours.There are a couple of reasons why I think the Hadrian system could be superior to the 3D printed liquid concrete system we see so often. GANTRY VS ROBOT ARMThe first is the advantage of a robot arm over a gantry system. A gantry is the frame that supports a printer head as it moves along the x, y and z axes. This frame takes time to set up, it requires solid concrete footings, it needs to be perfectly level and it uses up space on the job site. The Hadrian robot arm arrives at the job site on the back of a truck. It doesn’t require additional concrete footings or time consuming calibration and it takes up less space on the site. BUILDING SCIENCEI think we’re expecting too much from a single layer. These printed walls are meant to provide structural support, insulation, and act as air, water and vapor protection. The Hadrian robotic arm system only prints the hidden, inner structural core. Insulation is a separate layer as are the air and water protection layers. APPEARANCEI stayed at ICON’s 3D printed house in Austin a while back. While it was impressive, there were certain quirks that can be difficult to get used to. Tiny microfractures in the concrete wall, wobbly and uneven print lines, rough joints at windows and doors and even dust collection on the layers. On the flip side, houses built with the Hadrian X look like traditional houses, for better or for worse. his makes the technology adaptable to different cultures and geographic locations.COSTBoth technologies are more expensive than traditional construction because they are new, still working out the kinks and trying to scale up. Both printers require precise floor slabs with only 3mm to 5mm of variation which are a little more expensive. The custom bricks that the Hadrian robot uses are also 10% more expensive than traditional CMU blocks. In my opinion, the most important difference between the 2 technologies is the mindset of the people behind them. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=wnCII1v6W5o----------------------Music:Over You by AtchSoundCloud: bit.ly/AtchSoundCloudSpotify: bit.ly/AtchSpotifyInstagram: www.instagram.com/atchmusicMusic by AtchStream: linktr.ee/atchmusicFree Download: hypeddit.com/atchmusic/doittomyselfinstrumental---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#3dprinting #modular #robotics #construction #architecture #prefab #building #robots
I’m back! Belinda Carr 2023-01-17 | It’s been a while but boy does it feel good to create content again!
5 things to consider when choosing Building Materials Belinda Carr 2022-10-22 | Learn without limits at https://skl.sh/belindacarr10221 and get 1 month unlimited access to tens of thousands of Skillshare classes for FREE!PODCAST CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Construction Material Pyramid: https://www.materialepyramiden.dkChapters0:00 Introduction1:16 Global warming1:42 Ozone depletion2:44 Photochemical ozone creation3:11 Acidification3:34 Eutrophication4:28 Structural steel5:09 Cross laminated timber5:46 Sponsorship6:33 Concrete7:29 ConclusionCan we rate structures based on the environmental impact of materials used to build them? That’s exactly what the Construction Material Pyramid hopes to achieve. The pyramid highlights the environmental impact of the most used construction materials like structural steel, aluminum, double and triple paned windows, insulation, lumber and more.This interactive version of the material pyramid allows you to toggle between 5 impact categories. The first is the global warming potential or carbon footprint. GWP calculates how much heat is absorbed and trapped by a certain amount of gas, compared to carbon dioxide. The second is the ozone depletion potential. During manufacturing, materials release certain gases that can degrade the ozone layer. When a single chlorine or bromine atom comes into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, it can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. The third is photochemical ozone creation potential. Some materials produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds during manufacturing. When sunlights hits these compounds, they form ground level ozone which can affect our health. The fourth is acidification potential. The extraction and production of some materials release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air. They react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which can fall to the earth as acid rain.Lastly, is eutrophication potential. An unnatural increase in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in water starts a process called eutrophication. Algae feed on the nutrients, growing, spreading and turning the water green. In large concentrations, these compounds can lead to algal blooms, tainted water supplies and the death of fish. The Construction Material Pyramid allows designers to quickly understand the impact of building materials. It reminds us that we should place value on the bones of buildings, not the stuff that we fill them with. Let’s talk about 3 materials that are featured in the construction pyramid. Structural steel. Steel production is energy intensive and one of the leading sources of greenhouse gases. Nearly two tons of carbon dioxide are emitted for every 1 ton of steel produced. It also accounts for five percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Cross laminated timber. Engineered wood like glulams, cross laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber have the potential to revolutionize the building industry. To improve the properties of wood and make it even stronger than steel and concrete, layers of wood are sandwiched with moisture resistant glues and compressed under heat and pressure. Concrete. The data on concrete really surprised me. Worldwide, we use about 30 billion tonnes of concrete a year, which accounts for 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. When I was researching concrete for my video on geopolymers, every article and paper claimed that concrete was one of the most polluting materials, but it ranks lower than steel in every category! I think that the takeaway from the construction pyramid is that materials like concrete, steel, and glass have allowed us to tame nature and push the limits of engineering but their extraction and production come at a cost. It’s important for us to be aware of that cost and, if possible, choose alternatives that are not as harmful to the environment.--------------------Autumn 2011 by Loxbeats https://spoti.fi/34tPBBOCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/autumn-2011Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/r4twe3BxxX8Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#construction #materials #carbonfootprint #ecofriendly #architecture
100 Year Old Swiss company builds homes with Robots! Belinda Carr 2022-09-27 | Renggli, a 100 year old firm in Switzerland, builds high-performance, energy-efficient, modular structures. They use CNCs, suction cup lifts, robotic saws, tilting tables, gantry cranes and more. Link to my podcast channel: www.youtube.com/BelindaCarrPodcast Skip the waitlist and invest in blue-chip art for the very first time by signing up for Masterworks: https://masterworks.art/belindacarrPurchase shares in masterpieces from artists like Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and more. How Masterworks works:- Create your account with your traditional bank account- Pick major works of art to invest in or our new blue-chip diversified art portfolio- Invest, hold shares in works or trade them in our secondary marketplace Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:45 Platform System2:02 CNC Machine3:23 Hundegger Saw4:16 Butterfly Table5:00 Gantry System6:36 Pros8:45 Sponsorship9:41 Cons11:35 ConclusionThe first machine is this platform system adopted from the automotive industry. Forklifts load drywall, timber, sheathing and other large materials onto this base. They are separated into categories and stored on these shelving racks. As material is needed inside the factory, it is automatically retrieved from these shelves and carried down this highway system. They also have a huge storage facility with tagged lumber and engineered wood waiting to be used. Such an advanced construction facility needs highly detailed BIM models to drive their process. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. Digital 3D models are loaded with information like the size and location of every part and piece. The second robot used is a CNC machine which stands for computer numerical control. Gypsum boards and wood panels are lifted from the shelving racks and brought to these tables. They slide into the sealed off CNC machine and are cut with router bits. Data from BIM models dictates the dimensions of each piece and the location of electrical outlets and plumbing. When the cuts are complete, the table slides out. Suction cups carefully lift the pieces to another platform. The third machine is an advanced Hundegger saw. Large pieces of wood, some 40 feet in length, are fed into this fully automated machine. It can cut wood in 5 axes as well as drill screw holes, cut notches, mortise and tenon joints and punctures for electrical and plumbing. Once again, data from BIM models dictates the cuts. Because precision is so important in off site construction, The fourth type of machine is a butterfly table. Workers build wall, ceiling and floor panels on these tables by attaching the milled glulams, sheathing and drywall. When it’s time to work on the opposite side of the panel, the tables flip 90 or 180 degrees with hydraulic lifts. It takes just 90 seconds to flip these tables over and safely lower them on the opposite side. The fifth machine is a gantry crane system that spans the entire length of the factory. It carries building panels from one assembly table to another. Workers add thick mineral wool insulation in the stud bays and a layer of wood fiber insulation on the exterior faces. They also attach drywall to the interior faces with a nail gun. Plastic tubing for wires is also installed in the wall panels. Renggli is able to build panels faster and better. They don’t have to worry about exposure to rain, snow and other elements. Another advantage is the ability to hire older and more experienced workers in the factory since indoor working conditions are not as harsh. They are also able to minimize waste because of careful planning and execution. The final advantage is the sustainability of wood construction. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=Vpeq3lUCEiU--------------------Aside by Hunter Milo soundcloud.com/huntermiloCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/3TN6t1tMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/u5NfIXsCxfgFluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#prefab #modular #robotics #construction #architecture
How Rockwool insulation is made Belinda Carr 2022-09-15 | Did you know that Rockwool is made of melted rocks?!Rockwool insulation for homes is mainly made of basalt, an igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of molten lava. It is mixed with slag and other recycled waste and melted at very high temperatures. This liquid mixture is spun to create thin fibers. Glues help the fibers stick together. Layers and layers of wool are stacked and compressed to make insulation. Rockwool is very firm and friction fits into walls. It is water and mold resistant and fire resistant too. It can be easily cut with a knife, but remember to use gloves! It’s a great insulation material, but melting rocks is very energy intensive. Let me know what you think of mineral wool or Rockwool in the comments!#rockwool #insulation #howitsmade #science #construction #architecture #building #materials
How Mass Timber Skyscrapers could be the Future of Construction Belinda Carr 2022-07-22 | The invention of mass timber and engineered wood is spurring the next generation of sustainable and resilient skyscrapers. To improve the properties of wood and make it even stronger than steel and concrete, moisture resistant glues are added in between layers of wood to make engineered mass timber products.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrSponsor: www.insulation4us.comChapters0:00 Introduction1:27 Examples2:24 Mass timber3:46 Media coverage4:11 Advantages6:32 Disadvantages7:56 Sponsorship8:37 ConclusionIn the search for more environmentally friendly skyscrapers, designers have turned to good old-fashioned wood.- The Stadthaus in London, which was built in 2009, was one of the first high rises made of wood. It has 9 storeys and stands 99ft or 30m tall. - Brock Commons in Canada, which was built in 2017, broke records as the tallest contemporary wood building. It has 18 storeys and stands 190ft or 58m tall. - Mjostarnet in Norway, which was built in 2019, is now the tallest timber building in the world. It has 18 storeys and stands 280ft or 85m tall.- As the timber skyscraper momentum grows, we’re starting to see some outlandish proposals including a mixed use tower in Tokyo, Japan that will contain retail, office, hotel and residential facilities.- Another unconventional proposal is the Oakwood Timber Tower in London. This lightweight tower will have 80 storeys and stand 985ft or 300m tall. The invention and mass production of steel and concrete made skyscrapers possible in the 1800s. They worked together to hold tall buildings upright and battle strong winds. Similarly, a very important human invention makes all these wood high rises and skyscrapers now possible: mass timber or engineered wood. Traditional lumber is strong against forces parallel to the wood's fiber growth but it is vulnerable to perpendicular forces. Wood also lacks steel’s tensile strength, which is the ability to withstand pulling or tensile forces. Wood also lack’s concrete’s compressive strength which is the ability to withstand compression or pushing forces. To improve the properties of wood and make it even stronger than steel and concrete, moisture resistant glues are added in between layers of wood to make engineered mass timber products. Some examples are:- Glulam or glued laminated timber which consists of several layers of wood with the grain running in one direction. - Cross laminated timber or CLT consists of layers of wood in alternating directions. - Laminated veneer lumber or LVL consists of thin layers of wood all stacked in the same direction.Mass timber structural members ilke floor slabs and columns can be cheaper than steel and concrete, particularly in volatile markets, like we’re experiencing right now. The lower weight of mass timber also reduces the cost of other structural members and foundations. For example, during the construction of a mass timber project called The Ascent, in Milwaukee, 100 support piles had to be driven into the soil rather than 200 for a similar heavy concrete and steel building.Even though we’re in the early stages of mass timber construction, structural engineers say that mass timber projects are approximately 25% faster to construct than similar concrete and steel projects. The Ascent tower, which we discussed, was built 4 months faster than expected. I’m not sold on the increased speed of construction, because prefabricated modular steel and concrete skyscrapers can be constructed in a matter of days. Of course, mass timber isn’t a miracle material. It has some disadvantages that prevent its wide adoption. Concrete and steel are able to withstand acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances better than mass timber. Foundations, structural cores and piers are still made of concrete. This sort of mass timber hybrid construction isn’t a bad thing. By merging these materials, we can get the best of both worlds; stability and a lower carbon footprint. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=GHtdnY_gnmE youtube.com/watch?v=y5tTpouZ3P0 Hyoutube.com/watch?v=GvHx_NS9wWw DW vimeo.com/214508927youtube.com/watch?v=viDL2W0HcJwyoutube.com/watch?v=l6PQJxTkV6E --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#masstimber #lego #modular #modularconstruction #skyscraper #architecture #construction
5 reasons why there ISN’T a housing shortage Belinda Carr 2022-07-07 | Housing is a basic human need. But a lack of affordable housing to buy or rent is fueling a housing crisis here in the States. Research claims that the US needed 3.8 million homes in 2019, which grew to 5.2 million homes in 2021. In this video, we’re going to look at 5 reasons why there ISN'T a housing shortage in the States.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction2:15 Population growth4:48 Density5:31 Rental Units7:18 Interest Rates8:28 Mismatch9:18 Sponsorship10:02 ConclusionDeclining population growthAccording to the US Census Bureau, the country’s population grew by fewer than one million people in 2021, slower than during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and World War 1. Permits for single-family homes declined from a peak of 1.7 million in 2005 all the way down to 400k in 2010, a massive 70% drop. Even in 2020, the number of permits issued was only 1 million, far lower than 2005. However, overlaying this graph with the population growth graph tells a very different story. The ratio of population growth to new housing permits should be around 1.5, 1.5, meaning 1.5 people added for every 1 permit. In the mid-2000s, right before the last housing crash, the Population / Permitting Ratio dipped below 1.5. 15 years later, we’re back in the same danger zone. 0.8 people were added in 2020 for every 1 permit. For the first time in US history, more units were permitted than the population grew. This means that we’re heading towards oversupply, NOT a shortage.The number of people per unitWhen times get tough and there’s a true housing shortage, people turn to shared housing to help make ends meet. If we were truly facing a housing crisis, the number of people per unit in the States would be extremely high, between 5 and 8 people per house, not 2.49.The number of rental unitsAccording to Redfin, investors purchased a record $64 billion worth of homes in 2021, the most in at least two decades. That’s an average of 15% of homes sold in many metropolitan areas. The percentage is much higher in certain cities like Washington, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Jacksonville and Phoenix where 25% of homes were bought by investors. Low interest ratesOver the last 30 years, low interest rates have driven up home prices. From 2008, up until 2021, the 30 year fixed rate mortgage was below 6%, a historic low. No money down, ultra-low interest rates, and easy qualification gave individuals the ability to buy much more home for their money. It was also cheaper to buy as opposed to rent, which created additional demand. Mismatch of housing types and locationsTrendy markets like Miami, Denver, Atlanta and Austin have an out of control demand for housing, while other places like Detroit still have plenty of vacant houses. The work from home revolution over the past 2 years has exacerbated the problem. Currently someone with a salary from New York can move to Denver with the NY salary, buy a house, and save substantial money.--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=wnNOyKWrWSA youtube.com/watch?v=fLVFmGeXlqw youtube.com/watch?v=vijD8GCPnmM youtube.com/watch?v=Imm8-LXBsho youtube.com/watch?v=lEHsYoxG9DA youtube.com/watch?v=XVEOehTD_Zc youtube.com/watch?v=72CzijemTNc youtube.com/watch?v=a9cmTJw5cf0 youtube.com/watch?v=iYjjGU7qYjE youtube.com/watch?v=ViyucP0KHx0 youtube.com/watch?v=zpO4sQTtR8A youtube.com/watch?v=Z1V9xXlneVE youtube.com/watch?v=u_Wfs20FIu0 --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#housingcrisis #homeless #architecture #construction #robotics #automation
Bamboo vs Cork Flooring | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-07-01 | Visit brilliant.org/BelindaCarr to get started learning STEM for free, and the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual premium subscription.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrWhen discussing sustainable flooring options, the two most common ones brought up are bamboo and cork. Both types of flooring are durable, made from renewable resources and cost effective. They can be stained in different finishes and even stamped with multi-colored prints. Chapters0:00 Introduction0:35 How Bamboo Flooring is made2:33 How Cork Flooring is made3:51 Appearance & Cost4:31 Installation4:53 Resistance6:40 Sponsor7:26 Health concerns8:15 Environmental concerns9:29 ConclusionBAMBOO is one of the fastest growing grasses in the world. It can be harvested in just 5 years, much faster than hardwood trees. The stalks are sliced into strips and the outer skin and nodes are removed. The bamboo strips are boiled in a solution of boric acid or lime. This removes starch, sugars and kills any pests in the bamboo. It preserves the wood and prevents it from decaying. The strips are then dried and flattened. They are soaked in urea formaldehyde adhesive and laminated under heat and pressure. Once cured, the boards are planed, sanded and milled.CORK is a light but tough material harvested from the outer layer of cork oak trees. Every seven to nine years, the tree reaches maturity and is ready to be harvested. No trees are cut down in the harvesting process. The bark is carefully peeled off without harming the tree to allow it to regrow. After drying for several months, the bark is transported to a factory where wine bottle corks are punched out. The leftover material is boiled, ground up, mixed with adhesives and compressed to form thin sheets of cork flooring. These thin sheets are laminated onto MDF to form interlocking planks or tiles.Appearance. Bamboo flooring looks like traditional hardwood floors. It has a uniform pattern and realistic appearance. It can work with almost any home style, from traditional to contemporary. Real cork flooring is busier and has a distinct appearance. It feels warm and comfortable underfoot because it is spongy and doesn’t conduct heat very well. However, it can make homes look dated. Cost. Both bamboo and cork flooring are more expensive than vinyl flooring, but comparable to hardwood floors. Cheaper versions cost around $4 per sq ft. On the higher end, products that use non-toxic binders and finishes cost around $8 per sqft.Scratch resistance - As you’d expect, bamboo flooring is harder and more scratch resistant than cork flooring. Bamboo floors typically score around 1,800 on the Janka scale. Unfinished cork flooring, on the other hand, is soft, pliable and more prone to wear issues. It has a Janka rating of just 200. Water resistance - Both bamboo and cork flooring are water resistant, but not waterproof. They should not be used in bathrooms or in basements. Prolonged exposure to water and high humidity environments will cause these planks to swell and buckle. Lifespan. Because of all these reasons, bamboo has a longer lifespan of 30-50 years, while cork has a shorter lifespan of 10-30 years. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=w-HhfNkNUdQyoutube.com/watch?v=_13pj7rrFekyoutube.com/watch?v=9lodheHJCDMyoutube.com/watch?v=R-YWAcmGj_s youtube.com/watch?v=YnnbuoeQFSIyoutube.com/watch?v=he99be53Y_Iyoutube.com/watch?v=xLFJu6Wlp5wyoutube.com/watch?v=r5Eqvzd37F0--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#flooring #ecofriendly #sustainability #laminate #luxuryvinylplank
How to convert Concrete to Bricks with Masonry Stains Belinda Carr 2022-06-24 | I recently visited Nawkaw's facility near Athens, Georgia. They showed me their whole range of masonry stains that can convert concrete to bricks, stone, wood- finishes.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_Carr--------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#concrete #construction #architecture #buildingscience #stain #stainedconcrete
Visiting Apis Cors 3D concrete printing Showroom! Belinda Carr 2022-06-21 | I recently visited Apis Cor's 3D concrete printing showroom in Florida. It's located in an outdoor mall, next to typical retail stores.. pretty unique concept!Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_Carr--------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#3dprinting #3dprinter #robotics #automation #architecture #construction
How to build Straw Bale Houses | Pros and Cons Belinda Carr 2022-06-17 | Visit brilliant.org/BelindaCarr to get started learning STEM for free, and the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual premium subscription.In this video, we’re going to cover another alternative method of construction - building with straw bales! I was surprised to learn that they have a lot of advantages over traditional construction. Straw bales are a resilient and sustainable building product that can help us build better. So, let’s discover how straw bale homes are made, their advantages and disadvantages.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:44 How it's made3:00 Advantages6:22 Examples7:04 Sponsorship7:47 Disadvantages9:45 ConclusionThere are two main ways to build a straw bale house- load bearing and non-load bearing. A load-bearing house uses straw bales as the primary structural support. The roof sits directly on compacted bales. A non-load-bearing straw bale house uses another material, like wood, for its primary support. Straw bales are used in between the studs, or as a continuous wall. The construction of a straw bale home is fairly easy and straightforward. It starts with a concrete foundation and wood sill plates. The bales need to be raised several inches off the ground so that they don't soak up moisture from the ground. They are stacked in running bond courses to form the walls of the house. They can be anchored together with wood, bamboo, or rebar stakes so they don’t fall over during construction. Once complete, the walls can be secured with a wire mesh. A moisture barrier is then applied to the surface of the walls. Advantages.The first is that straw is easily available in most parts of the world. The materials for plaster like sand, clay and mortar can be found at building supply stores. Straw bale construction is also fairly cheap compared to other, more engineered building products and insulation materials. They can be good insulators with an average R value of 2 per inch, so an 18 inch thick wall has an R value of 30 to 35. They can also reduce sound transmission and they are earthquake and wind resistant. Straw bales have three times the fire resistance of traditional walls. Since bales are tightly packed, there isn’t enough airflow to sustain a fire, so they are an excellent choice in areas prone to wildfires.The manual labor required to build these houses was something I was concerned about, until I discovered prefabricated straw bale panels. EcoCocon makes panels with compressed straw sandwiched in a wooden frame. They are usually used with an air-tight, but vapor open membrane and a continuous wood fiber board. Disadvantages.The low material cost is offset by high labor costs. Manually plastering walls can make the building just as expensive as conventional construction. The high space requirement is another disadvantage. While a stick frame wall is 6 inches thick, a straw bale wall is around 18 inches thick. You will lose square-footage because of the thickness of the bales. The permitting process can also be tricky. Many design and building codes don’t allow straw bale homes or limit their construction. Moisture is the achilles’ heel of straw bale homes. Straw will decay and weaken if it becomes damp. Moisture can come from cracks in the plaster, plumbing, windowsills or joints that have not been properly sealed. Moreover, bales must remain completely dry during construction.In conclusion, straw bales systems are a surprisingly eco-friendly method of construction. They are more energy efficient, fire resistant, soundproof and durable. But, they require care and maintenance. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=Olo923T2HQ4youtube.com/watch?v=XLzeJpmfZHE youtube.com/watch?v=MT33K2IUXu8 youtube.com/watch?v=03iwLySzG5Uyoutube.com/watch?v=5DEmPJYvieoyoutube.com/watch?v=LaUVrjjtQ8c youtube.com/watch?v=r5VJzBqQfrY http://thesustainablehome.net/the-original-nebraska-straw-bale-buildingsyoutube.com/watch?v=8OfVnzhZjmo youtube.com/watch?v=uFKUPEmzgT0 youtube.com/watch?v=RUYbp6FVkPA --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was sponsored by Brilliant" anywhere in the video description box.This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#shipppingcontainer #containerhomes #homelessness #housingcrisis #architecturefails
Are Geopolymers BETTER than Portland Cement? Belinda Carr 2022-06-08 | The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: https://skl.sh/belindacarr05221 Researchers around the world are trying to find an alternative to traditional cement and concrete that is less destructive to our planet. One very promising material is geopolymer cement. It completely replaces Portland cement with waste industrial products. It can also be much stronger and perform better than traditional concrete. In this video, we’re going to discover how geopolymers are made, how they are used, their advantages and disadvantages. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:13 Invention of geopolymers1:40 Waste materials3:08 Chemical reaction3:35 Geopolymer projects4:35 Advantages6:27 Sponsorship7:11 Disadvantages8:12ConclusionScientists use a variety of waste materials, industrial byproducts, and minimally processed natural materials instead of Portland Cement. These waste products are difficult to dispose of and they can affect the environment if left untreated. So, using them to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete is an excellent idea. Let’s take a look at some of these waste or low energy materials.- Fly ash or pulverized fuel ash or PFA which is a fine, powdery residue from coal burning power plants. It is mainly composed of silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide and calcium oxide. - Metakaolin which is produced when china clay or kaolin is heated to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit or 800 degrees Celsius. It can be used to make tiles and traditional concrete. - Ground granulated blast furnace slag or GGBS which is a by-product of the steel industry. It is high in calcium silicate hydrates CSH which improves the strength, durability and appearance of concrete. - Palm oil fuel ash or POFA which is produced by burning palm oil shells and husks. It is a hazardous material that is usually sent to landfills, but it can be used to make cement.Advantages- Geopolymers are apparently stronger in tension and compression.- They are resistant to various alkalis, salts, acids and corrosive substances. They also have a high sulfur resistance due to the lack of сalcium compounds in its structure. - Geopolymers have excellent waterproof properties. Its pores are smaller than 50 nanometers so big molecules like water can’t enter in the geopolymer matrix - It is also fire resistant. Unlike Portland cement, water in geopolymer concrete evaporates and does not explode the concrete from inside.- Foamed geopolymer concrete can also have superior thermal insulation thanks to the trapped air inside the blocks.- They can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by up to 90%. For every 1 ton of Portland cement made, around 0.9 tons of CO2 is released. Conversely, for every 1 ton of geopolymer cement made, only 0.2 tons of CO2 is released. - Geopolymers will help us stop mining and extracting raw materials from the earth because we can use waste and by-products of existing industries.- It can speed up construction because it develops about 50% of its strength in the first 3 days.Disadvantages- There isn’t enough waste material to meet the demand for cement. The global consumption of cement is about 4 to 5 times the generation of industrial wastes like fly ash and slag. - Another issue is the lack of standard and uniform waste materials. For example, fly ash will have a different alumina-silica ratio than slag, so their geopolymer cement mixes will perform differently. - They are difficult to make because the geo-polymerization process is sensitive. Chemicals like sodium hydroxide are harmful to humans so the process requires special handling. - And finally, the biggest drawback in my opinion is that they are up against powerful Portland cement manufacturers, some of whom have a monopoly in the concrete industry. They have control over code requirements and marketing which allows them to easily suppress competition.--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=2hNhFroKs7Yyoutube.com/watch?v=znQ bk_yBHre4 youtube.com/watch?v=ci07_52EnBg youtube.com/watch?v=jxerF3RufKo youtube.com/watch?v=ChbklgUMWdo youtube.com/watch?v=2xsph0lj-G0 youtube.com/watch?v=soe0vGZksgk --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#3dprinting #3dconcrete #geopolymer #construction #architecture #automation #robotics
Metal vs Wooden Attic Ladders | Whats the difference? Belinda Carr 2022-06-03 | Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrFakro Metal ladder: roofing4us.com/products/lst-insulated-scissor-attic-ladder-all-sizes?variant=35340938281112Fakro Wooden ladder: roofing4us.com/products/lwf-fire-rated-wood-attic-ladder-all-sizes?variant=35340940640408Chapters0:00 Introduction0:33 Metal Attic Ladder4:49 Wooden Attic Ladder7:03 Conclusion--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#diy #atticladder #insulation #buidlingscience #homerenovation #remodel #renovation
The TRUTH about Off-Grid Earthship Homes Belinda Carr 2022-05-31 | Visit brilliant.org/BelindaCarr to get started learning STEM for free, and the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual premium subscription.We need to build better homes that aren’t energy-guzzlers, we need to drastically reduce construction waste and we need to reduce our reliance on public utilities. This is exactly what earthship homes achieve. These are off-grid structures that minimize their negative impact on the environment. In this video, we’re going to look at how earthship homes work, their pros and cons and whether they can revolutionize the construction industry. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:17 Earthship homes2:24 Shelter3:14 Energy4:07 Water & Sewage5:23 Food production5:53 Advantages7:50 Sponsorship8:33 Disadvantages10:53 ConclusionThe 6 main principles of Earthship Biotecture are: shelter, passive cooling & heating, producing clean energy, water reuse, dealing with sewage and food production.Shelter. When building earthship homes, old tires are packed with local earth and pounded with heavy mallets till they are stable. Each earth-filled tire weighs 300 lbs and takes approximately an hour to prepare. Layers upon layers of these tires are stacked to create load-bearing walls that act like a thermal battery. They store heat during the day, and slowly release it to the interiors at night. It is estimated that tire walls act like an equivalent R 40 wall. Interior, non-load bearing walls can be made of aluminum cans, glass and plastic beverage bottles. Heating & Cooling. Earthships are oriented for maximum solar exposure. In the northern hemisphere, large glass facades face south and in the southern hemisphere they face north. Sun shines into greenhouses that are usually in the front of the house. Behind another glass barrier are the bedroom, bathroom, and living rooms. To cool the interior spaces, 30-foot metal tubes run through the earth berm. When a skylight in the greenhouse is opened, convection sucks warm air out of the earthship. Clean energy. Earthships produce all the energy inhabitants need with solar panels and wind turbines. Batteries, charge controllers and inverters store this energy so that the home is powered even at night. Water use. Rainwater and melted snow rolls off the sloped metal roof and into large cisterns behind the tire wall. A water organizing module fitted with pumps and filters purifies the rainwater so that it’s potable and fit for indoor use. This water is used in sinks, showers and bathtubs. Sewage. There are two main types of waste water. Gray water is waste from sinks, showers, baths and laundry. It doesn’t contain any fecal matter or harsh chemicals. Black water is wastewater from toilets. Gray water from sinks, showers and bathtubs drains linear planters. Water is collected from the bottom of these planters, filtered again and pumped into toilet bowls for flushing. The black water from toilets is redirected to outdoor anaerobic septic tanks. Water from the septic tanks overflows into a botanical cell that is filled up with exterior landscaping plants. Food production. Interior and exterior botanical cells are used to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. The Earthship visitor center in Taos, New Mexico, has also designed mini-hydroponic planters in suspended buckets. They provide herbs, tomatoes, kale, cucumbers and more. Some Earthships have a dedicated greenhouse and coop for raising chickens and pigs. The goal is to produce enough food in one’s home to be self-sustaining. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=Z5OEl3HKXqQyoutube.com/watch?v=xOUa78kH3k4youtube.com/watch?v=2Uy5GhSuJXEyoutube.com/watch?v=Mp4hal0A58gyoutube.com/watch?v=psRfwYgNWnI--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was sponsored by Brilliant.This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#homelessness #housingcrisis #earthship #efficiency #tirewalls #diy #diybuilds
How to Stop Thermal Bridging with TStuds! Belinda Carr 2022-05-05 | Wood is a conductor or a thermal bridge. It allows heat to flow easily from the exterior to the interior or vice versa. To solve this problem, a company in the States, called US Engineered Wood, has invented the T-Stud, a framing member that improves the energy efficiency of buildings by acting like a thermal break instead of a thermal bridge. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:47 Dimensions2:23 Performance4:55 Ease of use5:14 Sponsorship5:52 Price6:48 ConclusionMEMBERSThermal bridging is the flow of heat by conduction through the studs in a building. Bare Naked T Studs stop the flow of heat because of a gap between the flange and spline. The gap in between is approximately 1.5”. Wooden dowels are installed through one member into the other at opposing angles, forming a web-like pattern. T Studs can replace most framing members like wall studs, top plates, bottom plates as well as king, jack, and cripple studs. They can be used in either direction. If you need more surface area on the outside to secure sheathing and outside insulation, this surface can face the exterior. If you need more surface area on the inside to secure cabinets and shelves, you can reverse the T stud.R VALUEAbout 25% of a typical wall consists of wood studs which lower the R value of the entire wall. If you use R20 insulation in between the studs, thermal bridging can bring the effective R-value down as low as R15. If you put an R20 batt into a steel stud wall, you may only get an effective R-value of approximately R5. Steel conducts heat much better than wood, hence why shipping containers are terrible insulators. If you use closed cell spray foam in the T stud and R20 insulation in the rest of the wall, the assembly actually acts like an R20 wall, not R10 or R15. T studs allow a 96% complete thermal break through the wall assembly. MOISTUREAnother issue with traditional wood studs is moisture accumulation or ghosting. Moist, cool air attracts dust and forms dark lines on the ceiling and in closets where a lot of framing gets mashed together. Accumulation of moisture in the wall can lead to the growth of mold and rot which affects indoor air quality and compromises structural integrity. T-Studs act as a thermal break and reduce moisture accumulation in walls.STRENGTHT studs are 4 times stronger than traditional studs which fail in the x axis if there's too much of a load on it. T studs don’t behave the same way because they are turned 90 degrees. They don’t deflect or fail in the x axis. While a 2 by 4 can hold 900 pounds and a 2 by 6 stud can hold 2,200 pounds, T studs can hold 8,600 pounds.INSTALLATIONInstalling T studs is very similar to nailing traditional studs so there is a minimal learning curve associated with it. One thing that’s different is the fastening of T studs to the ground. Instead of just a threaded J bolt or lag bolt, you need a wide plate that straddles the two wood studs and transfers its hold down power.COSTT studs are obviously more expensive than traditional studs but their increased cost is offset in a couple of ways. The first is waste. About 5% of traditional studs are usually too warped and damaged to be used. On the other hand, less than 1% of T studs are unusable. The second is reducing the number of studs needed. These can be spaced 24” on center instead of 16” on center. The third is the reduced weight. T studs are lighter than traditional studs, which lowers the cost of other framing members and even the foundation. The last point is the lower energy consumption of your HVAC system and other appliances. By eliminating the thermal bridge in your walls, the interior space is essentially unaffected by the temperature outside. T studs can help lower your energy consumption and carbon footprint.The one downside I can think of is that it takes up more interior space because it’s as deep as a 2 by 6. It may not be a viable alternative in tight enclosures when every square foot counts. It’s also not going to be used for interior studs because it’s more expensive and because thermal bridging is not an issue inside. T studs can raise awareness of the problem of thermal bridging and the need to address it. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=mxDSulcLpAE--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#stud #construction #innovation #architecture #buildingscience
Why arent Basement Foundations popular anymore? Belinda Carr 2022-04-28 | The first 1,000 people to use the link or my code belindacarr will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: https://skl.sh/belindacarr04221 Basements are popular in Northern States, but not as popular in the West and here in the South. In fact, the overall popularity of basement foundations has been dropping over the past 20 years. In this video, we’re going to look at how basements are constructed, different types of basements, and their pros and cons and the reason for their downtrend.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:00 Construction materials1:42 Types of basements3:50 Pros4:45 Cons6:20 Sponsorship7:00 Cons8:33 ConclusionBasements serve the same purposes as other foundation types; they distribute a building’s weight evenly, they secure it into the ground and they keep moisture out. A full basement matches the perimeter of the house above. Full basements can be insulated and installed with drywall and flooring, providing living and storage space. They are the most expensive foundation and they are susceptible to mold, mildew and moisture. Daylight or walkout basements are built when the building rests on a slope: One side of the basement is fully submerged, while the other is aboveground. As the name suggests, daylight basements can have large windows and doors to bring in natural light. They aren’t as susceptible to mold, mildew or moisture. Crawl spaces are a type of basement with limited use. Crawl spaces are the least expensive type of basement foundation since they don’t require as much excavation. Lastly, a cellar is a room underground that is often used to store canned goods, fruits, vegetables, wine or general storage. Now let’s look at the general advantages of basements. The first and probably the most important is access to utilities like plumbing, electrical wires and even under floor ventilation systems. T Finished full basements can boost home values by increasing the usable footprint. They are naturally insulated by the earth so they need less energy to heat or cool rooms. Basements also provide shelter incase of a tornado or hurricane so you find yourself in this situation.Even with all these advantages, there are many drawbacks to basements which is causing a downtrend in their popularity. The first and most obvious is the cost of building basements. Soils play a big role in the feasibility of building basements. There are large areas in the US with clayey soils. Because of the small size of its particles, clay is good at holding water. It also dramatically expands and contracts as it takes on water. This puts immense lateral pressure on basement walls, which would lead to water in the basement even if there was no rain. Another disadvantage of basement construction is dealing with the climate, in particular, the frost line. When you build a home, the foundations need to be below the depth of the frost line. Another very important factor leading to the downtrend of basement construction is the risk of leaks, mold and mildew. Basements are often exposed to more water than standard foundations. There’s one more reason why basements are declining in popularity. Since 2008, the homeownership rate has stayed below 65%. More people rent houses or apartments in complexes. In conclusion, the rising cost of materials and waterproofing issues are two of the main reasons why basements are no longer popular. It costs more to build than the value it will add to the property. --------------------SOURCES:eyeonhousing.org/2021/08/65-of-new-single-family-homes-used-slab-foundation-in-2020worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/frost-lines-by-stateearthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/87220/soil-composition-across-the-usstatista.com/statistics/184902/homeownership-rate-in-the-us-since-2003--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#basement #waterproofing #mold #crawlspace #buildingscience #
Exposing the Carbon Credit and Offset SCAM Belinda Carr 2022-04-20 | Carbon credits are a way to reduce our carbon emissions and our carbon footprint to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. Just like with most ideas, carbon credits started off with honest intentions but loopholes have turned it into a bookkeeping trick. Credits can be a greenwashing tactic that allow companies to mislead customers without making any improvements to their business model. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:06 Cap and trade market1:49 Voluntary market2:37 Kyoto Protocol5:05 Paris Agreement5:48 Examples9:09 Carbon Credit Cost10:09 ConclusionThere are 2 broad types of carbon markets. The first is a mandatory ‘cap and trade’ program. Governments set a limit or cap on the emissions permitted across a certain industry. If a company goes over their allowance, they can buy more carbon credits from their market to continue emitting gases. The second type of carbon market is the voluntary offset program. This allows businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to offset their emissions by choice. The carbon credit market was created as part of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. This legally binding international agreement required only developed nations to cut CO2 emissions. It aimed to decrease overall emissions by 5% from 1990 levels. However, UN officials have since confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian oil and gas companies exploited loopholes and actually increased carbon emissions by 600 million tonnes.The Paris Agreement of 2015 declared a new set of targets and asked all nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, not just developed nations. Its goal is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The Paris agreement is voluntary and non-legally binding. Jim Hourdequin, CEO of Lyme Timber recently exposed the fraudulent carbon credit system in this Bloomberg article by Ben Elgin. They earned $53 million from these environmental transactions over the past two years. Lyme Timber also received $20 million for protecting 47,000 acres of hardwood forest in West Virginia. However, the land was so rugged and steep that the trees couldn’t have been harvested anyway. Here’s another example of dodgy carbon credits. An oil company, Royal Dutch Shell, delivered a carbon neutral tanker of LNG or liquified natural gas to Taiwan by investing in ten year old forest projects in Ghana, Indonesia and Peru. In 2020, a French oil company, Total, also delivered its first shipment of carbon neutral LNG. How can you extract natural gas in Australia, ship it to China and claim it’s carbon neutral? By buying a 10 year old wind farm in northern China called Hebei.In addition to these greenwashing loopholes, the actual cost of each carbon credit can vary drastically from less than $1 per ton to over $50 per ton. The cost depends on the effectiveness of the carbon offset project, the location and additional benefits. For example, Bill Gates spends $600 per ton to negate emissions from his private jet. Microsoft pays an average of $20 per ton. On the lower end, Delta Air lines pays about $2.30 per ton. They spent $30 million on 13 million offsets, so they were able to declare themselves carbon neutral last year. Tackling carbon emissions and climate change is very tricky. Carbon credits are a way to quantify emissions and pollutants so they are a step in the right direction. But it is very important to identify the loopholes, flaws or scams in the system and address them instead of ignoring them due to the fear of being labeled a climate change denier. --------------------SOURCES:bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-17/timber-ceo-wants-to-reform-flawed-carbon-offset-markethttp://morganfoundation.Russia, Ukraine dodgy carbon offsets cost the climate - studyorg.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ClimateCheat_Report9.pdfhttps://e360.yale.edu/features/is-the-legacy-carbon-credit-market-a-climate-plus-or-just-hype--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#carboncredit #climatechange #scam #greenenergy #environment #carbon
Marble vs Concrete Countertops | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-04-13 | Today we’re going to discuss marble and concrete countertops. In this video, we’re going to compare how they are made, their physical properties, price, performance and environmental impact. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:35 How marble is made3:25 How concrete is made5:40 Physical properties7:55 Price8:09 Sponsorship8:54 Environmental Impact9:38 ConclusionLet’s start with marble countertops. Large blocks of marble are cut out of the earth and transported to a factory. They are covered with a fiber mesh and glue to strengthen the block and make it safer for cutting. The block is cut with a gangsaw machine into thinner slabs. Then they are polished with large industrial sanders. Straight cuts are made with a wet saw. Irregular shapes and curves are cuit with a water-jet. CNC machines carve out intricate edge profiles like an arc-shaped ogee edge and a straight ogee edge. Now let’s discuss how concrete countertops are made. The main ingredient of concrete is Portland cement. Limestone, sand and clay are quarried and crushed into small rocks. It is combined with iron ore and fly ash. The ingredients are the source of calcium, silica, alumina and iron. They are ground, mixed and fed into a steel rotary kiln heated to 2700F or 1500C. As the material moves through the kiln, certain elements are driven off in the form of gasses. The remaining elements unite to form a new substance called clinker. Once the mortar mix has cured, the countertop is polished to remove the rough finish and add an attractive sheen. Because concrete is porous, the countertops must be sealed with a food-safe sealer.Concrete or mortar countertops can either be precast in a factory, polished and brought to your site like these products by Dex industries or they can be cast in place. There are dozens of YouTube tutorials by DIYers with step by step instructions. Cast in place a messier process, but it ensures that you have a perfect fit and seamless design. Marble countertops are thinner, around 3 cm or one and a quarter inches. It weighs approximately 18 lbs per sqft. A standard 1.5” thick concrete countertop weighs approximately 23 lbs per sqft. Marble countertops are usually lighter colored and are perceived to be higher quality and add more value to a home. Concrete countertops are usually a darker gray color and have a rough, industrial appearance. Unfortunately, they aren’t valued as much.To test their porosity, I poured some red wine on both the marble and concrete samples and let it sit for 2 full hours. After wiping it off, I could still see a permanent red stain on the marble piece while the concrete piece looked good as new. Wine is acidic so it ate away the top sealant and left it feeling rough and scratched. The professionally sealed concrete piece wasn’t etched at all. Marble is a porous surface, which makes it highly susceptible to stains. It requires frequent resealing every 6 months. Marble countertops can be honed, leathered or polished which adds a gloss sheen to the surface. Concrete countertops can have a low-luster finish or an ultra smooth polished surface. Concrete is also more customizable. You can add stones, colored glass or metal shavings as aggregate. Comparing their environmental impact is very tricky. If your marble countertops are locally sourced, their carbon footprint will be smaller. Also, if you take care of them and regularly seal them, they can last you a lifetime. The production of Portland cement is very energy intensive, but you can use waste materials as aggregates in concrete countertops. Absolute Concrete Works in Seattle uses a glass fiber reinforced concrete mix to make countertops, fireplace surrounds, sinks and more. Because of its high strength, they can pour ¾” inch thick countertops rather than 1.5” or 2” thick slabs. They also use 50% less portland cement than regular concrete. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=fD4-SYmRSpU Fulei Stoneyoutube.com/watch?v=4gLsWXK6VIw Buddy Rhodes Concrete Productsyoutube.com/watch?v=NnhSM97zFG8 Callebaut Chocolateyoutube.com/watch?v=TdxPxfeEUSQ Lafarge Exshaw Cement Plantyoutube.com/watch?v=TG0F7Qe4MzM&t=404s This Old Houseyoutube.com/watch?v=Pr5fW9DXcOM Rachel Ray Show--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#countertop #marble #concrete #diy #remodel #kitchen
Traditional vs Peel and Stick wallpaper | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-04-06 | Trends seem to resurface every 30 years when people who were consumers of a particular culture when they were young, become the creators of culture as adults. This phenomenon is called “nostalgia pendulum”. Fashion and furniture from the 90s are trendy again, as is wallpaper. Amazon link to floral wallpaper: amzn.to/35L00QtAmazon link to peel and stick wallpaper: amzn.to/37pwNuVLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:42 Traditional wallpaper5:31 Peel and Stick wallpaper6:37 Sponsor7:20 Comparison9:27 ConclusionTo install traditional wallpaper, I bought this Roman adhesive from Home Depot and these plastic knives. Before sticking the paper on the wall, we need to prep the surface. Drywall, plaster and mud are extremely porous and hydroscopic. They absorb water and moisture very easily. If wallpaper paste is applied directly to it, it will suck the moisture out of the paste before it has a chance to dry fully. The wallpaper will peel off because it is not properly bonded to the paste and the wall. Now we can start working on the wallpaper. I’m going to apply wallpaper paste to the back with a brush, but you can also use a roller. Most wallpaper adhesives are made of starch or methylcellulose. You can make a homemade version of this product by mixing ½ cup of cornstarch with ½ cup of sugar and 2 quarts of water. If this wallpaper were prepasted, it would have had a dried glue backing. I would have sprayed the back with water to activate the glue. The glue needs some time to cure and the paste and water need to soak into the paper. I’m going to fold the paper on itself and let it sit for 10 minutes. This process is called booking. It’s now ready to be pasted on our drywall. Because we prepped the wall, I can slide it pretty easily to the edge. I’m going to use this plastic knife to smoothen the paper and push out any bubbles. Any extra paste can be wiped off with a sponge or cloth. This was a trickier process than I expected and I ended up with a lot of air bubbles. But matching the design on the next sheet wasn’t too difficult. This is just a demonstration so it doesn’t matter if the edges aren’t aligned. I’m not actually going to put up a glittery wallpaper in my closet with butterflies and birds. Peel and Stick wallpaper. As the name suggests, you simply peel the backing off and stick on your walls. However, it’s not recommended to put it directly onto unprimed drywall or even matte paint. Your wall and paint might get damaged when you peel it off. For the sake of this demonstration, I’m just going to stick it onto this drywall. First, we need to wipe the wall with a cloth to get rid of any dust. Don’t peel off the entire sheet, just a couple of inches. Find a straight edge, and slowly remove the backing as you work downwards. You can use a cloth or plastic knife to smoothen it out. If you make a mistake, you might be able to remove and reposition it. Traditional wallpaper should ideally be installed by a professional. Peel and stick wallpaper is extremely simple to use and is DIY friendly. Traditional wallpaper is a superior product that has a longer lifespan. Peel and stick will only last you a few years. For that reason, traditional wallpaper is better for homes and residences where you plan on living for several years. Peel and stick is better in apartments as a temporary solution. Traditional wallpaper is more durable. It can handle humidity and moisture in kitchens and bathrooms. Peel and stick wallpaper is more susceptible to moisture and humidity. It can peel off the walls if your bathrooms aren’t properly ventilated. Irrespective of which wallpaper you choose, you must be careful of airtight products like vinyl wallpaper. Any dampness at all that is trapped behind the paper will not be allowed to evaporate out. This could turn to mold over time. Toxins produced by fungus growing on the wallpaper can contaminate the air leading to sick building syndrome and other health issues. When using vinyl wallpaper, it is best to prepare the walls by mixing some fungicide in the wallpaper paste.--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#wallpaper #interiordesign #renovation #homeremodel #homerenovation
Pier and Beam vs Slab Foundations | Which one should you choose? Belinda Carr 2022-03-31 | The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: https://skl.sh/belindacarr03221Two popular types of foundations are pier and beam and slab foundations. In this video, we’re going to look at how they are made, their upfront costs, long term costs, protection from the elements, where they should be used and whether one is better than the other. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:54 Pier and Beam2:05 Slab-on-grade3:15 Upfront costs3:46 Long term costs6:22 Sponsorship7:13 Protection8:30 Where to use9:06 ConclusionPier and Beam: A series of holes are dug in the ground, 5 to 10 feet apart. These holes must hit bedrock, which can be 4 feet below the surface or 50 feet. Large cardboard tubes are sunk into the soil. Plastic bases can be added to the bottom to increase the size and carrying capacity of the piers. This helps to ensure the piers won’t shift. Circular rebar cages are placed in the middle of the voids. These tubes must be perfectly straight and level. Next, the voids are filled with concrete and a base connection is embedded in the top of the pier. Beams are extended from one pier to another. These will support the joists and flooring of the home. Slab on grade or monolithic slab foundations are a newer construction method. First, the surface is leveled and a perimeter form is created for the foundation. 4 to 6 inches of gravel is spread inside. A layer of plastic sheathing is laid down to act as a moisture barrier. Engineered steel rebar reinforces the concrete foundation. Concrete is poured over the gravel and plastic sheathing and allowed to cure.Pier and beam and slab on grade foundations are mainly found in the southern parts of the US. Northern states have conditioned crawl spaces and foundations with basements. The reason slab on grade foundations are so popular nowadays is because it is easier to construct and it has a lower upfront cost compared to pier and beam foundations. But the lower upfront costs of slab foundations means higher long term costs, like foundation repair. Pier and beam foundations have individual piers and beam members, so it is easier to isolate foundation problems and it’s cheaper to repair. Slab on grade foundations can shrink, crack and even sink. They are more difficult and expensive to repair. Repairing electrical and plumbing issues is also easier and cheaper when you have a pier and beam foundations, thanks to the crawl space underneath. With a slab foundation, repairing any electrical and plumbing issues is a messy, destructive and expensive process. You have to jackhammer the slab and cut steel rebar to access any pipes. The lifespan on the concrete slab is lowered to get to the utilities underneath. Another feature to consider is the ability to add levels or stories to your homes. You could technically add additional piers and beams to support another level. You could also detach your pier and beam home from the foundation and move it to a completely different site.Unvented pier and beam foundations can be insulated with fiberglass or spray foam. This can help lower your energy bill and make your home feel more comfortable. Slab on grade foundations don’t have this problem. However, if you don’t use a vapor barrier underneath, moisture from the ground can seep through the concrete. Pests and rodents often seek shelter in crawl spaces and can build nests beneath your home. Slab on grade foundations don’t have this issue, but termites can enter through any cracks or openings. In terms of comfort, floors on pier and beam foundations sound hollow and squeaky. But, they are easier on your feet because they can flex. Concrete slab foundations are solid and quiet, but standing on them all day long can be tough on your feet.--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=fVwUl4cm8fQ youtube.com/watch?v=tCC1wKX58mM youtube.com/watch?v=c6_2tbCIq2M youtube.com/watch?v=2OYoDwNAA-Y youtube.com/watch?v=1MrQD2NamUE youtube.com/watch?v=UKNNAkfP_Xw --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#foundation #pierandbeam #slabongrade #foundationrepair #construction
Do you need a Vapor Barrier or Vapor Retarder? Belinda Carr 2022-03-23 | In this video, we’re going to discuss how vapor moves through these two, their different perm ratings, where they are used and how climate zones affect their installation.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:26 Diffusion0:59 Perm ratings3:05 Where to use4:18 Sponsorship4:58 Climate zones5:34 ConclusionDiffusion is the movement of water vapor molecules through porous materials, typically from the side with high vapor pressure or warm air to the side with low vapor pressure or cold air. In cold climates, water vapor moves from the warmer interior to the cooler exterior. In hot climates, water vapor moves from the warm exterior to the cooler interior. Vapor barriers like this plastic sheet keep rain out and stop vapor diffusion. Vapor retarders stop water but slow down vapor diffusion.Perm ratings measure the ability of a material to let water vapor pass through. The lower the number, the less likely it is to allow water vapor through. Class 1 materials are vapor impermeable or vapor barriers and have a perm rating of 0.1 or less. Some examples are glass, aluminum foil, cork, rubber or vinyl flooring, 6mil polyethylene, sheet metal and foil faced polyisoClass 2 materials are semi-impermeable and have a perm rating of 0.1 to 1. Some examples are vapor retarder latex paint, oil based paint, asphalt coated kraft paper, foil faced fiberglass insulation, 2” closed cell spray foam, 1” XPS and kraft paper on insulation Class 3 materials are semi-permeable and have a perm rating of 1 to 10. Some examples are 3” EPS, OSB or Oriented Strand Board, tar paper, 2” MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard, fluid applied vapor retarders, latex paint and plywood sheathingClass 4 materials are vapor permeable and have a perm rating of over 10. Some examples are wood siding, zip coating, plaster on metal lath, rockwool, cellulose insulation, brick and Tyvek Now let’s discuss where these are used. In the past, builders used plastic sheets behind drywall. Unfortunately, these vapor barriers caused mold to build up behind the wall, because vapor couldn’t escape. Products like thick XPS, polyiso and closed cell spray foam can also act as vapor barriers. There are certain instances where you’d want a vapor barrier in your wall. Interior pools or museums, which have high humidity levels need a vapor barrier to stop an excessive amount of vapor entering the walls. Even though vapor barriers aren’t used in walls anymore, they are still used underneath slab-on-grade foundations, under the concrete slab of basements, and under crawl spaces. Plastic sheets protect concrete from moisture in the ground. They are also resistant to corrosion and punctures. Two popular brands are ISI Building Products and Stego.Vapor retarders that also act as air and water resistive barriers are widely used on walls nowadays. They can either be peel and stick membranes or attached with staples to a substrate. Some examples are Siga, Delta and Zip system sheathing. Finally, the code requirements for vapor barriers and vapor retarders. These vary depending on the climate zone you live in. In warm climate zones 1,2,3 and 4, the International Residential Code does not require or prohibit the use of vapor retarders. You can use one exterior side to slow the movement of vapor. In cold climate zones 5,6,7 and Marine 4, code requires either a Class 1 or 2 vapor retarder on the interior side to limit the movement of vapor through the wall assembly. Any water vapor on the outside can still dry out provided your cladding is properly vented. So, the consensus is to avoid plastic sheets and vapor barriers. Water vapor is going to get in either through air or through your foundation. You can’t avoid it, so let the walls dry out by using vapor retarders. Another trend in the building science community is to prioritize air barriers and stop air infiltration. A study has shown that in most cold climates, over an entire heating season, a 4’x8’ sheet of drywall will let just ⅓ quart of water through by diffusion. But if that same sheet of drywall has a tiny 1 inch by 1 inch hole, moisture-laden air can sneak through and bring in 30 quarts of water.--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#vapor #retarder #zip #barrier #moisturecontrol #vaporcontrol
Granite vs Quartz Countertops | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-03-19 | Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/belinda - Enter promo code BELINDA for 83% off and 3 extra months for FREE!In this video, we’re going to learn how they are made, how they perform and whether one is better than the other. We’re also going to discuss the insane TikTok trend that will destroy your countertops and could lead to serious health issues. AirThings sensor: amzn.to/3IsdTjP(Affiliate link)Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:33 How Granite is made3:13 How Quartz is made4:49 Appearance5:26 Porosity6:09 Finishes6:24 Heat resistance6:38 Sponsorship7:27 Cost8:07 Density9:08 Environment10:56 ConclusionThe process of making a granite countertop starts with large chunks of stone. Steel wires embedded with synthetic diamond dust cut through the stone. The hardness of diamond makes it the most effective cutting material. Large quarry saws, which look like giant chainsaws, are also coated with diamond dust. Blocks of granite are transported to a factory where they are cut into thin slabs. One side of the slab is polished to reveal a unique and colorful surface. These slabs contain miniature cracks, microscopic holes and other defects. Epoxy resin is used to fill these imperfections. Diamond coated blades or high pressure jets of water cut the outline with the help of CNC machines. Unfortunately, it is a very energy intensive product. It can be mined in Brazil, shipped to Italy for cutting and polishing and then shipped back to the States for final install. It crosses the Atlantic twice before it reaches your home. To make countertops white and clear quartz are ground into a fine powder. This is mixed with plastic resins and colored pigments. It can also contain recycled glass and metallic flecks. The ingredients are mixed together to form a paste. It is poured into a large mold and sometimes shaped by hand to make the designs look more natural. The mold is compressed under immense pressure to form 1” thick slabs. It is then dried and baked to solidify the quartz. This process is called sintering. Any small pores and air pockets are sealed up in this stage. Once it cools down, the slab is polished to reveal the grain and veins. This is essentially an engineered, man-made stone. It should not be confused with quartzite countertops which are natural stone and more expensive. This is a fairly new product. It was invented in the 1960s and has recently become very popular because of its lighter color. Now let’s discuss the appearance of each. Granite is usually darker, busier and has more pattern and color, like Ubatuba, St Cecilia, Blue Pearl and Black Galaxy. Quartz countertops are usually more minimalist, lighter in color and have uniform designs like Calacatta Nuvo, White Attica, Gray Lagoon and Oceana. Granite is more porous. Red wine, sauces and oils can stain this material. It must be sealed regularly and cleaned often to prevent stains. Quartz countertops are supposed to be completely sealed. Granite is heat resistant. You can set a hot pan on this countertop and it will not scorch. Certain quartz brands are not heat resistant, they will scorch and burn if you set a hot pan on it. The prices of granite can depend on petroleum prices and tariffs because they are shipped from overseas. Granite’s price range is $60 to over $200 per sq ft. Quartz can be produced locally, and can cost $80 to $140 per sq ft. Their density and weight is pretty similar. Granite is a denser material, around 2.7 or 2.8 grams per cubic centimeter, while quartz measures 2.65 grams per cubic centimeter. As we discussed earlier, the manufacturing of granite countertops can be energy intensive. Quartz can use recycled materials and can be manufactured locally, so it is considered to be more “eco-friendly”. Both of these products will last you a lifetime if you take care of them and don’t give in to changing design trends and planned obsolescence. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=WxD1mVg1O3s Natural stone Instituteyoutube.com/watch?v=kwsL4olMW5M Spreadon Studioyoutube.com/watch?v=p-8vvfC8xrM Fulei Stoneyoutube.com/watch?v=9r7C5SD14Hw MrBScience_Technology--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#granite #quartz #countertop #comparison #diy #homerenovation #remodel #renovation #construction
Liquid Termite Treatment vs Bait Stations | What should you buy? Belinda Carr 2022-03-15 | What's the difference between Liquid Termiticide Treatment and Bait Stations? How do they work? How much do they cost? What's better for your home?We cover all those questions and more in this video!Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrWebsite: safehavenpest.comChapters0:00 Introduction0:29 Liquid Termite Treatment1:47 SafeHaven Pest Control2:38 Termite Damage3:10 Liquid vs Bait4:03 How it's installed4:39 How it works5:42 Where to install5:59 Cost7:38 Conclusion--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=DYPQ1Tjp0ew--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#termite #pestcontrol #termiticide #bait
Incandescent vs LED light bulbs | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-03-10 | But what’s the difference between incandescent and LED bulbs? Should we still use incandescents in certain cases? What are the downsides of using LEDs? We’re going to answer all those questions and more in this video.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:29 How incandescent bulbs work1:40 How LED bulbs work2:54 Uses3:54 Properties4:50 Sponsorship5:35 Cost6:18 Heat7:38 Color accuracy8:52 Blue light issues9:20 ConclusionLet’s start with how incandescent light bulbs work. The key component is a 6 foot long coiled piece of tungsten metal. Tungsten has a very high melting point and high resistivity. Electricity has a difficult time passing though. The tungsten atoms are heated up and electrons temporarily move to higher energy levels. When the electrons move back to their original energy levels, they release extra energy as photons or light. This phenomenon is called incandescence. Two nickel-plated copper wires hold up the tungsten filament. These are connected to the aluminum foot of the bulb and the screw threads. An inert gas like argon or krypton fills the glass bulb. Ordinary air would rapidly oxidize the filament and the bulb would burn out in seconds. Light Emitting Diode or LED bulbs work very differently. Their key component is a semiconducting material. They make up a diode that allows current to flow in only one direction. The n-type material has extra electrons and is negatively charged. The p-type material has electron deficient holes and is positively charged. Applying an electrical current to the diode pushes the atoms in both materials toward the junction area. Electrons move from the n-type material to the p-type material and release energy in the form of photons or light. In addition to the diode or chip, LED bulbs consist of a driver that regulates the input current, a heat sink that draws heat away from the chip, a socket or base and a lens made of durable plastic. Incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan of 1,500 hours after which the tungsten element burns out. LEDs bulbs have a longer lifespan of 30,000 hours. Related to this is the concept of planned obsolescence. Incandescent fixtures in the past had a separate base and bulb. When the bulb burnt out, you could easily replace it and continue using the fixture. Nowadays, ultra-thin recessed LED lights like this one are fully integrated. If it stops working, you cannot simply replace a bulb. Incandescent bulbs don’t have any electronics, so they can be used inside ovens or hoods. LEDs cannot withstand high temperatures so they should never be used in ovens. They can melt, release toxic fumes and cause health problems. Incandescent bulbs can take a while to warm up to their full brightness. Most LED bulbs are ‘instant on’ meaning that they will reach full brightness as soon as they are turned on. However, some cheap LEDs are sensitive to current. All incandescent bulbs are dimmable. They can range from 100% all the way down to 0%. Not all LEDs are dimmable. If you try to cut off a portion of the electricity, you will strain the driver within your LEDs and decrease its lifespan. You should always make sure to get a compatible switch for dimmable LEDs. Buzzing or humming is another common problem of LED lighting. It is mainly due to vibration of the electronic components inside the lamp. Incandescent bulbs are the purest artificial light source. Their spectrum is almost identical to daylight. The measurement of how colors look when lit by a bulb is called color rendering index or CRI. Incandescent bulbs have a CRI close to 100 or daylight. LED bulbs can vary drastically, from 80 to 98.Let’s end this comparison by talking about blue light issues. There is a lot of ongoing research into the side effects of using LEDS. They emit more blue light than incandescent bulbs, which are more on the red end of the spectrum. Blue light can cause a disruption in your circadian rhythm and negatively affect your ability to fall asleep. They can also trigger migraines, cause eye fatigue, nausea and vision loss in extreme cases.--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=6XxcVg2Dfck Thoisoi2 - Chemical Experiments--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#incandescent #led #lightbulb #lighting #remodel #renovation
Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-03-02 | Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the two most popular floor and wall tiles for residential and commercial construction. In this video, we’re going to clear up the issue by discussing their composition, quality, price and performance.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:35 Ingredients1:42 How it's made2:46 Properties3:53 Sponsorship4:32 Appearance6:11 Cost6:49 ConclusionThe first and most important is clay which is formed by the weathering of igneous rock. Clay minerals have layered crystalline structures. They develop plasticity when wet, but become hard, brittle and non-plastic when dried or heated. This property of clay allows tiles to be formed into different shapes. One type of clay mineral used for tiles is kaolinite. Rocks rich in kaolinite are called kaolin or white clay or china clay. Red kaolinite contains iron oxides. Ball clay is used to improve elasticity and strength. Another type of clay used is talc.The next ingredient is a filler like quartz, alumina or zirconia. These give tiles mechanical strength and shape. The third ingredient is feldspars. These are called aluminosilicates which contain aluminum, silicon and oxygen in addition to sodium, potassium or calcium. Some examples of feldspars are Albite, Orthoclase and Anorthite. Feldspars act as fluxing agents to reduce the melting temperature and fuse all the materials together.The raw ingredients are ground into a fine powder and then mixed in specific proportions by weight. They mixed with water to form a slurry. This is fed into an atomizer that dries the slurry and forms a fine powder. The powder is poured into a mold and pressed into tiles. It is then dried to reduce the moisture content. Designs and colors are printed on top of the tile and then liquid glass or glaze is sprayed on it. Finally, the tiles are fired in a kilnPorcelain tile is made of a finer clay and has a higher percentage of kaolinite which makes it stronger. Porcelain tile is also pressed up to 100,000 lbs per sq in, much higher than ceramic tile.In the kiln, water evaporates and the clay particles get hot enough to stick together. This process called sintering. Firing the tiles also changes silica into glass which flows into the gaps between the clay particles, sealing them up. This process is called vitrification. Porcelain tile is heated to 2400F or 1300C. Ceramic tile is heated to 2000F or 1100C. The Porcelain Enamel Institute or PEI rating determines the hardness of the top glaze and traffic level that a tile flooring can endure. Ceramic tiles have a rating between 0 and 3. Porcelain tiles have a rating between 3 and 5. TNow let’s look at the cross section of these tiles. This Traffic Master ceramic tile that I bought from Home Depot is lighter and less dense. It is made of a red clay with a picture printed on the top surface. When chipped, it reveals the red color underneath. This Marazzi porcelain tile is denser and a little heavier. It is made of a greyish white clay with a picture printed on the top surface. One of the clearest differences between ceramic and porcelain is its water absorption rate. Ceramic tiles have a rate of 2% to 20%, while porcelain is almost impervious to water with a low rate of 0.5%. This Traffic Master tile is 82 cents per sqft while this Marazzi Tile is $1.89 per sq ft. But, that doesn’t mean that ceramic tile is always inferior. As manufacturing processes continue to improve, it is getting very difficult to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile. Also, installation is very, very important. If you don’t use a cleavage membrane like a Schluter system, even expensive porcelain tiles can crack. I made a video on that a while back if you want to check it out later. If installed properly, tiles can last you a very long time. They are inert, non-toxic products that don’t contain any harmful chemicals and don’t off-gas. --------------------SOURCESyoutube.com/watch?v=dfo-Ndib_fg AVmakeyoutube.com/watch?v=tFCfqUCd_9I kanalReiseyoutube.com/watch?v=8hw4SrG0Zuc gayaforesyoutube.com/watch?v=-6UHfRXLwGI Ceratec Surfacesyoutube.com/watch?v=bk24Y83LBrY Ceramic Industries--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#ceramic #porcelain #tile #differences
Plywood vs OSB Oriented Strand Board | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-02-23 | Head to squarespace.com/belindacarr to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code BELINDACARRLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:49 How plywood is made2:24 How OSB is made3:51 Squarespace4:30 Properties5:35 Installation6:00 Cost6:37 Water resistance7:04 Health7:37 Fire resistance8:09 ConclusionThese two products were developed for the same reason; to replace solid wood, which is getting expensive and scarce. They are made of cheap, fast-growing and inferior softwoods but they perform just as well, if not better than solid hardwoods. Why? For 2 reasons, the resins and glue embedded inside and the orientation of the wood pieces. In this video, we’re going to look at how plywood and OSB are made, their main differences as well as their pros and cons. HOW PLYWOOD IS MADE. Tree trunks are placed on a conveyor belt and sent to debarkers. The machine removes the bark of the tree either with sharp-toothed grinding wheels or with jets of high-pressure water. To soften the wood, the logs are heated and soaked in hot water for over 12 hours. The ribbons are cut into 4x8 sheets and dried at 400F . Veneers are run through a glue curtain which coats all the sheets except the top most sheet. The veneers are layered crossgrain and put through a heavy press. This heats up the glue and binds the sheets together. Finally, the boards are cut to size.HOW OSB IS MADE. Trees are debarked then placed on a machine called a strander. This has a set of knives that cut the trees into strands of wood with a specific width, thickness and length. The strands are then dried to reduce the moisture content. After drying, the strands are filtered out into different sizes and blended in a rotating drum with resins and wax. OSB boards roll off the press and are allowed to cool down before being cut to the correct length and width.PROPERTIES. Now let’s look at the properties of plywood and OSBAppearance. Plywood is a very versatile product that can be found in different thicknesses from ⅛” to 3”. It can be made of several different wood products. OSB has a rougher appearance and surface texture. It can be found in thicknesses from ¼” to over 1”. Because it’s made of wood chips, it doesn’t have the same size constraints as plywood. INSTALLATION. Plywood seems to leave behind less sawdust when cut. Cutting OSB is messier and the edges are more prone to splintering. Both plywood and OSB hold nails and screws in place. WATER RESISTANCE. Plywood generally has better water resistance and dries out more easily but it is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture will cause rot. OSB has a reputation of performing poorly when exposed to moisture. The edges of this board swelled and it didn’t dry out as fast. However, OSB is constantly being improved. HEALTH. If these engineered wood products are used inside homes, the chemical binder can affect our health. Most plywood manufacturers use urea formaldehyde glue which can off-gas. OSB can use melamine fortified Urea Formaldehyde, Phenol formaldehyde and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. FIRE RESISTANCE. This piece PureBond plywood charred, but didn’t catch on fire. OSB charred more easily and gave off strong fumes. Some OSB beams burn 8 times faster than solid wood beams. ENVIRONMENT. They are both excellent man made or engineered wood products. They allow us to use lower quality wood, fast-growing. OSB is generally considered to be more sustainable because you can use wood chips instead of a whole sheet. Nothing goes to waste.--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=3z7LR8CNJ2M youtube.com/watch?v=ihT_6X85a18 youtube.com/watch?v=3Wh9NYvfStk youtube.com/watch?v=N3OkBxfN-UU--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#plywood #osb #sheathing #buildingscience #wood #construction
Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring | Everything you need to know! Belinda Carr 2022-02-16 | Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are two of the most popular flooring options in residential construction. In this video, we’re going to look at how they are made, their main differences as well as their pros and cons. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:16 Laminate flooring2:40 Luxury vinyl flooring5:08 Sponsored5:50 Differences7:03 Installation9:26 ConclusionLaminate flooring consists of several layers fused together under high heat and pressure.- The underlayment can be cork or foam. It acts as a vapor barrier, absorbs impact, evens out any surface irregularities, and distributes moisture away from the bottom layer of the flooring.- The bottom layer is a melamine or paper backer that provides foundation and water resistance. - The core layer is the most important and largest part of the flooring. It is made of MDF or medium density fiberboard or HDF which is high density fiberboard. - The pattern layer. It is created using a high resolution 3D photograph of real, natural wood grain. - The topcoat or wear layer which is a mixture of aluminum oxide powder, melamine and urethane. Now let’s look at how luxury vinyl planks are made. Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride or PVC was developed in Akron, Ohio in 1926 by blending it with various additives. It soon became the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic. The basic raw materials for PVC are derived from salt and oil. Electrolysis of salt water produces chlorine. Chlorine is then combined with ethylene that has been obtained from oil. The resulting element is ethylene dichloride, which is converted at very high temperatures to vinyl chloride monomer. These monomer molecules are polymerized forming polyvinyl chloride resin. The layers of luxury vinyl flooring are similar to those of laminate flooring.- The underlayment can be cork or foam. It evens out any subsurface irregularities.- The bottom layer or backing can be made of rigid fiberglass.- The core layer provides structure. It can either be SPC or stone plastic composite which is made of calcium carbonate, PVC and plasticizers or WPC or wood plastic composite which is made of a PVC mixture and wood flour.- The pattern layer is a high resolution digital image of wood, stone or tile.- The topcoat or wear layer is a clear, urethane based coating that makes the floor scratch and stain resistant.Ease of use - They are both DIY friendly and affordable with an easy click and lock assembly. The tongue of one plank is fitted into the groove of another at an angle and folded down. This draws the boards together. Acclimate - Laminate flooring needs to acclimate to the inside of a home for at least 48 hours before installation. It has to get used to the new temperature and humidity levels to avoid expansion or contraction. Vinyl flooring doesn’t need to acclimate at all.Tools - Laminate flooring is cut with a circular saw or table saw. Luxury vinyl can be scored with a utility knife, bent back and snapped into two. It can also be cut with a circular saw or table saw.Scratch resistance - The scratch resistance of laminate flooring depends on the thickness of the top layer and ac rating, which we discussed earlier. Luxury vinyl shows better scratch resistance. Water resistance - Water puddled on the surface of this laminate flooring and did not penetrate the top coat. Luxury vinyl showed the same water resistance.Uses - New, water resistant laminate flooring can be installed anywhere in a building, but flooring that isn’t water resistant shouldn’t be used in bathrooms, mudrooms or kitchens. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and can be installed anywhere.Fire resistance - The foam underlayment on laminate caught on fire easily and melted away. The MDF core charred but didn’t burn. Vinyl flooring melted and gave off very strong fumes. Health concerns - They also use phenol formaldehyde resins and glues that off-gas. In high concentrations, this can be a serious health concern. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=GHyiBeJeTJo youtube.com/watch?v=K_SakcETUi0youtube.com/watch?v=V7aeMUsULVU youtube.com/watch?v=sUhISNhSAA4 youtube.com/watch?v=tU_ZVfxssWo --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#laminate #vinyl #flooring #diy #luxuryvinyl
Insulation that STORES energy! | Phase Change Materials Belinda Carr 2022-02-04 | Have you ever wondered how ice keeps drinks cold? As the ice cube melts, it absorbs heat or thermal energy from its surroundings. The molecular vibrations of the ice increases and the cohesive bonds between the molecules break apart, which forms water. During melting, the temperatures of both are also the same and don't increase. That’s why the drink stays cold.www.roofing4us.comUse Promo Code Belinda5 to receive an additional 5% discount off your next order with Roofing4US.com.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:42 Phase Change Insulation1:50 How it works2:45 Advantages4:50 Sponsorship5:31 Uses6:28 Disadvantages7:04 ConclusionConversely, when water turns into ice, work is done by cohesive forces to bring the molecules closer together and reduce their vibrations. Energy or heat is released to allow them to stay together. This is called the latent heat of freezing.Phase change insulation comes in panels measuring 4′ x 1.5′ x 3/8″. They weigh less than 1 lbs per SF. The outer covering is made of conductive materials like thick aluminum foil. They hold separate cells of squishy phase change material or PCM. There are 3 main types of phase change materials:Organic materials like paraffin wax or non-paraffin like fatty acids, esters, alcohols and glycols. Inorganic materials like salt hydrates and metal alloys. Eutectics which are a combination of organic and inorganic materialsThis material works in 3 stages during the day.Absorb - When the sun rises in the morning, the semi-solid phase change material starts absorbing thermal energy to melt.Store - Throughout the day, the material continues to melt. It absorbs and stores up to 100+ BTU per square foot. Release - During the night, the phase change material prepares for a new day by returning to its solid state. Traditional forms of insulation like fiberglass, rockwool and foam resist the flow of heat by conduction, convection or radiation. Phase change insulation operates differently. They capture and store thermal energy or heat. In summer, they slow down indoor heat gain and in winter, they slow down heat loss. It has excellent fire resistance. Both the interior paste and aluminum film didn't catch on fire. It has a Class A Fire safety rating, Flame spread of 5, Smoke developed index of 5.The product is self-healing. In case a pocket is punctured, the material inside develops a thin, hard film that prevents the rest of the material from spilling out. The product is estimated to degrade less than 2% over 100 years. It comes with a 30 year warranty and guaranteed 20% energy savings for certain homes or buildings. This leads to lower CO2 emissions and lower water consumption. Its outer layers are recyclable and the inner components are non-toxic to both the environment and humans. It is odorless, it doesn’t off-gas or release any VOCs or volatile organic compounds.It is very easy to install this insulation. It is pliable, lightweight, and easy to handle. It doesn’t require any prep work, clean up, maintenance or extra machines and tools. It lays directly on top of existing insulation in attics, or on top of suspended ceiling tiles. It doesn’t need to be mechanically fastened with staples.Like with every product, there are some disadvantages. These mats don’t replace traditional insulation. They are used as a supplement. A pretty expensive supplement. They cost $3.50 per sq ft, but the price is expected to come down as production scales up.Phase change materials work best in temperate climates. They need to have moderate to large variations between daytime and overnight temperatures. They don’t work well in coastal tropical regions where there is little variation between daily temperatures.Phase change materials are not a silver bullet for better building performance. You have to consider the building orientation and available solar gain. They should be used with other energy efficiency measures, like improved levels of insulation, reducing drafts and efficient glazing. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=R6XtJ86Dwxw youtube.com/watch?v=xFRu2mt6SgQyoutube.com/watch?v=WGaNXmH4qg8 --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#phasechange #science #insulation #buildingscience #construction
Japanese BURNT wood siding | Yakisugi or Shou Sugi Ban Belinda Carr 2022-01-26 | Softwoods like pine take less time to grow than hardwoods like oak, so they are a more sustainable option. However, untreated softwood is susceptible to rot and mold, so it is typically not used outdoors. Well, that’s about to change. In this video, we’re going to understand how ancient Japanese techniques modify the components of wood to make them stronger and resistant to decay.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:44 Wood cells1:41 Yakisugi2:50 Thermowood4:17 Advantages5:53 Disadvantages7:03 ConclusionWood fibers are composed of several layers called cell walls. The 3 main components of a wood cell wall are similar to those of CMU block wallCellulose is like a concrete block. It is an important structural component.Hemicellulose is like the mortar, it is a supportive matrix that strengthens the cell wall. Lignin is like rebar. It is a mechanical support that provides resistance to stressesMoisture is responsible for the expansion and contraction of wood. It exists in 2 forms: free and bound water. Yakisugi is an ancient Japanese architectural technique that was used to preserve Japanese cedar or Sugi wood. This process of slightly charring the surface of the wood without burning the whole piece is called carbonization. It neutralizes the cellulose or carbohydrates in the wood which is a source of food. This makes it undesirable to termites, fungus, bacteria and pests. It is water-proof, fire-retardant and resistant to rot. It can last over 100 years with no intervention.Unfortunately this method was forgotten when cheaper wood alternatives flooded the international market. In the 1990s, the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, developed a new method of preserving wood, based on the Yakisugi method. They called it “Thermally modified wood” or ThermoWood. It is a 3 stage kiln process that uses only heat and steam. In phase 1, carefully selected dried wood with a moisture content of 12% is placed in a kiln. It is heated to 100-150 C for 48 hours. In phase 2, the temperature in the kiln is rapidly increased to 180-240C and plateaus for 4 hours. In phase 3, the temperature inside the kiln is decreased and steam is pumped in. This helps cool the wood and increase the moisture content of the planks to improve stability. Average moisture after this phase is 4-5%.This product has plenty of advantages.It is one of the most natural ways to extend the life of wood products. It is free of chemicals, so its more sustainable than traditionally treated lumberThe wood is gorgeous. It has a consistent dark appearance throughout, not just on the surface. It looks a little like caramelized sugar.Because the hydroxyl groups in the cells are decreased, it is water repellent. It is also fire resistant.It is dimensionally stable. It doesn’t expand or contract much, it doesn’t warp or cupBecause the natural acids and sugars are affected in the kiln, the wood is not a food source and is resistant to rot and mold. It is lightweight because of its low moisture content. In fact, it is significantly lighter than the greenish, pressure-treated outdoor lumber. It is maintenance free.It has a long lifespan of 20-30 years.We can use cheap, rapidly renewable pine wood to make long-lasting, outdoor rated products. Now, the disadvantages of thermowood. Thermal degradation & a lower moisture content makes it brittle.It is more expensive than untreated softwood, but around the same price as hardwoods, at least before the blip in lumber prices.It is not structurally sound and cannot come in contact with the ground.Some adhesives that rely on soaking into wood fibers to bond, may also not work.Because the wood goes through a lot of stress in the kiln, you must use premium grade planks without large knots.The wood shrinks about 5-10%, most of the loss of wood is from milling and machining--------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=IaDLoSJVVyghttps://www.youtube. com/watch?v=rzVoBog8A_4youtube.com/watch?v=SHfPrilXxUk youtube.com/watch?v=SK2XPI3ba_w youtube.com/watch?v=rkzG93t27UM--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#yakiusugi #japanesewood #sustainability #wood #woodconstruction
How Blockchain is Disrupting the Construction Industry Belinda Carr 2022-01-21 | Head to squarespace.com/belindacarr to save 10% off your firstpurchase of a website or domain using code BELINDACARRLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrWe are seeing the emergence of a second digitization revolution that could be centered around the new blockchain technology. Chapters0:00 Introduction0:37 First revolution1:16 Second revolution1:34 What is blockchain?3:13 Smart Contracts3:50 Sponsor4:27 Skilled Labor4:57 Payments5:36 Supply Chain Management6:28 BIM7:13 Drawbacks9:13 ConclusionBlockchain is a digital ledger that stores information in records called blocks. Each block has three main components: data like timestamped transactions or agreements, a hash which is a digital fingerprint or unique identifier and the hash of a previous block. These blocks are linked together chronologically, like a chain of blocks. You cannot make a change to the information in a block, instead you create a new block, chained to the last block. Cryptography makes the blockchain ledger secure. Each transaction is recorded using encrypted data. If someone tries to tamper with data, the change will result in a new hash. By comparing the two root hashes, users can see that the data is compromised. Another key advantage of the blockchain technology is trust. In order for business transactions to be executed, trust must exist between management and the employees of an organization and between an organization and its partners or customers. Trust isn’t built into the current version of the internet and we don’t trust each other. The current media attention and hype around blockchain is mainly due to cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. But that is just one way of using blockchain technology. Let’s look at some other practical applications in architecture and construction.SMART CONTRACTSConstruction projects usually involve a large number of companies. You typically have to wait to get contracts, change orders and addendums from all the parties. You have to pay all the companies involved and wait for their status reports. Blockchain allows us to set up smart, digital contracts with a centralized tracking system. The companies involved define the rules, deadlines, and penalties before the project starts. The blockchain automatically enforces these rules during the project. SKILLED LABORThrough blockchain, vendors and suppliers can use unique identifiers to record their performance and grow their reputation. LinkedIn listings and resumes are self-reported and unchecked but the blockchain is the “source of truth”. It can be easier to verify a company’s credentials and check their past roles before hiring them. You can vet candidates and identify recruits more easily.PAYMENTSLate payments and cash flow issues are continuing problems in the construction industry. Transactions between parties usually include invoice errors, payment errors, bank holidays, currency conversion fees, etc. The average payment time for small and medium sized companies is over 80 days. This can put the whole supply chain at risk. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENTThe fragility of our global supply chain has been exposed over the last two years. Blockchain systems can improve their robustness because materials are logged and traced, delivery time is easier, quicker and less bureaucratic. Dispute resolution is faster. You have better control of inventory and you can order and receive goods as needed which reduces waste. This can lead to lower costs and faster schedules. BIM & SMART ASSET MANAGEMENTBuilding Information Models can act as a single source and dashboard of all information. All the parties would be working to match the physical construction to the BIM model. Any deviation from the model would result in penalties. BIM models can contain supply chain information, source of materials, payment details, revisions, etc. By combining BIM and blockchain in smart contracts, you can make payments, send out material orders, hold subs accountable and improve transparency, communication and workmanship on a project. --------------------SOURCESyoutube.com/watch?v=Axj3essEW1Y youtube.com/watch?v=am_gEn267Ds youtube.com/watch?v=8lY4qaVvR8c youtube.com/watch?v=0O2E9bCpKDk --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#blockchain #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #construction #technology #disruption
PROS & CONS of Spray Foam Insulation | PART 2 Belinda Carr 2022-01-12 | Head to squarespace.com/belindacarr to save 10% off your firstpurchase of a website or domain using code BELINDACARRLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrIn my last video, we discussed the differences between open and closed cell polyurethane spray foam. Their chemical compositions, physical properties and performance. Today, we’re going to cover the pros and cons of both types of spray foam. I’m going to incorporate your feedback and answer your questions from the previous video. Chapters0:00 Introduction0:35 R Value1:05 Air Sealing1:39 Energy Savings1:58 Closed Cell Foam2:28 Lifespan2:51 Evolution4:03 Cost4:39 Sound Insulation5:46 R value6:14 Permanence6:42 Environment7:13 Fire resistance7:27 Building System8:39 Preparation10:12 ConclusionLet’s start with the advantages of spray foam. R VALUE - R value is the measure of resistance to the flow of heat. Open cell foam has a good R value of 3.5 per inch, but closed cell foam has an excellent R value of 6 per inch. AIR SEALING - 1 to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam can act as an air barrier while 3 to 3.5 inches of open cell spray foam acts as an air barrier.ENERGY SAVINGS - It is estimated to reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 40%. CLOSED CELL FOAM - Closed cell foam is good in areas prone to severe weather like flooding, storm surges and high windsEVOLUTION - The spray foam industry is constantly evolving because it is under unrelenting scrutiny.Now the disadvantages of spray foam.COST - Spray foam has a high upfront cost, around 3 times more than traditional fiberglass insulation. A rough estimate is 50 cents to 1 dollar per board foot of open cell spray foam and $1.5 to $3 for closed cell foam. SOUND - The hardened foam also binds layers together which couples the wall elements. This can increase sound transfer. R VALUE - Since the R value test is biased towards fibrous insulation, the spray foam may not meet the minimum code requirements. THERMAL BRIDGING - If you don’t use a layer of continuous insulation on the outside of a building, and only spray foam in between studs, those will act as a thermal bridge and reduce the overall performance of the wall assembly. PERMANENCE - Spray foam adheres to the substrate it is sprayed on and cannot be scraped off easily. Any renovations to the building’s structure in the future are going to be very difficult. ENVIRONMENT - Polyurethane spray foam is a long-term use plastic that plays a vital role in the decarbonization of homes. FIRE - Neither open cell nor closed cell spray foam are fire resistant. However, they do have some flame retardant chemicals. BUILDING SYSTEM - Spray foam needs an ERV or energy recovery ventilation system, a fresh-air ventilation system or a dehumidifier to draw clean, fresh air into a home and remove stale air. HEALTH - PPE or personal protective equipment is vital when using spray foam. Exposure to spray foam before complete curing can lead to asthma, sensitization, lung damage, breathing problems, skin & eye irritation. PREPARATION - If spray foam is undersprayed, it pulls away from sides, allows air infiltration and reduces R value. Overspraying can lead to messy floors and damaged studs.RATIO - An excess of Part A isocyanates will result in a glassy cell structure, brittleness or friability. It will easily break into smaller pieces. An excess of Part B resin will result in soft and spongy foam with a lower density than the manufacturer's specifications.But the one thing that terrifies me about spray foam is that it is not a DIY friendly product, despite what novices on YouTubers tell you. It is very messy and requires a lot of experience to get it right. Mixing the chemicals is an exact science with a small margin of error. Spray foam experts are trained for weeks on the proper methods of spraying. I’m worried about spray foam deteriorating or off-gassing behind a wall without you knowing. I was on the fence about spray foam’s future in the construction industry until I visited Ambit’s lab here in Dallas and spoke to the chemists. I have a whole new respect for the product. --------------------SOURCES:bettersoundproofing.com/does-spray-foam-insulation-reduce-noisepremiersprayfoamco.com/examples-of-bad-spray-foam-applicators--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#sprayfoam #insulation #proscons #fiberglass #rockwool #diy #diyremodel #flippedhouse #buildingscience #stem
Open vs Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation | Whats the difference? Belinda Carr 2022-01-06 | What's the difference between open and closed cell polyurethane spray foam insulation? In this video, we discuss how it's made, their performance and properties. We’re going to find out if one is better than the other and where you should use them.SPONSOR: Insulation4US.comUse Promo Code Belinda5 to receive an additional 5% discount off your next order with Insulation4US.comLink to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters:0:00 Introduction0:37 How it's made2:50 Appearance3:58 R Value4:46 Heat Transfer6:03 Water resistance7:07 Insulation4US7:53 Fire resistance8:53 Cost9:13 Uses Both open and closed cell polyurethane spray foam is made of 2 parts. Part A contains very reactive, low molecular weight chemicals called isocyanates which have a nitrogen-carbon-oxygen group. These can be methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). Part A is standard for all manufacturers. Part B is a proprietary blend of chemicals that provide unique properties in the foam. It contains a polyol which is an organic compound containing hydroxyl or OH- groups. It also contains initiating catalysts which help the reaction occur, curing catalysts that allows the reaction to continue to its completion, flame retardants that prevent the start or slow the growth of fire, blowing agents that form the gaseous part of the foam and surfactants that reduce surface tension of a liquid and encourage foaming.In open cell spray foam, the bubbles rupture, leaving behind only the struts or the points at which two bubbles touch each other. In closed cell insulation, the bubbles don’t rupture, creating interconnected closed pockets with trapped blowing agents. Open cell spray foam uses water as a blowing agent while closed cell spray foam needs a chemical blowing agent.Open cell spray foam expands over 100 times its liquid volume so it can insulate hard to reach nooks and crannies. It is oversprayed and then shaved down. It is soft and flexible. It has a low compressive strength and can be easily punctured and pierced. Closed cell spray foam expands about 30-40 times its liquid volume so it is good in tight spaces, where space is an issue. It is undersprayed because it cannot be shaved down easily. It is hard and doesn’t compress. Open cell density 0.4 to 1.2 pounds per cubic foot while closed cell spray foam has a density of 1.75 to 2 pounds per cubic foot.They have a high R value which is a measure of resistance to the flow of heat. The higher the number, the greater the insulating power. Because it doesn’t contain any trapped air, open cell spray foam has a lower R value of 3.5 per inch. Closed cell spray foam has a higher R value of 6 per inch. Open cell foam has a perm rating of around 15 for a 2” depth so it cannot block water vapor. Closed cell foam acts as a vapor barrier when thick enough, over 1.5”. It has a perm rating of less than 1 perm for a 2” depth. Both open and closed cell polyurethane foam are thermoset materials. They will char and flake when burned, but will not melt and drip like a foam coffee cup. They meet Class I fire standards, they have a flame spread index of less than 25 and a smoke developed index of less than 450. The cost of both open and closed cell foam has fluctuated wildly over the past year because of raw material shortages and supply chain issues. A rough estimate is 50 cents to 1 dollar per board foot of open cell spray foam and $1.5 to $3 for closed cell foam. Open cell is good for soundproofing. It has about twice the sound resistance in normal frequency ranges as closed-cell foam. Open cell is better in warm climates where the inside of the structure needs to be kept cool. In the states, that includes climate zones 1 to 4. Closed cell foam which has a higher R value is better in cold climates when the inside of the structure needs to be kept warm. In the states, that includes climate zones 5 to 8 and marine 4. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=qSO-UyVXiRcyoutube.com/watch?v=e22R6jdeQSs youtube.com/watch?v=DP_Jm6gwY3Iyoutube.com/watch?v=j9dhRJb6Hqw--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#sprayfoam #polyurethane #insulation #construction #architecture #design #designer #buildingscience #opencell #closedcell #fiberglass #rockwool
I tried a fully mechanical EXOSKELETON! | Ottobock Belinda Carr 2021-12-24 | I recently visited Ottobock’s facility in Austin Texas to try their Paexo Back and Shoulder exoskeletons. These are purely mechanical or passive devices that do not use an external power source. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:49 Ottobock Back2:15 Advantages3:10 Ottobock Shoulder4:18 Advantages4:38 Other exoskeletons5:19 Concerns7:09 Conclusion The Paexo Back is fairly easy to put on. It has 2 shoulder straps, a hip belt, chest strap and two thigh straps. It weighs only 4.5 kgs or 10 lbsWhen custom fit to your body, it takes less than 20 seconds to put on and take off. It fits both men and women and is individually adaptable to S M L XL sizes. A mechanical clutch at hip level can be turned to differentiate between walking and lifting. You can also adjust the degree of support for different loads. It works on a biomechanical principle. When you bend over to pick up an object, load is taken off at the shoulder and transferred to the thighs and legs via bars. Energy is stored in an expander-spring. It absorbs force when bending, releases it when lifting. I felt an energy boost when straightening up. It also corrected my posture and kept my spine straight. When I turned the hip clutch off and lifted one of those 20 lb boxes, I felt a big difference in the weight. It is made of a various materials like aluminum, titanium, carbon and plastic. It is lightweight and unobtrusiveSince it is only mechanical and not battery powered, it works without an external power source, and doesn't need to be charged. It can provide relief of up to 55lbs/25kg. It protects the lower back and spine, prevents injury to muscles and discs and reduces stress and fatigue. All the fabric pieces are removable, washable, and reusable. Because of the custom fit, it cannot be easily shared between workers. Companies can rent 3 Paexo Back systems for 6 weeks for $3900Or you can purchase one for $6900Next, I tried on the Paexo Shoulder. This one was easier and more intuitive than the first exoskeleton I tried on. It has two shoulder straps, one hip strap, a chest strap and two arm supports. After unhooking the magnetic closure, I pulled the arm cuff down, strapped it tight. It transfers a portion of the arm weight to the pelvis through a hip belt. A support bar and arm bar that are connected through a hinge joint. A passive spring actuator generates support torque in this joint. The lack of rigid components allows you to freely move your arms and upper body. It weighs only 1.9 kgs or 4 lbs. It can also be adjusted to different body sizes. Raised arms are held up by an innovative expander tech. It is best for overhead work as it relieves strain on the shoulder joints and upper arms. It can be used during neurosurgical operations, for overhead work on assembly lines, painting ceilings, sanding, drywalling, electrical installation and plaster construction. Just like the Paexo Shoulder, it is a purely mechanical or passive system that doesn’t require any external power source. Ottobock also makes Paexo thumb that protects the tip of the thumb against mechanical influences. It comes in 7 different sizes and costs $450 or 400 euros Paexo Wrist bridges and protects wrists when holding welding equipment, installation generators, etc. It costs $170 or 150 eurosPaexo soft back supports the lower spine when standing during extended assembly tasks. It costs $280 or 250 eurosPaexo neck relieves the neck region and cervical spine. It also costs $280 or 250 eurosThe 2 systems I tried are cheaper and lighter than active, battery powered exoskeletons but they are not as powerful. Some souped up exoskeletons by other manufacturers can make 10 lbs feel as light as 5 pounds. Exoskeletons seem cool and futuristic, but their novelty can quickly wear off if they are a hindrance. Companies are not likely to invest thousands of dollars on “grunt workers” even though their work is vital. That being said, Hilti has teamed up with Ottobock on their Exo-01 shoulder support exoskeleton to reduce physical strain on construction workers. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=PyMmqhT7lPkyoutube.com/watch?v=MlHV4_mMn9wyoutube.com/watch?v=CKvEBWaPd2I--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#exoskeleton #robot #constructionrobot
How to replace lights with SMART ceiling fans | Hunter Belinda Carr 2021-12-22 | When we moved into our 1970s home a couple of months ago, the bedrooms and offices didn’t have any fans, just lights. I reached out to Hunter and they sent over some Aerodyne and Stylus fans to install and review.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrTap & Die set (affiliate link): amzn.to/3EdqftOChapters0:00 Introduction0:57 Aerodyne fan2:35 Tap & die fix3:45 Remote issues4:05 Stylus fan5:59 App control6:59 ConclusionHunter fans (Not affiliate links)Aerodyne fan $180 : bit.ly/3yIUs2UStylus fan $350 : bit.ly/33KJpLfThey both have 5 blades and are 52 inches in diameter. These simple connect wifi ceiling fans can be controlled with the Hunter app, Alexa, homekit and Google home. Their SureSpeed fan blades have an innovative aerodynamic design that pushes air more effectively than standard flat blades. The optimized motor in these 2 fans leads to 33% more airflow velocity with less energy use.Everything in the Aerodyne box was neatly packaged and easily recognizable. Before beginning any work, I turned off the correct breaker and tested all the wires. After taking down the light fixture in my office, I realized that the old 3.5” electrical box was not going to work with my new fan. I had to run to home depot to buy a 4” diameter box. Make sure it is fan rated. Do not buy an ordinary electrical box that says “not fan rated”. Back home, I cut the drywall with a jab saw, screwed the new electrical box into a joist and made sure it was secure. - I passed the hot, neutral and grounding wires through the side and screwed in the ceiling bracket to the box. - I removed the 2” downrod and installed the 3” downrod instead so the fan wouldn’t sit so close to the ceiling.- After hanging the motor on the ceiling bracket, I cut the wires to the right length and stripped the insulation off the end. - Here’s where things got frustrating. I wasn’t able to install the blades because at least 6 of the screw sleeves were too small. - I had to buy this $30 screw tap set off Amazon to increase the diameter of the sleeves. - This was time consuming, but it fortunately fixed the problem. I was finally able to install all 5 fan blades. - The last steps involved assembling the light kit, screwing in the 2 LED light bulbs provided in the box and installing the glass cover. 3 months on, this $180 Aerodyne in my office works really well. It wobbled a bit in the beginning, like most fans do, so I used the balancing kit provided in the box which fixed the problem. I really like the sleek, modern design too. But the quality control issues are concerning. I installed 2 Aerodyne fans and I had to use this Screw tap set both times because the screw sleeves were too tight. The remote also broke. While the Stylus fan remote uses AA batteries, this one uses a coin cell battery that popped off. The fan doesn’t have any manual overrides, so Hunter sent me this universal remote kit to fix the issue. I think I’m just going to try to solder this back on. Next up, the Stylus fan. The housing is larger and bulkier and the fan blades have an interlocking design. - Since the electrical box was the right size, I was able to secure the ceiling bracket to it.- I removed the 2” downrod and installed a 12” downrod since the ceiling in my living room is at around 9’- After hanging the motor on the ceiling bracket, I cut the wires to the right length and stripped the insulation off the end. - The interlocking blade design was better than the first fan. I didn’t have any issues with undersized screw sleeves. - I installed the light kit, the 2 LED light bulbs provided in the box and the glass cover.3 months on, they’re quiet, functional and look great, but I expected a lot more for the price. I don’t see a big difference in quality compared to the cheaper Aerodyne fans. They make loud, annoying popping noises when changing speeds and also randomly in the middle of the night which wakes us up. I think the interlocking blades shift, so the designers might want to include a rubber gasket in between for future designs. The light cover is also not secured in place with screws, so it sometimes rattles.--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#diy #homeremodel #budgetremodel #renovation #diyremodel #fan
Can Mycelium Fungus replace Concrete & Plastic? Belinda Carr 2021-12-08 | One promising solution to plastic pollution is mycelium or mushroom packaging. It is made of 2 ingredients: mushrooms and hemp. Mycelium is the underground network of very durable, thread-like filaments called hyphae. It is mixed with agricultural waste like wood chips, oat hulls, cotton burrs or hemp hurds. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:00 How its made2:43 Products4:32 Advantages5:30 Disadvantages6:19 Myths7:12 ConclusionOne of the largest mushroom packaging manufacturers in the world is Ecovative Design, a New York based biotech company founded in 2006. They sent me these samples of their product. Their manufacturing process is pretty straight forward. Their designers create a 3D CAD model of custom packagingA CNC machine routes the design into MDF.Plastic trays are thermoformed around the MDF pieces. The tray is filled with their proprietary hemp hurd and mycelium blend. It is allowed to grow for 4 days in a controlled environment with regulated temperatures, airflow, CO2 and humidity levels.It is popped out of tray and allowed to continue growing for 2 more days to create a velvety layer of overgrowth The packaging is then heat treated to dry out, kill spores and stop the growth processThis material can last for 30 years in dry, temperature controlled indoor environments. It is also 100% biodegradable and a nutrient for soils and plants. When broken down into 1 cubic centimeter pieces, it will compost in just 45 days. In the ocean, it will compost in 180 days. In 2014, a 40 ft or 12 meter high tower was built in New York by The Living, an architectural design studio, Ecovative and Arup. 10,000 bricks made of mycelium and corn stalks were stacked to form 3 interwoven chimneys. In 2019, a drum-shaped temporary pavilion was designed in the Netherlands. It was composed of a timber frame, actively growing mushroom wall panels and seating made of agricultural waste.Biohm, a UK based startup, has developed a mycelium insulation panel that outperforms traditional insulation like rockwool and fiberglass in terms of thermal capacity, fire resistance and acoustic performance. ADVANTAGESMushroom packaging and other mycelium based products are non-toxic and free of VOCs and formaldehydes. This product consumes a tenth of the energy of foam, and emits an eighth of the amount of greenhouse gases. It is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified. It is an excellent example of a sustainable, circular economy product. It is quite spongy so it can protect fragile materials just as well as petroleum-based foam. Ecovative claims that it is a cost, time and performance competitive solution to plastic packaging. Mushroom Packaging is naturally hydrophobic or water resistant. Water droplets roll right off and do not soak through. This makes it an ideal material for packing cold items and ice packs that can melt. However, prolonged exposure to moisture and high humidity will lead to mold. Due to the inherent properties of mycelium, this material is a class A fire retardant and has a very low flame spread of 20.DISADVANTAGESIt is not very strong. It has a compressive strength of just 18 psi so it cannot be used as a structural material. It also has a short lifespan of 20 to 30 years. It can’t be used as food storage containers, so it won’t replace styrofoam right now. Since it is such a new technology, the few companies that produce these have patented the production process which is a barrier to entry. The super low cost of plastic production is unfortunately a huge deterrent to the future of this technology. Plastic also offers a lot of advantages like long term water resistance and a long lifespan. The plastic industry has been complacent for too long and has avoided setting up an extensive recycling network. I hope competition will force them to be more responsible. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=umM21vFIc7Y youtube.com/watch?v=I_fUpP-hq3A youtube.com/watch?v=R__xk0-z7lgyoutube.com/watch?v=i7FCkK44UcY nytimes.com/2014/06/25/t-magazine/moma-young-architects-program.html --------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#mycelium #mushroom #plasticpollution #plastic #livingbuilding
Fibonacci 3D printed house | Good, Bad & Ugly Belinda Carr 2021-12-06 | Eight hours away from Calgary, in a small community called Procter sits a curious-looking 3D printed concrete house. This is the Fibonacci house built by Twente Additive Manufacturing or TAM. It is a 35 m2 or 375 ft2 tiny house, shaped like an extruded Fibonacci spiral. Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction0:58 How it's made3:58 Good6:25 Bad7:26 Ugly7:59 ConclusionAn outline for the foundation was printed in the factory in separate parts. Insulating foam was sprayed inside and outside the foundation perimeter. Concrete was pumped over the foam and levelled off. Next, 20 separate wall pieces were 3D printed in the factory. The house was made with K1 concrete mix, with an accelerant mixed into the concrete. All you need to do is add the right amount of water and pump it out of one nozzle. Polyurethane foam insulation was sprayed in the cavity in 12 to 14” increments to ensure complete curing. The house was painted with a grey elastomeric paint with 300% elasticity for additional water repellency and to bridge microfractures. Two 3d printed concrete columns in front of the house support a massive wooden canopy. These were printed with a more expensive K2 concrete mix, where an accelerant was added right before pumping, at the nozzle. The walls were printed and installed in 5 weeks by 4 workers for $6000. However, finishing the rest of the house brought the total cost up to $100,000. An open plan kitchen and living space are on the first floor of this tiny home, with a shower room tucked inside the narrowest part of the spiral -shaped floor plan. The upper level is reached by a ladder. It can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. This is the first fully 3d printed home on airbnb.Let’s discuss all the good things about this project. The Fibonacci house is not just form for form’s sake; they chose a spiral because it would have been very expensive to make this shape with traditional formwork. Printing a curved wall with different radii is not an issue when using a 3D printer. TAM even 3D printed a sculptural table leg and bathroom sink to show off the versatility of the robot. The front door handle is in the shape of a Fibonacci spiral. The quality of the 3D printed beads is excellent. They were straight and even, with very few wobbles. They have printed staircases on sloped land and a modern day stonehenge with sculptures and seating. They have 3D printed a small section of a wall with minimal connections to reduce thermal bridging. When we visited their factory, they were printing concrete wall shingles. They are very transparent and aren’t afraid of showing their mistakes. They showed us how much work goes into cleaning 3D printer nozzle heads and machines: an essential phase that every other 3d printing company hides. There are a couple of bad things about this project. The lack of adequate insulation at the perimeter of the foundation makes the floor very cold. I use a FLIR thermal imaging camera to see how much heat was lost at the base of walls. Concrete wants to expand and contract at the same spot. Since the house was designed with offset joints, visible cracks have formed on the exterior wall. Also, despite being made from a single 3D model, the curved walls do not align. Inside, many electrical outlet plates are loose.Now, the ugly. Like I said earlier, the people working for TAM are extremely creative and willing to learn, but they aren’t trained architects, engineers, construction managers or experts in this field and it shows. The beautiful, fun concrete shingles have gaps in between and are screwed directly over Tyvek. There’s no flashing at the top of the windows or the door. There are large gaps at the front door which lets in cold air and bugs. We killed about 50 spiders in 3 hours before bailing. There’s a quote that “repetition leads to mastery”. We can’t do something once, be satisfied with an average outcome and move on. The house and all the other projects on their site are fun and have so much potential, but they are desperately lacking refinement. I see TAM as a jack of all trades and a consultant to many other businesses in the 3D printing industry. But I’m not sure what they are best at and what they want to focus on.--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#shipppingcontainer #containerhomes #homelessness #housingcrisis #architecturefails
Built to FAIL | Planned Obsolescence Belinda Carr 2021-11-28 | Planned obsolescence is a business strategy in which items are designed to be obsolete, unfashionable, unusable, or defective in a short period of time. This results in us throwing away things that are basically new, purchasing replacements at a higher price point with new features. It also results in higher profit margins for manufacturers and an economy driven by rabid consumerism.Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_CarrChapters0:00 Introduction1:34 Contrived Durability2:55 Prevention of Repairs3:58 Systemic Strategy4:53 Programming/Design5:59 Legal Intervention6:34 Perceived obsolescence7:29 Layers of Change8:18 ConclusionCONTRIVED DURABILITY Manufacturers purposely reduce the lifetime of a product so that it deteriorates quickly, usually right after the warranty ends. Homes are designed to meet the minimum Building Code requirements. Builders use nails to secure walls to roof rafters instead of more durable metal straps. They also use nails to anchor walls to a foundation rather than more expensive bolts. All these decisions can collectively reduce the lifetime of a building. PREVENTION OF REPAIRS Unibody designs or soldered parts prevent owners from repairing products. Replacement parts are also expensive and difficult to find. This has turned traditionally durable goods into single-use, disposable items. Panasonic’s infrared toaster oven has an on/off switch that is soldered to the circuit board. Frontloading washing machines have a drum bearing that is prone to wear and tear. Finally, spray foam. When applied correctly, it can create an air-tight building but electrical wiring and plumbing is embedded in the insulation, which will make home repairs and remodels a nightmare. SYSTEMIC STRATEGY deliberately ensures that the current version of a product will become outdated and incompatible with newer versions. In January 2020, the EPA banned the production of R-22 refrigerant or freon, which was widely used in air conditioners. This is a good thing for the environment but the ban has made repairs ridiculously expensive. Another example of systemic strategy is changing floor designs.PROGRAMMING/DESIGN can also lower the life expectancy of materials. In many cities, it is illegal to shut off water supply at the curb without permission from the utility company but not every house has a valve inside. Foundation repair is a HUGE business in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Homes have either had foundation repairs or will need it in the future. Despite knowing this, most homes have a slab-on-grade foundation instead of a pier and beam one. LEGAL INTERVENTION I made a video a while back on all-electric homes. In the 1960s, coal burning furnaces were banned. New homes that only used electricity were given a “Gold Medallion”. Ironically, these medallion homes were powered by coal burning power plants, so they were not “clean” in any way. PERCEIVED OBSOLESCENCE We are guilty of buying into marketing campaigns and changing trends. We are guilty of becoming shopping addicts and indulging in retail therapy. We recently bought a 1970s home that has a 40 year old HotPoint stove top and GE microwave that still work. Sure, they’re not trendy, but they’re functional. There is nothing I can buy to replace them that will work for the next 40 years.LAYERS OF CHANGE Site remains forever barring any natural disasters, structure lasts 50-100 years, skin lasts 20-50 years, services 10-30 years, space plan 5-10 years and stuff, furniture lasts 1-5 years. Homes are designed such that a longer-lasting component is dependent on a shorter lived one. Both manufacturers and consumers are to blame for the current state of affairs. The dopamine and serotonin release from buying new gadgets is very addictive. But that feeling is being weaponized by manufacturers through planned obsolescence. --------------------SOURCES:youtube.com/watch?v=ZSK2irJ6XgEstructuremag.org/?p=12933youtube.com/watch?v=T2s38Dg8s4gyoutube.com/watch?v=MLdDjT-XSgIdebugger.medium.com/a-troublesome-toaster-reveals-why-we-need-a-repair-revolution-309afe14223--------------------Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffyMusic promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/OM9G3nyLT_w---------------------Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you#diy #plannedobsolescence #remodel #renovation
