The evolution of building codes
Rules for safe building have their roots in ancient times
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
Some may ask “why and when did building codes evolve?” Did it all start in the 1920s or later?
Well, we need to go back to a time when a Babylonian emperor named Hammurabi enforced his own code called the Hammurabi code. This was around 1800 BC. His thinking was if a builder built...
Smoke detectors: the right one could save lives
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
Here’s a hot topic: smoke detectors.
All new residences are required to have smoke detectors. They must be hard wired with a battery backup. The location in a single family home goes like this:
One in each bedroom, one in the hallway, one on each level, and one in the basement.
If one is activated all of the alarms will sound. The idea is...
Sun rooms: let the sun shine in
What to know to add some light to your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
How did sunrooms come about? It all started with the porch, and when the time came for a barbecue people had to put up with all kinds of insects. So they started to install screening on their porches and with a little bit of framing, the insect problem was taken care of. Then, in the 1960s a trend...
‘Countering’ those kitchen questions
Lots of options for those kitchen and bathroom counters
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
Centuries back man didn’t have many options as far as counter tops. They probably cut down a huge oak tree and started working the daylights out of it to come up with something that was feasible. As far back as I can remember, people used tile or Formica. But today we have a few more...
Iron railings: timeless beauty and durability
Ornamental Iron Work can enhance the look of your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
When I was growing up I remember an iron railing and guardrail set up in my house. In fact most of my friends in the neighborhood had the same model house and they also had iron railings. As kids we would climb all over it maybe four or five kids at a time, and it never budged. So, iron...
ADA: a major issue for public-use buildings
While your single-family home doesn’t have to handicap accessible, your business might need to be
By John D’Annunzio, columnist, KennettTimes.com
The Americans with Disabilities Act came about due to the increasing need for people with disabilities to have access to facilities that are used by the general public. Since the inception of the ADA guidelines for buildings have changed to...
Under cover: Roof shingles and attic ventilation
The right kind of roof and ventilation can keep you cool and dry
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
Let’s talk about the most commonly used shingles: organic asphalt shingles. They last about 18 to 20 years. The only problem with them is that in time they can cup in very humid and wet climates. Try to purchase a shingle with an algae resistant coating. There is an asphalt...
Let’s talk about something cool
When the thermometer hits the triple digits, you better know how to keep your AC unit happy
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
In this edition I will talk about three subjects, how air conditioning systems work, how to maintain them and saving tips on electricity.
Air conditioners have several parts; the unit outside of a building is called the condenser or compressor. The...
Swimming Pool Safety: A little common sense can avoid a nightmare
Missing the obvious can lead to tragedy
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
We learn early on in life about common sense issues. When I build a house or garage or just about any thing that arises in life common sense helps me avoid problems. Should I add another joist over here? Strengthen this wall here? Check the air in the tires when leaving on a long trip?
The answers to these...
Lightning, Ben found out the hard way
You’d be shocked how much damage lightning can cause
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
This article is about lightning strikes to buildings and lightning rod systems. To understand the way a lightning rod works, however, we should first take a look at how lightning develops.
It all starts when a cold and warm air mass clash together causing a thunderstorm. There is positive...
