A flue is a metal pipe used to carry smoke and fumes out of a building’s living space. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. Metal flues can be installed inside damaged masonry fireplaces to avoid dangerous chimney fires. In new construction, metal flues are often installed within walls and vented outside. Modern heating systems require […]
Balloon frame is a wooden frame used in construction to build buildings. It consists of wooden studs, plywood, and rafters. The term “balloon frame” came from critics who thought it was fragile, but it allowed for rapid construction and shipping of homes across the US. It did not require skilled workers and used nails to […]
Neuroarchitecture explores the impact of man-made structures on the human nervous system and brain. It uses neuroscience to evaluate the effects of different elements on the body’s central nervous system. The Neuroscience Academy for Architecture promotes research on the relationship between buildings and the human body. Neuroarchitecture is a discipline that seeks to explore the […]
Angle blocks are tools used by wood or metal workers to cut materials at specific angles. They consist of precision-engineered metal triangles and can be used to measure angles, locate objects, and install them in the correct position. Angle block sets contain a variety of triangles with different angles, and more expensive sets offer greater […]
A fire alarm control panel displays the location of fire fighting equipment, including smoke detectors, fire alarm switches, and sprinkler systems. It is used in commercial buildings and can detect open doors and windows. The panel helps determine where a fire is in a building and can automatically call the fire brigade. It must comply […]
A blackout is a loss of electricity in a large area caused by short circuits, overloaded power grids, or environmental factors. Brownouts are a decrease in voltage that can damage devices. Backup systems are used to ensure public safety during blackouts, and restoring power can be challenging. The US is upgrading its power grids to […]
Hoists can only move objects vertically, while cranes can move them horizontally and in three dimensions. Cranes can also be converted for other tasks, while hoists are only designed for lifting and lowering loads. Hoists are often used as sub-components of cranes. The main differences between a hoist and a crane are the ways each […]
Brick construction is a durable and safe way to build structures, with many techniques available for creating houses, fireplaces, walls, walkways, and patios. Common techniques include Flemish bond and stretcher bond. Brick fireplaces are difficult to build but visually appealing, while brick walkways and driveways use ornate patterns. Brick patios offer a stable outdoor space […]
Backsaws are hand saws with a strip of steel or brass running along the back of the blade, making them suitable for cutting wood and creating joints or grooves. They are smaller than a table saw and come in two specialized versions: the tenon saw and the dovetail saw. Backsaws should be used with a […]
Greenwashing is when companies falsely claim environmental responsibility to appeal to consumers’ growing concern for sustainability. It can be difficult for consumers to distinguish between truthful advertising and greenwashing, but clues such as donation records and consistency can help. Many companies in traditionally environmentally controversial industries have launched greenwashing campaigns, making it difficult for truly […]
Sustainable building materials are made from recycled or renewable resources, such as lumber, stone, metal, bamboo, cork, and straw. Reclaimed lumber is the most commonly used recycled material, but it may contain harmful chemicals. Natural materials can also be reclaimed, but may contain volatile organic compounds. Bamboo and cork are easily renewable and gaining popularity. […]
Furfural is an organic chemical made from agricultural by-products and used in industrial products such as herbicides, fungicides, and solvents. It is made through acid hydrolysis and is soluble in water, ether, and ethanol. Exposure to furfural can cause irritation to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. It was first developed in 1832 and is […]
A 5-in-1 painter’s tool combines five different tools into one, including a spreader, scraper, putty knife, crack repairer, and paint remover. It is small and easy to carry, with metal being the most durable material. It has a long handle with teeth for spreading paint and a flat edge for scraping and spreading other substances. […]
Demand Flow® Technology is a manufacturing process that uses just-in-time inventory, lean manufacturing, and six sigma efficiency standards to produce products based on customer demands. It requires employees to move from station to station as workflow demands and is geared towards product runs designed to fulfill current customer orders. The methodology reduces lead times by […]
Logging involves felling trees and turning them into consumer products. Safety measures have improved with modern equipment, including reapers, harvesters, and log carriers. Sawmills now use computers to maximize efficiency. Lumber harvesting, the more modern term for logging, is the act of felling trees, removing them from the forest, and ultimately turning them into consumer […]
Ballistic nylon was developed in the 1940s for military troops’ protection, but it was not bulletproof. It has been used in luggage, jackets, belts, watch bands, sports equipment, and kayaks. Ballistic nylon is a material developed in the 1940s specifically for protection and abrasion resistance. Best known for being used in body armor for military […]
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a semi-automatic welding process that uses a constant power source to weld materials such as steel and aluminum. It was first developed in the early 19th century and is widely used in industries such as auto manufacturing. GMAW requires a welding gun, wire feed unit, electrode wire, and shielding […]
A punch list is a list of tasks that need to be completed to meet the terms of a construction contract. It can be created during the final stages of construction and can include anything from cleaning up scraps to finishing touches. The list can be managed as a written or electronic checklist and is […]
An awl is a simple tool used to mark hard surfaces, typically made of a metal point with a handle on one end. It is used to indicate the location for the next job and leave noticeable marks. There are different types of awls, including scratch awls, bradawls, and stitching awls. An awl is a […]
Impeller pumps use blades to push fluids at high pressure and velocity through pipes, making them ideal for manufacturing and personal use. They allow for high pressure and volume across multiple outlets, require little maintenance, and can operate under extreme conditions. Modern advancements have led to benefits in various aspects of life. An impeller is […]
