Even though you can’t see it in a finished building, rebar is an essential component of much modern construction. It can pose serious safety hazards, however, and workers should be trained to avoid these dangers. Rebar is also used as grounding electrodes. To find out more about the uses and dangers of this product, check out our new article on rebar.

Tyvek® is a brand of synthetic, high-density polyethylene fiber used in a variety of applications, such as clothing and wristbands. Inspectors are probably familiar with Tyvek® coveralls and housewrap, which are are lightweight, chemical-resistant and somewhat fire-resistant. While the material is non-toxic and generally harmless, it can build a static charge while being handled, which can be dangerous in flammable environments. To find out more about this remarkable product, check out our new article on Tyvek®.

Standpipes are simple, inexpensive devices used to mitigate or prevent flooding in basements. Broken seals and lack of watertightness are common defects, and some sources state that standpipes can cause serious structural damage in certain situations. To find out more, check out our new article on standpipes.

Mold remediators are adapting high-strength, industrial cleaning methods to use in homes.  InterNACHI inspectors who offer mold inspections can read all about Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation, and how this technique can benefit their clients whose homes are contaminated with mold.

How is this new, innovative drywall different from traditional drywall?  Read about the pros and cons, as well as installation challenges, in our new article on Paperless Drywall.

Learn how evaporative coolers work, and the pros and cons of using them instead of traditional air conditioners, by reading Evaporative Coolers.

Did you know that GFCIs were first developed in the 1950s for use in South African mines?  They’ve undergone many technological upgrades over the decades.  The NEC requires them in new construction to protect against electrical shock.  Read all about it in GFCIs.

Most modern fireplaces in homes today are based on an 18th-century innovation.  Click on “Factory-Built Fireplaces” and learn about the differences and similarities they share with traditional masonry fireplaces.

EIFS is a great innovation for a home’s skin, but it can suffer the negative effects of water intrusion just as traditional stucco can.  Read all about “Water Damage and EIFS” to learn more.