Preventing Frozen Water Lines

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By: Grady Herzog

It seems like yesterday when we sent out our newsletter for December 2010. As we look back on the early months of 2011 it is very apparent that the coldest weather of the year will soon be upon us. With the lower temperatures once again comes the need to review the precautions necessary to help prevent frozen water lines. Below are several items which can easily be overlooked and the damage and resulting repairs can be very expensive.

Fire sprinkler systems can cause serious damage if not properly maintained. Auxiliary heat sources should be checked so they are working properly to keep a wet pipe system from freezing.  The addition of heat tape to piping that is over unprotected porches can help ensure the pipes there are protected. On a dry pipe system, the lines should be purged to remove any condensation that may have gathered in the piping. Since the heads are oriented down, condensation can gather at the head and freeze causing leaks or a broken pipe.

Building waterlines on outside walls are also prone to freezing.  At outside faucets, remove hoses and cover with a frost proof cover. In severe cold, leave the faucet open just enough to allow for a steady drip. On the inside, open cabinet doors and closets where possible to allow the heat to warm the wall from the inside. If extreme freezing weather or the possibility of freezing rain and power outages occurs, leave faucets on at a steady drip in the entire building to help prevent freezing in  case of a power outage.

Irrigation systems typically are not thought of since most are cut way back on watering times.  They do still run though and the water accumulating in unsealed cracks in paving and sidewalks can cause damage if it freezes. There is also the possibility of someone falling if they slip on an ice covered walkway. Freeze protectors are required by most cities to prevent the system from running in the event of freezing temperatures and citations can be issued if water on public streets and sidewalks is observed.

I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous 2012. If you need additional information or if we can assist you in getting your systems services for better protection please feel free to contact us.

Smart Windows

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By: Dave Hartman

Windows are a great way to allow natural light and fresh air into your building; they can even be used as a design element, enhancing the building’s curb appeal. Access to natural light has even been shown to improve employee health and morale. Unfortunately, in terms of energy loss, windows are basically a big hole in the wall; you might think about it like leaving the refrigerator door open. Fortunately, technological advances have allowed us to manufacture ever larger expanses of windows while at the same time reducing the energy loss through that glass. Examples of window pane technology: reflective glass, window film, thermal breaks (multiple panes) and Low-E glass.

Even with all the technological advances, there is always room for improvement. Introducing the next evolution: Smart Glass. Smart glass utilizes a small amount of electrical current to activate, or “line up” the liquid crystal (suspended particles), which act as an “instant” film that serves to block the UV radiation that enters through the window. Some enterprising systems even allow for the user to instantly adjust the light levels through the use of a switch.

Smart windows offer the advantages of: lower overall electrical use and better light control over traditional draperies, roller shades or blinds. You may even consider eliminating window treatments entirely!

For more information on how smart windows work, visit this link:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/green/smart-window.htm

“Green” Roofs

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By: Aaron Schrag

How can you save money on your building cooling costs and protect the environment? The answer is as simple as a white roof. Traditional roofs are dark colored and absorb the visible light energy of the sun. The heat energy is transferred through the building materials into your conditioned space, driving up your cooling costs.

White roofs reflect most of the radiant energy, reducing building cooling loads and the urban heat island effect. A traditional dark colored roof can increase in temperature as much as 122　°F above ambient air temperature, while a white roof typically only increases 25 °F above ambient air temperature. That translates to about a 15%-30% reduction in cooling costs. Many manufacturers now offer white or light colored roofing membranes. There are even white tar roll on coatings available to “paint” over dark shingles with the same effect as white roofing membranes.

White roofs reduce pollution created by power plants by reducing energy consumption. As white roofs become more aesthetically acceptable, you are sure to see them on a building near you.

Water Conservation

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Go “green” with Your Green

Best Practices for Water Conservation

By: Dave Hartman

In Texas about 25 percent of the water supply is used for landscape and garden watering. Much of this water is used to maintain traditionally high water-demanding landscapes, or it is simply applied inefficiently. One popular strategy for water reduction is Xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping

refers to a method of landscape design that minimizes water use. Other commonly used phrases are drought-tolerant, zeroscaping and smartscaping. Some cities have mandated the use drought-tolerant plants. Check to see if your city has such a mandate.

According to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, “Xeriscape landscapes need not be cactus and rock gardens. They can be green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. The same green Texas-style landscape which we are accustomed to can be achieved and still conserve water.”

Best Practices:

·Don’t over water

·Implement a zoning system – grasses, shrubs, trees

·Permanent sprinkler system – more efficient than hoses

·Drip irrigation – more efficient than sprinkler… can use lower quality water

·Mulching – conserves moisture

·Proper mowing and fertilizing

Helpful links:

Xeriscaping

A&M Horticulture

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html

http://thoroughreview.com/xeriscape/links.shtml

Success stories: NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/08/20/garden/20080821_sustainable_ss_index.html

City of Corinth

 http://cityofcorinth.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={75C5C898-EA0E-47D8-BF71-B96ECD7088E9}

City of Austin

http://www.cityofaustin.org/growgreen/default.htm

Texas Urban Landscape Guide (A&M)

http://urbanlandscapeguide.tamu.edu/sources.html

Saving Money on Maintenance

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By: Grady Herzog

Along with the summer heat, we experience higher electric and water bills. There are several steps that can be taken to help manage these costs and the ever shrinking pocket book.

 First I would look at the construction of your building. If there is not the equivalent to an R-30 insulation in the attic, I would add insulation. Look at the attic ventilation to make sure there is sufficient air flow so excessive heat is not being retained. If there is not a radiant barrier then look at the possibility of having one installed. The windows on many of the older buildings are not very energy efficient. The typical window has a typical R value of 3 or less. Today there are many companies that can do replacement windows that are substantially more energy efficient than what you currently have.

 With the continuing drought conditions and increasing cost of water landscaping to minimize water usage should be considered. Many heat tolerant plants are available that can be utilized to reduce water consumption.  There are many online resources detailing how to xeriscape your property to minimize water usage. As part of this process, water harvesting can be done to utilize storm water runoff. A gutter system on the eave collects the water and directs it into a storage container for future use. These containers can be made of just about anything. Many companies sell used plastic tote tanks and they are readily available on the internet. Typically a ¼” rain collected in about 40 feet of gutter off of a roof will yield approximately 275 gallons.  Just one container could water a xeriscaped flower bed for over a week.

 These are just a couple of items that require a little investment but the long term savings are well worth it.

Spring Maintenance

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By: Grady Herzog

After a brutal bout of cold weather, the warm days are here and now it’s time to begin the spring chores. If you haven’t already begun, now is the time to assess the damage to your trees and bushes caused by the prolonged cold spell. Spring is the time to plant to insure that a good root hold is established before we reach the dog days of summer. It is also the time to clean out the flower beds and trim back old growth on trees and bushes to allow for new growth to begin. New plantings should be buried to the proper depth and mulch added to help retain soil moisture.

Now is also a good time to check on the gutters and downspouts. Any leaves that have accumulated over the fall and winter should be removed. Seams and downspouts should be checked to make sure they are properly sealed so all of the water flows properly. Splash blocks or underground piping should be inspected to insure that the water is properly funneled away from the building. Gutter attachments should be inspected to insure that any snow, ice, or leaves and debris have not weighted down the gutters and pulled them loose. These minor details can help prevent damage from the spring rains.

Landscape Maintenance

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By: Grady Herzog

With the drought and wildfires being discussed in the news almost daily, the topics of landscape maintenance and irrigation is becoming a daily issue as well. Watering restrictions are in place as well as burn bans across the state. Many lawns and trees are showing signs of stress and are very difficult to maintain in a healthy state. As I commute around the area I have noticed many trees that have succumbed to the drought. There are many trees and shrubs that are already dead and many more that are stressed. Accordingly, many plants will continue to die off in the coming months or even years as they are weakened and become more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.  

Trees and shrubs should be fertilized and watered deeply to help maintain their health. Typical irrigation will not be sufficient enough without supplemental watering. Tree bags, slow soaking or deep watering using a long pipe pushed down to the root system can be utilized for this. Deep tree watering apparatuses and additional information are available at most landscape supply outlets. Over watering can be an issue as well, so don’t overdo it. Consult with your local landscape experts to help maintain a healthy landscape.