Construction Chat was started May 8, 2014, to build community among the construction-inclined.
This weekly chat is hosted by Riggins Construction Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. We’d love you to join us, if you’re free next week.
(I put a reminder in my calendar. Otherwise, even I would forget.)
This week’s topic:
This week’s topic is inspired by a recent tweet from one of our chat regulars, Window Works:
Tip: Plant a deciduous tree in front of your windows for cover during summer, and more warmth during winter.
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 16, 2014
This topic reminded me about what I’ve heard about Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright. He used the natural landscape, wind direction, indirect light, and earth to keep the facility cool. My husband worked there while he was in college planting olive trees in the wash.
This morning he said,
“You can’t believe, in the middle of summer, how cool it was.”
So, that’s my inspiration for today’s chat. Maybe we should just build smarter, you know?
Below are the questions, as asked, and some highlighted answers. Some weeks there are so many great answers, it’s hard not to include them. I apologize for the length in advance. The purpose of the recap is to give you, the reader, some insight.
Q1: Does your building have air conditioning?
A1. Yes, we have air conditioning. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A1. Yes! Thank goodness! #90degreeplusweek #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
Q2: Have you taken measures to naturally keep your building cool?
A2. Yes. We use 3M Night Vision 15. Our neighbors on both sides regularly comment how much cooler our suite is than theirs. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A2. Our bldg is over 100 yrs old. We have some beautiful old trees to help with shade. #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
@RigginsConst That's very interesting — olive trees so plentiful in Greece! Wonder what other kinds of trees provide great shade?
— Sam I Am (@ConstructionSVA) June 19, 2014
A2. Darkness/low lighting. M/T @RigginsCont Q2: Have you taken measures to naturally keep your building cool? #ConstChat
— Liftec Forklifts (@LiftecForklifts) June 19, 2014
.@RigginsConst A2b. Xeriscaping (low-water needs) is growing by leaps and bounds in California because of the drought. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
Q3: Is your workplace dress code relaxed during the summer?
A3. It is basically the same year round – business casual. No shorts though. #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
A3. It's High Style Construction meets casual…year round. 😀 #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A3: Dress code is relaxed to start with. But have snazzy white shirts to keep us cool in summer #ConstChat
— Liftec Forklifts (@LiftecForklifts) June 19, 2014
Q4: How do you keep the field guys cool during jobs?
A4. In my roofing days, they started at 4:30 a.m. These guys start at 6:00 am here. #ConstChat
— Riggins Construction (@RigginsConst) June 19, 2014
A4. They stay hydrated, they have Crystalline window film in their cars and they wear Dri-fit Custom Window Works Uniforms! #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A4. Most doors are interior and hardware is one of the last items to be installed. #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
Q5: What are your tips for staying cool?
A5. Get window film! In homes, cars and workplace, it's a must and it's proven to work. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A5. Drink water; finding shade; and staying indoors with a/c! #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
A5 W/July deadline on Title 24 compliance Window Film 1 of best ROI's+fastest, least complex way 2 immediately reduce Heat Gain #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
Q5 Tips for staying cool – Shift work times, and more ppl to your crew, water, plenty of rest, light clothing, avoid caffeine #ConstChat
— United Site Services (@UnitedSiteServ) June 19, 2014
Q6: Do you have any money saving tips for the summer?
A6. Get Window Film to reduce demand on your utilities. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A6: At home I keep the blinds closed during the day. #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
Q6b. Do you any of you change your work hours during the summer?
A6b. We work earlier to take advantage of the light. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
Q7: What is one of the heating or cooling myths you’ve heard?
A7. Is keeping the thermostat consistantly at 78 better than moving it up and down by a few degrees? #alwayswantedtoknow #ConstChat
— HagerCo (@HagerCo) June 19, 2014
A7. In Summer that more A/C will cool a facility enough; many HVAC companies contact us to partner at the B2B level because… #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A7. While you can cram forced air into bldgs, it won't reduce Heat Gain thru the day~while u cool sum areas, ur freezing others.. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
A7. …we are currently partnered with over 2 dozen HVAC companies helping them to serve their clients' needs!! #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) June 19, 2014
Bonus Tweet:
Talk about great minds thinking alike! United Site Services was writing a blog post: “Construction Job Site Safety: Tips to Avoid Heat Illness.” Check out their link in the embedded tweet below.
Construction Job Site Safety: Tips to Avoid Heat Illness > http://t.co/YigS504caO #ConstChat
— United Site Services (@UnitedSiteServ) June 19, 2014
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