Frozen Water Pipe at Capitol West

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On January 7th a unit on the 10th floor of Capitol West, a condominium complex located at 309 West Washington Ave., suffered a frozen water pipe which caused extensive damage to their unit as well as the two units directly below. Engineered Construction was contacted immediately to handle the mitigation and reconstruction.

All three units will require replacement of wood floors and custom cabinets as well as drywall, paint and electrical work.  ECI is working directly with the condo owners, condo management and the insurance company to get the units fixed as quickly as possible.

Cold Weather Can Mean Big Damage – Tips to Avoid Frozen Water Pipes

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Winter weather has finally arrived and it’s looking like it’s here to stay.  Along with the colder temperatures comes the risk of frozen water pipes.  When water freezes, it expands.  This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes.  Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
  • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
  • Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During the cold weather, take preventative action.

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To thaw frozen pipes

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.  Taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid any problems but sometimes they happen anyway.  Engineered Construction is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help clean up and reconstruct any damage done to your home or business.  Just call us at 608.845.7930!

ECI Sponsors the Mad City Pond Hockey Championships

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The second annual Mad City Pond Hockey Championships will take place January 23-25.  The event will be held on Vilas Lagoon and Lake Wingra.  The Mad City Pond Hockey Championships was formed with a simple vision – “To create an epic pond hockey event in the greatest city in Wisconsin”.  In addition to a great hockey event, they are committed to raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  All of the money that is generated from the auction and raffles is given to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  Sponsorship money goes towards expenses and anything left is also given to the Cancer Center.

Engineered Construction is proud to partner with the Mad City Pond Hockey Championships as a sponsor.  To learn more visit Mad City Pond Hockey or UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Happy Holidays

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Engineered Construction has had a great year and as the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped us shape our business.  We genuinely value our relationships and look forward to another great year in 2015.

We wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity.

Takara Japanese Restaurant Opens

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Takara Japanese Restaurant Opens

Middleton, WI – Construction on the new Takara Japanese Restaurant in Middleton is complete.  Located at 1900 Cayuga Court, the space underwent a major transformation to change the look and feel from the previous Italian theme to a modern look that reflects the style and culture of the Japanese cuisine.  Along with a new look and feel, the restaurant will feature some new menu items including different appetizers and entree’s as well as more salad’s.

Takara first opened it’s doors in Madison back in 2001 when they opened their State Street location.  They later opened a second location on Whitney Way in 2006.  This new location will be their largest space and the modern look and feel is a bit different than their existing restaurants.  They are very excited about being in Middleton and being able to serve their loyal customers in that area more conveniently.

Takara Middleton officially opened for business with a soft opening on December 15th and plan to announce a Grand Opening soon.

MG&E Training Facility Complete

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Construction on the new Training Facility for Madison Gas and Electric is complete.  The 9,650 square foot facility at 2343 Market Place Drive in Fitchburg was built to provide both indoor and outdoor areas for field workers to train and gain experience.

The building is a modern design and features a metal and brick exterior facade with several environmentally  friendly features.  The building has a translucent exterior wall panel system that allows natural daylight in and has good insulating value as well.  There are also polished concrete floors with radiant in floor heating and an energy-efficient lighting system.

The outdoor training area features climbing poles and overhead lines that can be energized as well as space and apparatus for trench digging and gas valve training.  A storm water management system was also incorporated into the drainage system of the property.

Engineered Construction completed the project under the direct supervision of Project Manager, Jim Ladika and Job Superintendent, Greg McGuire.  It was designed by Potter Lawson of Madison, with Jim Moravec as lead architect.

ECI Employees Ring The Bell for The Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

Every year Engineered Construction employees are proud to participate in The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign by volunteering their time to ring the bell and collect donations at the local Millers & Son’s Grocery store in Verona.  For more information on The Salvation Army, ways to volunteer or to make a donation visit salvationarmydanecounty.org.

 

Dangers of Turkey Fryer Fires

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A growing Thanksgiving trend is preparing deep fried turkey.  Though a deep fried turkey is very good, the actual frying can be extremely dangerous.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 4,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving causing 15 deaths and almost $27 million in property damage, many of them due to deep frying accidents.

Watch this video to see just how quickly a turkey fryer can go up in flames and get some tips on how to stay safe if you plan to fry your bird.

Madison Capitols Return To Madison

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The Madison Capitols is a Tier 1 Junior Hockey Team with a history in Madison.  They played from 1984 – 1991 at the Hartmeyer Ice Arena.  In 1991 they re-branded themselves as The Wisconsin Capitol’s and played as such through the ’95-’96 season.  On November 26th, 2013, the management of Madtown Hockey, LLC announced that the Madison Capitols would be returning to Madison in the 2014-2015 season.  Ryan Suter, defenseman for the Minnesota Wild and Tom Sagissor, a former Wisconsin Badger would join the ownership group.  It was also announced that the Madison Capitols would play at the Alliant Energy Center.

The season for the franchise started the first weekend in October and they hosted their first home game on Saturday October 18th.  To learn more about the team or to purchase tickets visit madcapshockey.com.

Engineered Construction is a proud sponsor of the Madison Capitols.  Look for our logo on the boards at the Alliant Energy Center and listen for our ad during the games on 106.7 FM / 1670 AM “The Zone”.

Engineered Construction Joins CATCH

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CATCH, which stands for Community around the Children’s Hospital, is a service based membership group of professionals, community members and advocates making a difference in the lives of hospitalized children from the region.  CATCH members dedicate their time, talents and energy to collaborate, engage and support UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital.

Members of CATCH are given volunteer opportunities within the hospital such as serving family meals or assisting with the annual holiday gift distribution to kids.  They are also invited to attend exclusive member only events that feature presentations from American Family Childrens Hospital physicians and researchers.  In addition to that, members make an impact with their annual membership fees going directly to benefit the patients and families at the hospital.

CATCH is a relatively new organization having just launched this past July.  Currently they have 80 members with a goal to reach 250 by the end of 2015.  Heidi Dunn, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Engineered Construction, is proud to  show her support as a representative of ECI through participation in the many events and volunteer opportunities.

To learn more about CATCH, become a member or make a donation to the American Family Children’s Hospital visit http://www.uwhealthkids.org/get-involved/community-around-the-childrens-hospital/43782.