— The journal

Notes from the studio.

Thinking out loud about custom home building, the craft, and the work in progress.

Exterior Home Finishes That Hold Up in South Texas Heat

Exterior Home Finishes That Hold Up in South Texas Heat

Learn which stucco systems and masonry materials perform best in South Texas heat — and why installation method matters just as much as material choice.

Exterior Home Finishes for Rio Grande Valley: Masonry and Stucco That Hold Up

Exterior Home Finishes for Rio Grande Valley: Masonry and Stucco That Hold Up

Choosing exterior home finishes in the Rio Grande Valley? Learn which stucco systems and masonry specs hold up against South Texas humidity and UV exposure.

Reflective Metal Roofing and Low-E Glass: Smart Energy Choices for RGV Homes

Reflective Metal Roofing and Low-E Glass: Smart Energy Choices for RGV Homes

Discover how reflective metal roofing and Low-E glass windows work together as top RGV energy efficient home features to cut cooling costs in South Texas.

Building Smart: How to Fight Humidity and Salt Corrosion in South Texas Coastal Homes

Building Smart: How to Fight Humidity and Salt Corrosion in South Texas Coastal Homes

Learn how coastal home construction in the Rio Grande Valley should address salt corrosion, humidity, and material selection to protect your South Texas home long-term.

Beat the Heat: Energy Efficient Homes in South Texas Start With the Right Materials

Beat the Heat: Energy Efficient Homes in South Texas Start With the Right Materials

Learn how spray foam insulation and heat reflective roofing help build energy efficient homes in South Texas and lower your RGV electricity costs.

Choosing Durable Exterior Materials for Rio Grande Valley Homes

Choosing Durable Exterior Materials for Rio Grande Valley Homes

Learn which durable exterior materials perform best for Rio Grande Valley homes — stucco, brick, and beyond. Expert guidance from EJS Trade in McAllen, TX.

Beat the RGV Heat: Insulation and Windows That Actually Work

Beat the RGV Heat: Insulation and Windows That Actually Work

Learn how spray foam insulation and low-E windows help energy efficient homes in South Texas stay cool and cut cooling costs in the RGV.

Best Roofing for South Texas Homes: Beat the RGV Heat Before It Starts

Best Roofing for South Texas Homes: Beat the RGV Heat Before It Starts

Discover the best roofing for South Texas homes. Compare cool roof technology, heat-resistant shingles, and energy-efficient materials built for RGV heat.

Beat the Valley Heat: Smart Roofing & Insulation for Rio Grande Valley Homes

Beat the Valley Heat: Smart Roofing & Insulation for Rio Grande Valley Homes

Discover the best energy efficient roofing and insulation materials for Rio Grande Valley homes built to handle extreme South Texas heat.

Beat the Heat: Energy Efficient Homes in South Texas Start With the Right Materials

Beat the Heat: Energy Efficient Homes in South Texas Start With the Right Materials

Learn how insulation types, low-e glass windows, and heat resistant materials create energy efficient homes in South Texas's extreme climate.

Designing for the South Texas Heat: Best Materials for Energy-Efficient Homes in the Rio Grande Valley

Designing for the South Texas Heat: Best Materials for Energy-Efficient Homes in the Rio Grande Valley

Discover the best heat-resistant materials and insulation tips for building energy-efficient homes in the Rio Grande Valley. Less heat, lower bills.

Best Exterior Materials for Rio Grande Valley Homes: Building Smart in South Texas Heat

Best Exterior Materials for Rio Grande Valley Homes: Building Smart in South Texas Heat

Discover the best exterior materials for Rio Grande Valley homes. EJS Trade explains what holds up — and what fails — in South Texas humidity.