Journal of Light Construction: Building Science

Straight Answers About Efficient Windows

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:12:03 EST

Four independent experts weigh in on low-E coatins, orientation-specific glazing, window-selection tools, and more

Sandy's Flood Damage, Through an Engineer's Eyes

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 01:47:31 EST

An engineer investigating flood insurance claims sheds light on the mechanisms of damage.

Alabama Deck Collapse Injures Spring Break Partiers

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:23:55 EST

An deck at an Alabama beach house failed suddenly in early March under the weight of students partying on spring break, sending several to the hospital.

Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit Extended

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:36:22 EST

The New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit was extended to the end of 2013.

Wind- and Solar-Powered Generator

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:02:44 EST

Batteries that are recharged by solar panels and a wind generator supply DC power to an inverter, which converts it to AC power.

"Weeding Out the Weak": Blizzard Poses Risk of Roof Collapses

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 03:14:58 EST

Whether roofs fail depends on specifics of the weather — as well as on the special vulnerabilities of particular buildings.

New Design Values Issued for Southern Pine

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:50:27 EST

The American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) has voted to accept new design values for Southern Pine lumber, including all sizes and grades of dimensional lumber.

Lessons Learned on Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:29:02 EST

Practical insights on combining deep energy retrofits with affordable housing for 12 Cleveland homes

Roof Truss Repair

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:51:19 EST

Field repairs should always be designed by an engineer

Precut Framing

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 04:25:50 EST

Factory-cut engineered joists and rafters can reduce labor costs and job-site waste

Southern Pine Grade Changes: Action Coming Soon?

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 03:07:31 EST

Authorities may come to a final decision this month about new design values for Southern Pine lumber.

Better Bathroom Access Made Easy

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:56:22 EST

Replacing existing butt "hinges" with a set of offset hinges widened the door opening by almost 2 inches.

Cutting Holes in Sheathing

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:28:49 EST

Openings in a braced wall could interrupt the load path

High-Performance Windows

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:12:42 EST

Zola says its Tilt & Turn units are often speced for Passive Houses because they're so energy-efficient

Reusing Loose-Fill Cellulose

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:25:07 EST

Working around existing attic insulation to seal air leaks may be more cost-effective than removing and replacing it

October Hearing Set for Southern Pine Downgrade

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:50:33 EST

Southern Pine lumber will get new engineering strength values and new span tables with reduced spans for visually graded lumber.

Air-Sealing for Hot Climates

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:43:16 EST

Excluding heat and humidity saves energy, improves comfort, and increases durability

North Carolina Politicians Scuffle Over Outer Banks Bridge Plan

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:50:26 EST

It's an ambitious proposal: Build a bridge spanning open water, seven miles long, to link North Carolina's Outer Banks with the mainland.

Lights ... Camera ... No Action: Authorities Postpone Revision of Southern Pine Design Values

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:50:17 EST

Last week's meeting of the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) was supposed to be the beginning of the end game in the revision of official design values for Southern Pine dimensional lumber.

Moldy Wood and the Fungolin

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:41:26 EST

Bioengineers are using fungi to replicate the acoustical properties of wood from the little ice age.