Journal of Light Construction: Brick & Block

Adjustable Column

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:57:05 EST

The Lally Lock is a three-part height-adjustable Lally column

Stabilizing a Brick Exterior

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 10:01:57 EST

Unstable brick is tied to the floor framing with standard hold downs, threaded rod, and compression plates

Troubleshooting Brick Veneer

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:29:04 EST

Diagnose the flashing flaws that allow moisture to get into the cavity and ruin sheathing, framing, and interior finishes, then correct them once and for all.

Restoring An Island Fortress Brick by Brick

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:41:06 EST

Q&A: Retrofitting a Brick Wall With Insulation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:04:03 EST

Q. I'm rehabbing an old brick house in Charleston, W.V. I want to insulate the exterior walls, which are balloon-framed with 2x4s, unsheathed, and finished with brick. There's a 1- to 2-inch air space between the 11/2-story-high frame wall and the brick siding, and a weep system at the base of the brick. I see evidence of some water leakage over the years but no rot. Would it be okay to blow cellulose into the wall cavity?

Brick Veneer That Works

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:17:14 EST

Despite the inherent strength of brick, a brick veneer wall is not invulnerable during a storm. If the wind blows hard enough, poorly secured brick veneer can literally crumble. And because bricks and mortar are porous, they can transmit moisture to the main wall if that wall has not been properly waterproofed. Ted Cushman outlines the details needed to make sure that brick veneer stays on the house, as well as the flashing and drainage techniques that will keep the house dry during a driving rain.

Replacing Windows in Brick-Veneer Homes

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:07:48 EST

Tall-Wall Studs ~ Breathable Roofs~ Paperless Drywall ~ Screws for Composite Decking

Design: Keeping an Eye on Chimneys

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:58:21 EST

Keeping an eye on chimneys

Q&A: Insulating a Block Wall

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:59:12 EST

Q. I'm renovating an uninsulated cape built with concrete-block walls. The plans call for gutting and reframing the interior and installing shingle siding on the exterior. Because the building needs to be insulated to comply with local (Long Island, N.Y.) code, I was considering adding a layer of foam insulation on the outside, then covering that with plywood as a nailing base for the shingles. Is there a better way?

Stucco That Works

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:00:21 EST

Done well, traditional three-coat stucco should be impervious to water, but the demands of schedule and budget have pushed many builders to opt for less durable one-coat stucco claddings and have enticed applicators to take shortcuts that compromise the integrity of otherwise good stucco. To remedy such problems, builders have two options: Do the stucco right to begin with, or build in fail-safe details that will allow the wall to drain and dry.

Flashing an Entry Door

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:49:51 EST

For doors with applied casings, simple flashings made from self-healing membrane serve the same purpose as fins

Products

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:38:43 EST

Lightweight pneumatic hose; paint for fiber cement; wet-dry central vac; landscaping products; metal stairs; fire prevention products

Exterior Details

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:22:54 EST

Drainage EIFS * Brick veneer * Wood deck ledger * Flashing a window

A Stone Veneer Foundation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:19:38 EST

A durable job depends on using the right mortar, anchoring the stone to the concrete, and providing weep holes for water that penetrates the veneer.

Q&A: Removing Paint from Historic Exterior Brick

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:46:20 EST

Q: We are restoring a 19th-century Victorian home with a painted brick exterior. The client wants to remove the six or more existing layers of paint, down to the natural brick. What is the best way to remove the paint without destroying the brick or morta

Q&A: Covering Up a Brick Fireplace

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:41:24 EST

Q: I am building an addition that will enclose the back side of an existing brick fireplace, which is now on the exterior of the building. Can 2x4 furring be attached directly to the brick?

Getting Started With Brick Veneer

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:38:13 EST

A brick expert explains what to watch out for when contracting a brick veneer job, from flashing and weep details to properly cleaning the brick at the end of the job.

Controlling Moisture in Mixed Climates

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:37:48 EST

In climates that require both heating and cooling, humidity presents special problems for builders no matter what the season. These wall details will prevent damage to finishes and structural components from interior and exterior moisture.

Brick Veneer Basics

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:32:38 EST

Brick veneer lasts longer and requires less maintenance than other siding materials. A Midwestern masonry contractor describes installation techniques.

Q&A: Rot at Exterior Windows

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:20:28 EST

Q: We often encounter rot at the ends of window jambs and exterior casings that abut sloping wood sills. What is the best way to detail this connection?