Providing an air space behind wood trim and siding is the best way to make them last.
Building scientists Jeff and John Tooley have been a committed father-and-son team diagnosing homes for moisture and energy problems for decades. In their combined experience, they have come to understand that the difference between a home that works and one laden with moisture and energy problems...
Q. Insulating a Knee Wall What's the best way to insulate a knee wall?
Designs, methods, codes, and workmanship all played a role in Florida’s soggy storm experience.
A few minutes of time and a few dollars of materials can prevent expensive headaches.
A remediation contractor explains how improperly installed synthetic-stone veneer can cause severe rot damage in the wood framing underneath.
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Q. I have read conflicting reports about the use of housewrap. Does the building code actually require the use of housewrap under siding?
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Q. I need to fix a problem with ice dams in a new house. The ice dams form in two valleys over a cathedral ceiling and are causing leaks. The roof is standing-seam metal, and there is not enough venting in the valley area. Is there a solution short of tea
A crawlspace expert describes how he turned a damp bug- and mold-infested crawlspace into a clean, dry, sealed environment.
JLC's annual pick of products designed to help you work faster, better, and smarter.
Reducing air leakage boosts thermal performance, reduces drafts, and keeps this GC's customers comfortable.
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Spray-foam insulation, flashing deck ledgers, safety lessons
Building energy-smart homes
Forget the separate air barrier, and hold the vapor retarder: Sprayed-in-place polyurethane foam takes the place of both and offers increased structural stiffness as well as other benefits
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Q. I'm removing the wood siding from a '70s colonial, down to the sheathing, and plan to put up vinyl siding. I'm thinking of covering the exterior with foil-faced foam for extra insulation but am concerned about trapping moisture in the walls. The house
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Q. I'm in discussions with an architect regarding the pros and cons of using Grace Ice and Water Shield or a similar membrane material as a housewrap. These materials are more expensive than Tyvek or 15# felt but can't be beat when it comes to the wind-driven rain we get here in the Florida...
Q. What's the best way to flash an arch-topped window?
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Q. I'm building a custom home for clients who have asthma and allergies. What building details should I pay particular attention to?
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To get the most from fiberglass batts, you have to start thinking about insulation at the framing stage and coordinate with other subcontractors. An insulation contractor explains.
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Q. I’ve heard that if you use 5 1/2-inch-thick fiberglass batts in a 2x4 wall, the insulation will have a higher R-value than standard 3 1/2-inch batts provide. But some people say that compressing fiberglass batts lowers the R-value. What’s the story?