Journal of Light Construction: Wall Structure

Cutting Holes in Sheathing

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:28:49 EST

Openings in a braced wall could interrupt the load path

Slipping In a Structural Ridge

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:28:21 EST

Opening up this ranch's floor plan required removing the center bearing wall and installing a 30-foot ridge beam

Retrofitting a Steel Header

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:16:27 EST

Installing the two-piece assembly one C-channel at a time made it easier to support the masonry while opening the wall.

A Practical Prefab Dormer

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:09:10 EST

Building on the ground is faster and safer than framing on the roof.

Beefing Up Attic Joists for Living Space

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:46:50 EST

I need to convert an attic to livable space with minimal disruption to first-floor habitation.

Engineer's Assessment of Tornado-Damaged Homes

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:59:44 EST

As a structural engineer with the APA/Engineered Wood Association, I perform forensic assessments of single- family homes after hurricanes and tornados.

Building a Simple Passive House

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:05:35 EST

In September 2009 I completed a deep energy retrofit on a small house in Point Reyes Station, Calif., some 50 miles north of San Francisco.

Expanding a Kitchen

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:05:44 EST

We were wrapping up the latest in a series of renovation projects on a suburban Maryland split-level home when I casually mentioned to the owner that her Thanksgiving family gatherings would be a lot more enjoyable if her small kitchen weren't separated from the dining and living areas by a wall.

An Energy Retrofit in Stages

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:04:53 EST

I'm a building energy consultant in central Wisconsin. I recently had a chance to perform a major energy retrofit on a modest ranch-style house just south of Lacrosse, Wis.

Weatherization Crews Go for Gold

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:04:57 EST

Weatherizing older homes is hard, isolating, and often thankless work.

Dealing With Creaky Subflooring

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:46:38 EST

Q: I was asked to look at a job where the homeowners have issues with loud, creaking floors.

Framing an Elliptical Staircase

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:03:29 EST

Use a trammel to scribe a perfect pattern.

Rescuing a Spreading Roof

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 11:42:01 EST

A horizontal beam and steel tie rods resist rafter thrust with little disruption to the rest of the structure.

A New Interior for an Antique House

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:40:32 EST

Addressing structural issues first made the interior finish work easier.

Removing a Structural Chimney

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 11:08:01 EST

Two summers ago I received a call from some homeowners who wanted to remodel their kitchen and, as part of the project, remove a brick chimney that ran up through the center of the house.

Working On a SIPs Roof

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:40:38 EST

A look at the techniques used to add skylights and thermal solar collectors to a foam-core roof.

Replacing a Wood Beam With Steel

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:40:54 EST

The LVL beam had been installed in an earlier remodel to replace structural partitions supporting the second floor. Since Cox knew that a flush steel beam could do the job just as well — but invisibly — he offered to include the swap-out in the contract.

Mud-Bed Showers

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:16:33 EST

Floated mortar walls provide a flat, plumb setting bed over irregular wall framing.

Framing Hardware Dos and Don'ts

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 02:14:45 EST

Prevent structural problems and failed inspections by avoiding these common installation errors.

Products

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:15:05 EST

Toekick drawers; ductless cooktop exhaust; trimmable truss; low-profile smoke alarm; flexible cement board; light MDF; more