Journal of Light Construction: Walls

Drywall Control Joint

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:25:02 EST

Is there such a thing as a control joint for drywall?

Two New Finishing Solutions: Trim-Tex Offers New Corner Bead and Caulk Channel Tear Away

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:02 EST

These drywall finishing accessories promise smooth finishes and crisp transitions.

Lodge Look: Ozark Natural Paneling

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:01 EST

Nevermind the old plasticky paneling of decades past. Ozark Natural Paneling adds warmth with natural solid wood boards.

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.

Q&A: Is It Safe to Retrofit Exterior Foam Insulation?

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:02:51 EST

Q: I built a lot of homes in upstate New York in the 1980s using 2x6 studs, fiberglass batts, and a poly vapor retarder for the shell. Given the rising cost of heating and cooling, the owners are asking about energy upgrades to their walls. I'd like to suggest adding 1 or 2 inches of rigid foam on top of the existing OSB or plywood sheathing, followed by new siding. Would the presence of polyethylene vapor retarders make this a risky retrofit strategy?

JLC Extra Q&A: Tips for Snaking Wires

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:07:42 EST

Q. I have to rewire an old home that has well-maintained plaster walls throughout. I'd like to do this without gutting the interior. Any tips for wire-snaking?

Faster Wall Framing

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:06:07 EST

By breaking the work into simple tasks, three men get one job done as quickly as possible.

Q&A: Flash-and-Batt Insulation: Good Idea or Bad Practice

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:01:28 EST

Q: Is the flash-and-batt technique - where an inch or two of spray-foam insulation is applied to the interior side of roof or wall sheathing before fitting rafter and stud bays with fiberglass batts - a good way to insulate?

Plumbing and Straightening Walls

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:01:30 EST

This quick, accurate method prevents problems with the framing and finishes that follow.

Robust Walls

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:00:49 EST

Contributing R-3 to R-7.5 per inch, sheet foam is a handy way to boost a wall's total R-value without adding too much thickness. Rigid foam sheathing can also function well as a drainage plane to help keep wind-blown water out of walls, and it can act as both an air barrier and as a vapor barrier too. These properties make it a good choice in most coastal climates — but only if you get the details right. Ted Cushman explains how to design and detail a foam-sheathed wall system with all functions in mind, taking into account the site's climate and weather exposure.

Q&A: Should Floor Trusses Be Attached to Walls Below?

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:52:53 EST

Q. What is the proper way to attach an interior basement wall to floor trusses ? both perpendicular walls and walls that run parallel with the bottom chord and fall between the trusses. I have been told to nail directly to the trusses, and I have bee

Replacing Factory-Built Fireplaces

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:30:51 EST

When a prefab fireplace wears out, the only solution is to remove it and install a new one. Here are some tips from a specialist.

Framing an Octagonal Roof

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:26:29 EST

A master framer safely cuts and assembles a complex bell-shaped turret roof in comfort on the ground before finishing the job with a crane.

Installing Crown Molding

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:56:18 EST

A finish contractor shares his production techniques for cutting and installing crown.

Q&A: Double-Side Vapor Barrier

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:49:51 EST

Q: As part of the gut remodel of a 1940 house near Houston, Texas, we installed 3/4-inch rigid foam over the exterior wall sheathing, followed by vinyl siding. On the interior, we exposed the 2x4 studs and installed fiberglass batts. Then we installed 1/2-inch foil-faced rigid foam followed by drywall. In that climate, will these “foam sandwich” walls trap moisture?

Q&A: Finishing Basement Walls

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:47:43 EST

Q: To finish an existing basement, I will be installing 2x4 walls around the perimeter. Should I install some type of waterproofing to the concrete walls? Can the 2x4 walls touch the concrete, or should I leave an air space?

Q&A: Crawlspace Insulation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:47:35 EST

Q: I am building an addition over a 30-inch-high crawlspace. The local inspector has approved my plan to build a sealed crawlspace without ventilation. Should I install rigid foam insulation on the interior of the block walls, or should I insulate between

Q&A: Replacing Sheathing Behind Brick Veneer

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:45:27 EST

Q: My company is in the process of gut rehabbing a house with brick veneer siding. From the interior, we have removed the drywall and wall insulation, exposing 16-gauge steel studs, 24 inches on center. The existing gypsum sheathing is in very poor condit

Two Simple Curved Walls

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:14:58 EST

This remodeling contractor used simple techniques and a manufactured curved plate to assemble radiused walls.

Glass Block Tips & Tricks

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:14:11 EST

In this article, a veteran glass block contractor explains the details that make for an elegant and trouble-free installation.