Welcome to JLC Online

Where contractors go to work on the web

The Journal of Light Construction is our monthly hands-on magazine for builders and remodelers — click here to subscribe. JLC Archive membership gives you instant access to more than 24 years of JLC — every article, every illustration, and every proven jobsite solution. You're also invited to join the JLC Forums, watch JLC TV, shop the JLC Bookstore, and attend the JLC LIVE Construction Trade Show.

JLC Magazine 2012 May

View this issue » | Subscribe »

Browse back issues »

Quick Vote

JLC Live is the leading hands-on construction event for builders and remodelers, featuring live, interactive demonstrations and a comprehensive conference program. Click here for more info.

Be Where the Action Is

11 million homeowners have found their pros through this program. Join today for a FREE enrollment and get more leads tomorrow! Learn more »

More Forums »

From the Forums

Air Barrier vs. Insulation

Posted by Allan Edwards

Is loose fill cellulose in the attic an air barrier? The Building Science forum takes off on that

91 comments | Add Yours
Crown & Roof Eaves

Posted by TSJHD1

Here's a long discussion with some nice photos and sketches about how to detail the crown molding at

47 comments | Add Yours
Low-E Coatings, Heat Gain, And Comfort

Posted by David Meiland

How do you determine the impact on occupant comfort of different types of windows and window

78 comments | Add Yours
Eyebrow Dormer Details

Posted by chubbs

This thread about eyebrow dormers has a ton of links to example drawings and photos.

34 comments | Add Yours
Pouring Complicated Slab Foundations

Posted by Bob Dylan

Here's a discussion with drawings and photos about whether to form and place complicated slabs in

8 comments | Add Yours
Promoting Yourself With Youtube

Posted by Greg Di

Remodelers are putting videos about their businesses up on YouTube.

96 comments | Add Yours

More Archive »

From the Archive

Raising an Eyebrow Dormer

By Jack Galt
The technique is tricky, but the effect is worth the effort.
Protecting the Job Site

By Steve Price
Jim Price describes simple but effective ways to keep an occupied home scratch-free during
Safety Lessons

By Various
Eleven first-person accounts of job-site accidents - and lessons learned the hard way.
Air-Sealing The Story-and-a-Half

By David Legg
Home performance expert David Legg delves into a challenging problem: blocking the air leaks in
Lead-Safe Remodeling

By Tom O'Brien
Lead safety regulations can complicate life whenever you tear into an old house.

Stair Builders' Tricks of the Trade: Creating Crown Molding Trim

In this segment of a three-part series focusing on stairbuilders' tricks of the trade, skilled craftsman Jed Dixon shows how to properly size and cut crown molding trim, as well as offering tips for accurate measuring.

Online Training Course

Earn UDCP Credentials

NARI has developed the Universal Design Certified Professional designation for design and remodeling professionals. Through an online course, you will learn:

• The 7 principles of Universal Design

• How to capture key information about clients' accessibility issues

• Building standards that make homes safe and comfortable for everyone

Use UDCP certification to win bids by promoting your mastery of Universal Design and building techniques. Available exclusively online at Hanley Wood University.

Upcoming Event

BuildingEnergy 2012
The conference features fully accredited workshops and learning sessions in everything from passive house to lighting design to high performance collegiate and health care facilities. BuildingEnergy also includes a two-day trade show with 170 domestic and international vendors of renewable energy and efficient building products. View all the sessions, exhibitors and extras.