More stories about Q&A

• Reusing Barnboard

  Q: I was wondering what should be done to old reclaimed barnwood before it can be used inside a home. I plan on using it for wainscot in a basement remodel; should it be treated to kill any bugs or mold?

• Dealing With Creaky Subflooring

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

• Capping a Chimney Chase

  Q: I have to build a framed chase for a gas fireplace's 6-inch vent pipe. What's the best way to finish the top of the chase? I had planned to use a metal cap, but I've noticed that a lot of these caps tend to be rusted.

• Which Window Area Ratio Is Better?

  Q: I've seen window glazing area recommendations for energy-efficient houses stated in two ways: as a percentage of conditioned square footage and as a percentage of exterior wall area. Which is most useful, and why?

• How Far Can SIPs Be Cantilevered?

  Q: When building with structural insulated roof panels, how far is it safe to cantilever (or project) the ends of a panel past the top plates? I like the idea of creating a protective overhang for the siding and windows.

• Roof Venting in a Wet Climate

  Q: I'm planning to reroof an expanded Cape Cod on a barrier island off the East Coast, where strong winds and moisture from the ocean are common.

• How to Hide Rough Drywall Finish Showing Through Paint

  Q: A recent customer wanted to do his own painting and used an airless sprayer to apply primer to the bare drywall. He then rolled on the finish paint, but now he's complaining that the surface is rough wherever the drywall finisher sanded. He is blaming the drywall contractor, but I'm not sure...

• Duct Chases and Electrical Wiring

  Q: Is it okay to fish electrical wiring through the wood-framed chases built around hvac ducts and chimneys?

• Q&A: How Should I Finish an Existing Basement Wall?

  Q: I am about to start a basement remodel project in a cold climate. I plan to apply a waterproofing product to the inside of the basement wall, then stick a sheet of polyethylene directly to the basement wall over the waterproof coating. Once that is in place, I'll frame a 2x4 wood-frame wall on...

• Q&A: Sealer Failure on Saltillo Tiles

  Q: A past customer purchased Mexican Saltillo tile from a distributor and had it installed by a tile installer I referred her to. The tile came presealed and was installed - per instructions on the shipping boxes - using thinset mortar. Within a day or two, the sealer began to fail, appearing as a...