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Cool temperatures can reduce concrete strength unless precautions are taken. Here are the products and techniques that guarantee a successful pour — even when it’s below freezing.
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EPA’s radon assessment questioned, federal “dig-safe” law likely, liquid sand and gravel
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Dump-bed retrofit for pickups, digital deadbolt, no-itch fiberglass batts
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Q: What’s the best way to cut through a concrete wall? A concrete saw won’t cut all the way through an 8-inch foundation wall. We’ve even tried suspending a jackhammer from the floor joists, but this is awkward at best and leaves a ragged edge.
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Interlocking masonry blocks combine with plastic geogrids to make strong, attractive retaining walls
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A slab poured directly on top of a vapor barrier dries more quickly on top than on the bottom, causing cracking and curling in the concrete. Here’s one way to solve the problem.
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A soils engineer explains the tests and techniques used to achieve good compaction every time.
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A mason describes how to lay out, reinforce, drain, and waterproof block foundations for top performance.
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Q: I have been told that crushed stone should be placed beneath foundation footings as a capillary break to prevent moisture from migrating up the foundation wall into the basement or crawlspace. Won’t this make the footing settle?
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Steep sites pose special problems for the foundation contractor. A San Francisco-based contractor discusses drainage, site safety, and pier drilling on “vertical” real estate.