More stories about Cement

• Fiber vs. Wire Mesh Reinforcing

  Q: Which is better at preventing cracks in concrete slabs: fiber reinforcement or wire mesh?

• Letters

  Fiber-cement corners, undercabinet lights, brick veneer details, competitive bidding

• Q&A: Strength of Concrete Mix

  Q: Many years ago, a concrete contractor gave me a recipe for mixing concrete by hand or machine. It is the only mix I have ever used. Is there any way to know how strong the mix is? I use 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts clean sand, and 3 parts clean crushed stone (7/16 inch or 3/4 inch, depending...

• On-Site With Fiber-Cement Siding

  We take a close look at handling, cutting, installing, and painting fiber-cement to see how it compares with traditional lap siding.

• Alternative Roofing Materials

  Plastic, metal and fiber-cement shingles and panels make for durable, fire-resistant roofs — without sacrificing good looks.

• Q&A: Slab Over an Existing Slab

  Q: What type of preparation work is needed before placing a 4 1/2-inch-thick topping over an existing slab?

• Q&A: Matching Old Mortar

  Q: In an upcoming remodeling project, we will be uncovering a section of hidden stonework that will need to be repointed to match the existing exposed stonework. How do we go about matching the color of the mortar?

• Exterior Trim: Alternatives to Solid Wood

  While good-quality finish lumber has grown more scarce and expensive, the lumber industry has been developing wood-based engineered alternatives. Here’s an overview of the best options on the market today.

• For What It's Worth

  Joist hanger alignment tool, power cord reel, fiber cement roofing

• Ordering Ready-Mix Concrete

  There’s more to buying concrete than specifying compressive strength. Understanding cement types admixures, and batch-plant basics will help you get the right mix for the job.