More stories about Waterproofing

• Stucco Flashing Details

  Like most claddings, stucco is not watertight unless it’s properly flashed. A stucco contractor explains how to detail openings, penetrations, and terminations to keep the water out.

• Building Distinctive Decks

  A deck specialist explains the details that make his work stand apart from the competition.

• Hardwood Flooring over Radiant Heat

  Hardwood floors can perform well over radiant heat, but it takes careful hvac design, good job-site moisture control, and careful coordination between the heating sub and the flooring contractor. Here’s what you need to know.

• Installing Water-Managed Synthetic Stucco

  Water leaking through poorly installed flashing and wall penetrations has proved the downfall of many EIFS jobs. A North Carolina plasterer explains how he replaces failed EIFS cladding with a two-coat stucco system specifically designed to prevent moisture damage.

• Letters

  Durability of galvanized fasteners, rain screen flashing, roof layout with a calculator, retrofitting plywood clips

• Rot-Resistant Decking Options

  A few years ago, the main choices for rot-proof decking were redwood and pressure-treated lumber. Environmental concerns and the search for low-maintenance materials have spawned a host of new products, including new hardwoods, wood-plastic composites, and synthetic materials.

• Mortar Bed Shower Floors

  Curbed tile shower pans have to be watertight. A veteran tile contractor shows how careful detailing of a waterproof membrane and special drain makes for a trouble-free shower floor.

• Rain Screen Siding Retrofit

  Moisture trapped behind wood siding can cause the finish to fail and the siding itself to cup and buckle. In extreme cases, the sheathing and structure below may deteriorate. Leaving an air space behind the siding is the best way to prevent these problems.

• Q&A: Basement Vapor Barrier

  Q: Where does the vapor barrier go when finishing a basement? Since we use a vapor barrier on the inside of exterior above-grade walls to keep moisture in, it’s my contention that a plastic vapor barrier should be used against the wall to keep out the moisture in the earth. Many disagree and say...

• Jambs & Thresholds For Fat Walls

  Extra-thick walls present a problem when it comes to installing prehung entry-door units. Here are some tested solutions, both stock and custom, that can help.