JLC Online

Creating a Safety Program for a Homebuilding Construction Site

After a visit from OSHA, a design-build contractor learns how to do things by the book and profit from it.
EIFS Revisited

Improved waterproofing and drainage details promise rot-free performance from this combination insulation and cladding.
Hot-Water Circulation

On-demand systems install quickly and can save both water and energy.
On Site With ProBase

An experienced tile setter takes a close look at a new way of installing a shower pan.
Create No-Leak Seams In Crawlspace Liners

The crawlspace of a home was consistently wet — in spite of the 6-mil poly liner. Here's how a builder fixed it to assure long-term durability of the foundation and floor frame.

Lawsuit Claims LEED Certification Is False and Misleading

Class action suit holds that the "green" project rating system is just a marketing gimmick that harms the interests of non-LEED building performance experts.
Is Rain-Screen Siding Worth the Effort?

It's good insurance against problems caused by wind-driven rain, but experts wonder whether the additional cost is necessary.

Q&A: Closing a House for the Winter

Q: I have customers who want me to build a log home that will be used seasonally, for about two months of the summer and another two months in the winter. During the rest of the year they want to leave the house closed up and unheated. We're at the edge of the Rocky Mountain Front Range in eastern...
Q&A: Effectiveness of Thermal Curtains

Q: Do so-called "double-cell" insulating window shades perform as advertised? One salesperson claims R-3 if they are installed with an airtight edge seal. But what if they are installed without the perimeter track?
Q&A: Winder Layout to Code?

Q: Although code inspections are not routinely done in the rural area where I work, I want to make sure a winder stair I am building to access the upstairs of a storage building meets residential code - just in case the space is ever used as a living area. According to the IRC, you need a minimum...

Use Excel to Budget Next Year's Project Mix

Take some pain out of the yearly exercise of creating your jobs budget

Shower Heat Exchanger Can Save Energy

Captures thermal energy from wastewater to preheat incoming cold supply.
Waterproofing Membrane for Deck and Fence Posts

Self-adhesive wrap applied to below-grade section is designed to preventag rot.
All-in-One Footing and Pier Form

Tapered, snap-together formwork includes pre-bent rebar cut to size.
Moistureproof Batt Insuation

No-itch batts are made from natural stone and slag.
High-Tech Insulation

Nanogel material can be mixed with plaster and stucco to improve thermal efficiency.
Power Lift for Attic Access

Fits between trusses and provides an alternative to carrying stored items up and down steep pulldown stairs.
Low-Dust Joint Compound

Sand finished wallboard without creating a cloud.
Improved Deck Ledger Flashing

Locks over edge of the first decking board; diverts water and debris.
Better Bath Fan

Re-design of widely installed unit optimizes noise reduction, energy efficiency.
Wall Patch Kit in a Box

Quick fix for drywall defects.
Truck Seat Covers

Custom-fitted, washable protection from dirt and stains
Water-Saving, Clog-Resistant Showerhead

Air-injection technology enables luxurious spray.

Stanley Fastening Systems Bostitch Twin Blade Knife

Workers who routinely carry two utility knives might appreciate the Bostitch Twin Blade Knife.
Duck Prybar Adjustable Wrecking Bar

What sets the Duck Prybar apart from other testosterone-fueled wrecking bars are the adjustable lifting arms.
European Tools Ltd. Modular Toolbelt

Most professional toolbelts are easily configured to fit the needs of the user, but swapping pouches to accommodate changing tasks can be a hassle.
Tajima Tool Corp. Combination Drywall Rasp

The original drywall rasp was a scrap of metal lath wrapped around a 2x4.

Super-Insulated Tank For Heating Fluid Storage

Wouldn't it be nice to store excess heat generated by solar panels and biomass boilers in summer for heating during the winter? Here's a stab at a tank designed for the purpose.

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