April 1993 Table of Contents

Features
A Contractor's Guide to Carpeting

Laying carpet isn’t as easy as it looks. It requires preparation by the contractor and a knowledgeable installer. Also: Carpet and Air Quality Read more

Bracing Foam-Sheathed Walls

Many contractors brace foam-sheathed walls with 1x 4 stock or metal strapping. A close look at codes and numbers shows this is not adequate. Read more

Framing With Floor Trusses

Parallel-chord trusses are an excellent choice for bridging long spans. Here’s how to order and install them. Read more

Hillside Foundations Part Two

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. Read more

Job-Site Storage Solutions

One remodeler’s answers to organizing a variety of tools and materials on a crowded building site. Read more

My First Spec House: Lessons Learned

A custom builder tells how he financed and marketed his first spec house, and the lessons he learned for future spec houses. Read more

Letters
Q&A
Q&A: Floor Stiffness: I-Beams vs. Solid Lumber

Q: Is a wood I-beam floor bouncier than one built with dimensional lumber? Read more

Q&A: Can Sagging Rafters Be Reused?

Q: We are replacing a hip roof that has three layers of asphalt shingles over the original skip sheathing and shake roof. This load has caused the 14-foot common rafters to permanently sag about 2 1/2 inches at midspan. Now that we have stripped off the old roofing, can we simply replace the sheathing (shimmed straight in the center) and install a single layer of roofing? Or should the rafters be replaced? Read more

Q&A: Rot at Exterior Windows

Q: We often encounter rot at the ends of window jambs and exterior casings that abut sloping wood sills. What is the best way to detail this connection? Read more

Q&A: Leaky Stone Foundation

Q: I am working on an old house with a stone basement foundation. The foundation is sound, but leaks. What is the best way to repair this? Read more

Energy
Kitchen & Bath
Products
For What It's Worth

"The Journal's pick of curious, interesting, and useful products" Read more

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