January 1997 Table of Contents

Features
Allowance Pricing That Works

Clients who overspend allowance prices can take a bite out of your profit. Accurate pricing and clear specs are the keys to this system for surviving allowance overruns. Read more

Alternative Septic Systems

It’s getting harder to find suitable soil for in-ground septic systems. A consulting engineer examines two new technologies for handling residential wastewater. Read more

Latex Enamel Problems & Solutions

Paint that deteriorates prematurely makes the whole job look shoddy. Here are the most common causes for water-based paint failures, and what to do about them. Read more

On-Demand Water Heaters

For occasional hot water usage, or when fixture groups are located far from a central storage tank, instantaneous or point-of-use water heaters can be an economical option. Read more

Roof Framing with Wood I-Joists Roof Framing with Wood I-Joists

When wood I-joists are used as rafters, connections at the structural ridge and the tops of exterior walls must be detailed properly. An industry troubleshooter explains where to make the cuts and how to install the steel connectors that make for a sound engineered roof. Read more

Letters
Letters

About the new look, mechanical room ventilation, water-powered jet pumps questioned Read more

News
Notebook

DOE program to cut home energy use, EIFS homes lose insurance coverage, OSB prices drop Read more

Q&A
Q&A: Long-Reach Drywall Fasteners

Q: When installing drywall over existing wall finishes, we often need to use long fasteners to reach the underlying framing members. Can galvanized roofing nails be used to fasten drywall in these situations? Read more

Q&A: Leveling the Transit Base Q&A: Leveling the Transit Base

Q: It sometimes takes me forever to level the base for my builder’s level. Any tricks? Read more

Q&A: Rigid Foam Under Scissors Trusses

Q: We’re considering installing a layer of 1-inch rigid foam insulation on the underside of a cathedral ceiling framed with scissor trusses. Is the foam a vapor barrier, or will we need to install a poly vapor barrier on the interior side of the foam? Will the foam cause problems when it comes time to finish the drywall? Read more

Design
By Design: Tight Bath Tricks

Squeezing space from a small bath Read more

Legal
Legal Adviser: When the Bid Is Bad

Consequences of bidding errors Read more

Engineering
Practical Engineering: Resisting Wind Uplift

Resisting wind uplift at the eaves Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Products
Products

Fluorescent down light, extra-wide corner bead, retrofit scald protection Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox: Cordless Saw Trial

Cordless circular saw test Read more

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