Getting rid of excess moisture around the foundation is key to controlling this pesky insect, but it may not always be enough. Shields and chemical treatments are still important backup measures, according to this nationally recognized entomologist and termite expert. Read more
Bifold closet doors don’t have to look cheap and flimsy. With a little advanced planning, your bifold doors will match the other doors in the house. Read more
Durable Details for Vinyl Siding
Cracking, splitting, and rippling of vinyl siding can usually be traced to poor installation — specifically, not allowing for the material’s inevitable expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. A siding expert tells how to put it up right. Read more
Nothing gets more abuse than the toolbox in your pickup, so you might as well buy smart the first time. We take a close look at the steel and aluminum boxes on the market today, and make recommendations on construction details to look for. Read more
Most builders have installed trusses for gable roofs, but few have used them for a hip roof. A truss roof subcontractor shares tips and techniques — from placing the order to using a crane to fast blocking — gleaned from 18 years of installing hip trusses on both residential and commercial buildings. Read more
Q&A: Thawing a Buried Plastic Waterline
Q: Is there any way to thaw a plastic waterline when it’s buried below frozen ground ? Read more
Q: Can I use laminated veneer lumber for stair carriage material? Since it doesn’t shrink, it seems it would solve many of the problems associated with the shrinkage of sawn lumber stringers. Read more
Q: When installing vinyl flooring on a below-grade slab, how do I check for excessive moisture in the slab? Read more
Rules for elegant arches Read more
Tools for taking control of the job Read more
Keeping a log can keep you out of trouble Read more
Stiffen bouncy floors with plywood Read more
Guide to Victorian renovations, residential window update Read more