Keep runoff under control where roofs of different pitches intersect. Read more
Most crawlspaces should be carefully sealed, not ventilated. In many areas, however, the codes are still catching up with best practice. Read more
Hanging a New Door in an Old Jamb
When the door and the jamb don’t match, this finish carpenter’s scribing technique makes for a perfect fit the first time, every time. Read more
Managing Fraudulent Clients
Some clients who complain about your work are just looking for a way to get out of paying the final bill. Some even planned it that way. A psychologist specializing in construction fraud identifies common character types and shows you how to avoid getting caught in their game. Read more
Efficient Rafter Cutting
A veteran California framer explains step by step how to lay out plumb, seat, heel, and plancher cuts on common, hip, valley, and jack rafters. Read more
On houses clad with vinyl, a simple rabbeted edge detail preserves the look of traditional wood trim at windows, doors, and corner boards. Read more
Q: A while ago you ran an article recommending that you limit deflection of built-up wood girders to L/600 so that the floor joists wouldn’t vibrate excessively (see Practical Engineering, 8/97). My question: Does this also apply to steel girders, or is it mainly a wood-related issue, owing to the inherently greater flexibility of wood beams? In another words, would a steel beam sized for L/360 deflection be less bouncy than a wood beam sized for, say, L/480? Or should I absolutely make sure that all my steel beams are size for the L/600 limit? Read more
Q: I’m building a wharf on a bay of the Gulf of Mexico. It is to be on 8-inch-diameter pilings with 2-by joists and cross-members. Can I use plywood for the decking? What are your recommendations? Read more
Understanding Mechanical Plumbing Vents
How do air admittance valves (AAVs) work, and are they a code-approved solution for tricky venting situations? Read more
Turning down work without turning off prospective clients Read more
Collecting payment when hidden conditions cause extra work Read more
E-mail basics Read more
Wind uplift on roofs Read more
Slab waterproofing admixture, carpenter pay rates Read more