Exterior Soundproofing That Works
These details, used in soundproofing programs near the nation’s airports, do a good job of keeping exterior noise out. Read more
Fast Layout for Tall Rake Walls
This step-by-step procedure for laying out rake walls simplifies cutting and framing. Read more
These economical interior features build customer satisfaction while adding little in the way of cost. Read more
My First ICF Foundation
Foam forms hold the promise of an easily built, energy-efficient foundation — but there is a learning curve. A builder shares his first experience. Read more
A remodeler whose production team installs 300 to 400 small baths a year describes the fixtures and finishes that guarantee trouble-free field installation. Read more
Two Simple Curved Walls
This remodeling contractor used simple techniques and a manufactured curved plate to assemble radiused walls. Read more
Q: Assuming an attic is leaking some heat that reaches the roof sheathing, causing an ice dam, does the snow on the roof tend to act as insulation, trapping the heat near the sheathing? Will the melting of the roof snow be worse when there are 12 inches o Read more
Q: My company is in the process of gut rehabbing a house with brick veneer siding. From the interior, we have removed the drywall and wall insulation, exposing 16-gauge steel studs, 24 inches on center. The existing gypsum sheathing is in very poor condit Read more
Q: What is the minimum slope allowed for asphalt shingles? I have heard that asphalt shingles can be applied on a roof with a pitch as low as 2/12, as long as a rubberized asphalt eaves membrane is installed under the shingles. Read more
Q&A: Boxing in a Metal Chimney Above the Roofline
Q: My company has been asked to enclose a triple-wall metal chimney with a rectangular chase above the roofline. The chimney vents a fireplace, and extends about 4 feet above the roof. The homeowners want to box in the chimney with framing, sheathing, sid Read more
Q: What’s the best way to build up a damaged bullnose corner on exterior stucco? Read more
Q: I plan to install new cedar shingle siding over existing T & G board siding. Should I install housewrap under the new shingles? Since there is already a layer of housewrap between the plywood sheathing and the board siding, I’m worried that two layers of Read more
Q: At several jobs, I have noticed that the electrician wires the bathroom light downstream from the bathroom GFCI receptacle. When the GFCI trips, the light goes out. Does this meet the NEC? Read more
Q: I would like to know the definitions for a box nail, sinker nail, and cooler nail. How do they differ from common nails? Read more
Q: What is the best way to remove paint or varnish from a fiberglass door? Read more
Q: Within 60 days of pouring a concrete basement, some vertical cracks appeared. The cracks are between 1/32 inch and 1/16 inch wide, and extend from the top of the foundation wall down about 4 to 5 feet. My subcontractor tells me that the foundation is s Read more
Q&A: Nailing Cedar Shingles
Q: A new lead carpenter on my crew says that when installing cedar shingle siding on a house, he was always taught to put a third nail in the wider shingles. Is he right? Read more
Adding a second story to a ranch Read more
Improve profits without getting larger Read more
Using depreciation to your advantage Read more
Bosch 4000 Worksite Table Saw Read more
Inside an astronaut’s toolbox Read more