May 2001 Table of Contents

Features
Fall Protection Update

In an effort to make fall protection more practical, OSHA continues to refine its alternative strategies. A framing contractor explains how to work safely and meet the regs, but still get the job done. Read more

Hidden Deck Fasteners Hidden Deck Fasteners

Face-nailing will never die, but a new breed of concealed fasteners provide the key to better-looking, longer-lasting decks. Here’s a survey of what’s out there. Read more

New Tools from the Builders' Show

We pounded the floors at the Atlanta Builders’ Show looking for the best new tools to help your work go easier and faster. Read more

Roofing with Concrete Tile

As with all roofing, the quality of the installation determines the longevity of a concrete roof. A pro describes the critical details. Read more

Using Television Advertising

Recent developments in broadcasting and cable technology make television advertising a surprisingly low-cost way to make a big impression. Here’s how one media-savvy remodeling contractor does just that. Read more

Choosing a Power Planer

Hand-held power planers have many uses on the job site, from framing to finish. In this hands-on review, we look at power, weight, balance, depth of cut, and ease of blade changing to help you select the right tool. Read more

Letters
Letters

California verdict is “aasinine”; immigration laws should be enforced; keep the visual integrity of old houses; more Read more

News
Notebook

Profit with deconstruction; lumber prices; cold-weather concrete pours without cracking; straw-bale research results; no more USG EIFS; warm yourself with microwaves; more Read more

Q & A
Q&A: Making a Balcony Door Watertight Q&A: Making a Balcony Door Watertight

Q: I built a house with a second-floor balcony, and I installed waterproofing membrane and tile on the balcony deck. Around the perimeter of the door, I installed Moistop flexible flashing. The siding is stucco. The room under the balcony is now leaking. Read more

Q&A: Fiber-Cement with Aluminum Trim

Q: Is it okay to butt fiber-cement siding against aluminum-clad windows and aluminum soffit, or will the fiber-cement cause a reaction that damages the aluminum? Read more

Q&A: 3/4-Inch Conduit Capacity

Q: What is the maximum number of 12-gauge wires permitted in 3/4-inch conduit? Read more

Q&A: Using an Electric Water Heater for Radiant Heat

Q: In his November 1998 article, "Using Water Heaters for Radiant Heat," Bill Clinton shows how to heat a home with a gas water heater. Will an electric water heater work in this type of system? How about a tankless electric water heater? Read more

Q&A Removing Paint from Historic Exterior Brick

Q: We are restoring a 19th-century Victorian home with a painted brick exterior. The client wants to remove the six or more existing layers of paint, down to the natural brick. What is the best way to remove the paint without destroying the brick or morta Read more

Q&A: Tile Over Painted Concrete

Q: Can I install ceramic tile over a painted concrete floor without removing the paint? Read more

Q&A: A "Half-Timbered" Tudor with Stucco

Q: Can a timber-framed home have a stucco exterior, with the timbers exposed on the exterior, in the Tudor manner? Read more

Q&A: Leaving Rigid Foam Exposed

Q. I plan to install rigid foam insulation in a crawlspace. As far as I know, most types of rigid foam insulation can’t be left exposed, but need to be covered with a layer of drywall for fire resistance. Is there a type of rigid foam insulation panel available that can be left exposed? Read more

Design
Business
Legal
Legal Adviser: Timing Is Critical When Filing a Lien

Timing is critical when filing a lien Read more

Trade Talk
Trade Talk: Can You Substitute Synthetic Fibers for Wire Mesh? Trade Talk: Can You Substitute Synthetic Fibers for Wire Mesh?

Although contractors often substitute synthetic fibers for wire mesh in concrete slabs, the two products perform different functions Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen & Bath: User-Friendly Kitchens

Kitchens designed for everybody Read more

Products
Products

All-weather adhesive; plug lockout; protective workboots made of PVC; glass block windows; carbon filter; drywall tape; smooth OSB; more Read more

Backfill
Backfill: Sucking Up Prairie Dogs

Wanted: new homes for prairie dogs Read more

Close X