Air Conditioning in Humid Climates
Balancing cooling with humidity control is a tough job in the coastal South. A North Carolina hvac pro explains how the latest generation of cooling equipment meets the challenge. Read more
Building a Custom Saw Station
This sturdy, portable chop-saw stand speeds finish carpentry while getting rid of the dust. Read more
Making Old Stucco Look New
A Northern California stucco contractor describes how he uses foam-based trim and pigmented finish coats to revitalize tired stucco exteriors. Read more
Rescuing a Block Foundation
Two foundation remediation specialists show how they used an engineered system of pin piles and wall ties to give new life to a failing foundation. Read more
Hurricane-Rated Windows
Storm-resistant windows are now required by code all along the eastern seaboard. Here's an overview of how these beefed-up units work to keep storm pressures out of the structure. Read more
Letters August 2004
Fee impact in California; where to find adjustable wall braces; decimal pitch conversion; hidden soffit vent details; more Read more
In the News
Lessons from Hurricane Charley; stray voltage zaps homeowners; building code comes to Pennsylvania; NAFTA panel slams U.S. on tariffs Read more
Q&A
Can You Rip LVL?
Q. The building codes don't allow you to rip graded lumber to a narrower width (to make a 2x6 and a 2x4 out of a 2x10, for example). But what about ripping LVL? Read more
Q. I'm doing a basement remodel and am thinking of finishing the block foundation walls by painting the masonry with Drylok, then adhering 4-mil poly over that. Next, I plan to fur the walls with Z-studs, put 2 inches of foil-faced polyiso board between t Read more
Q. Is there any way to can keep mice out of insulation? I am working on a remote cabin in southern Illinois, and the mice seem to come and go at will. I'm getting ready to insulate another room and I don't want to provide new places for the rodents to nes Read more
Practical Engineering: Resisting Tornado Damage
This APA storm report shows that structural sheathing, metal connectors, and strong garage walls can increase the likelihood that a home will survive all but the most powerful storms. Read more
Kitchen & Bath
Adding a Second Water Heater
Adding a second water heater; laminate flooring Read more
