July 2005 Table of Contents

Features
A New Way to Install Slate Roofs A New Way to Install Slate Roofs

This batten and clip system reduces the slate required to cover the roof by nearly half. Read more

Tool Test: Door Planers for Door Hangers Tool Test: Door Planers for Door Hangers

A good fence, versatile controls, and a long base for controlling snipe are key. Read more

Innovative Products 2005

Our annual pick of products designed to help you work smarter, faster, and better. Read more

Installing Manufactured Stone Over ICFs Installing Manufactured Stone Over ICFs

To ensure good adhesion, use an acrylic mortar admix and make sure the faux stones are fully bedded. Read more

Hurricanes: Why Stucco Walls Got Wet

Designs, methods, codes, and workmanship all played a role in Florida’s soggy storm experience. Read more

Letters
Letters Letters

Fire sprinklers; hidden vent holes; handyman contracts; ice advice; more Read more

News
In the News In the News

Kickback settlement; sidewinder recall; boom-market report; CO-leak investigation Read more

Q & A
Q&A Why Doesn't a Post-Tensioned Slab Buckle?

Q: Is it possible that a post-tensioned garage slab could literally buckle in half when the tendons are tensioned, or does rebar in the slab prevent that from happening? Also, why are these types of slabs so common in Las Vegas? Is it because of the soil? Read more

Best Flooring for a Humid Climate Q&A Best Flooring for a Humid Climate

Q: I'm planning on installing laminate flooring on the first floor of my North Carolina house, which is built on a ventilated crawlspace. But I'm concerned that the laminate finish will trap moisture and eventually lead to rot damage in the subfloor and f Read more

Q&A Getting Rid of That Smoky Smell

Q. Getting Rid of That Smoky Smell In a recently purchased house, one of the bedrooms was used as a smoking room by a previous owner and still smells of cigarette smoke. To get rid of the odor, my clients washed the floors, walls, ceiling, and all the win Read more

On the Job
On the Job: A Simple Truss-Rolling Trick On the Job: A Simple Truss-Rolling Trick

Truss-rolling; cheap clamps; easy bullnose corner Read more

Design
Guidelines for Bay Windows Design Guidelines for Bay Windows

A bay window relates to an exterior wall in much the same way that a dormer relates to a primary roof. Like a dormer, a bay window captures extra space and daylight for the primary volume. Also like a dormer, it can enliven an exterior elevation. If formed, scaled, and positioned appropriately, it can contribute to a favorite interior space while creating a unique exterior feature. Read more

Business
Business: Preventing Remodeling Sticker Shock Business: Preventing Remodeling Sticker Shock

Preventing remodeling sticker shock Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen & Bath

Resilient flooring; stone countertops Read more

Products
Products

Truck accessories; wood flooring; structural fasteners & connectors Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox Toolbox

Ridgid R3210 wormdrive saw; demolition tools; drill bits & drivers Read more

Backfill
Satellite Radio Setup Backfill Satellite Radio Setup

A solar module charges the battery that powers the radio. The small gray device next to the module is the antenna. Like many tradesmen, I find it easier to get through the day if there's music playing in the background. Read more

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