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
A good fence, versatile controls, and a long base for controlling snipe are key. Read more
Our annual pick of products designed to help you work smarter, faster, and better. Read more
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
Designs, methods, codes, and workmanship all played a role in Florida’s soggy storm experience. Read more
In the News
Kickback settlement; sidewinder recall; boom-market report; CO-leak investigation Read more
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
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. 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: A Simple Truss-Rolling Trick
Truss-rolling; cheap clamps; easy bullnose corner Read more
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
Resilient flooring; stone countertops Read more
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
