August 2009 Table of Contents

Engineered for energy efficiency and leak-free performance, hinged patio doors are an elegant option in any climate. Read more

Learn the ins and outs of this specialty trade from a pro. Read more

Your state may be the next to mandate these systems, so it’s a good idea to understand how they work . Read more

A reinforced mortar-bed substrate is key to success. Read more

Using stainless with copper; window-seat safety; hanging loads from beams; the true cost of regulation Read more

Stringent new energy code offers flexibility; company fined for breaking FTC’s R-value rule; Denver’s moratorium on fees pays off; PV-panel prices decline; more Read more

An unlikely window; bench bump-outs expand a narrow porch Read more

Clearly, change orders are a vital piece of our business model, and they don’t just happen by accident. We lay the groundwork for changes by keeping clients happy and informed throughout the job process. Dissatisfied customers, we know, are unlikely to authorize additional work. Read more

Clips for flat tiles; mounting blocks; aluminum-and-glass railing; crawlspace ventilation; fibercement siding panels; more Read more

Ridgid recently added a one-handed recip saw to its Fuego line of power tools. Read more

Cutting through porcelain can be a challenge, and sometimes it takes a special blade to do the work quickly and cleanly. Read more

With MBright Tools' iVac Switch Box, any old shop vacuum or small dust collector can be used as a tool-triggered system. Read more

Most tile saws pump water out of a large pan to cool their cuts, which can cause a lot of overspray and dripping. Read more

Rebar is the bane of concrete drilling, capable of stopping a bit dead in its tracks. Read more

Small service and delivery outfits now have a compact, fuel-efficient alternative to a full-size truck or van: Ford's 2010 Transit Connect. Read more

Most portable band saws have a cut capacity of 4 3/4 inches, but DeWalt's new DWM120 can handle pipe up to 5 inches. Read more

Using a drill for heavy mixing is hard on the tool and on your wrists. A dedicated mixer makes the job easier. Read more

With at least one-third of their country below sea level, the Dutch don’t take the prospect of flooding lightly. But these days, the dual pressures of a growing population and limited space are forcing a re-evaluation throughout the Netherlands of land previously thought too wet or flood-prone for building. Read more