September 2009 Table of Contents

Increasing foundation wall heights near the entry and recessing the floor framing will allow the finished grade to be raised to floor level while protecting the framing against rot. Read more

The only way to keep this 200-year-old basement dry was to install interior drainage and then let the water run through it. Read more

Careful diagnostic testing is the key to cost-effective energy upgrades. Read more

Modifying the existing trusses from below saved the cost of rebuilding the roof. Read more

Manufacturers have successfully tackled some of the issues plaguing this low-cost cladding. Read more

Safe installation of basement water heaters; galvanized pipe for gas; painting old porch floors Read more

Prevailing-wage rules complicate stimulus weatherization work; condo survives shaketable test; Minnesota requires fall-prevention screens in multi-unit dwellings; more Read more

PVC and other types of composite trim take paint easily, but for best results don't skip the prepwork. Read more

How to meet energy code requirements for insulation while providing drainage behind the brick facade. Read more

Site-made arched window trim; clean blades cut better Read more

Energy-efficient light fixture; stone and stucco rain screen; square shower drain; adhesive filler; plastic furring strips; more Read more

The two new lasers I tested for this article — Hilti's PMC 36 and Agatec's CPL 50 — combine features not usually found together on one tool. Read more

Setting up scaffolding on uneven ground can be nearly impossible, but ReechCraft's Bronco All-Terrain Scaffolding System is made for the challenge. Read more

Tune in to your favorite music while tuning out harmful noise with the Peltor Digital Worktunes headphones. Read more

Makita's new impact driver, the BTD144, has several useful features inspired by the company's extensive line of industrial drivers. Read more

Thanks to its unique saucerlike shape, the 7-inch Contoured Masonry Blade by Arcus can cut arcs with a radius as small as 15 inches. Read more

Protect your cell phone on the job site with a Defender Series case from OtterBox. Read more

With the Crawler CR01 scaffold-moving device, you can turn almost any scaffold with casters into a motorized unit. Read more

There's a reason why the thousands of water tanks that have formed an integral part of New York City’s skyline for more than a century are still made from wood. Read more