July 2010 Table of Contents

Build arches, wainscot, and other architectural details with scrap drywall and specialty trim. Read more

Use this simple technique to accurately adjust for height above plate when figuring roof cuts. Read more

The challenges are finding a good place for the unit and installing the ductwork without butchering interior finishes. Read more

JLC's annual collection of problem-solving tools and materials. Read more

Ice-dam discussion Read more

Bare-bones hvac proves its worth in affordable development; proposed clampdown on fly ash draws wary response; Hovnanian pays $1 million for Clean Water Act violations; more Read more

Solid, classy, wrought-iron rails Read more

Managing by the numbers Read more

IQm Trim cellular PVC moldings feature built-in J-channels that ease installation and hide cut ends. Integrated flashing fins help direct water away from the structure. Read more

Liquid Nails’ new Extreme Temperature Formula low-VOC subfloor and deck construction adhesive can be gunned by hand at temperatures down to 22°F, and will stick to wet, frozen, and treated lumber readily and won’t dissolve foams and plastics. Read more

Made specifically for fastening multiple trusses and engineered-wood assemblies, Strong-Drive SDW screws can be used to join up to four plies of 2-by or 1 3/4-inch-thick materials from one side of the assembly. Read more

Fypon has added to its line of molded urethane window shutters and now offers more than 140 options, including louvered, raised-panel, two- and three-board plank styles, and Three Board shutters in rectangular and arch-top versions. Read more

Oatey’s Mystic Rainwater Collection System captures water from downspouts and redirects it through a tube into a rain barrel. Read more

Everpure claims that its Viru-Pure water filter is the first one in the world that can remove viruses, as well as bacteria, cysts, and chemical contaminants. Read more

Tech-Plank siding is twice as strong and noticeably lighter than fiber cement, Tech-Wood claims. Read more

In addition to typical high-low drive threads, GRK’s Caliburn concrete screws have a third groove that captures excess concrete dust so it won’t interfere with penetration. Read more

Protect-O-Caps help protect both painted head trim nails and plastic exterior trim. Read more

Instead of salt, the E-Treat Water Conditioning System uses “anti-scale media” to convert calcium ions to tiny crystals that can’t attach to surfaces and become scale deposits. Read more

Owens Corning’s Designer Colors Collection consists of Duration and Duration Premium architectural shingles in nontraditional color blends, including distinctive shades of red and blue. Read more

With Ideal’s SpliceLine in-line wire connector, you can make a butt splice with no twisting or crimping. Read more

To cut cast-iron pipe cleanly and quickly with a reciprocating saw, it's best to use diamond grit blades, says Lenox. Read more

For situations where you have to operate a recip saw with just one hand — because the other one is holding on to the material or a ladder — Milwaukee's new 18-volt 2625-21 Hackzall may be just the ticket. Read more

Electricians use long, flexible drill bits to make holes in hard-to-reach places — to bore through a row of joists from a ceiling box, for example, while leaving the drywall undisturbed. Read more

Freud's premier 10-inch combination table-saw blade now comes in a thin-kerf model. Read more

Spiral stair rail Read more