June 2010 Table of Contents

Water dripping from a skylight is often more than a flashing problem; to fix this roof, reducing indoor humidity was a critical first step. Read more

Take pains to seal all possible leaks, then run a blower-door test before insulating. Read more

Pedestal supports and preassembled wood tiles simplify installation and maintenance. Read more

Confusion over shingle warranty; a cautionary note about low-flow toilets Read more

Massachusetts stretches for higher homeenergy scores; lack of energy-efficiency training impedes job growth; Energy Star tightens requirements for product certification; more Read more

Here are two ways to insulate a basement wall. One of them can trap moisture and create unhealthy levels of mold and mildew. Read more

Even if it isn't a problem (and it might be), do you really want to try to persuade a client that it's no big deal? Read more

Q: I've come across a product that was created to combat the anthrax spore and was later found to be effective against mold as well. It's fogged throughout the job for 24 hours, with no access allowed. The product is said to eradicate mold, not just put it in a dormant state. Does this work? Read more

Do you really need a “blog” for every house you start or a “Twitter feed” telling your prospects what you had for lunch? You just got your Web site up and running last year — isn’t that good enough? Read more

Feit Electric’s Performance LED lamps come in many sizes and require only 10 percent of the energy needed by comparable incandescents, says the maker. Read more

With L.J. Smith’s Bending Landing Tread you can make a template and fabricate the pieces on site. Read more

The new Endurance series graspable handrail from Railing Dynamics mounts to many types of railing assemblies and is IBC-, IRC-, and ADA-compliant in spans up to 6 feet. Read more

Kohler’s Flipside hand shower offers four distinct spray patterns that are selected by simply pivoting the head into position; each spray uses a separate nozzle. Read more

Fiberglass windows are stronger than vinyl, insulate better than aluminum, and cost less than solid wood, say manufacturers. Read more

Co-extruded decking is made with a plastic shell, but Trex leaves the plastic off the bottom of Transcend boards so that moisture can escape and the surface can accept adhesives. Read more

Titan Wood Limited’s Accoya pine lumber has been treated with a concentrated form of vinegar in a process called acetylation, which makes it inedible to insects and rot-causing microorganisms without adding toxins. Read more

It can be tricky to fit window treatments on hinged glass doors because stock door handles may not provide enough clearance space, but RAK’s handle extensions are sized for cellular shades, blinds, and shutters. Read more

Retro Treads are solid hardwood stair tread caps designed to cover existing treads that were originally carpeted. Read more

You can bend Cold-Bend hardwood boards without steaming, says the maker, because they were already steamed during manufacturing, then compressed in length, a process that “accordions” the long grain fibers and makes them flexible. Read more

Delta’s Pilar Waterfall faucet turns on or off with a touch anywhere on its handle or spout. Read more

Adding PolyPavement soil solidifier to dirt creates a waterproof drivable surface, says the maker, providing a ready alternative to asphalt and concrete paths, drives, and parking areas. Read more

As a remodeler who specializes in tile, I work on a lot of kitchens and bathrooms. Read more

When subcompact cordless tools have enough power for the job, they offer a significant size and weight advantage. Read more

Bobcat's M-Series loaders offer greater comfort than previous models, says the maker, with a more spacious cab and better seat suspension, along with improved visibility and noise protection for the operator. Read more

Hilti just introduced its largest electric demolition hammer yet, the TE 3000-AVR. Read more

Ridgid's R92234 combo kit comes with a subcompact drill/driver and a new multi-attachment tool called the JobMax. Read more

A hut for all seasons Read more