October 2010 Table of Contents

Builders give a hurricane-devastated structure a lift with concrete, steel, and SIPs. Read more

Temperature differences between dry and wet spots can provide important clues. Read more

More on mold; JLC Field Guide correction Read more

Lawmakers in many states block IRC 2009 provision mandating sprinklers for one- and two-family homes Read more

Study finds that modest upgrades in insualtion and HVAC equipment dramatically reduce energy use in warm, humid climates. Read more

Practice is called "a new form of price gouging" by lender group. Read more

Challenges from pipe trades and environmental group keep California plumbers guessing. Read more

Suppliers deny providing Chinese GWB, but the retailer offers gift cards to claimants. Read more

Teardowns aren't as common as they were during the boom, but they're still causing problems in some communities. Read more

If the voltage is the same and the mount is the same, you should be fine. Read more

Instead of trying to patch a bad stucco cut, cover it with a trim bead. Read more

Here's an effective way to organize and categorize expenses and job-cost data and compare the results with your forecasts. Read more

Drainage plane for basement walls. Read more

DuPont claims that its RoofLiner synthetic roofing underlayment offers a number of advantages over conventional felt. Read more

Some cleanups really need a broom — but wouldn’t it be nice not to have to mess with the dust pan? Read more

MiraPly self-adhering blind-side waterproofing can make a difficult job just a bit easier. Read more

StonePeak Ceramics recently unveiled a line of tile that the company says repels dirt, kills surface bacteria, and even cleans the air. Read more

Steep rental fees often make it impractical to keep a dumpster on site for the duration of a job, so some builders create an unsightly junk pile. Read more

The Bucket Ape cleaning kit can save you the enormous hassle of carrying heavy buckets of water around the job site. Read more

A central vacuum-cleaning system eliminates the hassle of lugging around a heavy machine — but there’s still the hose to deal with. Read more

The idea of walking on cowhide may sound decadent, but Torlys says its leather flooring is made of 100 percent recycled material. Read more

A lot of energy-conscious consumers are disappointed with the range and performance of dimmable CFLs. Leviton says its new Decora CFL Slide Dimmer can help. Read more

Since most dampproofing coatings are covered up by backfill or studwalls, it doesn’t matter what they look like. Read more

When I heard that Senco was introducing a new cordless finish nailer, I was both excited and skeptical — excited because I dislike using hoses, and skeptical because as a long-time user of cordless finish guns I am aware of their shortcomings. Read more

Create a temporary dust-containment wall or 'room' with plastic sheeting using the ZipWall system. Read more

Dustless Technologies' model 16006 HEPA vac meets requirements for the new RRP lead rule, says the manufacturer, and it's affordably priced. Read more

Bosch's latest two-plane laser level has no motorized spinning beams. Read more

Stanley's Bostitch line of heavy-duty construction hand tools offers 2- and 4-foot clamping box beam levels. Read more

Some years ago, Mogensen bought a nice lot in Waukesha, Wis. — a two-acre plot surrounded by town parks and conservation land, the last undeveloped free spot in the area. He planned to build himself a home there. But when he started to excavate, he hit rock 2 feet down. Lots of rock. Read more