An Affordable Passive House Part II - Sealing the Air Barrier
Sealing the air barrier and eliminating thermal conduction minimizes heating loads. Read more
Fixing Common Bathroom Ventilation Problems
Often the fan is big enough, but the ductwork is poorly installed and uninsulated. And sometimes the ductwork is nonexistent. Read more
Light-Duty Welding for Builders
Adding basic metal-working equipment to your toolbox will increase your versatility and allow you to become a more productive builder. Read more
Two-Piece Steel Header For an Old Brick Wall
Installing one C-channel at a time makes it easier to support the masonry above when prepping an opening for a wider window or door. Read more
Weaving wood-shingle hips and valleys; epoxy tip; hail-damage scam Read more
Q&A
Thermal Break for a Cathedral Ceiling
Q: Is it possible to create a thermal break by fastening a layer of rigid foam to the underside of the joists before hanging the drywall? Read more
Q: Are exposed PVC drain lines underneath a seasonal home elevated on piers susceptible to UV damage? The pipes are exposed to direct sun for at least part of the day, especially when the sun is low. The structure is located in coastal North Carolina. Read more
Q: With low-flow toilets now required by code almost everywhere, are there steps builders and remodelers can take to prevent problems caused by waste becoming stranded in drain lines? Read more
On the Job
Scribing Baseboard - Scrap Screen-Door Protector - REScheck for Permitting
Scribing baseboard, quickly; scrap screen-door protector; putting REScheck to work for permitting Read more
Moving beyond green hype Read more
Vinyl Replacement Windows
Simonton says its Asure vinyl replacement windows let in more sunlight and less moisture. Read more
Flexible Seal Roof Sealant
Flexible Seal Roof Sealant fills cracks up to 1/4 inch wide and sticks firmly to steel, glass, aluminum, concrete, wood, brick, clay, tile, and asphalt - even in the rain, says the maker. Read more
Prefinished Bulkhead
Powder-coat finishes are more durable and chip-resistant than paint, so it was a smart move on Bilco's part to start offering a factory-applied polyester powder-coat finish as an option for its Classic Series steel basement doors. Read more
Fiber-Cement Mounting Blocks
SturdiMount preflashed fiber-cement mounting blocks provide a flat, leakproof base for light fixtures, receptacles, dryer vents, hose bins, gas lines, and other penetrations, says the maker. Read more
Indulge Modern Instant Hot-Water Dispenser
The Indulge Modern hot-water dispenser provides 200° filtered water instantly, says the maker, saving gallons of not-warm-enough water that otherwise may have been poured down the drain. Read more
Faux Fir Doors
According to the maker, the fiberglass entry doors look like they're made from old-growth fir but are more energy-efficient and less prone to cracking and warping than the real thing. Read more
Discreet Aluminum Access Panel
Although the F-1 Access Panel is made of high-grade welded aluminum, the door can be ordered with a drywall inlay that renders it all but invisible save for the metal edge and 1/16-inch reveal. Read more
Pure Cold Single-Handle Faucet
The downside of a single-handle faucet is that users can inadvertently mix in hot water when all they want is cold. The KWC Ava faucet has a fix for that. Read more
ZipDoor Kit Dust Container
If nothing but a doorway separates the work zone from living space, your safest best may be to install a ZipDoor Kit. Read more
Propane-Powered Generator
With a power output of just over 3,000 watts, the LP3250 Portable Generator would not be the right choice for a framing crew. Read more
Coated I-Joists
PKI Engineered I-Joists get their distinctive pink color from a nontoxic coating that the maker says resists fire, repels water, and prevents mold growth. Read more
Steel Siding
Bayside says its Metal Siding is less prone to expansion and contraction and more durable than wood or vinyl. Read more
Insect Shield Repellent Work Wear
Instead of coating your skin with irritating liquids, consider protecting yourself with Insect Shield Repellent Work Wear when you work outside. Read more
SPP 500C Cordless Caulk Dispenser
The SPP 500C Cordless Caulk Dispenser features a microprocessor-controlled variable-speed motor and all-metal gearing with a 1,300:1 gear ratio, so you can apply more caulk or adhesive with less effort, says the maker. Read more
CG4X Framer Gloves
The CG4X Framer is designed to protect the wearer's hand from abrasions and fatigue without interfering with dexterity. Read more
Door-Bottom Brush
The Painting Pal is a skinny brush that makes it possible to seal a bottom edge on a swinging door. Read more
