March 2013 Table of Contents

Gary Klein, the godfather of efficient hot water piping, explains how to deliver hot water to fixtures faster and reduce energy waste. Read more

Continuous steel reinforcement ties the poured concrete walls to the footings Read more

This tougher alternative to rubber membrane can be installed without adhesive Read more

Prefab parts and flexible drywall simplify the installation of this classic detail Read more

This letter to the editor takes exception to Dennis Dixon's column "Getting Paid for Preconstruction Advice" Read more

A contractor describes his "Estimating & Design Proposal" Read more

A reader suggests a better way to strengthen an old roof Read more

Although birth tourism itself is not illegal, critics charge that the practice has led to the creation of overcrowded and illegal "maternity hotels". Read more

The New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit was extended to the end of 2013. Read more

Heat-reflecting asphalt can be as much as 40° cooler. Read more

California builders are reportedly pleased with the newest version of the state’s building code. Read more

Owens-Corning looks to better quality control to deal with a strong-smelling batt problem Read more

Why is an air space required around Type B vent pipe passing through a drywall ceiling insulated with fiberglass batts? Read more

There's a reason why roofing underlayment should generally be installed shingle fashion rather than from ridge to eaves. Read more

Here's how Gary Katz fastens, sands, and paints PVC stock to match existing wood trim. Read more

The NEC requires at least one outlet in hallways that are 10 feet or more in length; problem is, it doesn't define what constitutes a hallway. Read more

Batteries that are recharged by solar panels and a wind generator supply DC power to an inverter, which converts it to AC power. Read more

Installing one of these membranes can help prevent rot behind stone and masonry veneers Read more

When a foundation is out-of-level and out-of-square, you can shim the joists, notch the plates, and adjust their position on the foundation wall to fix it. Read more

Storing documents in digital form saves time, money, and space Read more

NuToneís LPN80 produces just one sone of noise and fits in a 2x4 wall Read more

GE's "Slate" finish is a low-gloss alternative to stainless steel and black Read more

Waving an object beneath the Sensate's spout turns it on and off Read more

Velux's Fresh Air Skylight uses a solar panel to recharge a battery-powered control system Read more

BlueskinVP serves as both housewrap and air barrier Read more

Masonite's "Lemieux Torrefied Collection" doors are treated to resist heat, cold, and moisture Read more

Quarrix Composite Tiles weigh a lot less than concrete and clay and come in six colors Read more

A simple way to add a patio roof cover Read more

Sheetrock UltraLight Panels weigh only 1.35 pounds per square foot Read more

Weyerhaeuser says its Edge Gold flooring panels shed water during construction delays Read more

Honeywell's Prestige IAQ thermostat is 60% smaller than the companyís other programmable models Read more

The pad on Schlage's Touch Screen Deadbolt lights up for use in the dark Read more

Though slower and heavier than corded models, the LXOB01 works surprisingly well Read more

Generac's new LP5500 holds a 20- or 30-pound fuel tank Read more

A unique take on the lowly carpenterís pencil Read more

Sola's solid, one-pound MM Torpedo Level should stand up to job-site abuse Read more

Powermaticís PM1500 15-inch band saw has a relatively small footprint and a 3-hp 230-volt motor Read more

From trimming cow tails to powering wheelchairs, cordless drills have plenty of work to do even off the job site Read more

Tips about patching holes in drywall to accept smaller-diameter recessed fixtures Read more

Solutions for building up trim to better complement the thickness of cedar shingles Read more