October 2013 Table of Contents

Earthquakes and hurricanes act differently on a building. While shearwalls and moment frames are the standard solutions for handling lateral forces on building walls, the job they have to do can vary, depending on whether they’re facing a wind load or a seismic load. Read more

For builders working in seismic zones or hurricane country, any structure has to be designed for lateral loads, the sideways force of wind pressure, or earthquake action. Manufactured shear-wall components can provide a solution for these complex situations. Read more

A window and door specialist from Chicago shares fast and efficient installation methods to ensure windows perform well and stand the test of time. Read more

ACMV has been increasing in popularity as a cladding on mid-range and high-end homes for the last decade, and many of these homes are now showing signs of water-damage because the ACMV wasn’t installed correctly the first time. To avoid water damage, treat faux stone like stucco. Read more

Moment frames resist the force of bending or rotation with a rigid connection at the joint between the column and beam. Find out more about how these strategic assemblages can strengthen your structure. Read more

Readers sound off about the International Residential Code, deck framing, recessed can covers, and more. Read more

A licensed electrician responds to a reader’s question about how to deal with Romex wiring for a kitchen/bath remodel in a 1960s home. Read more

Continuous joists are stiffer than single-span joists that overlap at the center beam, but there are other design considerations. Read more

This On the Job looks at a project that requires insulated R-sheathing. Read more

The foundation of every computerized estimating system is its database of unit prices, but how do you begin to build a price? George Weissgerber outlines the process from start to finish. Read more

Search engines are making big changes in how they calculate page rankings. Make sure your business is in the know when it comes to SEO and the latest content marketing strategies. Read more

Overall, the state of the construction industry is improving. Many builders and remodelers are learning, either out of interest or coercion, about building science and how to apply it. Here are 10 secrets that will keep you ahead of the game. Read more

This vinyl siding is cast in molds made from North Carolina quarried stone to create the look of stone without the cost. Read more

When there's a problem with the pump, the system sends a voice alert to the homeowner's cell phone. Read more

Part of the company's Kerdi Shower system, the polystyrene tray is used in place of a mortar base. Read more

This 17-mil polyethylene material makes quick work of flashing pipe penetrations. Read more

The surface of the 12mm-thick laminate is embossed with the grain and texture of reclaimed wood to create an authentic look in a laminate product. Read more

Molded from a Civil War-era fence, 6-inch-thick concrete blocks are simply stacked to create columns; a hollow center allows them to be slipped over a wooden post. Read more

The low profile of Noble Co.'s Thin-Bed Drain makes it ideal for barrier-free applications. Read more

Your customers can bake two different dishes at two different temperatures while using a built-in griddle and a 20,000 Btu burner on the range top. Read more

Limited-edition designs are made in a wide variety of wood species for clients who are looking for a unique door. Read more

Internal circuits measure airflow to keep supply and exhaust balanced in this heat recovery ventilator. Read more

The company integrates grab bars with standard bath items to create a line of products that aid accessibility without looking institutional. Read more

A good pair of shoes deserves a review. But what happens when those trusty soles are discontinued? Mitch Greenlaw discusses his favorite pair of Keen work boots. Read more

From the potent 450 pounds of clamping force delivered by the Stanley FatMax Xtreme Auto Trigger Clamp to the extended throat of the DeWalt Rapid Return Bar Clamp, these speedy jobsite essentials can greatly increase productivity. Read more

Made in the U.S., these washable drop cloths consist of a tightly woven polyester/cotton fabric with a triple-coated utyl-rubber backing that helps prevent liquids from leaking through while also resisting slippage on hardwood and other solid surfaces. Read more

From light framing to finish carpentry, this Makita saw offers great cutting capacity and is light-weight. Read more

The Powerclaw is a unique power strip that clamps to framing, ladders, or elsewhere to keep it off the ground or floor while conveniently positioning your power source. Read more

Perfect for general carpentry, this easy-to-use saw slices through non-ferrous metals with ease, delivering clean, burr-free cuts. Read more

Attractive yet useless structures are rare in North America, but have been a part of European culture for centuries. Read more

This thread from the JLC Forums discusses best practices for patching nail pops and small defects in drywall so that the patch doesn't telegraph through the finish coat of paint. Read more

This thread from the JLC Forums offers tips for dealing with tiny bubbles appearing in joint compound. Read more