April 2014 Table of Contents

Some contractors still don’t understand how to get the most out of these products. Here are some tips for installations that stand firm for the long haul. Read more

It's safer and more comfortable to frame a roof on the ground, then lift it into place with a crane later. Read more

Learn how a Massachusetts contractor lifted and resupported an early-1800s home, then poured a new concrete foundation underneath it. Read more

Joists in an old floor, repairing a concrete slab in an old floor, and more. Read more

UV-C light is germicidal, but how effective is it at preventing microbial contamination of a residential HVAC system? Read more

A reader asks about lightening a traditional floor mud mixture with vermiculite and sand. Read more

Here's how to build a structurally independent wall when there are no other walls to tie into for rigidity. Read more

Remodeler Randal Patterson shows how to replace sheet metal hydronic baseboard covers with better-looking ones made of wood. Read more

Whether you estimate with an off-the-shelf system or using an Excel spreadsheet, most systems today are built around a database of unit pricing items. Here are some tips to get you started. Read more

Managing employees' overtime can be tricky. Here are a few tips to keep your staff happy and your company out of the courtroom. Read more

Can a mistake related to a contract be corrected? It depends on who makes the error and how it affects the agreement. Read more

Home performance contractor Mike MacFarland explains how to win gold with leak-free ducts. Read more

Each sash on the Next Generation Ultimate Double Hung locks directly to the jamb, so one can be opened while the other stays in place. Read more

Low-maintenance and dimensionally stable, Boral's TruExterior Trim now comes in a 1 1/2-inch thickness. Read more

Up to 30% lighter than standard 5/8-inch Type X board, Easi-Lite 30 combines reduced weight with fire resistance. Read more

Armstrong’s QuikStix pre-engineered drywall grid system uses two types of studs. The company claims the system cuts framing time in half. Read more

The Warmsource system simplifies hydronic heating by stuffing all the manifolds and controls into a little tank on top of the main storage tank and using X10 technology to eliminate the need for thermostat wiring. Read more

The EdgeHome system displays electricity use for electronic devices, allowing homeowners to see and control individual loads, thanks to controllers placed behind each outlet and switch box. Read more

The 4415 High Output Linear Gas Fireplace heats up to 2,100 square feet of space and its crushed glass floor makes for sparkling aesthetics. Read more

This Zip System sheathing panel features a barrier on the underside that reflects radiant heat. Read more

The WaterSense-approved Avalanche CT toilet is a high-efficiency model that offers one-piece design with contemporary styling. Read more

The Bellwether is a clean-lined enameled cast iron base available in six colors and two sizes. Read more

For use under ceramic, porcelain, or stone floor tile, the filaments in the UltraLayer pad create a capillary effect that dampens sound as well as muffling impact. Read more

Quikrete’s water-based Epoxy Garage Floor Coating kit comes in a 5-gallon pail with all you need to coat the floor of a one-car garage. Read more

A look at what's new in Bosch and Skil wormdrive saws. Read more

Milwaukee’s new 17-pound, 18-volt M18 Jobsite Radio/Charger can charge or run on any battery from the M18 platform and is the first jobsite model to include a Bluetooth receiver. Read more

A handy remodeling tool for everything from delicate material removal to finishing touches, Steve Demetrick reviews this Bosch cordless model. Read more

A hybrid of painting and sculpture, Andrew Myers' portraits use screw heads to create remarkable artwork. Read more

Doug Horgan's details for a troublesome area that frequently gets overlooked: the transition between a steep-slope roof and a low-slope roof. Read more