September 2014 Table of Contents

Features
Faster, Safer Rake Wall Framing Faster, Safer Rake Wall Framing

It's more efficient to frame, sheathe, and install siding before lifting the walls. Read more

Adding an Insulated Envelope

An airtight "puff jacket" achieves near Passive House levels. Read more

Fastening and Finishing PVC Trim Fastening and Finishing PVC Trim

Practical tips from five JLC authors on how to get the most out of this popular material. Read more

Letters
Letters September 2014 Letters

Contractor education requirements, bolts for attaching sills to foundations, energy-saving tips, sprinkler mandate Read more

Q & A
Q&A: Alternative Stair Design

When building a house with a loft accessed by a code-compliant stair, does a second, unorthodox, stair that leads to the same loft space have to comply with code as well? Read more

Sizing Electrical Boxes Q&A Sizing Electrical Boxes

To avoid big problems later on, learn how to determine the correct size box to prevent overcrowding the wires. Read more

On the Job
Building a Wooden Screen Door On the Job Building a Wooden Screen Door

How to make a custom storm door out of rot-resistant wood such as white oak or mahogany. Read more

Strapping Ceilings JLC Strapping Ceilings

What many North American builders can learn from New England builders. Read more

Business
Business The Pitfalls of Hybrid Estimating

A look at three ways to create an estimate, with varying proportions of labor, materials, and subcontractors. Read more

Business Are Probationary Periods for New Hires a Good Idea?

Be careful: Probationary periods may jeopardize your company's at-will employment policy. Read more

Business No Written Change Order?

Your contract requires written change orders, but for some reason you don't get one in writing. Can you still get paid? Read more

Energy
A Passive House Consultant's Toolkit A Passive House Consultant's Toolkit

The tools needed to design a Passive House aren't difficult to master and were designed, in fact, to simplify energy-efficient construction. Read more

Products
Norbord Onsite Mobile App Product Norbord Onsite Mobile App

A free app helps users troubleshoot OSB problems on the jobsite. Read more

Structural Protective Products Ultra Jamb Reinforcer Products Structural Protective Products Ultra Jamb Reinforcer

The oversize nickel-plated reinforcing plate, bracket, and screws can be used to repair or prevent damage to the jamb. Read more

Luxe Linear Drains' Stainless Steel Knife Slot Products Luxe Linear Drains' Stainless Steel Knife Slot

Installs in any countertop to keep sharp blades at hand. Read more

Werner Podium Ladder Product Werner Podium Ladder

An extra-large platform allows the user to face in any direction. Read more

Polypropylene Deck Ledger Spacer Product Polypropylene Deck Ledger Spacer

Mounted behind the deck ledger, Deck2Wall spacers promote air circulation and prevent debris from collecting. Read more

ZNC (Zola No Compromise) Window Product ZNC (Zola No Compromise) Window

Several glazing options are available, including R-15 quad glazing. Read more

Organized Living FreedomRail Modular Storage Product Organized Living FreedomRail Modular Storage

Uprights support up to 150 pounds per square foot. Read more

August Smart Lock Products August Smart Lock

Let your clients unlock their doors using Bluetooth technology. Read more

Cobra Hip Vent Products Cobra Hip Vent

A new low-profile vent is designed for hip roofs. Read more

Barricade Floor and Tile Underlayment Products Barricade Floor and Tile Underlayment

According to its maker, the material helps to prevent wood flooring from cupping and buckling. Read more

Products Makita LS0815F Slide Compound Miter Saw

Designed for portability, this saw is compact and lightweight. Read more

Product ProVia Embarq Fiberglass Entry System

Thicker headers and side rails, foam-filled channels, and dual perimeter seals improve energy efficiency. Read more

Toolbox
Nite Ize Gear Ties Nite Ize Gear Ties

A look at the benefits of Gear Ties—brightly colored twist-tie wraps that consist of wire with a grippy ribbed rubber coating. Read more

Two Cutting-Edge Cordless Circular Saws From Makita and Milwaukee Toolbox Two Cutting-Edge Cordless Circular Saws From Makita and Milwaukee

These two new cordless circular saws claim to wed corded performance with cordless convenience. Read more

Crescent Connect Modular Clamp System Toolbox Crescent Connect Modular Clamp System

Each clamp in the Crescent Connect Modular Clamp System has 500 pounds of holding power. Read more

Other Articles
Monitoring Home Performance Troubleshooting Monitoring Home Performance

Doug Horgan shares some strategies for keeping tabs on condensation, temperature problems, and more. Read more

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