Air-Sealing Techniques From a Passive House Pro
Even conventional homes can benefit from advanced methods and materials. Read more
Readers weigh in on how best to provide high-school graduates access to good-paying, higher-skilled jobs in the trades. Also, read about using Diamond Piers, and how retrofitting houses suits one remodeler's appreciation of history. Read more
Q&A
Deck Ledgers and Water Table Trim
The 2015 IRC allows a 1-inch-maximum sheathing thickness between the ledger and band joist, but it may be simpler to remove the trim and attach the ledger to the house Read more
How to Cut Metal Roofing Panels
A saw with a metal blade is fast, but offset aviation snips might be a better choice when cutting corrugated metal roofing. Read more
On the Job
Fast, Accurate, and Attractive Piers
Square wood forms knocked together from scrap lumber put piers in the right place and at the right height. Read more
On the Job
Best-Practice Apron Flashing
For a more-effective and better-looking result, integrate the exposed apron with the corner flashing using soldered lock seams. Read more
Stay out of trouble by approaching your budget like you would a job estimate. Read more
Energy
Moisture in Fat Walls
Researchers monitor temperature and moisture in a house for three winters to see whether 12 inches of dense-blown cellulose would work as well as the same thickness of medium-density open-cell spray foam. Read more
Products
Walker Zanger Sterling Row Tile Collection
Accent spaces will get a touch of menswear design with this handsome collection. Read more
Products
Lutron Caseta Dimmers and Smart Bridge Pro
Wireless dimmers are smartphone-controlled in this configuration from Lutron. Read more
Products
Ergodyne Arsenal Topped Parts Pouch
Clever flaps inside this pouch keep contents from falling out if the bag tips over. Read more
Products
Quikrete Q-Max Pro Concrete Mix
Get one-hour working time and three-hour walk-on time with this versatile mix. Read more
Products
Gerard Metal Roofing Systems
Get the benefits of metal roofing with the aesthetics of traditional materials. Read more
Products
Viega Copper-to-PEX Transition Fittings
Merge copper and PEX tubing systems with these smart fittings. Read more
Products
Clopay Reserve Wood Collection Custom Series
Create your own combination of wood, glass, metal, and creative design with this custom garage door program. Read more
Products
ClipStone Mortarless Stone Veneer
No masonry experience is necessary to install ClipStone, thanks to a built-in spacing system. Read more
Onset Data Loggers Track Building Data for Energy Auditing
While Georgia college students use the devices to learn about building science, contractors can reap the benefits too Read more
Centipede Tool Sawhorses Have Legs
Easy setup and tear down, plus impressive capacity make these sawhorses useful on any jobsite Read more
MiTek Hanger Eliminates Joist Nailing
This new component lets framers safe steps without sacrificing safety or durability Read more
Portable SawStop Unit Brings Safety On-Site
High-tech safety goes where you go with this new saw model. Read more
Toolbox
Makita 18-Volt XT255M 18V LXT Drywall Install Kit
If you're still plugged into the wall, you might be surprised by how much this cordless drywall router and screw gun improve your productivity. Read more
Toolbox
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall Recip Saw
Even if you own a full-size recip, you'll frequently find yourself reaching for this lightweight, compact, and surprisingly powerful saw. Read more
Backfill
Spite Houses
Building codes and zoning have mostly eliminated the practice of retributive home building, though vindictive paint jobs are apparently still a thing. Read more
Troubleshooting
A New Roof Poisons a Family
Though at first the culprit appeared to be the furnace, it turned out that the roofers triggered the problem. Read more
