September 2015 Table of Contents

Features
Curbless Shower Retrofit Curbless Shower Retrofit

Here's how to provide slope for drainage for a barrier-free shower when you can’t change the framing. Read more

Building Hurricane-Resistant Homes With Concrete Walls Building Hurricane-Resistant Homes With Concrete Walls

How a coastal North Carolina builder uses precast concrete panels to build strong, watertight, energy-efficient homes. Read more

Letters
On the Job
Hiding a Bed in the Wall Hiding a Bed in the Wall

Gary Striegler's formula for adding function, and a cool factor, to small spaces? A folding "Murphy Bed". Read more

Retrofitting a Pocket Door Retrofitting a Pocket Door

Installing a door entirely from one side of a wall without disturbing finishes on the other side is possible, but requires a delicate touch. Read more

Q&A
Reducing Road Noise on a Deck Reducing Road Noise on a Deck

It's a bit more complicated than planting a row of shrubs. Read more

Okay to Use Old Paint? Okay to Use Old Paint?

Paint pro Scott Burt explains how to evaluate an opened can of latex paint, which can still change with time even if stored properly. Read more

Business
Projecting Markup, Margin, and Sales Projecting Markup, Margin, and Sales

To earn the profit you want, use these simple formulas to figure out what sales volume you need to achieve at different markups and margins. Read more

Code's Eye View
Maximum Length for Fixture Drains Maximum Length for Fixture Drains

To prevent a siphon from forming, make sure the drain pipe connects with the vent above the level of the trap weir. Read more

Energy
Is OSB an Effective Air Barrier? Is OSB an Effective Air Barrier?

A couple of builders find out the hard way that OSB wall sheathing isn't always airtight enough to meet Passive House standards. Read more

Products
Therma-Tru Offers Low-E Blinds Between Glass Therma-Tru Offers Low-E Blinds Between Glass

Low-E blinds and Low-E glass keep out UV rays and prying eyes Read more

Pella Adds Garage Doors to Its Product Line Pella Adds Garage Doors to Its Product Line

Choose from 300 doors in wood, aluminum, or steel, with numerous options Read more

BASF Creates Multiple Wall Assembly Options with HP+ Wall System BASF Creates Multiple Wall Assembly Options with HP+ Wall System

More insulation and less lumber combine into energy-efficient wall systems Read more

InSoFast Speeds Installation of Continuous Insulation Panels InSoFast Speeds Installation of Continuous Insulation Panels

Interlocking panels install quickly and don't require taping Read more

Columbia Forest Products Online Plywood Panel Builder Columbia Forest Products Online Plywood Panel Builder

Get your panel specifications in order with just a few clicks Read more

Honeywell Lyric Smart Home Thermostat Honeywell Lyric Smart Home Thermostat

Geofencing tells the Lyric thermostat turn on or off as homeowners come and go Read more

Fortifiber WeatherSmart Drainable Weather-Resistive Barrier Fortifiber WeatherSmart Drainable Weather-Resistive Barrier

The cloth-like material channels water away from walls with 95% efficiency Read more

Schock Sinks Provide Antibacterial Protection Schock Sinks Provide Antibacterial Protection

A specially formulated finish creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria Read more

GAF Offers Glenwood Triple-Layer Asphalt Shingle GAF Offers Glenwood Triple-Layer Asphalt Shingle

The industry's thickest shingle brings durability with a wood shake look Read more

GRK Fasteners Introduces White Cabinet Screws GRK Fasteners Introduces White Cabinet Screws

Hardware blends in with popular white cabinets, as well as white closet shelving Read more

American Standard Debuts Contemporary Tub Fillers American Standard Debuts Contemporary Tub Fillers

Squared-off and rounded design options pair with a variety of bath decor Read more

CertainTeed Adds 7-inch Board & Batten Profile CertainTeed Adds 7-inch Board & Batten Profile

A 1/2-inch thickness and wide color choice give exterior designs vertical appeal Read more

Toolbox
Practical Fall Protection Practical Fall Protection

The key is finding equipment that's comfortable enough to work in Read more

Backfill
Blending Old and New Building Technologies

Wall assemblies combine clay and straw with Larsen trusses and a timber frame. Read more

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