October 2020 Table of Contents

Features
Common Code Mistakes JLC Common Code Mistakes

Code expert Glenn Mathewson highlights the construction practices that are most likely to get flagged by a building inspector. Read more

Wood Basics Wood Basics

How the cellular structure of the wood we use influences the wood's behavior in a house. Read more

Installing Endless Pools Installing Endless Pools

How an atypical backyard upgrade resulted in a new profit center for a California remodeler. Read more

Training the Trades
Level, Square, and Plumb TRAINING THE TRADES Level, Square, and Plumb

Learn the basics on framing straight and square buildings from veteran carpenter John Spier. Read more

Q&A
Ridge Beams vs. Ridge Boards Q&A Ridge Beams vs. Ridge Boards

When renovating an attic, be sure you understand the difference between ridge beams and ridge boards. One is a structural member, and one is not. Read more

On the Job
Updating a Compact Kitchen Updating a Compact Kitchen

Smaller appliances and a clever use of space can improve the efficiency of a small kitchen without adding square footage. Read more

New Life for Old Eaves New Life for Old Eaves

A technique for building out new, level eaves over an old, wavy roof edge. Read more

Energy
Continuous Insulation: Problems and Solutions Continuous Insulation: Problems and Solutions

To avoid callbacks when making the move to exterior foam insulation, address water and moisture management with greater diligence. Read more

Decks
2021 Deck Code Highlights Structure 2021 Deck Code Highlights

Code expert Glenn Mathewson breaks down the deck-related changes included in the recently-published 2021 IRC. Read more

Tools of the Trade
A Better Demolition Tool System A Better Demolition Tool System

Artillery Tools demolition sets have interchangeable blades, handles, and fulcrums to make mobilizing for deconstruction simple. Read more

Cordless, Brushless Chain Saws Cordless, Brushless Chain Saws

Chain saws for framing? Tim Uhler says yes! Read more

Backfill
Dawn of the Duplex Receptacle Dawn of the Duplex Receptacle

We have inventor Harvey Hubbell to thank for the design of today's electrical outlets. Read more

Products
Metal Deck Fasteners Metal Deck Fasteners

Camo Edgexmetal clips fasten grooved deck boards to metal framing. Read more

Mass Timber Fasteners and Connectors Mass Timber Fasteners and Connectors

Structural wood screws from Simpson Strong-Tie Read more

High-Performance Housewrap High-Performance Housewrap

A relatively high-perm housewrap designed for rainscreen applications, or as the secondary WRB for stucco and manufactured stone Read more

Dual-Purpose Underlayment Dual-Purpose Underlayment

Fire resistant and waterproof roofing membrane Read more

WUI-Approved Decking WUI-Approved Decking

MoistureShield Vision capped-composite deck boards Read more

Deck Stair Safety Treads Deck Stair Safety Treads

Heat-treated aluminum treads give old steps a new look and a safer surface. Read more

Structural Countertop Support Structural Countertop Support

Cantilever plate for use with metal studs Read more

Compact, Adjustable Workstation Compact, Adjustable Workstation

The platform can be configured to 10 different heights. Read more

New Low-Profile Ridge Vent New Low-Profile Ridge Vent

Roof-ventilation systems from Atlas Read more

Impact-Rated Sliding Patio Door Impact-Rated Sliding Patio Door

Rehau's 1250 patio door for new construction or retrofits accommodates triple glazing for improved energy efficiency. Read more

Pressure-Treated LVL Pressure-Treated LVL

For above-ground interior or exterior use, such as deck beams, joists, columns, and treated sill plates. Read more

Precision Drilling Hammer Bits Precision Drilling Hammer Bits

Hardened bits for rebar application Read more

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