April 2021 Table of Contents

Features
Making a Versatile Mantel Making a Versatile Mantel

Gary Striegler shows how to build this flexible design using simple joinery and stock moldings. Read more

Working Efficiently in a Post-COVID World Working Efficiently in a Post-COVID World

Born of necessity during the pandemic, these lessons in efficient remodeling still apply when many clients are now working from home. Read more

Training the Trades
A Trip to the Lumberyard A Trip to the Lumberyard

A primer on lumber grading, the key to selecting the right softwood dimensional wood materials for framing and finish. Read more

Q&A
Splice Joints for Crown Molding Q&A Splice Joints for Crown Molding

There's more than one way to join millwork together to trim a long wall. Gary Katz weighs in with his favorite approach. Read more

On The Job
Fabricating a Concave Metal Roof ON THE JOB Fabricating a Concave Metal Roof

Here are all the details you'll need to frame, fabricate, and install a flared standing-seam metal roof. Read more

Rebuilding a Basement Bulkhead Entry Rebuilding a Basement Bulkhead Entry

After giving a rubble stone foundation a concrete facelift and topping the assembly with a PVC cap, installing the new door was easy. Read more

Adding a Steel 'Backbone' to a Failed Ridge Beam Adding a Steel 'Backbone' to a Failed Ridge Beam

Jake Lewandowski breaks down the complex process of reinforcing a rotted heavy timber ridge in an old building with a new steel beam. Read more

Business
Making Retirement Savings Work Making Retirement Savings Work

In part two of his retirement series, contractor Rob Corbo examines IRA investment opportunities that maximize gains. Read more

Energy
Retrofitting Forced-Air HVAC With High-MERV Filtration Retrofitting Forced-Air HVAC With High-MERV Filtration

Allison Bailes explains why you can’t just swap out a cheap fiberglass filter for a pleated, high-quality filter. Read more

Troubleshooting
Synthetic Slate Roofing: Lessons Learned Synthetic Slate Roofing: Lessons Learned

What to do - and what not to do - when installing synthetic slate roofing. Read more

Tools of the Trade
A Compact Metal Connector Nailer TOOLS OF THE TRADE A Compact Metal Connector Nailer

Paslode's lightweight P150S-PP pneumatic nailer has a compact one-strip magazine that allows it to fit easily between joists. Read more

Battery-Powered Jobsite Power Supply TOOLS OF THE TRADE Battery-Powered Jobsite Power Supply

On today's jobsites you need an option for charging cellphones, tablets and other electronic devices. Read more

A Better Nail Puller TOOLS OF THE TRADE A Better Nail Puller

Tim Uhler likes Dalluge's Da Bar, which has thinner, flatter claws that get under the nail head with less gouging. Read more

Backfill
From Poland With Love From Poland With Love

JLC editor Clayton DeKorne pauses during a pandemic-related visit to Wrocław, Poland, to reflect on the quiet resilience of the city's homes. Read more

Products
Steel-Alternative Rebar Steel-Alternative Rebar

Compared with steel, this glass-fiber-reinforced composite rebar has more tensile strength, weighs less, and won't rust. Read more

Flexible Engineered-Wood Forms Flexible Engineered-Wood Forms

LP ArchForms are designed for forming curves on concrete projects like patios, walkways, and pool decks. Read more

Smart Air Cleaner Smart Air Cleaner

For better air quality on the jobsite. Read more

Heavy-Duty Job Storage Heavy-Duty Job Storage

Box sizes range from 48 to 74 inches long and from 39 to 64 inches tall. Read more

Self-Cleaning Coating Self-Cleaning Coating

Modeled on surfaces in nature, Sto iQ Coatings promise an additional level of protection. Read more

Self-Adhered Drainable WRB Self-Adhered Drainable WRB

HydroGap SA has a continuous acrylic adhesive that seals around fasteners and penetrations, while 1-mm spacers create a drainage path for bulk water. Read more

Antibacterial, Air-Purifying Paint Antibacterial, Air-Purifying Paint

One variety has antibacterial properties and the other promises to reduce odors. Read more

Airtight Vent Hood Airtight Vent Hood

A positive-action damper helps keep cold air out. Read more

Concrete Screw Anchors Concrete Screw Anchors

Redesigned star flat head and hex head promise to improve installation. Read more

Shake and Slate Metal Roofing Shake and Slate Metal Roofing

The metal panels are available in traditional slate- and shake-look styles. Read more

Hands-Free Faucet Hands-Free Faucet

Sensors are recharged by the running water. Read more

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