March 2021 Table of Contents

Features
Building a High-Performance Window Wall Building a High-Performance Window Wall

Large triple-glazed windows create an energy-efficient alternative to traditional storefront glazing. Read more

The Strength of Wood The Strength of Wood

A guide to the mechanical properties of wood that engineers use to evaluate it as a structural material. Read more

Training the Trades
Table Saw Tips and Techniques JLC Table Saw Tips and Techniques

For the best performance and margin of safety, learn how to set up and use this essential tool correctly. Read more

Q&A
A Remodeler's Guide to Basement Egress A Remodeler's Guide to Basement Egress

Before converting a basement to living space, be sure you can meet the requirements for egress, natural light, and ventilation. Read more

Finishing Tips for Ceiling Trim Q&A Finishing Tips for Ceiling Trim

Should crown molding be painted to match the ceiling, or to match the trim in the rest of the room? Read more

On The Job
An Innovative Rim Joist Repair An Innovative Rim Joist Repair

Discovered during a kitchen remodel, a failing wall-foundation intersection was rebuilt with steel, concrete and engineered lumber. Read more

New Pier for an Old Post New Pier for an Old Post

How a structural repair specialist replaced the footing underneath a major timber support post without disturbing the structure above. Read more

Business
Making Retirement Savings Work Making Retirement Savings Work

Learn about options for retirement savings plans that work well for small construction business owners and their employees. Read more

Troubleshooting
Moisture Detection Tools JLC Moisture Detection Tools

Bill Robinson unpacks the Pelican case full of tools he uses to inspect for moisture problems. Read more

Decks
A Curved Deck With a Hidden Framing Secret A Curved Deck With a Hidden Framing Secret

How to create an unobstructed lake view with a minimum number of support posts Read more

Framing a Deck With Steel Framing a Deck With Steel

A contractor with a lot of experience building with light gauge steel checks out the Fortress Evolution deck framing system. Read more

Double-Decker Porch Restoration Double-Decker Porch Restoration

This three-rail balustrade preserves the home’s character while meeting local code and historic preservation requirements. Read more

Redwood Deck on a Blue Lagoon DAY'S END Redwood Deck on a Blue Lagoon

It's the close attention to detail that distinguishes this San Mateo, California deck. Read more

Tools of the Trade
Three Levels of Awesome Toolbox Tools of the Trade Three Levels of Awesome Toolbox

Mark Clement explains why Craftsman's 3-in-1 Rolling Workshop is the perfect jobsite accessory. Read more

Real Deal Review: Skullerz Vented Hard Hat Real Deal Review: Skullerz Vented Hard Hat

Ergodyne's Skullerz cap-style vented hard hat has a ratcheted suspension system for cooler performance in hot weather. Read more

Backfill
An Essential Education An Essential Education

The industry has become unnecessarily fractured by splitting off “remodelers” to a separate industry. Read more

Products
Wood-Grain Composite Decking Wood-Grain Composite Decking

MoistureShield Meridian capped decking has square-edge and grooved versions, in lengths up to 20 feet. Read more

DensDeck Gypsum Roof Coverboard DensDeck Gypsum Roof Coverboard

StormX Prime Roof Board is designed to resist impact damage from hail and windborne debris. Read more

Smart Air Control System Smart Air Control System

Tight houses need ventilation to manage indoor air quality. Read more

Composite-Fiber Siding Composite-Fiber Siding

Rise siding, which is made from recycled carpet fiber, comes in 20-foot lengths. Read more

Horizontal Steel Rod Railing Horizontal Steel Rod Railing

Preassembled panels speed installation. Read more

Expanded Ridge Premium Collection Expanded Ridge Premium Collection

Envision now makes square-edge and grooved boards in 20-foot lengths. Read more

Residential Aluminum Railing Residential Aluminum Railing

Fortress Al13 Home railing systems come in over-the-post and proud-post options with preattached brackets for quick installation. Read more

Optimized Spray Foam Insulation Kits Optimized Spray Foam Insulation Kits

Reformulated to reduce their global warming potential, new spray foam products from Dap have better insulating properties too. Read more

Glass and Tile Drill Bits Glass and Tile Drill Bits

A sharpened carbide head promises durability and faster drilling times. Read more

Premade Outside Corner Boards Premade Outside Corner Boards

A new time-saving accessory from LP for use with SmartSide engineered wood siding Read more

Charred-Wood Cape Cod Perfection Shake Charred-Wood Cape Cod Perfection Shake

The look is inspired by the Japanese wood-preserving process known as Shou Sugi Ban. Read more

ALX Aluminum Deck Post Extensions ALX Aluminum Deck Post Extensions

This accessory from Deckorators provides a clean look for hanging outdoor lights. Read more

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