JLC Survey
Inspecting the Inspectors
We asked our readers to weigh in on the building code enforcement process in the current post-lockdown era. Here are the results of our survey. Read more
Blind-Side Waterproofing
How a hillside home's failing block foundation was reinforced by poured concrete interior liner walls with a pre-applied drainable waterproofing assembly. Read more
The Danger of Installing Vinyl Siding in Cold Climates
Despite popular belief, vinyl siding does not always hang loose enough to dry condensed indoor moisture. Read more
Training the Trades
Checking the Accuracy of Squares and Levels
Are your cuts a skosh off, your doors or windows half a bubble off plumb? Read more
Q&A
Zip Tape Solvent
Once you get the sticky adhesive on you, is there an easy way to get it off? Read more
A Brass Porthole for an Interior Door
An improvised router jig helps fulfill an unusual, last-minute client request. Read more
JLC
Calculating House Volume for Blower Door Tests
The only way to accurately measure air changes per hour is to accurately measure house volume. Randy Williams explains how. Read more
A Tactical Response to Inflation
How contractors handle business now can ease the pain inflicted by an uncertain economy. Read more
Structure
Dropping the Deck Ledger
Glenn Mathewson explains how to frame a deck that is flush with the first floor system when the deck ledger is fastened to the foundation rather than the wall framing. Read more
Rock-Solid Outdoor Kitchen
Manufactured stone veneer cladding over standard wood framing gives this elevated deck's cabinetry the look of stone without the weight. Read more
Professional Deck Builder
Building a ‘Removable’ Deck
How an engineered design with unusually beefy cantilevered beams allowed part of this large deck to be built over a municipal sewer easement. Read more
Deck Stair Upgrades
Four approaches to stair design that will make your decks stand out from the crowd. Read more
Installing a Steel Pergola
Framed with structural steel and assembled like a giant erector set on massive footings, this pergola is rated for 110 mph wind loads. Read more
Box Truck Makeover
It's just another white cargo van until it's customized with built-in tool storage and graphics. Read more
Tool Test: Flex 24v 6 ½-Inch In-Line Circular Saw
This compact but powerful cordless circular saw earns high marks from reviewer Mark Clement. Read more
The Cocoanut Grove Fire, Lessons Learned
This week marks the 80th anniversary of the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, which led to major changes in our building and fire safety codes. Read more
Hardwood-Mimicking Composite Decking
Boards are wrapped on four sides with a protective polyethylene layer. Read more
Fascia Fastening System
Oversized holes help accommodate expansion and contraction of composite boards. Read more
Stainless Steel Deck Fasteners
Along with wood and composite deck and trim screws, the line includes edge and collated screws and joist-hanger nails. Read more
Exterior Painter’s Tape
FrogTape says the tape adheres to rough and painted surfaces and removes cleanly. Read more
Lineage Composite Decking
Trex Lineage deck boards reflect sunlight to help them stay cooler underfoot. Read more
Fast-Curing Subfloor Adhesive
Solvent-free, LP Legacy polyurethane adhesive has up to 12 times the coverage of a solvent-based adhesive. Read more
Curb Appeal–Enhancing Door Panels
Dress up ProVia Signet Fir doors with the company's new fiberglass simulated divided panels. Read more
All-Electric Cooktop
Features include a high-powered element with three individually controlled heat rings and a synchronizing function for heating large pots over multiple burners. Read more
