Blown Away
Because of the hurricane risk, many coastal states already have tough wind-resistant construction standards, and the rest are moving in that direction. But can structures built to withstand hurricanes offer any protection from tornadoes? The answer, reports contributing editor Ted Cushman, is yes … with a few caveats. While making the whole house safe against a tornado's high wind pressures and its load of fast-moving, heavy projectiles isn't practical, a securely anchored "safe room" that can serve double duty as a tornado shelter and hurricane retreat promises real value on the coast. Read more
Driving Down Risk
When a 1,500-pound drop hammer is falling from 10 to 15 feet, hitting the butt of a 25-foot timber pile a few hundred times, and you have 70 or 80 piles to do, the neighbors tend to get up in arms no matter how charmingly you may have introduced yourself, notes contractor Eric Borden. His company has been building high-end custom homes on the Jersey shore since 1986. Borden explains his step-by-step strategy for due diligence to alleviate concerns and — most important — to ensure that any piling work won't damage nearby foundations or cause other damage for which he could be liable. Read more
Replacing Windows in Brick-Veneer Homes
Tall-Wall Studs ~ Breathable Roofs~ Paperless Drywall ~ Screws for Composite Decking Read more
