Curling and Shrinkage

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Humidifying Homes

Too much moisture can be problem, but so can too little. Doug Horgan explains when... More

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Concrete Basics

If you make certain common mistakes during placement, you can end up with a weak... More

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Framing Details for Wood Shrinkage

When a house frame shrinks, it can leave bumps and dips in the floor, cause doors to bind, and open cracks in drywall and casing joints. Proper selection of materials and attention to framing details can keep these problems to a minimum. More

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Letters

Reversed polarity question, markup percentages, thin-slab radian More

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Controlling Cracks in Concrete Slabs

It’s inevitable: A concrete slab is going to crack. But how much it cracks, and where, depends on the amount of water in the mix, where you place control joints, and how you finish the slab. Here’s what you need to know for good results. More

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Hot-Weather Concreting

Concrete sets up fast in hot, dry weather, increasing the chance that cracks and surface defects will develop. A concrete contractor from the desert Southwest tells how to keep your cool in the heat of a concrete pour. More

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Sub-slab Vapor Barriers

A slab poured directly on top of a vapor barrier dries more quickly on top than on the bottom, causing cracking and curling in the concrete. Here’s one way to solve the problem. More

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Curing Concrete

Contractors often have to pour concrete in less than ideal weather. An engineer tells you how to ensure good results even under poor conditions. More

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Ordering Ready-Mix Concrete

There’s more to buying concrete than specifying compressive strength. Understanding cement types admixures, and batch-plant basics will help you get the right mix for the job. More

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Q&A: Preventing Cracks in Concrete Slabs

Q: The Journal’s panel of experts answers the most commonly asked questions from... More

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