Learning from the best practices of remodelers who work in climates where moisture-penetration is a constant challenge More
Q. I'm in discussions with an architect regarding the pros and cons of using Grace Ice and Water Shield or a similar membrane material as a housewrap. These materials are more expensive than Tyvek or 15# felt but can't be beat when it comes to the wind-driven rain we get here in the Florida Panhandle. My architect has cited Paul Fisette's articles on felt, housewraps, and flashings as his reason for requiring felt ("Making Walls Watertight," 12/95; "Housewrap vs. Felt," 11/98). But Paul Fisette works in a "heating" climate, not a "cooling" climate like ours. Would he recommend different details for a hot, humid climate? More
Floor joist patch kits; saws with lights, dust controls, deeper cuts; decorative vinyl windows; gutter cleaning; more More
Q. Most of the houses we build have 12/12 roofs with plumb fascias. Even though... More
Bifold doors, pocket protector tool sheath, elastomeric masonry coatings, removable duct tape, more More
Q: I plan to install wood siding over a vented rain screen on a house in Seattle, where we get rain for long periods during the winter. My question is, how can the air cavity dry if the exterior relative humidity is 100 percent? Assuming the air cavity temperature is the same as the exterior temperature, the air coming through the cavity can’t pick up any additional moisture. More
Stepladder tool pouch; vinyl board & batten siding; fold-away urinal; new-tech utility knives; polyethylene garage doors; and more More
It’s easy to get sloppy when installing housewrap and flashings, but beware —... More
Q: Is it a good idea to install vinyl siding over OSB sheathing without putting up any housewrap or felt? I see this more and more often, and wonder whether the OSB should be protected since vinyl is fairly leaky. Apparently there is nothing in the codes against this practice. More
