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Issue 229 – Aug/Sept 2012

On the Cover

A New Floor Plan Saves an Old House

An architect shares his strategies for remodeling small old houses to fit modern lifestyles

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The Magazine

Tool Test: Compact Compressors

Small, quiet, and lightweight, these air compressors handle a bit of everything.
How it Works: Air-Conditioner Efficiency

Because air-conditioning systems typically are sized to keep a home cool on the hottest days of the year, they waste energy most of the time.
Starter House

A playhouse destined for the dumpster gets transformed with salvaged materials.
How to Hang Airtight Drywall

Drywall can stop air leaks when it's installed with caulk, foam, and adhesive.
Weaving Wood and Tile Into a Stunning Floor

A field of slate squares is captured by a dadoed grid of reclaimed pine.
Fast, Accurate Floor Sheathing

Working together, a four-person crew finishes a subfloor in an hour.

Article

What's Cool in Air Conditioning?

Understanding the technology behind today's systems improves your chances of installing the right one
Temporary Power on the Job Site

Whether you’re an electrical contractor, builder or homeowner, there are a variety of ways to safely provide temporary power for your project.

What is the Difference

What's the Difference: Latex, Nitrile, and Vinyl Disposable Gloves

Latex, nitrile, and vinyl Disposable gloves aren’t just for medical and food-service professionals. They also offer some protection from grease, paint, spray foam, solvents, caulk, and other products used in…
What's the Difference: Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable

You may know it as Romex or house wire, but nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM) has become a mainstay of residential wiring since it became available almost a century ago. NM…

Building Skills

Prep and Glue Plastic Fittings

Plumber Mike Lombardi sees lots of plumbing mistakes, but the most common one he encounters is improperly prepared PVC and ABS connections. In this "Building Skills" article, Lombardi shows how…

Drawing Board

How to Design an Entry Sequence

Illustrated ideas for creating curb appeal for 5 popular styles of homes.

Energy Smart Details

Windows and Doors in Double-Stud Walls

In her "Energy-Smart Details" article in FHB #228, architect Rachel Wagner discussed double-stud wall construction. Here, she explains its trickiest part: the gap between the inner and outer walls that…

Tailgate

Interview: Greg Law, Restoration Specialist

Bringing historic houses back to their prime is just one challenge for this National Park Service preservationist.

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