Issue 272 – Dec 2017/Jan 2018
Features
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Dense-Pack Cellulose Insulation Done Right
How to tell the difference between a good cellulose insulation job and a bad one.
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Dense-Pack Cellulose Coverage Chart
Find the expected yield for any framing cavity you’re likely to encounter.
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Prefab Paneled Wainscot
On-site measurements and off-site production yield a traditional look at a more affordable price.
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Snap-Lock Standing-Seam Metal Roof Installation
Factory-made panels and flashing go together without specialty tools or subcontractors.
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Frame a Gable Wall
This fundamental approach hinges on an accurate layout that keeps the math to a minimum.
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What About Steel in Home Construction?
Despite some advantages over wood, light-gauge steel framing hasn’t made the leap to residential building, and the reasons why may surprise you.
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A Remarkable Home Remodel
Turning a quirky rustic lodge into a comfortable modern home is a problem-solving proposition.
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Updating the Lodge
A first-rate team of builder, architect, and landscape designer remodel an oddly built stone cabin.
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Better Board and Batten
Modern materials breathe new life into a siding that can be both rustic and refined.
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Perks and Precautions of a New Material
A remodeler’s thoughts on working with Boral’s fly-ash siding and trim material.
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Connecting PEX Plumbing
A close look at the ever-expanding options for joining PEX plumbing.
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Connect PEX With ASTM F1960 Expansion Fittings and ProPEX Rings
Mastered in a Minute: For a connection that gets stronger over time, ProPEX expansion fittings are hard to beat.
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Connect PEX With ASTM F2080 Expansion Fittings and Compression Sleeves
Mastered in a Minute: With brass fittings and compression sleeves, F2080 is the Rolls-Royce of PEX fitting systems.
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Connect PEX With Crimp Fittings and Crimp Rings
Mastered in a Minute: There’s more than one way to connect crimp fittings, but this is the original.
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Connect PEX With Crimp Fittings and Stainless-Steel Clamps
Mastered in a Minute: Stainless-steel clamps are an approved method for joining crimp fittings to PEX tubing.
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Connect PEX With Push Fittings
Mastered in a Minute: For a quick repair or retrofit, push fittings are a go-to for handymen.
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Connect PEX With Viega PEX Press Fittings
Mastered in a Minute: Viega has developed one of the fastest and easiest methods for joining PEX.
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Affordable Net-Zero Housing: Designed for the Budget
The 2017 FHB House meets it's energy-efficiency goals by targeting public areas with higher-quality finishes, and using builder-grade materials in other places.
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Designed for First-Floor Living
The owners can take care of all their needs without using the stairs.
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Home Buyers Love Splurges in the Kitchen
It made sense to treat the FHB House kitchen—especially the cabinets and countertops—with higher-quality finishes than other areas in the house.
Article
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Untethered Tablesaw
Tool Review: The DeWalt DCS7485 features a rock-solid rack-and-pinion fence and tubular frame.
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Faster Truss Tie-Downs
FastenMaster’s FrameFast system features a ½-in. Milwaukee drill motor with an attached extension tube and a driver head that holds the fastener.
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Good-Looking Composite Siding
Material Review: Icon composite siding from CertainTeed has the look of 7-in. cedar clapboards with excellent moisture resistance and installation.
Tools & Materials
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Project Gallery: Captivating Cupolas
From whimsy to lighting to ventilation, cupolas can serve a range of purposes.
Project Gallery
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Reconsidering R-value Recommendations
Does the dropping cost of solar PV systems mean that it's more economical to just install more PV panels and skimp on insulation?
Musings of an Energy Nerd
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To Create a Clean Roofline, Design from the Roof Down
Design/Build: As the McMansion dwindles in popularity, simpler rooflines are back in fashion.
Design/Build
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Replacing an Asphalt Shingle
The job isn’t hard, but it’s not exactly straightforward, either.
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Video: Replace an Asphalt Roof Shingle
There may be more nails than you expect.
Building Skills
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Keep Craft Alive: Paul Johnson, Remodeler
“When a client says, 'this is beautiful,' that isn't just luck."
