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Issue 296 – Dec 2020/Jan 2021

On the Cover

Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better

Windows are still a weak link in a home's thermal envelope, but innovative insulating glass units promise better performance in the future.

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Features

  • Old Walls Furred Flat

    Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb

    Use this fast, foolproof method to deal with problematic framing or depth differences when remodeling.

  • Making Sense of Minisplits

    Making Sense of Minisplits

    Find out if this type of energy-efficient electric heating and cooling system is right for your home.

  • Fireblocking requirements from the code and beyond

    7 Common Fireblocking Locations

    Builder Mike Guertin outlines fire-safety code requirements and suggests acceptable fireblocking and draftstopping methods and materials.

  • The Indispensible Rafter Square

    Modern versions of this compact framing-layout tool strive to improve on the iconic original.

  • Easier Approach to Air-Sealing

    Is There an Easier Approach to Air-Sealing?

    Bring a house to code-required airtightness in just hours with AeroBarrier.

  • slate roofing installation

    Secrets of Slate Roofing

    It's hot, heavy, and hard work installing it, but few roofs look as good or last as long.

    Article

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #296 Online Highlights

    Here are the digital extras from Fine Homebuilding’s January 2021, Issue #296: On page 8 of issue #296, we featured a number of online extras and urged readers to check…

    Tips & Techniques

  • Quickly Clean Paint Rollers

    Quickly Clean Paint Rollers

    This PVC pipe-and-hose assembly forces water through the nap to thoroughly clean a paint-covered roller.

  • protect fingers from sealant

    Not-So-Sticky Fingers

    Protect your fingers from sealant using this common household item.

  • Undercabinet Lighting Jig

    Undercabinet Lighting Jig

    A homemade T-square with a drilling guide centers a long drill bit in a cabinet bottom for running a puck-light wire.

  • holesaw plug

    Hole-Saw Plug Popper

    Pop the wood plug out of the bit without resorting to a screwdriver.

  • easy floor sheathing

    Panel Placer

    An unexpected garden tool make it easier to lower subflooring.

  • roof debris sack

    Feed-Bag Debris Sack

    An animal feed bag becomes a durable garbage collector on the job site.

  • five-gallon bucket handle

    Get a Handle on Your Buckets

    PVC pipe and a piece of duct tape makes a better hand-hold for 5-gal. buckets of sand or rocks.

  • tools cover

    Clever Tools Cover

    Aluminum diamond plate makes a partial truck-bed cover to protect tools and other items.

  • Makeshift Hex-Head Driver

    A three-jaw chuck drives hex-head concrete screws in a pinch.

  • downspouts

    Downspouts With Class

    A copper plug and cap creates a minimalist standoff and avoids eyesore brackets.

    Tools & Gear

  • Smart, Sturdy Worktable

    Smart, Sturdy Worktable

    The Dash-Board workbench has a large table, adjustable legs, and a sturdy housing, making it easier to work outside the shop.

  • High-Quality Work Lights

    High-Quality Work Lights

    These two flood lights aren't cheap, but they have a strong battery life and impressive capabilities.

  • Legit Cordless Roofing Nailer

    With as much strength as its air-powered cousins, the DeWalt cordless roofing nailer's only drawback is its battery life.

    HOUSES by Design

  • Balanced Performance

    Balanced Performance

    A tiny footprint and the use of emerging building strategies were just two of the hurdles when designing this net-zero home.

  • A Loft to Meet Code

    Satisfying the local requirements for a sleeping loft proved a challenge for the owner of this accessory dwelling unit.

  • Building a Prototype

    Building a Prototype For Net-Zero Neighborhoods

    Green-building strategies and low-carbon materials define the design of this cluster of energy-efficient, solar-powered homes.

    Spec

  • Picturesque Pavers

    These narrow concrete pavers use proprietary casting technologies to create a handmade look with impressive durability.

  • Crushproof Tubing Company Simple Drain

    Self-Plunging Sink Drain

    This flexible P-trap alternative allows you to clear blockages with a quick squeeze of the pipe.

  • Streamlined Ceramic Sink

    This curvy sink-and-vanity combination offers a sleek and flexible design statement.

  • Sound Wave tiles

    Scientifically Designed Tiles

    The Sound Wave series uses frequencies of sound to create unique designs silkscreened onto the ceramic.

    Building Matters

  • Why We Need Building Sensors

    The rapidly evolving field of sensor technology allows us to monitor building performance and create healthier indoor environments.

    Keep Craft Alive

  • Travis Brungardt, Builder

    Keep Craft Alive: Travis Brungardt, Builder

    With a commitment to resilient, high-performance building, this business owner goes above and beyond to share his knowledge and connect with others in the trades.

More? View Past Issues

    Ask the Experts

  • What to Do With Old Windows?

  • Better Vented-Roof Baffles

  • How Do I Get a Straight Drywall Joint?

  • Does My Deck Need Posts?

  • How Many Different Trim Nailers Do I Really Need?

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

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