Issue 305 – Feb/March 2022
Features
-
The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
This architect encourages finding the right questions to ask before turning to building science for easy answers.
-
How Good Is Your Air Barrier?
If your goal is extremely low air leakage, choose your materials carefully.
-
Deep-Energy Retrofit for an Adaptive-Reuse Project
A historical commercial building is turned into a live-work space using building-science principles.
-
Replacing PVC with an EPDM Membrane on a Flat Roof
A redesigned Yankee gutter and a well-executed rubber roof ready a midcentury home for its next century.
-
Assembling a Concrete-Free Slab
An innovative plywood slab-on-grade means less time, money, and carbon
-
Foundation Insulation Options for a Concrete-Free Slab
A plywood slab-on-grade requires a similar foundation construction to the ones used when building a traditional concrete slab-on-grade home.
Article
Tips & Techniques
-
Shingle StackerMake staining cedar shingles easier with this makeshift drying rack.
-
Make Sturdy Post ConnectionsUse galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of dec stairs.
-
Hot Tip for Caulk Tubes
Sealing an open tube with hot-melt glue provides a quick fix to a pesky problem.
-
Less-Dusty DemoA shop-vac nozzle and reciprocating saw are what you need for this clever tip.
-
Site-Built Air ScrubberThis air scrubber only took a few hours to build and works very well. It’s made from scrap lumber and plywood and rides on four casters.
-
Rock-Solid Work LightUse a bucket of concrete to create a stable base when you need a reliable light.
-
Scribe Perfect Curves with Copper TubingFit cabinets into a curved wall or ceiling with this clever tip.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
-
Multi-Material Miter SawEvolution Power Tools’ R255SMS+ 10-in. single-bevel sliding compound miter saw took what I call a “pinball path” to my shop, where it’s here to stay.
-
Sawdust SolutionThe Skil Jobsite Blower comes highly recommended for dust, job-site messes, and even leaves.
-
iQ228 Cyclone Dry-Cut Tile SawConsider opting for this smaller saw when cutting normal-sized tile for a shower or simple backsplash.
HOUSES by Design
-
Connecting to the Outdoors and NeighborsWorking within a small footprint, this remodel for an intergenerational family incorporated simple elements to open up the space both inside and outside.
-
Redesigning a Row House to Be More OpenAn improved entry sequence, skylights turn this row house into a bright and open space for a young family.
-
A Home That Blends Into NatureA weathering steel finish characterizes a New Hampshire home that fits right into its natural surroundings.
Spec
-
A Sustainable Alternative to WoodAn innovative building material from Modern Mill utilizes rice hulls as a key ingredient.
-
Better Sound Absorption With Slat Wood Wall PanelsWith felt backing made from recycled material, these wall panels from The Wood Veneer Hub combine aesethetics with practicality.
-
One-Piece Foundation Insulation and Finish SystemFoundationPro from Progressive Technologies has all the advantages of exterior insulation plus it protects from UV radiation and weed whacking.
-
Minimalist, Wall-Mounted Bathroom StorageThe C-Box shower niche from ESS includes a self-adhering waterproof membrane and adjustable depth to seamlessly integrate into any bathroom space.
