Issue 305 – Feb/March 2022
Features
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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
This architect encourages finding the right questions to ask before turning to building science for easy answers.
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How Good Is Your Air Barrier?
If your goal is extremely low air leakage, choose your materials carefully.
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Deep-Energy Retrofit for an Adaptive-Reuse Project
A historical commercial building is turned into a live-work space using building-science principles.
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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.
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Assembling a Concrete-Free Slab
An innovative plywood slab-on-grade means less time, money, and carbon
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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
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Shingle StackerMake staining cedar shingles easier with this makeshift drying rack.
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Make Sturdy Post ConnectionsUse galvanized threaded rods to stabilize the rail posts at the bottom of dec stairs.
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Hot Tip for Caulk Tubes
Sealing an open tube with hot-melt glue provides a quick fix to a pesky problem.
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Less-Dusty DemoA shop-vac nozzle and reciprocating saw are what you need for this clever tip.
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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.
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Rock-Solid Work LightUse a bucket of concrete to create a stable base when you need a reliable light.
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Scribe Perfect Curves with Copper TubingFit cabinets into a curved wall or ceiling with this clever tip.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
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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.
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Sawdust SolutionThe Skil Jobsite Blower comes highly recommended by a reader for dust, job-site messes, and even leaves.
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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
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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.
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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.
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A Home That Blends Into NatureA weathering steel finish characterizes a New Hampshire home that fits right into its natural surroundings.
Spec
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A Sustainable Alternative to WoodAn innovative building material from Modern Mill utilizes rice hulls as a key ingredient.
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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.
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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.
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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.
