The Journal of Light Construction articles from June 2005

The Journal of Light Construction archives from June 2005

Florida still a sea of blue tarps as hurricane season looms: many homeowners having to retarp as they wait in line for a new roof.(IN THE NEWS)
June 1, 2005... In the wake of the 2004 hurricanes, thousands of Florida homeowners had no choice but to cover their damaged and leaking roofs with tarps supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Eight months later, residents continue to suffer...

Reversing course, California chooses I-Codes.(IN THE NEWS)(Building Standards Commission)(NFPA 5000 )
June 1, 2005... California's Building Standards Commission has reversed a crucial decision about updating the state's building code. The Commission voted 8-2 in March to recommend that California base its statewide building code on the International Building...

It can be costly, not to mention embarrassing, to fire an employee who is on jury duty.(OFF CUTS)(Multi Building Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... It can be costly, not to mention embarrassing, to fire an employee who is on jury duty. Ask Sam LeComte, owner of Multi Building Inc. in Lewisville, Texas, who made just this mistake. According to an April 8 article in the Houston Chronicle,...

Unless she allows the contractor to try to fix what she calls substandard repair work done on her fire-damaged condominium.(OFF CUTS)(opinions of C.N.E. Services)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Unless she allows the contractor to try to fix what she calls substandard repair work done on her fire-damaged condominium, Sandra Moose will not be granted a disciplinary hearing by the licensing board, the Charlotte Observer reported on...

"Hundreds of thousands of families" are being priced out of the housing market.(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... "Hundreds of thousands of families" are being priced out of the housing market, says a bipartisan group of 47 members of Congress who sent a letter to President Bush in April urging the repeal of tariffs on Canadian lumber. The duties were...

Second-home sales on the rise.(IN THE NEWS)
June 1, 2005... A certain percentage of home buyers have always been looking for a second home, and a certain segment of the remodeling market has always involved repair, maintenance, or improvement of houses that are rented out. But a recent report from the...

GM truck tailgates blamed for injuries and deaths.(IN THE NEWS)(General Motors Corp. recalls pickup trucks)
June 1, 2005... The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in April that it has widened an investigation into tailgate problems on millions of pickup trucks made by General Motors. In April 2004, GM recalled 4 million pickups from model...

So, what are the odds of being struck by lightning twice?(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... So, what are the odds of being struck by lightning twice? Roughly one in 9 million. Emory Johnson got his second shot on May 4 when lightning struck a tree and bolted through a window, The Associated Press reported. Ironically, he had just...

A Bronx, N.Y., bartender served more than drinks when he delivered cash to improperly hired workers.(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A Bronx, N.Y., bartender served more than drinks when he delivered cash to improperly hired workers, according to a May 6 story in The New York Times. Walter Mack, federal monitor of the New York City carpenters union, found that Boom...

If you tend to blow through batteries on your cordless tools.(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... If you tend to blow through batteries on your cordless tools--and if you happen to live near one of 464 authorized Ridgid service centers--you might want to take advantage of the tool manufacturers new lifetime service agreement. According to...

Can wind short-circuit a ridge vent?(Q&A)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Q. Wouldn't a single-sided ridge vent be more effective than a standard ridge vent for a home built on a windy site? It seems that with openings on both sides of the ridge, a standard vent would simply short-circuit when the wind blows rather...

Fixing a radiant-tubing leak.(Q&A)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Q. I have a leak in my recently installed radiant tubing, no doubt caused by freezing last winter before the system was fully operational. The tubing is a 300-foot run buried in a 4-inch concrete slab. Is there some kind of "stop leak" that...

Solar shingles.(Q&A)(building integrated photovoltaics)
June 1, 2005... Q. Solar modules that can be installed in place of roof shingles seem to make more sense than PV modules mounted on racks above the roof (see "Installing Solar Electric Power," 3/05). Besides being much less noticeable, it seems that using...

TW-60.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... A flexible, self-adhering rubberized asphalt sheet waterproofing membrane ideal for below-grade waterproofing applications such as foundation walls, tunnels, earth shelters, ICF forms, and similar structures, or for above-grade uses on...

TW moisture wrap.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Designed for use as an above-grade moisture/ air barrier suitable for application in cavity wall construction, the sealing of window and door perimeters, and the sealing of wall joints, corners, and other terminations. Circle #126 or go...

TW Flash-N-Wrap[R]: 40 TW Flash-N-Wrap[R] 25.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... A reflective sheet membrane well suited for application in cavity wall construction and sealing window and door openings. Other uses include gutter repairs and flashing of vents and HVAC units. Circle #127 or go to www.thru.to/jlc ...

TW-thru-wall.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... A flexible, self-adhering rubberized asphalt in-wall flashing membrane designed for use with concrete, masonry, gypsum, or wood wall construction. Circle #128 or go to www.thru.to/jlc [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Soundproofing a through-wall air conditioner.(Q&A)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Q. My neighbor has a noisy through-the-wall air conditioner that runs day and night. So that I could get a better night's sleep, I thought I would offer to build him a soundproof box he could place around the AC unit, before I resort to more...

Looking beyond the bottom line.(Business)
June 1, 2005... Too often, business owners will print a profit-and-loss statement (P&L, also called an income statement) and then look at just the bottom line--net profit. That's unfortunate, because there may be financial problems lurking below the surface,...

When can you fire someone?(Legal)(Employment terminations)
June 1, 2005... Recently, my little town hit the big time. It has been talked about on television and radio, and written about in newspapers and thousands of blogs. Why? Because a local employer fired four employees who would not quit smoking in the privacy...

Installing a wide door in a tall brick wall: in this renovation, engineered steel braces support a solid brick wall from the outside without disturbing the interior.
June 1, 2005... A quick review of the prints told me that this renovation was going to be different. There would be the usual Hoboken, N.J., hurdles, of course--limited parking, virtually no backyard access, and inconvenient curbside deliveries--which would...

Flashing a flanged window: a few minutes of time and a few dollars of materials can prevent expensive headaches.(Cover Story)
June 1, 2005... There's no such thing as waterproof siding. Over time, moisture will work its way behind even properly installed siding. Housewrap provides good protection against the moisture that does get in, but it must be detailed properly at windows and...

Fast closets with melamine: dadoes and pocket screws make strong, tight joints, while pre-edged material saves labor.
June 1, 2005... I've been using white melamine to finish closets for years. Readily available in 12-, 16-, and 24-inch widths and in 8-, 10-, and 12-foot lengths, edge-banded melamine is perfect for building attractive, durable, and economical shelving that...

Tuning up a pneumatic nailer: you can do it yourself as easily as you can drop the tool off at the tool shop.
June 1, 2005... When I was 12 years old, my father gave me a Ford straight six-cylinder engine and told me to fix it. I really had no clue what I was doing, but with his tutoring I stripped it down, replaced its worn and broken parts, and put it back...

Bidding large jobs: to avoid costly errors, be methodical about the way you collect and compare prices.
June 1, 2005... Anyone who has ever bid a large job knows the insanity that occurs right before the bid is due: The phone is ringing, quotes are coming over the fax, you're second-guessing your labor rates, and the client needs the price now. To some extent,...

Venting with air-admittance valves.(Kitchen & Bath)
June 1, 2005... Plumbers hate cutting holes in roofs for vent lines: My left ankle is mostly stainless steel from cutting one too many of them. Vent lines are also a nuisance inside the house, running horizontally and vertically through floors, walls, and...

Cool times two.(UNDERCOUNTER APPLIANCES)
June 1, 2005... Whether space-challenged, totally tricked out, or merely well-appointed, any kitchen can benefit from the Double-Drawer fridge, which comes in a snug 27-inch-wide package. Each drawer can be independently temperature-controlled; removable...

Sweet fit.(UNDERCOUNTER APPLIANCES)
June 1, 2005... A reversible door makes a big difference in a small unit. The Summit Professional CT-67BI combination refrigerator-freezer offers that option along with adjustable glass shelves and a zero-degree freezer compartment. Made for both...

Gone to glass.(UNDERCOUNTER APPLIANCES)
June 1, 2005... Nothing cleans easier than glass--which makes it a nearly ideal kitchen surface. The black or white Floating Glass Dishwasher provides a reflective finish that's equally at home in classic and contemporary kitchens. Curved-front styling...

Hot meals.(UNDERCOUNTER APPLIANCES)
June 1, 2005... They can even call you late for dinner--no penalty--with a Stainless Steel Warming Drawer, installed below deck. True, it's not a particularly new idea--but it's a great one that's enjoying a big resurgence in contemporary kitchens. Suggested...

Retro never dies.(SHOWERHEADS)
June 1, 2005... This Art Deco Exposed Shower Set lends a distinctive look to any retro-contemporary bathroom. The 8-inch-diameter head drenches users in an all-encompassing cascade. Let's hope your client thinks of $3,659 as chump change--because these days,...

Why pay more?(SHOWERHEADS)
June 1, 2005... Delta's Rain Can Showerhead coordinates with the Model 1400 single-function and Model 1700 dual-function Scald Guard shower valves in the company's Lockwood Collection. With a chrome finish, it retails for about $50. Delta Faucet,...

Pie-plate proportions.(SHOWERHEADS)
June 1, 2005... The 10-inch-diameter Antique Bell showerhead really pours it on: style, comfort, and low-maintenance convenience. Among its charms are a classic shape, ultra-generous proportions, and easy-to-clean rubber spray tips. It costs $209 in chrome...

Power wash.(SHOWERHEADS)
June 1, 2005... Single- or multifunction Performance showerheads pack 72 nozzles into a 5 1/2-inch-diameter face. With the multifunction model, users can opt for aerated, coverage, or massage sprays. Both versions of the showerhead are available in several...

Air blocker.(Products)
June 1, 2005... Air-sealing electrical boxes is tough to do. You can use caulking or duct seal, but flexing the wires while installing the device is likely to ruin the seal. Special work boxes with gaskets are another option, but they're expensive and I'm...

Shingle style.(Products)
June 1, 2005... Unlike most plastic shingle panels--which are made from polypropylene--The Foundry's Vinyl Cedar Shingles are composed of PVC with an acrylic color layer. This construction earns them a Class-A fire rating and provides homeowners with 16...

Quick frieze.(Products)
June 1, 2005... Installing and painting a decorative frieze on a new home requires an abundance of time and skill not commonly available on high-production job sites. Alsco's Contours Collection promises to make trimming out the overhangs on your homes fast...

Fire-rated fan.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... You can't go installing just any ventilation fan in a fire-rated ceiling, because air and heat leaking through the housing or ductwork could contribute to flame spread. Ventilation fans like Air King's Fire Rated Series have dampers actuated...

Cool breeze.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... As central air conditioning has grown in popularity, whole-house fans have dwindled. That's not surprising: First-generation fans leaked astonishing amounts of cold air during heating season and made about as much noise as a helicopter. Newer...

Stealth ventilation.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... Some customers want the action of a bath fan without the appearance of one. Show these folks the Decorative Fan/Light from Broan, which masquerades as a conventional ceiling light while circulating air through cleverly concealed vents. The...

Hi-flow.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... Increasingly popular in today's residential kitchens, commercial-style ranges were once reserved for restaurants with exhaust fans powerful enough to suck up a chef's hat. Unfortunately, these fans are incredibly loud, making them unappealing...

Garage ventilator.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... Stored solvents, gas cans, and the family minivan all contribute to a garage's poor air quality--and, since most garage spaces are under positive pressure compared with the rest of the house, these potentially toxic fumes and vapors can...

Fit and trim.(VENTILATION)
June 1, 2005... Squeezing a bath or ventilation fan into a 2x6 joist cavity can be challenging, but Panasonic's Whisperfit line has a 5 1/2-inch-deep housing that's perfect for the job. The newest model, the Whisperfit-Lite, includes a pair of compact...

Weatherproof wood.(EXTERIOR DOORS)
June 1, 2005... If your customer insists on a real wood door despite extreme weather exposure or inadequate overhangs, you might suggest a Simpson Performance Series unit. These doors, which are available in several wood species, "virtually eliminate"...

Split personality.(EXTERIOR DOORS)
June 1, 2005... Although it looks fairly convincing stained, I've often thought that the imitation wood grain on fiberglass doors looks a little too simulated when painted. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want doors with a stained-millwork...

Arts & crafts.(EXTERIOR DOORS)
June 1, 2005... One of the defining details of a Craftsman-style house is a sturdy and handsome hardwood door. But who says it has to be real wood? For the folks who want period architecture without heavy-duty maintenance, there's IWP's Aurora Craftsman...

Two-faced.(EXTERIOR DOORS)
June 1, 2005... Window and patio-door manufacturer Hurd has added entrance doors to its product repertoire. The most interesting model is the Taylorwood, which combines a steel exterior with a wood-veneered interior available in more than a dozen species....

Agrarian charm.(EXTERIOR DOORS)
June 1, 2005... Finding a fiberglass door with rustic character is harder than you might imagine, but the Classic Craft Rustic Collection fits its moniker quite nicely. Originally offered in only 8'-0" heights, the line has expanded to include 6'-8"...

Tropical Trex.(DECKING)
June 1, 2005... When it comes to high-end homes, there are generally two types of decking to consider: exotic hardwoods and fiber composites. Each has its advantages, but a new version of Trex promises the best of both worlds, according to the manufacturer....

Steel with appeal.(DECKING)
June 1, 2005... Looking for a way to eliminate pressure-treated materials from your decks? Check out the Steel Deck Framing System and Xccent Decking. With 40/10 loading, the steel framing system can span 17 1/2 feet with 16-inch spacing, and a little over...

Straight-grain composite.(DECKING)
June 1, 2005... For many carpenters, TimberTech--one of the first fiber composites to use a hidden fastening system--ranks among the best-looking fiber-composite offerings on the market. The product's latest version, Floorizon, features what the maker calls...

Fasco round-head stick nailer.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Last year, my framing crew tested about a dozen 20- to 22-degree round-head stick nailers for ("Round-Head Stick Nailers," 6/04). Although we tried to include all the guns from the major manufacturers, we missed one from Fasco. Recently,...

DeWalt laser plumb bob DW082.(Toolbox)(DeWalt Industrial Tools and Accessories )
June 1, 2005... The arrival of low-cost precision lasers has dramatically changed the way many tradespeople work. As a residential remodeler, I've used rotary and point-to-point lasers for everything from site work to leveling cabinets--but I had never used...

Need a lift?(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... Warn Industries, a leader in truck-mounted recovery winches and other products for off-road enthusiasts, recently introduced the Warn Works line of portable winches and hoists designed for construction applications. The most versatile model...

Compact cart.(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... Moving sheets of MDF, particle-core doors, and mulled windows by yourself can be a lot easier and safer with a new compact dolly from Trojan. The DC-9's adjustable carriage accepts objects up to 9 inches wide and handily traverses rough...

Table-saw valet.(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... With their greater capacity, more powerful motors, and additional features, modern portable table saws are light-years ahead of their predecessors, but they're also heavier and more awkward to carry. In response, Bosch has come out with the...

Shingle schlepper.(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... Lugging a roof's worth of shingles or sheathing up a ladder isn't much fun--nor does it make much sense when you can buy a TranzSporter LH2000-T8 Roofing Hoist for less than you'd pay a helper for one month. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton or...

Take a load off.(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... The Caterpillar TH210 may be the ultimate back-saving tool. With 17 feet of reach and over 4,800 pounds of lifting capacity, this machine makes getting a load of lumber off the delivery truck and onto a second-floor deck about as strenuous as...

Shoulder the load.(BACK-SAVERS)
June 1, 2005... Carrying appliances all day would make most people reconsider their career choice, but young inventor Thomas Dent simply came up with a new way of moving heavy objects: the Shoulder Dolly. The newest version of this product, the Shoulder...

Fishing poles.(ELECTRICAL TOOLS)
June 1, 2005... Successfully fishing electrical wires requires patience and the right tools. Fish tapes are okay, but they often curl up when they're in stud cavities and other inaccessible spaces. Ideal's Tuff-Rods might be a better choice. These 1/4- or...

Cable-ready.(ELECTRICAL TOOLS)
June 1, 2005... With most rooms in today's new homes wired for cable or satellite TV and cable modems, you need crimpers and strippers to make the coaxial connections. The GS-59 Coaxial Cable Stripper from Gardner Bender cuts and strips both the inner and...

Search team.(ELECTRICAL TOOLS)
June 1, 2005... Ever been irritated by how few electrical panels are labeled well enough to identify the circuit you're trying to turn off? If so, I've got the tool for you: the CF12 Pro. To use it, you connect the device's transmitter to the receptacle...

Sweet strippers.(ELECTRICAL TOOLS)
June 1, 2005... It's time to replace those lame wire strippers you bought five or 10 years ago--and Ideal's new Kinetic Reflex Strippers are worth considering. In addition to ergonomic curved handles and a Santoprene grip, this well-made tool offers clear...

Neat meter.(ELECTRICAL TOOLS)
June 1, 2005... Looking for a reasonably priced auto-ranging multi-meter? The pocket-sized PDMM-20 compact digital meter from Greenlee measures both AC and DC voltages and checks resistance, it has noncontact voltage-detection capabilities, a tone continuity...

All decked out ...(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Summer is the best time to enjoy the outdoor pleasures of home ownership--and it's the best time for construction pros to get out and sell those high-profit, high-demand decking projects to their homeowner customers. Few other areas in...

Yin Yu Tang.(Backfill)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Should you ever find yourself in historic Salem, Mass., skip the wacko occult shops--okay, stock up on black candles or whatever--and head over to the Peabody Essex Museum for a walk-through tour of beautiful Yin Yu Tang, an estate built...