The Journal of Light Construction articles from May 2005

The Journal of Light Construction archives from May 2005

Hot-mop variations.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I regularly read your magazine but was disappointed with "Built-Up Hot-Mop Roofing" (2/05). The proper process for installing metal flashings on a built-up roof is to nail a fiberglass base sheet over a red rosin slip sheet with square-cap...

More testing would be nice.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I was excited to see your article "Strong Rail-Post Connections for Wooden Decks" (2/05), as I am currently designing a second-story balcony. However, I wasn't impressed by the small number of alternatives tested. At the very least, it...

Other strong connections.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... "Strong Rail-Post Connections for Wooden Decks" is an excellent article. The use of the HD2A anchor as a solution is pretty elegant. I might point out two other solutions. First, when designing decks, we like the rail guard post to extend to...

Snap goes the post.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I've always wondered when building deck railings whether my connections for posts, balusters, and railings would meet the 200-pound code requirement. I figured that if there was a problem with my connections, the building inspector would let me...

New code would allow unvented attics: asphalt roofing manufacturers oppose the change, fear trapped moisture and rot.(Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association)
May 1, 2005... Builders, designers, and manufacturers have long debated whether and when to vent attics, and a recent change to the International Residential Code aims to put that debate to rest. The 2004 code supplement allows unvented roof assemblies if two...

Builder costs rising as boom rolls on.(building industry)
May 1, 2005... A stutter step in housing starts caused brief worry last winter, as November figures dropped unexpectedly. But starts bounced back in December with the biggest one-month jump in seven years, and private residential construction posted a 13...

Could new glue squeeze mortar out of block walls?(IN THE NEWS)
May 1, 2005... ITW TACC recently introduced Mason Bond, a single-component moisture-cured polyurethane glue designed to take the place of mortar in concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls. According to the company's business manager, Tim Walsh, the idea came from a...

Senior Canadian officials met with a U.S. trade representative in Toronto last February to discuss ways to reach a negotiated settlement.(OFF CUTS)
May 1, 2005... Senior Canadian officials met with a U.S. trade representative in Toronto last February to discuss ways to reach a negotiated settlement in the two countries' long-running dispute over softwood lumber pricing, reports the Toronto Globe and...

Big Buddy and Tough Buddy portable propane heaters were voluntarily recalled.(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Big Buddy and Tough Buddy portable propane heaters were voluntarily recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mr. Heater Inc. on March 31. Sold from September 2004 to December 2004, units with model number MH18B (found on the...

Builders in Dallas are offering everything from appliance upgrades to free maid service.(OFF CUTS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Builders in Dallas are offering everything from appliance upgrades to free maid service to lure buyers into signing on the dotted line, reports the Dallas Morning News. Although demand for new homes remains strong in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,...

Pool slide.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... During a season of record-breaking rainfall, landslides have become a common sight in Southern California. This concrete swimming pool slid down a Bel-Air hillside in February w hen the soil around it gave way. It's not surprising, actually,...

More locales mandate fire sprinklers.(IN THE NEWS)
May 1, 2005... According to Peg Paul of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition in Frankfort, Ill., there has been a recent surge in the number of jurisdictions mandating sprinkler systems for new homes, including a dozen districts in the Chicago area, as well as...

Tiling a breezeway.(Q&A)
May 1, 2005... Q. I've been asked to tile the floor of an enclosed breezeway that gets tracked with a lot of dirt, leaves, and snow. Besides being subject to the temperature extremes found in Ohio, the existing concrete slab has a crack running across its...

Painting cedar shutters.(Q&A)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Q. What's the best way to prep and paint new cedar shutters? A. Jon Tobey, a painting contractor in Monroe, Wash., responds: Cedar--and red cedar in particular--has the reputation of being a wood that doesn't hold paint well. When red cedar...

Refinishing faded wood floors.(Q&A)
May 1, 2005... Q. My 7-year-old hardwood floor needs to be refinished because the stain faded from the sun. I was hoping to restain it with a product that could withstand direct sunlight. Do you have any recommendations? A. Michael Purser, a...

Job-costing for survival.(estimating and job cost accounting for starting job)
May 1, 2005... Accurate estimating is the foundation of your business. Until you have control over your estimates, anything else you want to do with your company is mostly a pipe dream. You'll find it hard to generate a reliable revenue stream, so you'll lose...

Designing with interior trim.(Design)
May 1, 2005... Though often unsung, interior trim can enhance how we relate to rooms of different sizes and personalities. As ceiling heights increase from the conventional 8 feet to 9 and even 10 feet, the type, dimension, and placement of trim components...

Protecting your retirement.(closing down your business)
May 1, 2005... Contractors who have spent years trying to make money often fail to think about how they will protect their assets once it's time to sell or close down the business. But this decision has important legal ramifications, and your goal should be...

Raising the ceilings in a whole-house remodel: thanks to a good plan, a sizable crew, and a bunch of 20-ton screw jacks, the walls of this house grew taller.
May 1, 2005... We were three months into a whole-house makeover, installing new windows, doors, exterior trim, roofing, and siding, when the homeowner, a tall man, asked if there was any way we could improve on the low, 7-foot-6-inch ceiling height throughout...

Installing curved exterior trim: accurate framing and full-size millwork templates guaranteed a precise fit.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... Our company builds custom homes along Maine's Mid-coast. Over the last few years, this scenic area between Searsport and Brunswick has become popular with retirees and second-home buyers. One of our current projects is a large beachfront...

Replacing a leaking chimney cap: built with concrete rather than mortar and detailed to shed water, this chimney cap should outlast the chimney beneath it.
May 1, 2005... When leaks occur around a chimney, it's often assumed that the roof flashing is at fault. But quite often the problem is higher up. If a chimney is very old or poorly built, with visible voids in the mortar joints, water can enter through the...

Wiring the high-tech house: structured wiring is the backbone that makes home automation work.
May 1, 2005... Homeowners who use computers, MP3 players, digital cameras, satellite or cable television, and other electronic equipment are asking for houses that make it easier to live with these devices. They want extra phone lines, easy housewide access...

Compact rotary hammers: the best tools hit hard, drill fast, and stop immediately if the bit jams.(TOOL TEST)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 1, 2005... About 10 years ago, I bought a 1/2-inch hammer drill. It dependably drilled anchor holes in tile, mortar, block, and--usually--concrete. It also doubled as a regular two-speed drill. But the tool struggled with large bits and had a hard time...

Mini skid-steer loaders.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 1, 2005... At age $4 and a couple of years after heart surgery, I appreciate less physically demanding labor. I also appreciate equipment that increases the profitability of my small contracting business, which specializes in building and repairing wooden...

Sewer sleuth.(HOME-INSPECTION TOOLS)
May 1, 2005... Ten years ago, when I was rehabbing turn-of-the-century houses around Pittsburgh, I had several callbacks for problems with underground waste lines. The 100-year-old sewer pipes worked fine with occasional water use, but sometimes issues would...

Flow chart.(HOME-INSPECTION TOOLS)
May 1, 2005... With the increasing popularity of multihead showers, lawn-irrigation systems, and even multiple dishwashers, modern homes can use a huge amount of water. If you're wondering whether your customers will have adequate water volume or water...

X-ray vision.(HOME-INSPECTION TOOLS)
May 1, 2005... I don't know any remodeler who hasn't wished at least once that he or she had X-ray vision. After all, few of the surprises found inside the walls, floors, and ceilings of old houses are good ones. Luckily, you can minimize the unknown with a...

Crack tracker.(HOME-INSPECTION TOOLS)
May 1, 2005... Need to determine whether a crack in masonry or concrete is spreading, shrinking, or signaling a more serious differential movement? There's really only one way to know conclusively: Use a Crack Monitor. Made from two overlapping acrylic...

Formal wear.(WORK WEAR)
May 1, 2005... For many builders and remodelers, a polo shirt is the standard summer uniform for client meetings and sales presentations. But there's a problem: Most of these shirts just aren't designed for people who work for a living. The Top Shelf No-Polo...

Stink-free tee.(WORK WEAR)
May 1, 2005... Keeping comfortable and smelling sweet during the workday is easier with a Performance Work Shirt from Gorgonz. The manufacturer claims the new shirt breathes four times better and dries four times faster than a 100 percent cotton tee. It's...

Nice gloves.(WORK WEAR)
May 1, 2005... Many modern work gloves don't live up to their "high-performance" designation, but, based on my experience, I think the Work Grip and Work Dexterity gloves from Carhartt could be the exception. Gel-padded palms reduce fatigue from...

Regal roof.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... Asphalt shingles may not strike most people as the best way to dress up a house, but IKO's Royal Victorian line can turn an ordinary roof into an attention-getting design element. Available in four colors, the shingles weigh about 100 pounds...

Peak ventilation.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... If you're looking for a shingle-over, externally baffled ridge vent that won't sacrifice your asphalt roof's Class-A fire rating, you've got only one real choice, according to Air Vent: the ShingleVent II-9. Designed for roofs from 3/12 to...

High-performance three-tab.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... Although three-tab shingles can provide a decent roof at an affordable cost, most aren't made for areas that regularly experience high wind or damaging hail. A notable exception, however, is Atlas Roofing's StormMaster ST. This rather...

Installer-friendly.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... Improper fastener placement and poor sealing are two of the most commonly cited reasons for blown-off shingles. In an effort to address both of these problems, Owens Coming recently introduced Woodmoor and Woodcrest shingles. They have a wider...

Heavy weight.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... Looking for a durable asphalt shingle? Add the Camelot from GAF to your list of contenders. Weighing in at roughly 460 pounds per square, these shingles have two rows of adhesive and a 110-mph wind warranty. They are made of two layers, each of...

Lighten your load.(ASPHALT SHINGLES)
May 1, 2005... Because they're more reflective, white shingles don't add to a house's cooling load the way darker ones do. Unfortunately, though, they can start looking pretty nasty and lose their reflectivity as algae and air pollution discolor them. A good...

Fresh air.(HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2005... Heating plants with insufficient air for combustion do not burn fuel efficiently, which often leads to increased production of carbon monoxide and efficiency-killing soot deposits. To bring outside combustion air to an oil-fired boiler or a...

Pump it up.(HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2005... Effectively and efficiently heating and cooling a room addition or bonus room can be a real problem, but a split-system heat pump like the Mr. Slim from Mitsubishi can be a great solution. It heats and cools a space as needed--and, aside from...

Heat from above.(HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2005... You've probably seen ceiling-mounted infrared heaters at your local home center or warehouse club. They're very popular in those huge spaces because, unlike forced-air systems that heat from the top down, radiant heaters heat from the bottom...

Easy listening.(HOME AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... Some types of home automation have a long way to go before they gain widespread consumer acceptance. After all, how many people want to call home and talk to the refrigerator? On the other hand, homeowners comfortable with technology often see...

Call for heat.(HOME AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... I think one of the best applications of home automation is the ability to adjust the temperature of your residence or vacation home from a remote location. Products like HAI's Omnistat B work with most home-automation systems and allow you to...

Radio control.(HOME AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... Unlike most lighting controllers, which rely on X10 technology, the C-Box LE uses wireless radio signals to control lights and electronic devices from up to 100 feet away. Lights can be controlled by scene or timer, or they can be programmed to...

Positively intoxicating.(JETTED TUBS)
May 1, 2005... On the one hand, you've got folks trying to unwrinkle their aging skin. On the other, you've got those same people going all pruny in their Champagne Bubbler tubs without giving it a second thought. Available in nine different models, the...

Ahhhhh.(JETTED TUBS)
May 1, 2005... A bestseller says something positive about quality--except, perhaps, in the case of poor Billy Ray Cyrus. The bestselling Infinity line is almost certain to heal anything achy and breaky, with a combination of sequenced shiatsu-massage jets, a...

Instant massaging.(JETTED TUBS)
May 1, 2005... With their new tub's recirculating pump creating a lulling waterfall sound, your clients are unlikely to hear the phone ring (that's you, looking for a check). So don't call at bath time. The Westbrook Falls extravaganza pulls out all the stops...

Air- and mind-blowing bath.(JETTED TUBS)
May 1, 2005... The Healthmasseur System--shown incorporated into the compact Nirvana tub--features spring-activated air injectors that provide a vigorous massage without the pummeling of water jets. The air channels are designed to drain when inactive,...

Stainless steal.(RANGE HOODS)
May 1, 2005... Part of the Elite 61000 Series, the compact, no-nonsense Ballista hood sports a telescopic flue that can accommodate 8- to 9-foot ceiling heights, with optional extensions available. A concealed slide control operates the three-speed blower,...

Art ducto.(RANGE HOODS)
May 1, 2005... Eliminating that shallow, inaccessible cabinet above the range--which is usually half-filled with ductwork anyway--violates no known law, and installing a handsome range hood with an integral duct shroud looks darn good. The Cantabria comes in...

Pro blower.(RANGE HOODS)
May 1, 2005... They call the wind Maria, but this hood goes by the less poetic moniker Pro-Line Series. Still, it produces a mighty draft of its own, with 600- and 1,200-cfm blower models available. Options include a stainless-steel backsplash, a...

Italian design.(RANGE HOODS)
May 1, 2005... Without the directional assistance provided by a backing wall, an island hood has to be bigger and badder than the rest while meeting center-of-attention requirements. The Torino steps up to the challenge with its aerodynamic profile and...

JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Learn More. Earn More. Wouldn't it be great to learn new skills, discover proven business strategies and solutions, find out about new technology, products and services and stay competitive to earn more? Delivering the most relevant...

TimberTech[R].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... TimberTech[R] wood-composite decking provides unparalleled beauty, strength and low maintenance. The TimberTech line features the new Floorizon[TM] plank with a tongue-and-groove profile, the TwinFinish[TM] 5/4 plank, a 2 x 6 plank, Ornamental...

Georgia-Pacific.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... When exposed to excessive moisture, paper provides an easy food source for mold to grow. The best way available to eliminate that food source is G-P Gypsum's next generation paperless wallboard, DensArmor Plus. Unlike that suddenly outdated...

Alum-A-Pole.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Alum-A-Pole Corporation proudly introduces a patent-pending brake with numerous features that no other manufacturer has. Built-in worktables, built-in slitters on both the brake and coil-holders, and measuring guides that create super fast...

FastCap.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... FastCap makes innovative, time saving products for the serious woodworker. The 3rd Hand provides an extra hand whenever you need it, including dust barriers, cabinet installation, and load stabilization. Stop by our booth in Anaheim and take...

Hitachi.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Hitachi Power Tools' new DV18DMR cordless hammer drill tightens and loosens screws and effortlessly drills into wood, plastic, steel, aluminum, brick and concrete block. The new aggressively designed tool features improved overload durability,...

Exaktime.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Eliminate handwritten timecards with the award-winning Jobclock System--a rugged, portable, weatherproof, battery-powered, easy-to-use timeclock and attendance system designed exclusively for contractors. * Compatible with most popular...

Sashco.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... From chimney to foundation, Sashco has a specialty line of caulks and sealants for all of your specific home improvement needs, both interior and exterior. Our clear sealants, Lexel and Through the Roof, can be put on wet surfaces, resist water...

Simpson strong-tie.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Simpson's Face Mount Girder Tiedown (FGTR) is non-pitch specific and connects trusses to concrete block in new construction or retrofits. Up to 4,950 lb in single or 9,600 lb in double applications. No interference of the plate with sheathing;...

Bosch power tools and accessories.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Whether you're cutting micro-lam for a hip roof or trimming a high-end home, Bosch's CS-20 Circular Saw with Direct Connect[TM] and Dyanide Circular Saw blades give all carpenters a huge edge in productivity. The new "Blue" blades start 30%...

AZEK.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... AZEK' Trimboards, the leader in cellular pvc trim products, is taking trim to new heights--and shapes, with the AZEK Heat Form Kit. A unique feature of AZEK trim is its ability to be heat formed to create custom arches, circles and ellipses,...

Chief Architect.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
May 1, 2005... Chief Architect is the leading 3D Architectural CAD software for builders, designers, and architects. With powerful tools like automatic roof generation, and 3D design tools, Chief Architect makes it easy to design and visualize for your...

RotoZip by Bosch.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The RZ25 Drywall Router boasts a 5.5 amp motor and 30,000 RPM, the most powerful and fastest on the market today. Its soft-grip body not only reduces vibration for a more comfortable experience, but also, in combination with its soft band...

Construction Master[R] Pro.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Construction Master Pro assures greater accuracy with construction-math; perfect for plans, bids and estimates. Convert dimensions; dedicated length, width and height functions quickly find area, volume and square-ups. Solve rafter, roof and...

Quik Drive.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Quik Drive's new Complete Contractor System utilizes two job-specific tools to deliver the application-focused performance our PRO systems are known for, plus extreme versatility. Drive collated screws from the widest selection available....

FastenMaster[R].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... FastenMaster[R] TrussLok[TM] fastens multiple-plys of LVL, PSL, and LSL with no predrilling, and is the only fastener approved for single-sided installation for three- and four-ply applications. TrussLok eliminates cupping and gapping between...

VectorWorks.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... VectorWorks ARCHITECT is a cost-effective, all-in-one, easy-to-use program for residential design firms. A hybrid 2D drafting/3D modeling design environment automatically creates 3D models from 2D floor plans. Sophisticated database and...

SoftPlan home plans.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Introducing SoftPlanhomeplans.com, which features an exclusive compilation of home designs by some of the nation's top designers. All home plans are in the SoftPlan format, the industry's leading design program for residential and light...

SENCO.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Now for a limited time, see your participating SENCO[R] dealer for hot deals on DuraSpin[R] Decking Tools. Buy 8 buckets of 2-inch to 3-inch DuraSpin[R] Decking Screws and receive 20% off one of our three Decking models; DS300-AC, DS300-24V or...

LOGIX.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Introducing LOGIX Insulated Concrete Forms. Based on the simple concept of interlocking blocks, LOGIX ICF gives you a wall system that's not only long lasting, but also quick to build, sound-proofed, energy-efficient and has a 3-hour fire...

Maze nails.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... All Maze STORMGUARD[R] Double Hot-Dipped galvanized nails meet and exceed the ASTM A153 specification and the exclusive STORMGUARD[R] process ensures the thickest, most uniform coating of galvanizing available. Maze has over 89 years of hot-dip...

Louisiana-Pacific.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
May 1, 2005... From extravagant to simple, LP-[R] WeatherBest[R] decking and railing is the right choice for a deck that is as beautiful as real wood, but with a lot less maintenance. WeatherBest cuts, drills and installs like wood, can go around radius...

Malco products: saw blades for fiber cement siding.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
May 1, 2005... For cutting fiber cement siding with power miters or portable circular saws, Malco now offers specialized Circular Saw Blades with PCD (Poly-Crystalline Diamond) faced carbide tips. These long-life blades feature low tooth counts and deep...

Any color you want, as long as it's green.(benefits of green roof)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The idea of grass-topped rafters isn't new, as any Swiss miss can tell you. But the technology's been updated in recent years to serve specific purposes, like controlling runoff. In hard-paved cities with little or no absorbent ground cover,...