The Journal of Light Construction articles from November 2005

The Journal of Light Construction archives from November 2005

Who pays?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Regarding the question "Who Pays When the Design Doesn't Meet Code?" (Legal, 8/05), sometimes the owner should pay if the design doesn't meet the code, even if there was an architect, engineer, construction manager, interior designer, feng shui...

If only plans and permits were perfect.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Just a quick comment regarding the article "Who Pays When the Design Doesn't Meet Code?" I find it amusing that the article was even written, let alone published. The point is that to get a permit for a job, in most cases, one must submit a...

Reality check?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Steven D. Jones' letter ("The Good in New Jersey," 8/05) left me wondering if there might be two places named New Jersey. Around 1988, Standard Tile of Totowa and Paramus began building a third store south of Bergen County. Management had...

Not amused.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I opened up the October issue and was very offended by the first ad I saw, for Stanley's FatMax tape. Men may find it humorous, but women don't. More and more women are in the construction field; the industry is changing and the advertising...

Account for snow loads.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... In a recent issue, I noticed an advertisement for a deck joist sized for 40-psf live load and 10-psf dead load, which is the standard starting point for residential floor loads. But here in Fairbanks, Alaska, the ground snow load is 60 psf. So...

More on sprinklers.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I would like to second Ed Lester's letter in the October issue ("Fire Sprinklers Add Cost"). I hope JLC will do a feature about residential fire sprinklers and their cost-effectiveness. It might after all come down to how much value you put on...

Integral gutter design.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I would like to take exception to a detail provided in the article "Adding Timber Rafter Tails to a Stick-Framed Roof" (9/05). While the rafter-tail and bracket details are correct as far as construction goes, my concern is with the...

Failure to provide lead pamphlet lands builder in lawsuit: renovation contaminates 80-year-old home with lead and asbestos.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... The EPA has proposed a penalty of up to $27,500 against a Norfolk, Va., contractor who allegedly failed to give a homeowner the "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" pamphlet when remodeling an 80-year-old home. The EPA says this is the...

A revised version of California's Title 24 "Building Energy Efficiency Standards" took effect on October 1, 2005.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... A revised version of California's Title 24 "Building Energy Efficiency Standards" took effect on October 1, 2005. Though the new residential lighting standards apply to the entire house, they are especially strict in kitchens. For example,...

It might be rocket science after all, according to a recent New York Times article paying tribute to the inventor of the metal truss plate.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... It might be rocket science after all, according to a recent New York Times article paying tribute to the inventor of the metal truss plate: "Before the use of connecting plates, roofs were often constructed not with trusses but with individual...

New Orleans carpenter weathers the storm.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... When restoration carpenter and JLC author Michael Davis went to bed on August 29, just 15 hours after Hurricane Katrina struck, he thought his New Orleans neighborhood near City Park had come through the Category 4 hurricane with only minor...

Free connector training for contractors.(RESOURCES)
November 1, 2005... Recognizing that a product is only as good as its installation, Simpson Strong-Tie Co. has developed a second free training kit for builders. "Introduction to Joist and Beam Hangers" comprises a training video, an instructor guide, and a...

Big stink develops over new septic systems.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... Residents of several new subdivisions in booming Loudoun County, Va., a semirural area about 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., are reporting problems with their on-site sewage treatment systems, according to a July 17 article in the...

Florida roofers lack comp coverage.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... Some 60 percent of all roofing contractors in South Florida unlawfully neglect to provide their employees with workers' comp insurance, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported in July. In a state where roofer and contractor workers' comp...

Even Tupperware can't fix these water problems.(In the News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... How leaky can a 5-year-old house get? Apparently leaky enough that its owner decided to tear it down and start over. In a July 24 article, the Naples Daily News reported that a Florida man recently did just that with his $4 million,...

As part of ongoing negotiations with historic preservationists.(In the News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... As part of ongoing negotiations with historic preservationists, a developer in Cobb County, Ga., has agreed to set aside an acre of land containing two Civil War fortifications. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the...

Some GeoDeck composite decking and railing products.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... Some GeoDeck composite decking and railing products that were manufactured between April 2002 and October 2003 are deteriorating after being exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. Kadant Composites recommends that consumers check their...

Canada is actively seeking to export more softwood to China.(In the News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Canada is actively seeking to export more softwood to China in response to continued U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber. The Toronto Globe and Hail reports that when Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in...

Q. Does flooding damage framing lumber?(Q&A)
November 1, 2005... Q. Does Flooding Damage Framing Lumber? My son's house has been sitting in 10 feet of water since the levee between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River broke following Hurricane Katrina. He's considering tearing the two-story home...

Q. Are translated policy manuals necessary?(Q&A)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q. Are Translated Policy Manuals Necessary? I believe an employee policy manual is required for general contractors in California, and employees must sign off on having read it. But many Spanish-speaking workers don't read English. How do...

Q. Bringing two-wire circuits up to code.(Q&A)(Sesco Electrical Inc.)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Q. Bringing Two-Wire Circuits Up to Code What's the quickest and easiest way to bring a two-wire circuit up to code? A. Peitsa Hirvonen, a licensed electrical contractor and the owner of SESCO Electrical Inc. in Berkeley, Calif.,...

Q. Do shakes need an underlayment?
November 1, 2005... Q. Do Shakes Need an Underlayment? Is it necessary to use felt paper or Tyvek behind cedar shakes on gable walls that are not heated or cooled? A. Mike Guertin, a builder and remodeler in East Greenwich, R.I., responds: Some questions...

An adjustable electrical box.(On the Job)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... A couple of years ago, I ran across an unusual plastic electrical box at the local home center. It's called the Adjust-A-Box and is made by Carlon (216/464-3400, www.carlon.com). What first attracted me was the product's nailing plate, which...

Pan flashing for stone sills.(On the Job)
November 1, 2005... While visiting a local West Coast job site, I came cross the window-sill waterproofing detail shown here. The contractor was building a wood-frame house that would be finished with traditional three-coat stucco. All the windows in the house...

Controlling the daily dust.(On the Job)
November 1, 2005... I run a small remodeling company in Garrett Park, Md. We take on small jobs--anything from repair work to painting to renovating a kitchen. Almost all of our jobs have one thing in common: Our customers live in the house while we work on it....

Enclosing a front porch.(Design)
November 1, 2005... It used to be that on warm afternoons folks would sit out on the front porch to catch some air and chat with passersby strolling down the sidewalk. Nowadays, more and more of those porches face busy streets crammed with vehicles rather than...

Insuring the remodeling site.(Business)
November 1, 2005... Most contractors know that if they fail to carry general liability or worker's compensation insurance, they are just one lawsuit or accident away from being broke and out of business. Far fewer seem to realize that it is equally risky to...

Staying in touch with clients.(Business)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A periodic newsletter is a great way to keep your company on the radar screen of both previous and prospective clients. Builders David and Michele West, owners of Meadowview Construction in Topsfield, Mass., have recently replaced their...

Mold and the law.(Legal)
November 1, 2005... I've been asked to share with you any medical, scientific, and legal wisdom I have regarding mold. Don't worry, it won't take long. Medical Issues Let's start with the medical part. Mold is everywhere, and there are thousands of...

Combination rotary hammers: the best 1 9/16-inch models are fast and compact, and sport sturdy side handles.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2005... Hammer drills and small rotary hammers fine for light work, but for tough jobs there is no substitute for a large combination hammer. The company I work for does additions and whole-house remodeling in the San Francisco Bay area. In this...

Plumbing problem-solvers: these devices tackle common plumbing predicaments without breaking the budget.
November 1, 2005... Most contractors are happy leaving pipes, fittings, and bath fixtures to the plumber, but at some point you're likely to get your feet wet dealing with some kind of plumbing situation, especially if you're a remodeler. Even if you never touch a...

Building a glazed cupola.
November 1, 2005... The company I work for, Baud Builders, builds custom homes in the coastal areas of Rhode Island. The homes are architect-designed and typically have plenty of interior and exterior millwork. I spend most of my time in the shop, prefabricating...

Blueprint for successful marketing: whether you're a small, one-person operation or a company with 50 employees, an effective marketing program will help you build a healthier business.
November 1, 2005... Do you need more work to be profitable? Do you have trouble attracting the kind of customers that allow you to make the margins you are looking for? Do you struggle with seasonal ups and downs? Are you looking to grow your company? If you...

Housed-stringer exterior stairs: a simple site-built jig made it easy to build this elegant outdoor staircase.
November 1, 2005... I Prefer to build stairs using housed stringers, which means that the ends of the treads and risers are wedged and glued into mortises routed into the stringers. While this approach sounds like a lot of work, it doesn't take much longer than...

Quick tiled shower bench.(Kitchen & Bath)
November 1, 2005... Sometime ago, I built a large walk-in shower with an open, door-flee design and lots of decorative tile work. I wanted to install a tiled bench in the shower, too, but I didn't want it to detract from the shower's visual impact or to create a...

Instant indulgence.(Kitchen & Bath / Towel Warmers)
November 1, 2005... Available in both electric and hydronic models, WarmaTowel units add luxury to any bathroom. Plus, by keeping towels dry, they discourage mildew and funky odors. Customers can choose from a variety of styles and metallic finishes; prices start...

Paint to match.(Kitchen & Bath / Towel Warmers)
November 1, 2005... The powder-coated steel DiaNorm Noblesse NB can be ordered in an array of factory colors--or simply painted to match the bathroom decor. The water-heated unit packs a thermostatic control and comes in three sizes; prices range from $436 to...

Preheatable.(Kitchen & Bath / Towel Warmers)
November 1, 2005... With a programmable thermostat as a standard feature, electrically heated Janda towel radiators provide homeowners with a nice warm bathroom whenever they need it--including first thing in the morning. The units come in three sizes and offer...

Roll out the wraps.(Kitchen & Bath / Towel Warmers)
November 1, 2005... If the bathroom already has a radiant floor, you don't need a wall-hung towel warmer overheating the place. Instead, borrow a great idea from the kitchen and install a Warming Drawer. That way, your clients can keep their buns toasty in both...

Easy connection.(Kitchen & Bath / Cabinet Lighting)
November 1, 2005... This Xenon Light Bar takes a lot of the hassle out of hookup. "Poke-home" connectors eliminate wire nuts, and end-to-end interconnectors make daisy-chaining multiple fixtures a literal snap. The low-voltage lamps dim with standard incandescent...

Small and adaptable.(Kitchen & Bath / Cabinet Lighting)
November 1, 2005... Whether you want to light the inside of a display cabinet, highlight a toekick, or task-light a countertop, the Lumere system promises to adapt. Unit lengths from 4 to 24 inches suit small spaces, and gap connectors allow cornering and custom...

Long-lasting light.(Kitchen & Bath / Cabinet Lighting)
November 1, 2005... The Super White Hi-Flux LED Light Strip runs on 12 volts and produces little or no heat. A 24-inch strip consumes a mere 2.8 watts; lamp life expectancy is 100,000 hours or 10 years, says the maker. The interconnectible strips measure 1/2 inch...

Light fare.(Kitchen & Bath / Cabinet Lighting)
November 1, 2005... Perfect for lighting a kitchen island or countertop, Ambiance Line-Voltage Pendants deliver a warm glow of color while spilling a milky splash of light directly below. The glass fixtures can be used as part of the Ambiance rail system or...

Extra pair of hands.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Managing a 12-foot piece of fiber-cement siding by yourself isn't the easiest task, so most installation crews rely on a cut man and a pair of installers. However, the Bear Clip's inventor--a longtime fiber-cement installer--says that his...

Shining bright.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Many deck lights are cheaply made, with steel and aluminum housings that weren't designed for the new formulas of pressure-treated lumber. Highpoint Deck Lighting, a new company founded by a custom-deck builder, is improving quality and...

Dune-friendly decking.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Trying to grow grass or other vegetation under an elevated deck is usually an exercise in futility--unless you're using ThruFIow Interlocking Panels. Made from high-density polyethylene or rein forced polypropylene, this unique decking has a...

Drywall crown.(Products / Drywall & Accessories)
November 1, 2005... Crown molding used to be the exclusive domain of finish carpenters, but now, with Trim-Tex's Drywall Art Crown Molding, drywall crews can get in on the fun. Available in 2 1/2- and 3 1/2-inch sizes, the crown installs with spray adhesive and...

Drywall hanger.(Products / Drywall & Accessories)
November 1, 2005... Domed and barrel-vaulted ceilings--which are popping up in more and more high-end homes--can be tricky and time-consuming to execute. With its preformed and precut components, USG's Drywall Suspension System simplifies the complex process of...

Drywall clips.(Products / Drywall & Accessories)
November 1, 2005... Many a contractor has euphemistically referred to drywall clips as a pain in the posterior. Still, these devices create more room for insulation and reduce material costs by eliminating a lot of extra wood. If you like the advantages provided...

Vents for metal shingles.(Products / Ridge Vents)
November 1, 2005... Metal shingle panels have a lot going for them: They're fire- and hail-resistant, they perform well in high-wind events and earthquakes, and they last a really long time. What a pity, then, that so few metal-shingle producers offer matching...

A perfect match.(Products / Ridge Vents)
November 1, 2005... Need to ventilate a standing-seam or screw-down metal roof? The Profile Vent from Ventco is a profile-matched, fibrous ridge vent that installs under a standard ridge cap and prevents insects and wind-driven snow and rain from entering the...

Rapid-fire ridge.(Products / Ridge Vents)
November 1, 2005... Coil roofing nailers are about as common as sunburn on residential roofs, but comparatively few roofers use them on the ridge vent. If you're looking to squeeze a little more production out of your roof crews, consider a ridge vent you can use...

Slim brick veneer.(Products / Masonry)
November 1, 2005... One easy way to make a wood-framed building match an adjoining or neighboring brick structure is to use a thin-brick product. Stone Mountain Brick's 1/2-inch-thick brick looks and feels like its full-thickness counterpart, says the company, but...

Jack for all trades.(Products / Masonry)
November 1, 2005... Backfilling before there's some weight on the foundation can be risky, but waiting until the house is framed often means weeks of setting up ladders and slogging around in knee-deep mud. It's a scenario all too familiar to builder Jerry Keith,...

Masonry reinforcement.(Products / Masonry)
November 1, 2005... Making structural repairs to a masonry building can be tricky work. The weight and unfamiliar, rock-hard materials associated with masonry construction often require specialized techniques. Cintec's proprietary Reinforcing Anchor System is...

Eurekazone expandable layup table and saw guide.(Toolbox)
November 1, 2005... Cabinetmakers are probably more familiar with layup tables than carpenters and remodelers are. Layup tables allow you to make cuts without damaging the underlying surface; they're also great for assembly work. For example, when assembling a...

Make the grade.(Toolbox / Landscape Tools)
November 1, 2005... With its unique S-shaped tooth pattern, the New England Sifter is the perfect rake for spreading topsoil and removing small rocks before seeding. Like the company's other aluminum rakes, the Sifter features sturdy construction and a lightweight...

Hole hog.(Toolbox / Landscape Tools)
November 1, 2005... Getting excited about digging holes isn't easy, but maybe a cool new posthole digger can stir things up a little. The Fiskars Post-Hole Digger is completely different from other models I've seen. Steel offset handles eliminate knuckle-smashing...

Single-track hauler.(Toolbox / Landscape Tools)
November 1, 2005... On my old job sites, we'd refer to the wheelbarrow as "the poor man's dump truck." It was one of the most widely used and abused vehicles in the fleet. In addition to traditional landscaping tasks, we used it for moving boxes of nails,...

Pocket-sized laser level.(Toolbox / Measuring Tools)
November 1, 2005... To challenge the highly regarded PLS lasers, DeWalt recently introduced its own version of a compact laser tool with both horizontal and vertical beams: the DW087K. According to the manufacturer, the new laser performs better than competitive...

Low-cost laser measurer.(Toolbox / Measuring Tools)
November 1, 2005... Don't have a laser measuring tool? You're not alone. They're great for generating estimates and taking difficult measurements, but a $400 price tag has deterred many contractors from getting one. However, with the recent introduction of...

Crowning achievement.(Toolbox / Measuring Tools)
November 1, 2005... For a long time, the Bosch angle-finder was the only tool designed specifically to measure corners for crown-molding installation. Lately, though, a couple of other angle-finding tools have arrived on the scene. One of the most feature-laden is...

A better protractor.(Toolbox / Measuring Tools)
November 1, 2005... When the original ProSite protractor was introduced a couple of years ago, I was thrilled. Somebody had finally produced a well-made carpenter's protractor that not only showed the angle for an accurate miter, but also indicated the saw...

KOMA trimboards.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... KOMA[R] Trimboards bring new technology and enduring style to your customers' home. KOMA paintable PVC trimboards deliver waterproof, UV-protected, insect-proof, rot-free performance year after year-far outlasting wood. Exceptionally easy to...

Louisiana-Pacific.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... LP TechShield radiant barrier sheathing is an easy, cost effective way to increase a home's energy efficiency for a more comfortable living environment. It prevents up to 97 percent of the sun's radiant heat from entering the attic, so homes...

Bosch power tools and accessories.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... For concrete drilling, professionals have depended on the Bosch Bulldog[TM] for more than 25 years. Today, as the market leader and innovator, Bosch continues to provide the best with the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer, which has undergone...

IRWIN industrial tools.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... The IRWIN[R] Blue Blade[TM] has revolutionized the utility blade market, bringing improved safety and performance to the workplace. As the name implies, bi-metal blades are produced through a patented process of combining two types of metal....

C.H. Hanson.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... Introducing SpeedMeter[TM], a new electronic measuring wheel that takes guesswork out of the equation. Built to last, moisture resistant and available in 4" and 13" wheel sizes. SpeedMeter features standard and metric units of measure, an...

Simpson Strong-Tie.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... One part for two applications. Simpson's DSP/SSP tie connects plate-to-stud or top-plate-to-stud. The double stud plate design can be installed on either or both sides of the wall, while the single stud plate tie requires fewer fasteners than...

SENCO.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... For more than 50 years, SENCO has provided collated nailers, staplers, screw systems, fasteners, compressors and accessories as the #1 brand preferred by Professional Contractors and Remodelers. If you have Serious Work, SENCO has Serious Tools...

Construction Master[R] Pro offers new features.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... Construction Master[R] Pro advanced Feet-Inch-Fraction Construction-math calculator features have expanded. New Length, Width and Height keys instantly solve Areas. Volumes and Perimeters. "Stair" solutions are easily adjusted for floor height,...

Grace Construction Products.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... Grace Roof Detail Membrane from Grace Construction Products is the only product available today designed specifically for waterproofing critical roof detail areas. Based on the Grace Ice & Water Shield[R] technology, the product is a flexible,...

STANLEY works.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... The STANLEY[R] Garage Workshop[TM] is an affordable, durable and versatile organization solution for the workspace or garage. It is constructed of metal and polypropylene and features modular interlocking cabinets, drawer units and shelves. An...

Alum-A-Pole.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... No other brake even comes close to the new Alum-A-Brake by Alum-A-Pole. It comes standard with built-in slitters so you can slit the coil without it dropping; hems, slits and bends in all common materials; a built-in, fold-out work table; and...

IRWIN industrial tools.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... The IRWIN Miter Saw Laser Guide is easy to upgrade to existing miter saws. The battery-powered laser guide replaces the outside washer on the saw and sits flush against the blade, generating a highly visible red laser line for accurate cuts....

Wobble Light.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... Bright, durable, and virtually indestructible; the 36" tall Wobble Light[R] is a self righting, highly durable work light that takes a severe beating from workers, vehicles, debris, and drops. Internal ventilation system keeps light cool enough...

AZEK[R] Trimboards.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... AZEK Trimboards, the leader in cellular pvc trim products, introduces a new reversible 5/8 x 4 AZEK Beadboard profile to replicate authentic wooden beadboard. With a precision milled edge and center bead on one side, v-groove on the other, this...

IRWIN industrial tools.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... For over fifty years, Speedbor has been the spade bit of choice by professional users. The IRWIN Speedbor has a patented Micro-Groove cutting edge and a double spur design to produce a faster and cleaner hole. For more information, call...

WinsorONE historical moldings collections.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Windsor Mill, manufacturers of the highest-quality trim boards, and Brent Hull, a respected expert on historical millwork, have teamed together to offer the WindsorONE Moldings Collection, based on the original molding and trim patterns found...

James Hardie siding.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 1, 2005... Strong, low-maintenance James Hardie[R] siding products offer complete protection from the elements while providing the charm and character of wood. They are non-combustible, resist damage from insects and can be installed to withstand...

VectorWorks.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
November 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...

Weyerhaeuser.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... For centuries, Weyerhaeuser Company has provided innovative, sustainable and reliable building products and services. Serving contractors and homebuilders worldwide, Weyerhaeuser stands by our commitment of sustainable forest management, while...

World's smallest tract homes?(Backfill)
November 1, 2005... No, you're not seeing double, triple, or even quadruple--you're seeing the TeamWorks competition that took place in June at the SkillsUSA leadership conference in Kansas City, Mo. SkillsUSA, an organization that promotes trade and technical...