The Journal of Light Construction articles from October 2004

The Journal of Light Construction archives from October 2004

Price correction.(Letters)(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2004... The price for the Gorilla Gripper, featured in the article "Time-Saving Tools for Framers and Finish Carpenters" (8/04) is actually $30, not $10 as printed.

Hurricane Charley's first lessons.(In The News)
October 1, 2004... The Category Four winds of Hurricane Charley had barely died away in late August when experts began to assess the storm's damage and learn from the experience. Even as utility workers rushed to restore power, and National Guard, FEMA, and Red...

Stray voltage zaps homeowners.(In The News)
October 1, 2004... A dip in the backyard pool can be invigorating on a hot day. But Fayetteville, N.C., homeowners Lonn and Debra Rickstrom have been finding it a bit too invigorating. Their pool has been zapping them with 2- to 5-volt shots of "stray...

Amid apprehension, code comes to Pennsylvania.(In The News)
October 1, 2004... Pennsylvania adopted its first-ever statewide building code in July, as the legislature approved state enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code, a slightly modified version of the International Building Code (IBC) and International...

A Duluth, Minn., construction worker uncovered an unexploded Korean War-era mortar round.(Off Cuts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A Duluth, Minn., construction worker uncovered an unexploded Korean War-era mortar round while working in the excavation for the city's new Entertainment Convention Center, according to the Associated Press. Worker Todd Hansen reportedly...

The United States saw a record-high 173 reported tornadoes in the month of August.(Off Cuts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The United States saw a record-high 173 reported tornadoes in the month of August, according to a report from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. With records going back to 1950, the agency says the highest number of...

Most homes in the U.S. are underinsured.(Off Cuts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Most homes in the U.S. are underinsured, according to a report in the New York Times. Insurers have phased out "guaranteed replacement" policies that promised to rebuild the house as it was, regardless of cost, with "extended replacement"...

NAFTA panel slams U.S. on tariffs.(In The News)
October 1, 2004... The bi-national panel set up under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to rule on U.S. penalties on Canadian softwood imports has issued a final opinion in the case. Losing patience with continued insistence by the U.S. Commerce...

The endangered species listing of Arizona's pygmy owl.(Off Cuts)(pygmy owl )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The endangered species listing of Arizona's pygmy owl will stay in effect until at least January, reports the Arizona Daily Star. Homebuilders in and around Tucson have been seeking to de-list the owl, which they say is no different from...

Police in Long Beach, Miss., say they nabbed a construction-site thief in August.(Off Cuts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Police in Long Beach, Miss., say they nabbed a construction-site thief in August when the man tried to trade a stolen kitchen range for an automobile. According to a report in the Biloxi Sun-Herald, the miscreant didn't realize that the man...

Can you rip LVL?(Q&A)(laminated veneer lumber)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Q. The building codes don't allow you to rip graded lumber to a narrower width (to make a 2x6 and a 2x4 out of a 2x10, for example). But what about ripping LVL? A. You're right about ripping graded lumber. Doing so "relocates"...

Insulating basement walls.(Q&A)
October 1, 2004... Q. I'm doing a basement remodel and am thinking of finishing the block foundation walls by painting the masonry with Drylok, then adhering 4-mil poly over that. Next, I plan to fur the walls with Z-studs, put 2 inches of foil-faced polyiso...

Mice and insulation.(Q&A)
October 1, 2004... Q. is there any way to can keep mice out of insulation? I am working on a remote cabin in southern Illinois, and the mice seem to come and go at will. I'm getting ready to insulate another room and I don't want to provide new places for the...

Accrual vs. cash accounting: why bother?(Business)
October 1, 2004... If you're like most contractors I know, you view accounting as a necessary evil. You know you should understand it better, but it's an uphill struggle to even think about it. Yet what's one of the first business decisions a new...

Finding the best remodeling customers.(Business)
October 1, 2004... As a remodeler, time is without a doubt your most valuable and limited resource. There are only so many hours in the day, so it's critical that you use your time in ways that produce the best outcome for the company. You need to focus on...

Hooking up remotely.(Computers)(RealVNC)
October 1, 2004... It's 7 a.m., you're at the job site with your laptop ready to start the pre-construction meeting, but--oops--the specs you need are on your computer at home. Or you're all settled in at your home office on Sunday ready to crank out that big...

Easy project collaboration with SharePoint.(Computers)(Product/Service Evaluation)
October 1, 2004... How much would you pay for a secure, password-protected website--customized for your company--where you can share and track project documents, photos, discussion threads, announcements, and other aspects of your projects with customers, subs,...

What happens when you go to arbitration?(Legal)
October 1, 2004... Your construction company does excellent work, you try hard to please customers, and when there's a problem, you always find a way to work things out. But this time it's different: You find yourself in a dispute over a remodeling project. You...

Making old stucco look new: a pigmented top coat and foam-based moldings can transform a worn stucco exterior.(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... Here in Northern California, three-coat stucco is the dominant exterior finish material. It's been this way for years, so there's a lot of available work remodeling and repairing older stucco homes. Many of our jobs involve repairing...

Air conditioning for humid climates: a two-stage compressor, a variable-speed air handler, and advanced controls provide effective dehumidification and efficient cooling with a single system.
October 1, 2004... No matter where you work, air conditioning for comfort has always been challenging: Comfort is a subjective quality, and the expectations vary from one person to the next. But in hot, humid areas like the southern coastal states, heating and...

Hurricane-rated windows: they cost more and are harder to install. But if you build near the Atlantic Ocean, you better get used to them.
October 1, 2004... Some East Coast builders are in for an expensive surprise: They may have to install storm-resistant windows on coastal-area homes. The windows are supposed to reduce property damage from major hurricanes, but they can add thousands of dollars...

Building a custom saw station: this setup speeds finish work and helps keep the work area clean.
October 1, 2004... About 90% of the finish carpentry I do involves the miter saw, so it's important to me to have a saw table that goes together quickly, serves as an efficient workstation, and then breaks down into small enough pieces for me to load in my van....

New points of view: the Andersen inHOME at Sundance Film Festival puts windows front and center (and almost everywhere else) to inspire new thinking about their place and function in home design.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The wood-trimmed windows that make up an entire corner of the Great Room in the Andersen inHOME capture dramatic views of the Wasatch Mountains that overlook Park City, Utah, but they are just one of several inspiring points of view in this...

Resisting tornado damage: wood-frame buildings can take the brunt of all but the biggest storms, but the connections have to be strong.(Practical Engineering)
October 1, 2004... On May 4, 2003, a severe weather system produced strong tornadoes in eight states: Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Tennessee. Tornadoes in southwest Missouri were particularly severe, causing...

Rescuing a block foundation: hydraulically driven piers provide bearing for a settling foundation.
October 1, 2004... From the 1950s through the '80s--before poured concrete became the norm--many homes in northern New England were built with concrete block foundations. Unfortunately, block isn't the best material for a long-lasting foundation in this area....

Adding a second water heater.(Kitchen & Bath)
October 1, 2004... One of the first things done by the average homeowner who is running out of hot water is to turn up the thermostat on the storage tank. This actually makes some sense because less hot water is required to achieve the same mixed temperature...

Hard as rock.(Kitchen Sinks)
October 1, 2004... Hard as Rock. This composite sink line provides a "natural" accompaniment to a stone or solid-surface countertop. Moen claims its MoenStone Granite sinks match the natural stone's hard-wearing characteristics with scratch-, chip-, and...

Stainless plus.(Kitchen Sinks)
October 1, 2004... Stainless Plus. This cool stand-alone stainless-steel module plays into the mixed-materials countertop trend, eliminates several installation steps, and looks great in a wide variety of style settings. The AquaCentre 1050 features a single...

Composite combo.(Kitchen Sinks)
October 1, 2004... Composite Combo. Here's a great idea that's really practical with solid-surfacing materials. Swanstone Classics combines its US-2021 large-bowl and US-1711 small-bowl sinks to make a custom double-basin sink. Add other bowls, and the design...

Cast-iron sinks.(Kitchen Sinks)
October 1, 2004... Cast-Iron Sinks. So stated the banner in a store window display in an old cartoon I read as a kid. A character reading the banner asked, "Who don't know that?" Anyway, whether used as an anchor or a kitchen basin, the Forrester Cast Iron...

Convincing grain.(Laminate Flooring)
October 1, 2004... Convincing Grain. Embossed texture combines with photographically rendered wood grain to make Modern Accents flooring a challenge to distinguish from the real thing. Individual plank widths with V-groove edges and built-in water resistance...

Formed like stone.(Laminate Flooring)
October 1, 2004... Formed Like Stone. With its three-dimensional surface texture and naturalistic coloring, NatureForm high-pressure laminate tile creates a convincing and classy floor that resists chips and dents while eliminating the cold feeling and...

Alternating widths.(Laminate Flooring)
October 1, 2004... Alternating Widths. Combining 4 11/16- and 6 11/16-inch plank widths makes it possible to blur the giveaway modular look of typical laminate flooring. The TimberView line further challenges eye and hand with V-groove edges and a palpable...

Stone tile.(Laminate Flooring)
October 1, 2004... Stone Tile. Labor-intensive prep and demanding installation requirements are two reasons clients considering a conventional ceramic tile floor may be barking up the wrong tree. Tap-N-Lock stone-look laminate tiles have firmly interlocking...

Crown-molding raceway.(Products)
October 1, 2004... It's tough to know what future technology will bring, but you can at least make sure your customer's home is ready for future wiring upgrades. WireTracks CM is a plastic channel that works in conjunction with conventional crown molding to...

Window dressing.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Protecting glass and windows during construction should be easier with a new protective coating from Cortec, Sprayed, brushed, or rolled onto windows and other non-porous surfaces, MCI Peel-Off Coating creates a film to prevent scratches,...

Plan protector.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Keeping construction drawings and other important documents free from spilled coffee, mud, and weather is a constant battle. But clear protective sleeves from Easi File can help. Made from 4-mil plastic, Pro-One transparent envelopes will...

Miracle worker.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Miracle Worker. When you think all hope is lost and replacement is the only option for your broken item, you might try J-B Weld. The two-part epoxy has the consistency of putty and is legendary for fixing things that are supposedly unfixable....

Bottom feeder.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Bottom Feeder. Struggling to get the last inch of yellow glue out of a typical drippy glue bottle is something most carpenters and cabinetmakers would happily give up. If you're among them, you might check out the Glu-Bot. The plastic bottle...

Quick stick.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Quick Stick. Besides death and taxes, one of the other certainties of life is that glues need time to dry. You'll probably want to put off the first two as long as possible, but a quicker bond when installing trim is often an advantage....

Safer contact cement.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Safer Contact Cement. Flammable vapors associated with traditional formulations of contact cement are not only bad for your health, they're extremely dangerous around pilot lights and other open flames. Unfortunately, safer substitutes...

Clean-air construction adhesive.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Clean-Air Construction Adhesive. Polyurethane wood glue and sealants have revolutionized residential construction because of their tenacious hold and good flexibility. These same qualities should make Chem-Calk an excellent construction...

Roof glue.(Glues & Adhesives)
October 1, 2004... Roof Glue. Replacing or reinstalling a concrete or clay roof tile doesn't have to be a big deal. RT-600 adhesive from OSI attaches tiles to both wood and mortar substrates, and in many cases you won't have to remove adjacent tiles. According...

Hardwood column cover.(Basement Finishing)
October 1, 2004... Hardwood Column Cover. I've seen a lot of different ways to hide or cover basementally columns, but I think this is among the easiest and best-looking ready-made options. Pacific Columns' Lally Column Covers use biscuits for easy assembly of...

Appealing ceiling.(Basement Finishing)
October 1, 2004... Appealing Ceiling. Drop ceilings are standard fare for basement living space, but an expansive grid of white tiles can look a little boring. If you or your customer is looking for something with more pizzazz, you might consider pressed tin....

Column cover-up.(Basement Finishing)
October 1, 2004... Column Cover-up. Effectively disguising a basement lally column is one of those perennial remodeling problems. There are perhaps hundreds of ways to hide an ugly column, but if you're looking for a fast and easy method, you should check out...

Crash protection.(Basement Finishing)
October 1, 2004... Crash Protection. You can disguise a lally column with decorative wood or drywall, but even the best-looking lally column won't prevent injuries when the kids run into it. If you're improving a basement play space, you might consider...

Pop-top cover.(Basement Finishing)
October 1, 2004... Pop-Top Cover. Window wells are often the only way of getting a little natural light and ventilation into an otherwise dark basement, but uncovered window wells can become a handy receptacle for leaves, toys, and roof water. If you don't want...

Not your typical construction trade show.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... More than 10 years ago, The Journal of Light Construction magazine recognized that builders and remodelers weren't getting the practical information they needed from traditional conferences and trade shows. JLC believed that it was possible...

Bosch construction/framing saw blades.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... New circular saw blades from Bosch feature patented G3 Dyanite Carbide[R] teeth that stay sharp up to six times longer than standard carbide blades. Boron-toughened tungsten carbide teeth resist fracture and a shock-absorbing tri-metal shim...

Stanley-Bostitch.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The Stanley-Bostitch Button Cap Stapler keeps felt paper, housewrap and foam board securely in place. Its wider 5/16" crown helps prevent the staple from punching through the plastic cap. Features include fast easy loading, an adjustable...

Andersen Windows.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Inspired by history, the new Andersen[R] 400 Series Woodwright[TM] double-hung window delivers time-honored, traditional styling combined with the latest technology and performance benefits. For more information, call 1-800-426-4261 ext. 5451...

Malco.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Adjustable EDGE ROLLER, from Malco, makes clean, precise bends along the full length of metal roofing and building panels. Easy-to-use thumbscrews lock in stop gauges at 5/8-inch to 4-inch bending depths. Rollers at ends of stops, ball...

Cosella-Dorken.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Cosella-Dorken manufactures a series of waterproofing and drainage composites that effectively waterproofs, relieves hydrostatic pressures and redirects water away from commercial and residential below grade foundations. DELTA[R]-MS, The...

Maibec.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Maibec, the leading producer of white cedar shingles, innovates yet again with Shingle Shop: The Cedar Strips: The latest revolution saves up to 60% on installation time. The Cedar Panel: With Home Slicker[TM] to keep moisture at...

Simpson Strong-tie.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... One part for two applications. Simpson's new 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...

CertainTeed.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... CertainTeed's Centennial Slate[TM] replicates the natural color variations of true blended slate at a fraction of the cost. Through a sophisticated, patent-pending production process, CertainTeed precisely applies color to individual tabs to...

Louisiana-Pacific.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... WeatherBest Composite Decking and Railing. The fabulous look and feel of natural wood is now available in a wonderful composite, with reversible boards--featuring random graining patterns over a roughsawn texture. No splinters. No knots. No...

Bosch Power Change[TM] Hole Saw System.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The new Bosch Power Change Hole Saw System matches a complete range of rugged bi-metal saws with new Power Change Mandrels for fast, easy change out and plug removal. New Bosch Progressor[TM] Tooth Geometry combines cutting teeth with...

Calculated Industries.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Construction Master[R] feet-inch-fraction, Metric calculators quickly solve construction-math problems using built-in functions to eliminate lengthy formulas and equations. Easily lay out stairs, roofs and frames. Work in and convert between...

Benjamin Obdyke.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Home Slicker[R] Plus Typar[R] is a cost-effective, labor and material saving, moisture eliminating rainscreen and weather resistant barrier. Each roll contains the patented Home Slicker three-dimensional matrix bonded to Typar, the premium...

Masonite.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Barrington[TM] Fiberglass Door Collection's distinct raised moulding and outstanding wood-grain texture, reminiscent of hand crafted hardwood doors, impart unbelievable warmth and elegance to any home. All Barrington doors are factory-glazed...

Bosch Power Box.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The Bosch Power Box's 4-way GFCI outlet, integrated battery charger, 12-volt cell phone/two-way radio charging outlet, AM/FM digital radio, CD player and MP3 player auxiliary jack keep jobsites rockin' all day. www.BoschTools.com or call...

Trex.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Introducing the new Trex[R] Designer Series[TM] railing system, a complete line of elegant components, including rails, support brackets, posts, balusters, caps and skirts. At the heart of the system is the unique TrexExpress[TM] assembly...

United States Gypsum Company.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... DUROCK[R] Brand Cement Board from United States Gypsum Company is a high-performance substrate offering outstanding tile-holding ability. The panels assure excellent performance for wet-area tile walls and floors, including bath and tub...

Simpson Strong Tie: Simpson's Valley Truss Connector, installed on top of the roof sheathing, solves the expensive challenge of structural valley connections.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Simpson's Valley Truss Connector, installed on top of the roof sheathing, solves the expensive challenge of structural valley connections. The VTC provides a positive connection and eliminates the costly support wedge underneath the valley...

Stanley.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Good things come in small packages with the Stanley[R] Micro FatMax[R] 16' Tape Rule reinforced with BladeArmor[TM] coating. The new micro sized tape rule, is 20% more compact than its predecessor, and the smallest 1" wide tape in the...

Typar[R] HouseWrap.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Take a closer look at new Typar[R] HouseWrap. This new product meets stringent code requirements as a Type I air barrier and is ideal for both commercial and residential construction jobs. Other key benefits: excellent water holdout, tear...

SENCO.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... SENCO's best-kept secret, the FinishPro 10, 23 guage Micropinner, continues to grow in popularity. This lightweight tool is a must in every finish carpenter's toolbox. The FinishPro 10 is ideal for driving headless pins into decorative models...

GRK Fasteners: the screw with a German twist.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... GRK Fasteners specializes in high-quality fasteners for contractors and serious handymen. GRK's line of patented fasteners includes screws which will eliminate shimming, replace lag screws, and eliminate headaches when building a deck. GRK's...

WindsorONE: Historical Moldings Collection.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... 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...

Stanley: Stanley's new IntelliLaser[TM] Pro Laser Line Level/Stud Finder is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that functions as a level, stud finder and a vertical and horizontal layout tool.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Stanley's new IntelliLaser[TM] Pro Laser line Level/Stud Finder is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that functions as a level, stud finder and a vertical and horizontal layout tool. Adding to the tool's versatility is a 20-ft. laser layout line and a...

DRIcore[R].(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The Revolutionary Subfloor System For Concrete Floors. Precision fit tongue and groove edge on the 2' x 2' x 7/8" wood panels makes installation fast and easy. Raised dimple moisture barrier on the underside of the panel enables moisture to...

Masonite: with the ultimate goal of adding beauty and value to every home, Masonite introduces the Palazzo[TM] Series Interior Door Collection.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... With the ultimate goal of adding beauty and value to every home, Masonite introduces the Palazzo[TM] Series Interior Door Collection. The beauty of distinct raised moulding, unique high-definition panel profiles and an exceptionally smooth...

DuPont[TM] Tyvek[R].(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Wrapping a home in a "protective envelope" is a good building practice that helps combat a home's worst enemies: water, moisture and air infiltration. Now, the DuPont[TM] Tyvek[R] portfolio of products includes Tyvek "HomeWrap", Tyvek...

Senco brad-nailer value pack.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
October 1, 2004... It seems that an increasing number of products sold today are available in a "value pack," and they're no longer reserved for the warehouse club. Even tool manufacturers have jumped on the value-pack bandwagon, and Senco's FP18 combo kit is a...

Hilti PD30 laser measuring device.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
October 1, 2004... Hilti recently released a new compact laser measuring device, the PD30. I've had the opportunity to try one for several months, and I think it's a great addition to the company's line of laser measuring tools. The PD30's most noteworthy...

Mud mixer.(Drywall Tools)
October 1, 2004... ixing mud with a heavy-duty electric drill works fine, but it's not exactly the right tool for the job. If you're looking for a better machine, you might try the CX-20 Hand Mixer. The tool has ergonomic grips that maintain an upright body...

No-flip pole sander.(Drywall Tools)
October 1, 2004... Inside curves like barrel-vaulted ceilings present a problem for conventional pole sanders: The rigid sanding head and rectangular shape can leave stripes that are hard to disguise. Now there's an alternative: the Radius 360. Designed by a...

Track bender.(Drywall Tools)
October 1, 2004... Barrel vaults, curved walls, and domed ceilings all require curved framing members. While you can cut the curves out of plywood or OSB, the process is slow and presents a problem when fireproof materials are required. An alternative is...

Rock ripper.(Drywall Tools)
October 1, 2004... Cutting narrow strips of drywall using a knife and tape takes time to master, and if you don't get it right, the wavy cut will make hanging and finishing more difficult. If you're looking for another method, you might try the Speed Rocker....

Mud shooter.(Drywall Tools)
October 1, 2004... If your company does its own drywall finishing, you might give serious thought to getting one of these good-looking and effective taping tools. The Pneumatic Paper Taper from Apla-Tech uses air power to dispense the compound, so there's less...

Low-tech pipe cutter.(Plumbing Tools)
October 1, 2004... Bath and kitchen remodels frequently require tapping into the DWV lines for a new drain or vent. Unfortunately, there's not always a lot of room for a recip saw or hacksaw in many stud and joist cavities. However, Cable Saws like this one...

Good grip.(Plumbing Tools)
October 1, 2004... Unless you're a plumber, it's tough to get excited about pipe wrenches, but the Vise-Grip's quick-adjusting Pipe Wrench could be the notable exception. The aluminum-bodied tool fits better in tight spaces and weighs 40% less than comparable...