The Journal of Light Construction articles from September 2003

The Journal of Light Construction archives from September 2003

Deck details.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... To the Editor: The article "Building Better Decks" (6/03) was very informative. We too work in the north Virginia area, although we probably only do 12 to 24 decks, screen porches, and patios a year, along with kitchens, bathrooms,...

Defending gable vents.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... To the Editor: I just read the Q&A "Can You Combine Ridge and Gable Vents?" (6/03) and couldn't believe the advice. There were no details on the size of the gable vents, the length of the ridge, or the geometry of the house, which...

Reader wants balance.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... To the Editor: I would like to respond to the article on improving safety standards for hot water heaters (In the News, 6/03). It is to be desired and encouraged that all of us in the industry work to improve safety. Improving the safety...

Screening chimney pots.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... To the Editor: Your item on chimney pots (Products: On the Job, 6/03) recommends screening the top with 1/2-inch wire mesh. Screening is a great idea for keeping birds and animals out of a chimney, but it should be noted for safety's sake...

Fatal Chicago porch collapse highlights flimsy connections: decks should support a 40-psf live load, but many fail under much lower loads.(In The News)
September 1, 2003... Chicago officials were quick to blame heedless crowding for the three-decker porch collapse that killed 13 partygoers in the city's Lincoln Park district on June 29. "It is a tragic case of overloading the back porches," Chicago Fire...

North Carolina officials are studying options for "buffer zones" to limit housing and commercial development around the state's military facilities.(Offcuts)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... North Carolina officials are studying options for "buffer zones" to limit housing and commercial development around the state's military facilities. State planners hope that leaving the bases some open space to work with will help them survive...

No one is entirely satisfied with Florida's newly passed reform of the state workers' compensation law, according to a report in the Palm Beach Post.(Offcuts)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... No one is entirely satisfied with Florida's newly passed reform of the state workers' compensation law, according to a report in the Palm Beach Post. The bill passed on a party-line vote in the Republican-controlled legislature, but the Post...

Housewrap aims to drain walls.(In The News)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Housewraps are intended as "weather resistive" materials that block water as well as wind. But they defend best against rain when there's an air space between the cladding and the wrap; when water is held against the wrap by tightly nailed...

New wood treatments may be more corrosive.(In The News)
September 1, 2003... Wood treaters and hanger manufacturers are circling warily around an issue that makes the whole industry nervous: the tendency of alternative preservative treatments including alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate...

Polka dot paint job makes protest point.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Homeowner Stan Pike was frustrated this spring when the Historic Preservation Commission in Avondale Estates, Ga., wouldn't approve his plans for a round porch on his newly purchased house. Pike thought the decision was a bit arbitrary--his...

Shallow foundation for flat site.(Q&A)
September 1, 2003... Q. I have a client who wants me to build a 30x40-foot unheated barn-garage with a slab floor. The area where the building will sit is very flat, with no lower terrain nearby, so it's not feasible to build a typical 4-foot stem wall with a...

Insulating around knob-and-tube.(Q&A)
September 1, 2003... Q. I am remodeling a 1920s house that has the original knob-and-tube wiring. I would like to blow cellulose into the stud cavities but am guessing that it's not safe to do that with the exposed wiring. in the cavities. What does code say? ...

OSB as carpet substrate?(Q&A)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Q. Why can't I use 7/16-inch OSB over 1-inch rough pine boards for carpet underlayment? A. Ken Smith responds: There's no reason you shouldn't use OSB, as long as there's no risk of it getting wet (if it does, it swells and comes apart)....

Dressing up the gable end.(Design)
September 1, 2003... Gable ends don't always get the respect they deserve. Designers have a tendency to focus their attention on the eaves walls, which typically face the road in the front and the backyard living area in the rear. As a result, it's not uncommon to...

Healing your inner underestimator.(Business)
September 1, 2003... In our industry, underestimating is far more prevalent than overestimating. This is due in part to human nature--the "hope springs eternal" phenomenon. But it's a serious problem: Not covering your costs because of a low estimate jeopardizes...

Death of a contractor.(Legal)
September 1, 2003... The wife of a builder recently asked me what her business obligations would be if her husband died in the middle of a construction project. That's a good question, one that needs to be asked before someone dies. To make this discussion...

Upgrades that make sense.(Computers)
September 1, 2003... If your pickup truck started sputtering or pulling to the right, you wouldn't automatically trade it for a new one, would you? You wouldn't be in business long if you did. Instead, you'd tune it up, do a little maintenance, and maybe add some...

A close look at stucco: problems with stucco persist, yet properly installed standard details are still the cure.
September 1, 2003... In the neighborhoods of coastal California where I grew up, stucco was the most common exterior cladding. As a kid helping my father on projects, and then as a construction supervisor and contractor myself, I have been around stucco for most of...

Salvaging building material: a builder learns how to make a profitable connection between one man's trash and treasure.
September 1, 2003... I've always hated waste. When I was working as a carpenter here in the San Francisco Bay area, it bothered me to see doors, redwood lumber, and quality cabinets go into the dumpster during the demolition phase of a remodeling job. "Teardown"...

New products from the kitchen & bath show: cabinets haven't changed much in 20 years, but appliances continue to evolve and define today's kitchens.
September 1, 2003... According to the buzz on the floor at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Fla., back in April, this is a great time to be in kitchen (or bath) installations, remodeling, sales, or design. Industry watchers are upbeat, and most...

Segmental block retaining walls: the keys to a rugged wall are a solid base, good drainage, granular backfill, and geogrid reinforcement.
September 1, 2003... From time to time, most builders encounter the need to hold back soil. Whether you have to terrace a sloped yard, support a parking lot, or level an area for a pond and waterfall, a retaining wall is the tool for the job. Even to simply level a...

Heating with panel radiators: hydronic panel radiators are simple to install and provide even, comfortable heat.
September 1, 2003... When I designed and built a house for my wife and me in the late '90s, she gave me one instruction: "I don't care what it looks like, I just want it to be warm." Both of us had grown up and lived in "antique" houses infused with charm--and...

Modular options.(Cooktops)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... If no single cooktop arrangement seems to satisfy, why not assemble your own? Homeowners can decide whether to break up the cooktop into separate stations around the kitchen, assemble a monster array of all six Integrated Cooktop modules, or...

All-business burners.(Cooktop)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Vertical panel controls return to the cooktop in the Metro Professional Gas Cooktop. The slide-in-style top comes in 30- and 36-inch widths, with a stainless-steel finish and four to six burners or a burner-and-grill combo. Dual-head burners...

Chameleon cooktop.(Cooktop)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Optional removable griddle and wok ring accessories add versatility to the Preference line of cooktops. Five models flesh out the line, from 30 to 46 inches wide and with four to six burners. The SGM464GG features one 14,000-Btu, one...

Fire in the hole.(Cooktop)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The tick-tick-tick sound of electronic gas burner ignition always makes me a little uneasy, like a bomb's about to go off. Especially when the flame doesn't happen right away. The Designer Series DGSU cooktop features electric spark ignition...

Complete experience.(Bath Fixtures)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The Washlet S300 upgrades an average toilet to a complete sanitary experience. Features include a thermostat-regulated heated seat, a soft-closing lid, and a docking station that makes the seat easily removable for cleaning. An auto-extending...

Waste abhors a vacuum.(Bath Fixtures)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Some sensible people ask nothing more (and nothing less) of a toilet than a reliable, quiet flush. The Vacuity's tank-within-a-tank design induces a vacuum upon flushing, bringing the brunt force of atmospheric pressure to bear upon the...

Stainless suite.(Bath Fixtures)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Given a high-rise steel pipe mount, the Metaal toilet, with its exposed P-trap design focus, would make an interesting bar stool--and eliminate the need to leave your beer unattended. On the other hand, it almost looks ready to spring into...

Strictly squaresville.(Bath Fixtures)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... "A minimalist square shape is the hallmark of all the furnishings and ceramic products in the Starck 3 bath collection," according to the manufacturer's press release. Before you comment on your own shape, rest assured that the wall- and...

Child's play.(Bath Fixtures)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Twelve thousand diapers: $4,000. Toilet-training book, video, and anatomically correct doll: $69. The Bambino toilet: priceless. If you're remodeling the children's bathroom, this high-quality miniature potty could make your reputation. It...

Smooth tube.(Products)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Available in diameters from 12 to 36 inches and up to 12 feet long, Finish Free Fiber Forms leave a smooth surface on concrete piers or columns. Unlike traditional tubular concrete forms that leave spiral lines or other surface imperfections,...

Advantech I-joists.(Products)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... J.M. Huber, manufacturer of Advantech subfloor and sheathing panels, has added I-joists to its existing product line. Wide machine-stress-rated flanges and Advantech weather-resistant webs ensure straight floors and fast installation, according...

Ceiling with style.(Products)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Although suspended ceilings provide easy access to mechanical systems and can be renewed or repaired easily, they typically don't have much in the way of architectural appeal. The Techstyle Acoustical Ceiling from Hunter Douglas offers a bit of...

Dual heat source.(Heat Pumps)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... In moderate climates, heat pumps are among the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home. But during the winter in colder areas, traditional heat pumps can't extract enough heat from the air. To fill the gap, most rely on electric resistance...

Slim and trim.(Heat Pumps)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A great way to heat and cool room additions or bonus rooms without running ducts or piping is with a split heat pump like the Mr. Slim M-Series from Mitsubishi. The Mr. Slim uses ceiling- or wall-mounted fans on the inside and outside...

Six feet under.(Heat Pumps)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... At about 6 feet underground, the earth's temperature is relatively constant. Ground-source heat pumps take advantage of that consistent heat supply to make space heating and cooling more affordable. Water-filled tubes are buried underground,...

Variable-speed blower.(Heat Pumps)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Comfortmaker's new EBV Air Handler, designed for its 2- to 5-ton split heat pump systems, has a variable-speed blower for increased comfort and reduced noise. The EBV's high-efficiency motor makes it cost effective to keep the blower running...

Hot off the press.(Siding & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Manufacturers have been using polyethylene and wood fiber to make fiber-composite decking for almost 20 years. Now Boise is using the same materials, combined under 700 pounds of pressure, to make its new lap siding. According to Boise,...

Fiber-cement shingles.(Siding & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Shingle siding is durable and good looking, but the labor-intensive installation can be a deal breaker. Nichiha's Sierra Premium Shakes have the appearance of traditional cedar shingles in an 8-foot panel that installs much faster than...

Vinyl backer.(Siding & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Vinyl siding scores points for low cost and low maintenance, but it can break easily in cold weather, and it doesn't do much to reduce noise. The Fullback Thermal Support System is a collection of profile-matched, insulating panels that fit...

Insider.(Siding & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Combining long-lasting fiber-cement siding with wood inside corners seems like a bad idea to me. It's unlikely that the wood will last as long as the siding, and future replacement will be tough. Tamlyn's Permacorner is a vinyl inside corner...

Party lantern.(Lighting)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... They don't give as much light as an electric fixture, they're more expensive, and they're harder to install, but gas lights provide a warm glow that customers love. It's a look that you simply can't get from electricity. Cunningham Gas Products...

Can improvement plan.(Lighting)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Most residential can lights are huge energy wasters, especially in vaulted ceilings. Not only does the unsealed housing increase the home's heating load, but the escaping air can lead to ice damming on the roof and condensation problems...

Show them the ropes.(Lighting)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Show Them the Ropes. You can accent cabinets, media rooms, decks, and landscaping with Round RopeLED lighting. The LED strands have bulbs spaced every 1.1 inches, and the 1/2-inch-diameter tubing can be cut to length at marked intervals....

Good-looking lights.(Lighting)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Good-Looking Lights. If your customers are looking for something with a little more class than the stamped-metal light fixtures found in every home center, you should mention the good-looking Hand-Forged Lighting Fixtures from Hubbardton Forge....

Bold molding.(Interior Millwork)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Bold Molding. If your customer is looking for interior millwork that's out of the ordinary, you might suggest Architectural Details from Century Architectural Specialties. According to the maker, the molded millwork is easier to install than...

Better beam.(Interior Millwork)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Coffered ceilings can be a testament to your skill, and customers love them, but the work can tie up your best carpenter for days. The EZ Beam from Ferche Millwork speeds the installation of coffered ceiling and decorative beams. What makes...

Beading the system.(Interior Millwork)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Beading the System. Beaded ceilings and wainscoting are the kinds of timeless details that look as good today as they did 100 years ago. However, timeless details usually translate into time-consuming details on the job site. If cutting and...

Moldings that measure up.(Interior Millwork)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Moldings That Measure Up. Value engineering and mass production have taken their toll on building materials for decades, and moldings are no exception. Although simplifying profiles and reducing dimensions have increased production and reduced...

Knowledge building. Skill building. Profit building. It's all about building.(JLC Live Residential Construction Show)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show continues this year's schedule in Columbus, Ohio, September 25-27, 2003. JLC Live takes the highly regarded editorial content of the nationally recognized Journal of Light Construction magazine on the...

Power handsaw.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Trimming door jambs or making flush cuts with a handsaw typically ends with scraped knuckles, dulled blades, and rough, wandering cuts. Flooring guys have circular jamb saws, but they're expensive, and the ones I've seen leave rough and...

Roof ladder.(Ladders Scaffolding)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Steep roofs can make otherwise simple tasks like installing a vent flashing or ridge cap into a huge project. Setting up the necessary roof jacks and dragging up planks can take more time than the actual job. A great solution is the Chicken...

Boot camp.(Ladders Scaffolding)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Proper footwear makes construction safer and more efficient, and your stepladder should sport the right footgear as well. Louisville's Brute 375 industrial stepladders are now wearing what the maker calls Da Boot. The non-marring boot surrounds...

Featherweight scaffold.(Ladders Scaffolding)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Baker-type scaffolding, the kind favored by painters, drywall finishers, and maintenance personnel, has great capacity and excellent stability, but the weight of the steel sections can make them hard to move around, especially from one job site...

Show your colors.(Ladders Scaffolding)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Enough of boring yellow and orange. Werner's new FiberGraffix Series industrial ladders come in a cool-looking, patriotic red, white, and blue scheme. The new line is available in both step and extension styles. Type 1 (250-pound rating)...

Drilling with Jack rabbit speed.(Drill Bits & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... If you're looking for the slickest way to predrill and drive screws without two drills, the Jack Rabbit beats every other system I've seen. Like an ordinary quad driver, the tool drills a pilot hole and countersinks in one step. But unlike a...

Better boring.(Drill Bits & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Fast and inexpensive, spade bits are probably the best way to drill medium-sized holes. Bosch recently added a new twist to high-speed drilling. Its new RapidFeed Spade Bits use a self-feeding screw tip to make drilling faster with less effort....

Bit for sawing.(Drill Bits & Accessories)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... When I first saw this product in a Lee Valley catalog, it seemed too good to be true. In the past I've had little success enlarging holes by working a drill bit horizontally. But the Saw Drill does what it claims. After punching through the...

Shock stopper.(Safety Gear)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... About ten years ago, I bought a Santronics AC Sensor (part no. 3115), and I use it constantly. The pen-sized tool has earned a permanent spot in my toolbelt because it's fast, easy to use, and takes up a minimum of space. Instead of holding two...

Heavy-duty gloves.(Safety Gear)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... I see more and more carpenters wearing work gloves all the time on the job site, and for good reason. The new generation of gloves offers excellent protection with a minimal sacrifice in dexterity. The latest offering comes from Milwaukee. The...

Cool cap.(Safety Gear)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... You don't usually think of hats keeping you cool, but according to its manufacturer, the EvapCool Hat from Gorgonz will keep your head comfortable during the hottest days of the year. After you douse the inside and top of the cap with water,...

Even footing.(Safety Gear)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Although it looks more like an athletic shoe, the Phoenix Oxford from Dickies has all the makings of a good work shoe. Steel toes and shanks prevent injuries, and a padded collar and tongue make kneeling down more comfortable. As in the best...

Rail supports.(Safety Gear)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Temporary safety rails don't have to be a huge production. The Safety Boot is an easy-to-use temporary safety rail system meant to protect workers from falling down stair openings or off balconies. The plastic boots receive ordinary...

Slate is final.(Backfill)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Slate has a well-deserved reputation as a handsome and long-lived roofing material. But as Sheffield, Mass., slater John Kuhn can attest, it also makes pretty good siding. Kuhn sided his own house with a combination of unfading green and purple...