The Journal of Light Construction articles from September 2005

The Journal of Light Construction archives from September 2005

Is "wiring for the future" really needed?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Many things have amused me over the years in the field of home construction, but none more than so-called high-tech wiring (see "Wiring the High-Tech House," 5/05). This makes about as much sense as those craftsmen who built ornate outhouses in...

Painting Stucco: questions & answers.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Although the article by Joe Lstiburek ("Why Stucco Walls Got Wet," 7/05) had lots of information that made sense, there are a few things I question. I have found no evidence that painting stucco is a good idea, yet the author...

Are membranes "flashing"?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Someday, I hope, we can all collectively agree on how a window really needs to be installed. Carl Hagstrom's article ("Flashing a Flanged Window," 6/05) was JLC's latest attempt to make the process simple, but once again fell short. What...

New glue creates superior bond without formaldehyde: plywood made with the soy-based adhesive passes rigorous boiling-water test.
September 1, 2005... Plywood, OSB, LVL, and glulams have one feature in common: They depend on glue for their strength and durability. Unfortunately, that glue often carries an environmental price. Urea formaldehyde used for interior hardwood plywood tends to...

Amid all the frantic speculation about the fate of the nation's booming housing market, the remodeling industry continues to quietly rake in the cash.(REMODELING SPENDING)
September 1, 2005... Amid all the frantic speculation about the fate of the nation's booming housing market, the remodeling industry continues to quietly rake in the cash. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. consumers spent $198.6 billion on remodeling in...

In a case of reverse work-site theft, a group of endangered plants mysteriously appeared on a contested development in Sebastopol, Calif., according to the June 11 Sacramento Bee.(REMODELING SPENDING)
September 1, 2005... In a case of reverse work-site theft, a group of endangered plants mysteriously appeared on a contested development in Sebastopol, Calif., according to the June 11 Sacramento Bee. The first biologists on the scene reported no ground disturbance...

Air conditioners, plywood, power tools, and copper tubing are walking off job sites in record numbers, but they're not doing it on their own legs.(REMODELING SPENDING)
September 1, 2005... Air conditioners, plywood, power tools, and copper tubing are walking off job sites in record numbers, but they're not doing it on their own legs. Taking a step toward deterring work-site theft, the General Assembly of North Carolina passed...

Guide to FSC-certified wood.(In the News)
September 1, 2005... The goal of the Forest Stewardship Council is to improve forest management through socially and environmentally responsible purchasing. Recently, the nonprofit organization partnered with Forest Products Solutions to release a training guide...

Web manual for homeowners.(Builders Association of Minnesota)(www.home-smart.org)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... While written warranties, manuals, and other documents are becoming an increasingly common part of new-home sales, most houses still lack specific instructions on their use. To fill that information gap, the Builders Association of Minnesota...

Lumber chain thrives with builder focus.(In the News)
September 1, 2005... It's called "the survival speech," and it has become a company legend at 84 Lumber. The year was 1992, and company president Joe Hardy had called a strategy session with top executives. "He told them, 'There's Lowe's and there's Home Depot,'"...

Gas leak leads to recall.(Desa Heating Products )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... On August 2, Desa Heating Products recalled 534 compact fireplaces that have a faulty burner-tube connection to the gas valve. When these units' main burner is on, the connection can leak gas, creating the risk of a flare-up. Named in the...

Two more title insurers are shelling out millions of dollars to settle allegations that they paid kickbacks to builders, real estate agents, and lenders in exchange for referrals.(REMODELING SPENDING)
September 1, 2005... Two more title insurers are shelling out millions of dollars to settle allegations that they paid kickbacks to builders, real estate agents, and lenders in exchange for referrals. Fidelity National Financial Inc. and Land-America Financial...

After agreeing to donate $12.5 million to address lead-paint poisoning, DuPont was dropped from a Rhode Island state lawsuit against former leadpaint manufacturers, announced Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch on June 30.(REMODELING SPENDING)
September 1, 2005... After agreeing to donate $12.5 million to address leadpaint poisoning, DuPont was dropped from a Rhode Island state lawsuit against former leadpaint manufacturers, announced Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch on June 30. The money will go...

Texas attempts to fix workers' comp system.(In the News)
September 1, 2005... An eleventh-hour compromise in the Texas legislature between competing versions of workers' comp reform was signed into law on June 1--to the evident relief of all concerned. In a deal brokered by Governor Rick Perry, the final law sets up a...

Q. LVLs rotting in crawlspaces.(Q&A)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Q. Many homes in the Dallas area are built on crawlspaces and use LVL beams. Most of these homes have dirt floors but are built to code with regard to crawlspace ventilation. In many cases, I'm finding that the engineered wood is rotting at the...

Q. Insulating a knee wall.
September 1, 2005... Q. What's the best way to insulate a knee wall? A. Bruce Harley, technical director of Conservation Services Group in Westboro, Mass., and author of Insulate and Weatherize, responds: In this notoriously leaky and difficult-to-insulate...

Q. How to tape a knee wall.
September 1, 2005... Q. As a remodeler, I've hung and taped my share of drywall on small jobs, but knee walls and sloped ceilings always give me a problem. I'm never able to get a really straight joint on these irregular inside corners. How do the pros do it? ...

Q. Limits on outlets.(Electric equipment)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Q. How many receptacles can I put on a 15-amp and a 20-amp circuit? A. Rex Cauldwell, a master electrician in Rocky Mount, Va.; the author of Wiring a House; and a frequent contributor to JLC, responds: The electrical code places no limit...

Fast drawers.(On the Job)
September 1, 2005... In my shop, I use dado blades a lot. In fact, I use them so often, I keep a dado blade in one of my table saws all the time. And I never go on a job site without making sure I've got dado blades in my truck. I use them for cutting tongues,...

Easy brick cleanup.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... When I'm setting bricks, I like to concentrate on getting full, compressed joints instead of worrying about keeping the brickwork clean. Acid-washing is the usual method for cleaning off mortar, but with some bricks this messy step isn't...

Curb insurance costs with a health savings account.(Business)
September 1, 2005... If you're the owner of a small business, you know what it feels like to get hit with big increases in health insurance premiums. As one of the owners of a remodeling company, I am interested in any insurance option that promises to curb this...

Handyman's choice: generalization or specialization?(Business)
September 1, 2005... Since many contractors won't even consider doing handyman work, offering this service means you're already setting yourself apart from the herd. But even though there's likely to be less competition for the smaller projects, you're still going...

Plan ahead with a buy-sell agreement.(Legal)
September 1, 2005... Most contractors are so immersed in the day-to-day issues of running a company they fail to protect themselves against events that could cost them or their families the business. For example, what happens if you as the owner suddenly die or...

Adding timber rafter tails to a stick-framed roof.(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... I run a specialty millwork shop in Narragansett, R.I. For several years I've been working with a local custom builder, David Baud, to produce major components for the high-end homes he builds. Typically, these are relatively complicated pieces...

Protecting doors and windows in wet climates: to fend off rot, treat wood with borates and epoxy coatings, keep jambs and sills elevated, and provide ventilation wherever you can.
September 1, 2005... New Orleans is a great place to be a restoration carpenter. With 62 inches of annual rainfall and humidity levels that hover around 90 percent for much of the year, I'm guaranteed a steady stream of jobs repairing rotted windows and doors. Much...

Avoiding expensive mistakes: use this preconstruction checklist to head off trouble before the job starts.
September 1, 2005... One of the most striking things about our industry is just how many chances there are to make mistakes. For every opportunity you have to get something right, it seems, there are a thousand more to get it wrong. For instance, several years...

New products for kitchen and bath: what we found while tromping the aisles of K/BIS 2005.
September 1, 2005... The annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference set up camp in Las Vegas this year. The giant exposition, which took place in May, hosted more than 900 exhibitors and, despite its location, offered enough enticements of its own to keep...

Drywall art: layering drywall is a simple way to dress up an otherwise boring surface.
September 1, 2005... Back when I worked for a commercial drywall contractor, we sometimes created decorative effects by layering the drywall. Usually this involved little more than a step at the perimeter of the ceiling, a simple panel, or some other very basic...

Tile backsplash tips.(Kitchen & Bath)
September 1, 2005... If your clients are like me, they're not looking for any extra places to clean. So why suggest that they install a 3- or 4-inch-tall backsplash on their kitchen countertop? Besides collecting crumbs and dust, this narrow ledge creates the...

Time-saving towel bars.(Products)
September 1, 2005... A bathroom's finishing touches--towel bars and paper holders, for example--can take a surprising amount of time and patience to install. Moen says its Pro-Fit Installation System--designed for use with the company's line of bath...

Electronics garage.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Are your clients tired of pawing through the tangle of wires cluttering their kitchen counter--or some other chaotic space--in search of MP3 players, PDAs, and cell phones? The iCove from WireTracks provides a charging and docking station for...

Make a connection.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Washer outlet boxes have existed for years, so I'm surprised someone didn't think of a dryer box sooner. At 14 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches deep, the DBX1000 Dryer Vent Receptacle installs in standard 2x6 framing and includes a pair of...

Rooftop problem-solvers.(Products / Manufactured Chimneys)
September 1, 2005... Flashing a manufactured metal chimney can be difficult with some roofing materials. To make this important job easier, Selkirk recently introduced the Metalbestos Platinum Series line of flashings. The Universal Metal Roof Flashing Kit (top...

Easy Masonry.(Products / Manufactured Chimneys)
September 1, 2005... A manufactured chimney that combines the durability of masonry with the easy installation of metal may sound like a pipe dream--until you check out the DM44 Dual Module Chimney from Isokern, Made from lightweight volcanic pumice and suitable...

Sturdy construction.(Products / Manufactured Chimneys)
September 1, 2005... Detractors of manufactured chimneys like to argue that manufactured components have a shorter life span than site-built masonry and suffer from unsightly and potentially dangerous corrosion, especially in coastal areas. A SuperPro Stainless...

Easy-breathing sheathing.(Products / Structural Sheating)
September 1, 2005... In my western Pennsylvania hometown, just about every house built during the postwar building boom was sheathed with fibrous Celotex under a brick veneer. I worked on plenty of these homes 20 to 30 years later, and even though they were...

Structural silver.(Products / Structural Sheating)
September 1, 2005... Fiberglass-reinforced gypsum sheathing has been a mainstay of commercial construction for nearly 20 years, but when plywood and OSB prices shot through the roof several years ago, some builders started using gypsum sheathing panels for home...

Mold-free.(Products / Structural Sheating)
September 1, 2005... If you're looking for a sheathing product that provides code-required racking strength, easy installation, improved mold and fire resistance, and a cheaper price tag than plywood or OSB sheathing, you might want to consider StructGuard TS....

Brilliant eras.(Products / Outdoor Lighting)
September 1, 2005... Historic restoration is so much more than simply slapping on a period paint scheme. Every detail matters, down to the style of the exterior light fixtures. Rejuvenation, a company that specializes in period lighting and hardware, carries...

Good aim.(Products / Outdoor Lighting)
September 1, 2005... Designed to combat light pollution, Dark Sky-approved fixtures reduce the amount of glare aimed at the night sky. Acculite DT Trapezoidal and DR Semicircular lights from Juno satisfy Dark Sky requirements and use compact fluorescent, metal...

Lean lines.(Products / Outdoor Lighting)
September 1, 2005... Although they're quite popular, polished-brass and wrought-iron coach lights aren't right for every project. If your customer is looking for a less obtrusive outdoor fixture that still has some flair, you might suggest the wall-mounted 101...

Hilti WSC 267-E circular saw.(Toolbox)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2005... Late last year, Hilti introduced its first circular saw, the WSC 267-E. This 7 1/4-inch model has some unusual features, so I was eager to try it out. Right off the bat, I was struck by the saw's shape and configuration. The tool has an in-line...

Lock, stock, and barrel.(Toolbox / Door-Hanging Tools)
September 1, 2005... If you've ever spent an hour prepping a door slab for a lockset, or, worse, bored a hole in the wrong location, you'll appreciate the Porter-Cable 511 cylindrical Iockset installation kit. It includes a boring jig, bits, and all the tools...

Hold the door.(Toolbox / Door-Hanging Tools)
September 1, 2005... Made from Baltic birch plywood and select maple, the Templaco Door Holder is described by the maker as "the tool you would make if you had the time." Unlike metal versions from other manufacturers, this door holder is so sturdy you need only...

Levelheaded.(Toolbox / Door-Hanging Tools)
September 1, 2005... Many door hangers are already familiar with Stabila's Jamber Set (left), which consists of a 78-inch and a 32-inch level packaged together for hanging doors ($160). Recently, the company introduced another level designed for door hangers, the...

Diesel power.(Toolbox / Generators)
September 1, 2005... In addition to anecdotal evidence that diesel engines can boost your confidence and virility, these motors get better mileage and last longer than their gas counterparts. So it's not surprising that diesel engines are starting to show up on...

Quiet down.(Toolbox / Generators)
September 1, 2005... Listening to a generator all day can get old fast. Not only is the noise grating for you and your crew--the constant drone won't win you any friends among the neighbors, either. Yamaha's YG4000D could be a solution to this problem. At 69...

Going mobile.(Toolbox / Generators)
September 1, 2005... Most domestic trucks have a PTO (power take off) port already built into their transmission, or it's offered as a $250 option. Generally, the PTO port is used for running hydraulic pumps for dump bodies, cherry pickers, and the like, but one...

Learn more. Earn more.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
September 1, 2005... 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 information, education and...

KOMA Trimboards.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
September 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...

Maibec.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Maibec combines beauty and innovation in superior white cedar shingles. Offering "The Cedar Strip" pre-assembled shingles to reduce installation time up to 60%--and unlimited custom color with TrueMatch[TM], an innovative factory stain system...

AZEK[R].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Alum-A-Pole.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Madawaska Doors.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Madawaska Doors Inc. is a manufacturer of 100% solid wood doors. We offer an extensive line of standard door designs with the convenience of unlimited options, which allow you to create your own personal unique door design. Madawaska Doors Inc....

Simpson strong-tie.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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 5,000 lb in single or 9,400 lb in double applications. No interference of the plate with sheathing;...

SENCO.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... SENCO is the #1 brand of professional contractors and remodelers. We've been providing collated fastening solutions for over 50 years with air and battery power nailers and staplers, screw systems and the fasteners they drive. If you have...

Van Mark products.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Van Mark has been in business over 40 years manufacturing portable brakes, saw tables, and slitters for the job site. Committed to product development, two new products were launched in recent months. including TrimMaster[R] brakes and...

Bosch power tool accessories.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... For all jobsite applications--wood, metal, wood with nails, conduit, pipe, drywall, plaster, fiber cement--Bosch offers a complete new line of Recip Blades, including Heavy Use and Demolition. Patented engineering and innovation bring superior,...

PrimeSource.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... PrimeSource is proud to introduce its new line of Grip-Rite Pneumatic Tools. From roofing and flaming to finish and flooring, Grip-Rite has the quality tool you need for the job at hand. All Grip-Rite tools come with a limited 12-month warranty...

Maze Nails.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Maze Nails manufactures great-driving, long-lasting nails for popular cellular PVC trimboards such as AZEK[R], KOMA[TM] and KLEER[R]. Maze's slender, blunt-pointed nails are made from high carbon steel and high-tensile stainless steel to...

ITW Paslode.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... The unique fuel + battery system in the Paslode Cordless line has been tested and perfected in the field over 18 years and results in powerful, compact and lightweight tools. Paslode Cordless builds serious tools for serious professionals. From...

Wobble Light.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Grace Construction Products.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Grace Construction Products will host weather barrier demonstrations for roofing systems at the 2005 JLC Live show in Chicago. Building experts from Grace will teach you how to Roof it Right[R] with Grace TRI-FLEX[R] 30 synthetic roofing...

Fasco America.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Fasco's patented sequential fire / bump fire device is the safest in the world. With a rugged magazine featuring a loader in die-cast aluminum and slider in steel, it provides high reliability and fastener protection. Accommodates three...

Georgia-Pacific.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Louisiana-Pacific.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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 curves...

Stanley works.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... The new STANLEY[R] FatMax[R] 5-Beam Self-Leveling Laser makes virtually any interior leveling project easier and faster. It's ideal for interior partitioning, shelving and a variety of other internal installation projects where precise...

VectorWorks.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 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)
September 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...

Soy paste makes waste in new toilet trials.(Backfill)
September 1, 2005... Although there's nothing like the real thing, some imitations are better than others--especially when it comes to low-flow flush tests. While previous toilet trials used sponges, plastic balls, and construction paper as test media, a...