Ask the Experts

Get the answers you need to get the job done right. Home-building and remodeling pros and industry experts answer your questions about construction details, materials, tools, building codes, and more. Email Fine Homebuilding at [email protected] to have a question considered for publishing in the magazine.

How to Safely Pour Concrete Against Siding
Find out what type of flashing you can install between new concrete steps and existing siding or sheathing to prevent rot and other water damage.
What to Consider When Choosing Blown-In Mineral-Wool Insulation
Architect and energy-efficiency expert Steve Baczek explains the performance and installation differences between blown-in mineral wool and dense-pack cellulose insulation.
Quartersawn Wood and Rift-Sawn Wood, Explained
The easiest way to quickly assess different cuts of wood is to look at the end grain.
How to Change the Oil in a Worm-Drive Saw
Worm-drive saws have an oil-bath gearbox that should be refreshed periodically to make your tool last longer and run smoother.
How to Pour Concrete on a Slope
Use a low-slump concrete when pouring a walkway that slopes downhill.
Retrofitting Foam Insulation on a Roof
Recommended reasons for removing a roof's shingles.
What to Do About a Cracked Concrete Block Foundation
Keep the soil next to the house dry; make sure the soil against the foundation slopes away at a minimum pitch of 1 in 10; and bring in an engineer for structural questions.
Solid Fastening for Kitchen Cabinets
Avoid the danger of long screws, but make sure they are long enough. A studfinder may be part of the answer.
Flashing for Old Windows
How do you get a good weathertight seal on old windows that don’t have a flange?
Tying Into an Existing Drain Line
Rubber couplings are a popular code-approved option, but plumber Tom Cardillo prefers the added stiffness and durability of a permanent connection whenever possible.

Page 16 of 19 Previous

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Ask the Experts

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.