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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.

Caulking Tile Transitions
In places where tile transitions to cabinets or countertops, apply the proper sealant over backer rod.
Staining Pressure-Treated Porch Posts
Pressure-treated lumber can be stained successfully by following some simple steps.
Remodeling Around Electrical Panels
Know the code requirements for electrical panels before you start a remodeling project around one.
Best Deck for a Steel Roof
For a metal roof, install solid decking such as OSB or plywood.
Protect Foundation Foam
A great choice for exterior foam on foundations is a borate-treated expanded polystyrene (EPS) that performs at a similar R-value to extruded polystyrene (XPS) but is much less environmentally unfriendly.
Hiding Porch Beams in the Roof Structure
Make sure your porch beams are doing their job, without disrupting the desired look and feel of your design.
Wiring for Subpanels: The Right Cables
When running cable to a subpanel for a home addition, pay attention to the size of the wire and the amperage of the breaker.
Butt Joints in Decking
Avoid rot and split wood by positioning butt joints on a flat block with a dado for drainage.
Sloping a Deck: Is This Necessary?
Mike Guertin explains which areas of a deck you need to pay attention to in order to deal with drainage.
Eliminating Efflorescence on Brick Below a Window
Missing or incorrect flashing under a brick sill causes these white salt deposits, which can damage brick over time. Here's how to fix that.

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