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.

Demoing Spray Foam
The trick to tearing out this insulation without damaging pipes and wires.
Building a Deck Without Treated Lumber
Straighter, lighter, and usually stronger than wood, light-gauge steel is a good alternative to pressure-treated lumber for shed or deck framing.
Looking Out for Future Roofers
When building new or re-roofing and re-siding at the same time, think ahead to the next reroof and make step flashing easier to remove and replace.
Insulating a Wall With No Sheathing
Always assume that water is going to find its way through, and provide a way to direct it back outside while providing inward-drying potential.
Building in the Southwest
Asphalt shingles are rare, wood and paint don't hold up to the UV exposure, and shading and drainage are critical.
Installing New Siding on Top of Old Siding
When covering existing finishes with new ones, consider how trapped moisture will dry, and how to create an affective air barrier.
Flashing a Deck the Hard Way
Adding flashing between the deck ledger and the house means safely removing and replacing rows of decking and siding.
Getting Patio Bases Right
Provide a stable base of permeable gravel to allow drainage and prevent heaving.
Oil-Canning Deck Fascia
When fascia boards are set flush to the deck boards, debris and moisture can get caught in the joint and warp the composite material.
Stairs to a Pitched Landing
When the landing isn't level, there are a few different options for building safe and code-compliant deck stairs.

Page 9 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.