How it Works

Get clear explanations of essential home-building and remodeling topics. This ongoing series covers everything you need to be familiar with to build durable, comfortable, high-quality homes, including, framing, insulation, mechanical systems, and more.

How It Works: Cordless finish nailer
In this "How It Works" article, associate editor Rob Yagid takes one model, the Paslode IM250A, and explains what powers it, how its combustion process works, and how it drives a fastener through a piece of trim.
How it Works: Urban heat island
An urban heat island can cause a host of problems, including smog formation and the excessive reliance on air-conditioning in summer months.
How it Works: Wall Scanners
Associate editor Rob Yagid explains how wall scanners detect wood and metal studs, live electrical wires, and ferrous and nonferrous metals.
Hot Water Recirculation Systems: How They Work
Whether controlled by a switch or by gravity, hot water recirculation systems put hot water where you want it fast
How it Works: Wall Framing
When constructed correctly, a house’s frame resists a variety of loads, such as wind and snow.
The Stack Effect
Understanding the movement of air through a house can increase the comfort, energy efficiency, and healthfulness of your home.
How it Works: Building Loads
You need to understand the forces that a house frame must withstand before you start framing.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
Rob Yagid explores the inside of a tankless heater and describes what happens at each step of the heating process.
How it Works: Heat Transfer Through Insulation
Insulation is an incredibly effective way of making sure that conditioned indoor air stays indoors.
How it Works: Vapor Drive
To understand the importance of permeable and impermeable products as they relate to the construction of your home, you need to understand how vapor drive works.

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