FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Hot Tar Substitute

PeteDraganic | Posted in General Discussion on June 13, 2008 08:09am

I have a very small roof that is currently coated in hot tar and then has a number of cooler/compressor units on it.  This roof is maybe 10 X 20.

There is need for repair, they are getting leaks below.

What would be a suitable liquid material to repair this roof?  Something that can be brushed or squeegied on and that will dry.

Thanks in advance

<!—-> <!—-><!—-> 

I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Jun 13, 2008 08:36am | #1

    what's the condition of the current coating and membraine???

    where do you suspect the leaks at???

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. User avater
      PeteDraganic | Jun 13, 2008 09:03am | #2

      Typical checking with separated parapet material.  I suspect leaks primarily at the separations but the checks may also be allowing some infiltration.

      I am leaning toward a standard elastomeric coating, cold-applied, white.  It is currently black but the roof is over a cooler and I figured the white can help in that regard as well as in extending the life of the roof by keeping heat less of a factor.

      But, even when I think I have the solution I like, I still like to bounce it off the good heads here because I often learn something new or better.

      <!----><!----><!----> 

      I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jun 13, 2008 09:16am | #3

        I take it there is no aggrigate...

        and what level and duration of repair are you looking for??? 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. User avater
          PeteDraganic | Jun 13, 2008 09:21am | #4

          Yes, there is no aggregate.  I'd like something that will be reasonably long lasting while avoiding the cost and complications of removing all of the units on the roof.

          This is a rather cluttered roof only over the coolers.

          <!----><!----><!----> 

          I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 13, 2008 09:37am | #5

            remove the loose top coat...

            vacuum the roof...

            cold process a bimitous impregnated mesh membraine down... use only enough CP to get the job done...

            top coat with Elastomeric...

            if you have puddles of standing water the Elasto is a no go....

            got pitch pans???

              

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          2. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 13, 2008 05:12pm | #6

            Why are puddles bad for elastomeric coatings? The roof does pool near the scupper.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 13, 2008 05:53pm | #7

            the elasto doesn't hold well under water.. 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          4. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 13, 2008 11:48pm | #8

            What is the preferable alternative?

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          5. Piffin | Jun 14, 2008 01:37am | #9

            You need a roof.Coatings of any kind are for maintanence and prolong the life of a good roof.Once it gets to the point where it is already leaking and puddling, a coating will do not more than to disguise a leak for a few months to a year and just get you by until you can find a good roofer and/or budget for the replacement, which sounds like it will be expensive, given the "cluttered" description.A roof should be built and done so there is no puddling. That is something that can shorten the life of ANY good roof system 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 14, 2008 02:49am | #11

            new roof... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          7. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 14, 2008 03:47am | #12

            Yes, I would love to sell them a new roof too but the client's budget is currently allowing only for a repair.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

  2. Piffin | Jun 14, 2008 01:55am | #10

    Can you post a few pictures of this roof?

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      PeteDraganic | Jun 14, 2008 11:18am | #14

      Here are pics of the roof from various angles.

      If you have questions about what you are looking at in any pic, just ask.

       

      <!----><!----><!----> 

      I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

      1. DaveRicheson | Jun 14, 2008 02:31pm | #15

        Piffen and IMERC will be back to reinforce how bad that roof really is.

        Meanwhile I'll hazard a suggestion.

        It doesn't look like those units are mounted on proper curbs. Just setting on block and doing a mini vibration dance every time they run. Propably eating holes in the roof right under each block and wallowing out the pitch pockets,if there are any, where the lines penetrate. Whatever you do won't last your warrenty year if you don"t get those units set on a proper curb, secured, and flashed.

        I can't tell from the photos if there is a cant strip beneath the roofing material at the parrapet wall/roof corner. That is a good area for shrink cracks to form as the roof ages. The lack of a cant strip in the corner also means there is no support for the roofing material as it transition from the flat to the vertical on the wall. That sharp bend means the material was doomed to fail. Ever try to bend a piece of 30# felt into a 90 degree corner?  It may look ok on the inside, but the back of the felt is cracked, leaving only a small layer on the front to do the job the whole piece was suppose to do. A few years of age or someone stepping close to the corner will finish splitting it open. The  guys mopping in the tar, just slop over it and it holds for a few years.

        I would bail on this one, or charge high enough that I could afford the call backs I would get over the next year or so.

        BTW Tremco has a plant and office in Cleaveland. Give them a call. They may give you a free expert eyeball and suggestions for a chance to sell you thier products.

        Edited 6/14/2008 7:35 am ET by DaveRicheson

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Jun 14, 2008 11:01pm | #25

          no need....

          that fact seems pretty well covered.... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. IronHelix | Jun 14, 2008 02:52pm | #16

        Pete,

        That roof is a mess! 

         Look at the pic that shows the side of the concrete block supporting the cooling unit. It appaears that the water level has stained the block up several inches indication that the scupper exit elevation is too high.

        The parapet sidewall junctions to the roof surface seem to have deteriorated, as well as poor repairs to the parapet sidewalls themselves.  And as previously noted--the HVAc "curbs" are not standard, but a poor man's use of poor materials.

        The flat surface areas look to be "mealy" and already degraded past the point of repair.  Application of any gooey product would almost fail in a very short period.

        That mechanical roof area needs a total rework.  If I had to do a patch job, there would absolutely no warranty...all call backs would be T&M. 

        The RTU's need to be maintained also.  What a poorly designed mechanical area!

        Looks like a fastfood drive-up type place...if they can not afford to fix this then I would assume they are running on the financial edge of closure! IMHO.

        Glad it is you and not me!  Stick to your guns..professionally.

        .......Iron Helix

         

         

      3. User avater
        Sphere | Jun 14, 2008 02:56pm | #17

        did you climb up the clay tiles for that last pic?

        Anyway, you need a new roof there. Or buy a few 5 gallon buckets of geocel 2315 and dump it out schmear it around, it mixes with bituminous by solvent action and makes a real mess if yer looking for pretty, but in this case may just buy ya some time.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

        "We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.

        1. DaveRicheson | Jun 14, 2008 03:20pm | #18

          That was my next thought too.

          Only I was going to suggest the aluminized coating that they use on trailer roofs.. Butt ugly, messy, but cheao at the big boxes.

        2. User avater
          PeteDraganic | Jun 14, 2008 06:29pm | #19

          Sphere and others,

          Solvent-based is kind of where I was leaning after reviewing products online.  It is said to bind better even through thin layers of dust/dirt.

          I am planning to pressure wash the surface clean and then shop-vac it dry.  Then apply a coat of a good quality coating.

          I see a lot of gloomy input from guys but there are reasons that these businesses limit spending on certain projects at certain times.  They have budgets and timelines.  Replacing the roof now isn't a real option.

          Anyhow, with some patch material like FG scrim sheet (fg mesh cloth) I think I can reasonably repair the parapets and then coat for a few years of durable repair.

          Inserting a strip of epdm beneath the equipment "curbs" will/should aid in the longevity of the roof beneath them.

          I certainly think there are reasonable alternatives to replacement at this time.

          BTW, didn't have to climb the tiles.. there is another flat roof above but it is covered with white PVC sheet roofing.... I don't even know what the stuff is commonly called.  There are some failed flshings and stopped drains up there that require my attention as well.

          <!----><!----><!----> 

          I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jun 14, 2008 06:35pm | #20

            The geocel ( ABC Supply) might be the ticket. It is Fibered. I'd swab 2-3 coats, a day or so apart to really feel confidant.

            The white stuff ya see, might be MuleHide brand roofing, they also have a bunch of coatings and paints and stuff.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

            "We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.

          2. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 14, 2008 06:54pm | #21

            The white stuff is a sheet product, very glossy... made of PVC IIRC... I think it is commonly refered to as TPO now that I think about it.

            I am seeing more and more of it lately on commercial roofs.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          3. dovetail97128 | Jun 14, 2008 07:38pm | #22

            I would hire a qualified roofing company myself. Why risk the liability? Sometimes you are miles ahead to admit that something is out of your range of experience and expertise.
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

          4. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 14, 2008 07:43pm | #23

            I put out a RFP to 42 companies in the area and none of them bid.  I suppose the job is far too small.

            Although, it is not the most complicated thing in the world.  Pretty sure I can handle it if I have to.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          5. dovetail97128 | Jun 14, 2008 08:54pm | #24

            Sounds as if you almost have to if that was the response you got. Good luck!!
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

          6. kostello | Jun 15, 2008 12:18am | #27

            I don't know why no one else has suggested this but what about a blue tarp!!!!cheap and easy you could drape it over the whole lot;-)

          7. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 15, 2008 12:25am | #28

            go green....

            use a silver one... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          8. Piffin | Jun 15, 2008 04:38am | #33

            "I put out a RFP to 42 companies in the area and none of them bid. I suppose the job is far too small.Although, it is not the most complicated thing in the world. Pretty sure I can handle it if I have to."I doubt because it is too small. As a roofer, I would only have taken this as a re-roof, and only done the parching we are talking about as a stop-gap measure.A new one there means some higher priced logistical planning to get those units off, replace the roof, and re-install them, all while the patient is still living. Looks like the kind of business like a fast food that is in operation almost round the clock. That complicates it all, adds to the liabilities, etc. That makes it a moderately big job for a company that knows what they are doing.bUt like you said, this owner can't afford to pay the piper, so they are asking for a re-tread instead of Michelens 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          9. seeyou | Jun 15, 2008 12:09am | #26

            TPO is used in restaurant applications because of it's resistance to grease damage. EPDM is degradable by cooking residue. Both are susceptible to damage from out gassing from BUR and I believe Modified Bitumen as well, but IIRC, TPO is less susceptible than EPDM. In other words, you can't just stick some pieces of membrane to a BUR and expect them not to possibly degrade quickly. I can't tell from the pics exactly what is on that roof, but it's either modified or BUR or a combination of the two. Forget the membranes and clean and dry the surface as you planned. Ponytl's suggestion of melting the big cracks closed may be a good one. I've never heard of that before, but I like the concept. Then, coat with a liquid designed for this application. The silver coat would probably be the most effective for the money.
            As someone else mentioned, the leader box looks like it's mounted too high on the scupper which may be causing backup onto the roof in deluges. I'd move it down where the top of the box is slightly below the bottom of the scupper.http://grantlogan.net

            Who got Bo Diddley's money?

          10. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 15, 2008 12:46am | #29

            Yeah, Pony's idea was a neat one.  I wonder if the asphalt coating is chemically different though after a period of time with it drying and leaching.... hmmmm.  I suppose for getting things smoothed out on bad roofs you really have nothing to lose.

            The roof appeared to be built-up asphalt.  The TPO or PVC roof is on the main building.

            The scupper opening itself is higher than the roof... the drain is proper.

            Also, the roof coating is not as bad as it looks in the pics... the standing water, clutter and debris make it look far worse than it is in reality.  I would guess that this is the roof in its original condition... not the original roof but a first application of the current roof... never been recoated.

            I am pretty confident that I can use a cold-applied coating to yield a fairly reliable end product.  Like Duane said, solvent-based is the way to go... I suppose I could prime and then use a water-based elastomeric as they tend to be heavier but I don't know if that is worth the extra trouble and risk.

            I was really hoping for some product referrals/suggestions... any ideas?

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          11. seeyou | Jun 15, 2008 01:22am | #30

            >Like Duane said, solvent-based is the way to go..<As he said, Geocel 2315 is fantastic stuff but fairly pricey. Coating the roof with it will probably cost more than a maintenance coat of BUR. If you get it on right, it might last 4-5 years. I have no idea how it performs around grease, which is probably a concern.http://grantlogan.net

            Who got Bo Diddley's money?

          12. Piffin | Jun 15, 2008 04:44am | #34

            Remelting the surface only deals with the surface which is applied for purpose of keeping the UV rays from degrading the paper plies. if that is cracked - or as the photo shows, torn - then the cracks have to be repaired with a compatible membrane before doing any surfacing or coatings 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          13. seeyou | Jun 15, 2008 05:09am | #35

            Hey - tell Pete all that. It'd be cold day in ach-ee-double hockey sticks before I touched a mess like that. But, since he seems dead set on effing up, I thought I'd help him do it.http://grantlogan.net

            Who got Bo Diddley's money?

          14. Piffin | Jun 15, 2008 05:28am | #36

            Already told him.
            Just had to flesh out what you had said to make sure he doesn't miss it. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          15. Piffin | Jun 15, 2008 04:32am | #32

            You are talking newer products since I got out of it. I know th eGeocell patch product is pretty darn good if he can get it all clean. Expensive compared to the old BUR products. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          16. Piffin | Jun 15, 2008 04:27am | #31

            the mesh/membrane on the parapet walls can help take care of that if that is the source of the present leak. Looks possible given the torn off section.But I would definitely not warrantee a thing. That roof was poorly designed and installed so why buy their problems?But your idea of adding some EPDM as a patch product is way wrong. It is not compatible with bituminous materials and they will eat each other up.For coating get aluminum asphalt fibred roof coating after you patch cracks and damage with membrane and pooky and clean the surface.That and the standard tailgate warrantee. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          17. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 15, 2008 06:27am | #37

            I didn't suggest patching with epdm.... just using strips as buffers between the wooden skids of the rooftop equipment and the roof.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          18. DaveRicheson | Jun 16, 2008 12:45pm | #38

            Get the asphalt  pads. We call them walk pads.

            You can cut one into enough strips to go under the sleepers for the equipment.

            As Piffen mentioned, compatabilty is an issue with EPDM, and I don't think it is thick enough to handle the  vibration and not wear through quickly.

            I think we paid a little over $120 for a 2x4' pad.

          19. glenn_storey | Jun 16, 2008 02:20pm | #39

            face the facts dude. you need a new roof.

          20. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 16, 2008 11:39pm | #40

            I get the "big money" because I develop solutions instead of giving up and saying it can't be done.  A new roof is not the only or best solution to this problem.

            I researched and found this company right here in town.  They make a coating that is solvent-based and with a 600% expansion ability.... completely impermeable.  Better than any other stuff on the market.

            They have different lines for different applications..... asphalt, tpo, pvc, metal, etc.

            here is a link.

            http://www.truco-inc.com/

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          21. Piffin | Jun 17, 2008 12:28am | #41

            So far, I am impressed. Let me know how it works out. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          22. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 17, 2008 03:35am | #45

            I saw some photos of metal roof coatings.. old rustymetal roofs turned to new (in appearance).... these coatings can be tinted too.

            They did one huge public buiulding and tinted the coating to resemble aged copper... greenish.  They also did a project on a house with metal shingles on the outside... tinted red and applied, looked amazing.

            They have a product that is first sprayed on that converts the rust then the coating is applied.  Material cost is about $1 psf for the system.

            The cost for my application today is about 60 cents psf +/-.... depending on coverage.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          23. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 27, 2008 05:29pm | #50

            Well, I applied the product according to specs.... which was no big deal.... and it rained like crazy the past few days and no leaks!

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          24. Piffin | Jun 27, 2008 05:41pm | #51

            so where's the pictures?Oh - and my cut - don't forget to send that along 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          25. dovetail97128 | Jun 17, 2008 02:31am | #43

            Blurb in that link stated something about "certified applicators". You hiring this done or getting certified?
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

          26. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 17, 2008 03:31am | #44

            No, but I'll be staying at a Holiday Inn Express while I am handling this project.

            I spent a couple hours with the owner of the company today and had a great time learning his products and their applications.  He is the chemist that puts it all together... very interesting stuff.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

          27. IronHelix | Jun 18, 2008 12:54pm | #46

            Nice find....it's always good to be able to talk to the hands on man, especially when he is a chemist!

            What application limits are there on the condition of the substrate on your roof fix?

            Keep us updated...........Iron Helix

          28. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 18, 2008 02:34pm | #47

            There is a polyester scrim (cloth-like material) that one can lay down over a really bad area, seam or imperfection before applying the coating.... frankly, my understanding is that you can essentially lay this over anything if you do it correctly.

            I will be using a 12" piece to reinforce the curbs along the parapet.... and to build a few flashings.

            <!----><!----><!----> 

            I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

            Edited 6/18/2008 7:44 am ET by PeteDraganic

          29. Piffin | Jun 18, 2008 04:04pm | #48

            The polyester membrane is the re-inforcing material I was referring to in one of my earliest posts in thread. It is a basic staple of roof repair, not specific to this company, but it is good that you have a mentor there to coach you better. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          30. IronHelix | Jun 18, 2008 10:50pm | #49

            This seems to be a neat fix with a good product to keep in one's personal bag of tricks!!!!  More info/pics as you proceed, please!

            ............Iron Helix

  3. ponytl | Jun 14, 2008 06:17am | #13

    i'm sure i'll get slammed for this but....   and i've only done this on my roofs....

    takes a bit of time... but for a 10x20  might not be too bad...   if you have good weather...  i use a good degreaser... zep or simple green or something that will really clean grease & tar...  use the cleaner with a pressure washer... and get the roof clean... very little will stick to dirt & dust...   clean it and give it a few day to dry...  then i use a hand torch and  slowly torch the  the area to be repaired... you don't want to just heat the top layer of tar... but you don't want to burn off the good stuff either...  where you have alot of cracks i heat it til it flows and seals itself... once you get this done now you can recoat with a cold applied material.... and you will get some service out of it...  you could even use torchdown on the whole roof... 2sqs...  isn't alot even with alot of stuff to go around and alot of boots & stuff to make...  $200 in materials... and a full day of detail work...  not alot of fun... but it should work

    p

  4. User avater
    JeffBuck | Jun 17, 2008 01:11am | #42

    I'd price it out with a cleaning /coating of that local good ya found ...

    and also attach a warrentied price ... for demo / crane lift equipment / new roof and equip replace.

    that area doesn't look big at all ... and the equip doesn't look to big either.

     

    I'd shoot for lining up a crane on site all day .... lift the equip, have a roofing sub blast down new roof, then crane back and hook up the old equipment.

    bet it could all be done in a day.

     

    at the very least ... they'll have a plan for ya when a new roof is in the budget.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

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

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

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

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
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.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

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

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

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.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data