Issue 315 – June 2023
Features
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5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
A high-performance contractor shares the challenges of building in the cold Alaskan climate.
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The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
This material is durable, waterproof, and ideal for places where the weather is hard on a home's exterior.
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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Katrin Klingenberg
This architect and engineer developed a Passive House standard for the United States. In this interview, she discusses what it will take to move the building industry toward climate-positive realities.
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A Step-by-Step for Trimming Stairs
Utility stairs are transformed into a squeak-free finished staircase with straightforward carpentry and easy-to-source parts.
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Electric House Made With Cross-Laminated Timber
Integrating cross-laminated timber, wood-fiber insulation, panelized construction, and a solar-tile roof for Passive-House performance.
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #315 Online Highlights
Find online articles and videos on the podcast, project guides, and more.
Tips & Techniques
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Flatten Planks for CuttingIf you need to create a straight and uniformed bevel for a scarf joint, a cupped board can be problematic.
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Protect Board Ends to Prevent RotTo prevent premature rot on pressure-treated lumber, seal every end cut with penetrating epoxy.
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Handy Bit StorageAn old metal eyeglasses case with a spring-loaded lid makes a perfect storage container for drill and driver bits.
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5-Gallon Buckets That Won't StickHere is a way to stack buckets so they never stick together.
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Easier Dust CollectionUse a plastic zipper bag to contain the dust when drilling a hole.
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Rust-Free Paint LidsAdd a small bead of oil around the recess where the can meets the lid.
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Don't Lose Your Battery and Charger on a JobUse this reminder so that you never leave a job site without your battery and charger.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
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Capable Cable StaplerMilwaukee has made fastening line- and low-voltage electrical cables easier with its M12 Cable stapler.
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A Pair of Precision ProtractorsThe features and quality of these smaller protractors from Starrett match those of the 12-in. version.
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Premium Pipe ReamerThis tool reams 1-1/2-in. fittings in schedule 40 PVC, CPVC, and ABS.
HOUSES by Design
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High-Performance Wall of WindowsThe functional areas of this lakeside home all have an unobstructed lake view while still maintaining excellent energy efficiency.
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1912 Craftsman RenovationThe renovation team figured out how to maintain historical details while updating this home to meet current needs.
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Small But Versatile Second-Floor AdditionWith this renovation, the goal was to take the space occupied by a little-used second-floor deck adjacent to an art studio and incorporate it into the rest of the postmodern shingle-style house built in 1995.
Building Matters
Keep Craft Alive
Spec
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Kickout Flashing for Seamless Siding and TrimJ’d Out from American Flashing provides a recessed siding receiver and water deflector for an easier and more aesthetic installation.
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Cement Tile That Makes a StatementThe Circles + Curves line from Clé introduces compelling colors and patterns for floors, walls, or backsplashes.
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Precise Panel FastenersThe Standard Range from Fastmount is a versatile solution for projects requiring precise panel placements without exposed fasteners.
