Fine Homebuilding Magazine

America’s trusted resource for residential building, remodeling, and home improvement. Convenient digital delivery includes unique bonus features and enhancements: linkable and searchable content, techniques videos, slide shows, tutorials, new products, digital tools, and more.

Out of Print • BUILDING BEYOND THE MAGAZINE’S PAGES

Contributors • THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Letters • READER FEEDBACK

TIPS & TECHNIQUES • HANDS-ON ADVICE FROM READERS IN THE FIELD

SMOOTH SANDER, SANS CORD

Down is the new up

Tough-toothed blade

A serious saw with a smaller price tag

A hoodie that holds up

FRAMING WITH ENGINEERED LUMBER • For straighter walls that are dead flat and plumb, choose LSLs for studs, sill plates, rim boards, and headers

Leverage your connections

Loose-tenon joinery for less

Installing an ERV OR HRV • Balanced mechanical ventilation is the healthiest and most efficient way to provide fresh air for a home. Installing it is a very doable project.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? ERV VS. HRV

THREE VENTILATION STRATEGIES BALANCED IS BEST

BALANCED VENTILATION STEP-BY-STEP • ERVs and HRVs are fairly simple appliances that are generally easy to install. It’s still important to attend to the details. Some supply and exhaust lines need insulation; ducts should be sealed; exterior exhaust and intake vents must be located properly; and condensate can be managed with a drain or a pump. Here are the basic steps.

Ease the Pane of Window Selection • Understanding window performance, durability, operation, and design to make the most of your window budget

PAY ATTENTION TO PERFORMANCE • Does your home use energy? If so, you should be paying attention to the performance of your window package. Better-performing windows not only help conserve energy, they also make the assembly more durable and the interior more comfortable. While an energy model is the best way to determine performance requirements, here are a few reference standards to help you find a starting point.

MIND YOUR MATERIALS • When it comes to windows, you have an overwhelming amount of choices. We searched the NFRC database for a list of window products that meet the most stringent Energy Star requirements for a single zip code in Pennsylvania—the result included 594 NFRC-rated and registered options that meet the requirements. Thankfully, deciding on a window material will quickly help you shorten your list of options to a manageable length.

ELECT AN OPERATION • Window operation is a key factor in selecting the right window. The way a window opens—or doesn’t—affects not only egress, but also how well the window delivers on thermal performance and airtightness.

A WORTHWHILE UPGRADE TRIPLE GLAZING • Triple-glazed windows, which have been common in Europe for years, are starting to find foothold among domestic manufacturers. If you’re looking for the best performance, triple glazing is the way to go. Not only are U-factors significantly lower than double-glazed options, but the triple glazing means that the inside surface of the glass stays substantially warmer, leading to increased comfort and less risk of condensation. Tripleglazed windows are also better at preventing noise transmission, leading to quieter indoor spaces.

COST CONSIDERATIONS

10 Strategies for Resilient Housing • A practical road map for safe and affordable housing that can weather the storm

Cordless Framing Nailers • The best battery-powered framers are small, well-balanced, and pack a punch

The Big Little House • A comfortable new home tucked behind an existing house in a tight neighborhood has smart building assemblies and is collecting data to prove it

SO SIMPLE...