Q&A / 

Engineered I joists offer many advantages. The floor joists can be purchased in varying depths with different flanges on the top and bottom. The I joists install in the same way as a traditional wood floor joist and make for a stiffer, squeakless floor.

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Engineered I joists are similar to traditional floor joists, but have a few special care requirements. I joists should be stored upright and not come in contact with moisture and need to be blocked to prevent rollover. Here are some tips for installation and cutting holes in an I joist.

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There are all sorts of places to get literature for Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB board), but the best place is the Engineered Wood Association. This group produces some of the best descriptive booklets, technical manuals and brochures in the world.

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Oriented strand board (OSB board) can be used for many things that plywood can do. However, it does have its limitations. In some cases, treated plywood is a cheaper and just as useful choice. Be sure to read the label on OSB board to make sure you're purchasing the right kind for your job.

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Pier foundations resemble wood decks or a common table. The actual foundation is a series of vertical columns, or piles, that transfer the building load to the soil. Beams are built on top of the vertical columns that hold up the walls of the house or structure. These specialized foundations work great around trees or in other locations where it is difficult to dig a traditional foundation.

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Heating consulting bid estimates generated each day by hundreds of contractors for thousands of homeowners often seem high. But the homeowners often fail to understand all of the hidden costs attached to a job. For example, the contractor has all sorts of fixed expenses that need to be passed on to the customer. All businesses do this or they eventually go out of business.

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Quality construction involves you. Building codes, which are minimal standards, are essential to understand, will help you select the right contractor for your job and get the proper details in writing before your job begins. Obtaining and reading the national Boca building codes will take you in the right direction. Exceeding residential building codes will upgrade quality.

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