Published: January 12, 2018 © Tim Carter Just two days ago, January 10, 2018, I was at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. I visited the AZEK booth and was talking with an AZEK employee about bolts that should be used when installing the AZEK aluminum deck posts. (Full background story on the Builders Show Read More »
New Home Construction Hiccup DEAR TIM: My builder really goofed up my new home. A room at the corner of the house next to the front door had its roof installed too low. The mistake is being corrected but I’m quite upset as I don’t feel the job is being done right. They’re leaving the Read More »
Advice For Architects-To-Be And You Too! Not only do I answer questions each day at my own AsktheBuilder.com website, but I also do the same at another major question site. Two days before Christmas, I answered a most unusual question. The gentleman wanted to know the best books I’d recommend about building and construction for Read More »
I completed a somewhat complex Trex Transcend railing installation the summer of 2016. This railing system is well engineered and a pleasure to work with. This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my June 21, 2020 newsletter. Trex Transcend Railing Installation - #WOOT! It's important to note the Read More »
Garage Roof Repair - Can Be Simple I took a much-needed break and traveled to Down East Maine a few weeks ago never dreaming I'd be thinking about a garage roof repair price! My wife, oldest daughter, my son-in-law and I saw brilliant fall color in the trees at Mount Desert Island. A neglected detached Read More »
When building a deck and using joist hangers, be sure to use the proper nails. Many joist support systems, or truss hangers, recommend nails or fasteners that are approved for their hangers. If the joist hangers your carpenter used are approved for use with the newer ACQ treated lumber, you should have nothing to worry about.
Modifying a load bearing wall with the addition of archways or openings is usually possible. Creating the proper support in the weight bearing wall for the shifted load is a task best left to the professional structural engineer. Follow these tips and tricks to craft your desired opening with the proper supports and beams.
Block foundation repair is more common than most people realize. Concrete block foundations that are about 8-feet tall have a history of developing horizontal cracks about 4 feet up from the floor. You rarely see this happen in cast or poured concrete foundation walls. Concrete Block = Hollow Walls It's important to realize the reason Read More »
Rain on Framing Lumber TIPS Water for a short time is no issue Rot takes months to destroy wood Keep job site clean - sweep water away Spray borate to prevent rot - See Below! CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I'm having a new house built and it's been Read More »
A scissors truss provides the benefits of a vaulted ceiling in the same framing time as standard roof trusses. Structural engineers and special software customize the roof truss to your home roof pitch. Use standard trusses in part of your home and the scissors trusses or another special truss in other sections. Explore all truss options with your builder for custom results.
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