Article Index

​​​Air Barrier

• 3 Air-Sealing Details to Survive Construction

• A Strategic Approach to Better Blower Door Results

• For Better Indoor Air Quality: Build Tight, But Ventilate Right

• How to Air Seal the Garage

• Insulation Best Practices for Sealing the Ceiling

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​Drainage Plane

• Getting Deck Ledgers Right

• How To Manage Moisture in Walls: Tips for Designing and Building

• Making Sure Doors are Watertight

• Penetration Flashing Done Right

• Proper Flashing for Recessed Windows

• Proper Flashing Practices for Fascia

• Sill Flashing with a Water-Resistive Barrier

• The Right Way to Waterproof Recessed Windows in Concrete Block Walls

• Tips for Choosing Housewrap

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Foundations

• Concrete Foundations: Under-Slab Vapor Barriers Done Right

• Conditioning the Crawlspace

• Do Concrete Slabs Really Need Welded Wire Mesh?

• Essential Details for Warm, Dry Basements in Cold Climates

• Proper Backfilling and Grading for a Dry Foundation

• Say Goodbye to Cold Joints

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Framing

• 5 Ways to Silence Squeaky Floors

• A Checklist for Building Party Walls the Right Way

• Drywall Problems from Truss Uplift

• Framing Practices to Help Avoid Drywall Cracks

• Silencing the Floor

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HVAC

• Achieving Affordable Balanced Ventilation

• Compact Duct Layouts

• Ducts in a Row

• Flow Hood Testing: Proving a Home's HVAC Performance

• Home Ventilation Options: Good(ish), Better, and Best

• Preventing Vent Fires

• Protect Homebuyers from Radon

• Smooth, Sealed and Separated

• Tips for Placing HVAC Ducts in Conditioned Space

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Interior Finishes​

• Conquering Drywall Cracks
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Management/Quality

• Assessing Risk for a Changing Homebuilding Industry

• Builder Reputation Basics

• Building Homes that Deliver Form and Function

• Construction Quality Assurance Program Fundamentals

• Executing Quality Improvements Correctly

• Getting the Results You Paid For, Part 1

• Getting the Results You Paid For, Part 2

• It's Time to Benchmark

• Leave Strategic Gaps in Construction to Limit Cracks and Callbacks

• Limit Lumber Waste: 3 Effective Strategies

• Maintain Quality Despite Supply Chain Issues

• Quality Now Means Revenue Later

• The Big Why: The Road to Quality

• What is the Cost of Quality Construction?

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Plumbing & Electrical

• Do You Think You Know PEX?

• Reducing Hot Water Wait Time

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Roof Cladding & Drainage

• 6 Best Practices for Flat Roof Assemblies

• Calling for Kick-Outs

• Don't Underestimate the Importance of Roofing Underlayment

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Safety

• 7 Ways to Reduce Silica Dust Exposure

• Construction Site Fall Protection Made Simple

• Don't Cut Corners on Jobsite Safety

• Ladder Safety Tips for Every Jobsite

• Safe Scaffolding

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Showers & Tubs

• How to Install Waterproof Tile Backer Board​

• Preventing Cracked Tile

• Sealing the Shower Reliably

• Sheet-Applied Shower Membranes Done Right

• Shower Seats that Won't Leak

• Waterproofing Showers: Pre-Formed Pans

• Waterproofing Showers: Site-Built Pans

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Site

• A Great Impression: Jobsite Cleanliness

• Getting Washouts Right

• How To Do Drainage Right

• The Value of Proper Building Materials Storage

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Sustainability

• Carbon Emissions in a New Production Home

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Thermal Enclosure

• Achieving Comfort Above the Garage

• Better Attic Insulation

• Draftstopping for Optimal Efficiency 

• For Better Ratings, Blow It In

• Getting Batts Right

• Improve Thermal Performance and Lower Costs

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Wall Cladding​​

• Avoiding Common Painting Problems

• Construction Details for Trouble-Free Stucco Overhangs​

• Detailing for Dissimilar Materials

• Getting Brick Ties Right​

• Getting Rainscreens Right to Help Ensure Walls Stay Dry​​

• Giving the Drip Cap its Due​​​​​​

• How to Keep Stucco from Cracking​

• Leak-Free Manufactured Stone​​

• Mind the Gap​

• Prevent Moisture Problems in Brick Veneer Walls​

• The Basics of One-Coat Stucco​

• Tips for Achieving Trouble-Free 3-Coat Stucco​

• Trouble-Free Fiber Cement Siding

• Trouble-Free Flashing for Brick Veneer​