Learn everything about traditional clapboard siding installation, from material selection and wall preparation to blind nailing techniques and long term maintenance. Covers wood, fiber cement, and modern polymer composite options.
Mortar is the binding agent that holds masonry construction together, yet it is often the most misunderstood component of brick and stone work. While many builders order mortar based solely on compressive strength, the most important properties for long-term performance are actually bond strength and flexibility. These two characteristics work together, holding masonry units securely
Understanding House Wrap and Its Role in Modern Architecture Modern architecture places unique demands on the building envelope. Clean lines, expansive glazing, flat roofs, and exposed structural elements create a more challenging environment for weather protection than traditional boxy forms. The weather-resistant barrier, commonly known as house wrap, is the critical line of defense behind
When you walk into a lumber yard to buy materials for your next construction project, you might assume the process is straightforward: figure out what you need, place the order, and pick it up. As any experienced builder will tell you, lumber yard practices are not always that simple. A classic story from the construction
Brick bovedas represent one of masonry’s most impressive achievements: self-supporting domes built entirely without formwork. This ancient technique, perfected over centuries from the Middle East to colonial Mexico, relies on specialized wedge-shaped bricks and the practiced hand of a skilled bovedero. Unlike modern concrete domes requiring elaborate falsework, a boveda is laid by hand with
Understanding the Engineered Nail: From Simple Fastener to Precision Structural Component The common nail is one of the oldest and most ubiquitous fasteners in construction, yet modern engineering has transformed this humble component into a precisely designed structural element. An engineered nail is not merely a piece of wire with a head and point; it
Understanding Glass Block Materials and Sizes Glass block walls offer a unique combination of privacy and natural light transmission that few other building materials can match. Whether used for bathroom windows, room dividers, shower enclosures, or exterior accent walls, glass block installation requires a thorough understanding of material properties and specialized techniques. Unlike bricks or
Light-gauge steel framing has transformed residential and light commercial construction by offering a dependable alternative to traditional wood framing. Inexpensive, dimensionally stable, and easy to install, cold-formed steel studs and tracks are now widely used for interior partition walls, load-bearing exterior walls, and even entire structural systems. This guide covers everything you need to know
New England’s stone walls are historic structures that define the region’s landscape. Learn about their origins, dry stone construction methods, and how to preserve these centuries-old boundary markers.
Twenty years after synthetic decking boards first appeared on the market, wood remains the overwhelming choice for residential decks across the United States. Industry data from the Principia Group shows that wood still accounts for more than 60 percent of all decking sold, despite aggressive marketing by composite and PVC manufacturers. Builders and homeowners continue
