Archives: Structure

Basement Insulation Guide

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Insulation

Guide To Insulating Basements Properly Over the last few years I’ve written many articles about different basement insulation topics. Readers have left hundreds of comments and questions about specific basement insulating topics. In an effort to streamline all of that information I decided it was time to create a comprehensive basement insulation guide. This guide…

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Homebuilders Rate Trus Joist® TJI® Joists No. 1 for Quality in Leading Survey

By Todd Fratzel on Structure

Builder magazine 2010 Brand Use Survey also lists TJI joists as the brand builders use most I thought the following press release was worth sharing with everyone. As a builder I’ve tried almost every type of building material there is and we continue to test new products all the time. However, when it comes to…

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Cabinet Blocking Inside Wall Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry, Framing

Cabinet Blocking I’m often reminded that I should write articles about even the simplest details as what I might take for granted is not so obvious to all readers. If you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one where cabinet installation is involved then you should pay attention to cabinet blocking. Installing cabinets…

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Miter Joint Shrinkage Explanation

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry

Miter Joint Shrinkage – Why Miter Joints Open Up I’m sure everyone has seen a miter joint that has opened up similar to the one in this image. I’d like to explain why this type of miter joint shrinkage happens so that you can try to avoid this unsightly problem. To understand this problem you…

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How To Frame Window Openings

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Framing Window Openings One of the most basic framing techniques involves framing window and door openings. Understanding the anatomy of a framed window opening will help you properly frame both window and door rough openings. The adjacent diagram shows a traditionally framed window opening from a recent project.  Each of the major components are labeled…

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Finding Good Deck Contractors

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

Deck Contractors I get tons of questions from readers and friends about how to select a good deck contractor. This is an interesting topic worth discussing so that you find a good deck contractor if you decide to hire someone to build yours. Decks are extremely popular today so it seems everyone that doesn’t have…

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Re-Roofing Over Architectural Shingles

By Todd Fratzel on Roofing

Can Architectural Shingles Be Installed over Architectural Shingles? Several readers have recently asked me if they can have architectural shingles installed over existing architectural shingles during a re-roofing project. With the growing number of architectural shingles being used today it’s no wonder the question keeps coming up. So in this article I’ll go over this…

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Cement Board – Alternative Siding and Trim

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

Cement Board Siding & Trim Cement Board siding and trim is becoming a real viable option for many home owners looking for an upgrade from vinyl siding while trying to avoid the maintenance issues of wood siding and trim. We’ve been installing James Hardie fiber cement siding for years now and it’s a great option…

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