Illustrated Construction Details

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A Case for Double-Stud Walls
This double-stud wall approach not only uses an insulation you can feel good about, but it’s relatively affordable, easy to build, and can dry in both directions. There’s nothing in a double-stud wall that a competent carpenter doesn’t already know how to do. High-performance building makes walls about 12 in. thick, for an R-value of about R-44, with a full 5 in. of thermal break between the two 3-1⁄2-in.-thick stud walls.
Rainwater Harvesting 101
Former senior editor Charles Bickford describes the various storage options for above-grade and below-grade water tanks, with a look into the process of filtering potable water and the routine maintenance owners of these systems can expect.
Seal an Unused Fireplace
Learn how to keep a rarely-used flue from wasting energy and making your home drafty and uncomfortable.
Things to ­Consider When Framing Skylights
Skylight openings sometimes need additional modifications. In this example, the center rafter was cut out to create a wide space for the skylight. Here are considerations for framing skylights: 1️⃣ Building codes: Check local building codes to verify framing details. 2️⃣ Standard sizes: Many skylights are sized to fit between rafters 16 in. or 24 in. on center, and only need a header installed between the two rafters. 3️⃣ Roof trusses: Don’t cut trusses without consulting an engineer.
About 24-in.-on-Center Framing
This article explains what 24-in.-on-center framing is, what it used for, and the difference between 16-in.-on-center framing from 24-in.-on-center framing.
Learn How to Install Leak-Free Skylights
Skylight installations can be fraught with concerns, not the least of which is introducing the potential for water leakage and subsequent related problems (mold, rot, damage). Contributing editor Mike Guertin shares his technique for installing a skylight, which promises no leaks with the use of a peel-and-stick (or self-adhesive) membrane under the flashing.
Drop-top Gable-end Truss
Where rake overhangs are planned, truss suppliers can fabricate drop-top gable-end trusses. These are dropped the width of the top chord (usually 31⁄2 in.) from the common trusses in the package. After you set all the trusses, you can install a rake that passes over the drop-top truss and ties into the first truss inside the wall.
Make a Built-In Breakfast Nook
Learn how to make a built-in breakfast nook. This custom-built bench offers seating, hidden storage, and a whole lot of charm.
Making a Wood Roof Watertight
Cedar shakes count on multiple watershedding layers working together to keep out rain. Both shakes and felt absorb water that must be allowed to dry. A continuous ventilation matrix allows the shakes to dry evenly front and back to prevent cupping.
Ways to Air-Seal and Insulate a Rim Joist
Rim joists are a common source of air leakage in basements and are often left uninsulated. The first step toward an energy-smart rim joist is to caulk gaps between the foundation wall and the mudsill, the mudsill and the rim joist, and the rim joist and the subfloor. As seen in the details shown here, you then can use rigid foam or spray foam to add another layer of air-sealing and to insulate the area. (Pictured: Rigid Foam)
Why Are There Dry Joints in Some Brick Walls?
A historic preservation expert suggests possible purposes for an intentional gap between interior courses of brick.
Air Barrier Under Wood Paneling
Is it acceptable to install wood paneling like tongue-and-groove or shiplap directly over the insulation? To prevent moisture buildup and improve performance, install a continuous air barrier—such as drywall or specialized membranes—under tongue-and-groove boards or other interior wall paneling.
Minimizing Concrete in a Slab-on-Grade Home
Builder Mike Maines describes the construction of a code-compliant slab foundation that uses a very minimal amount of concrete. The concrete is limited to the footings and stem walls, and the result is achieved with insulated concrete forms in a frost-protected shallow-foundation approach.
An Introduction to Roof Trusses
Trusses are an engineered lumber product, and, like all engineered lumber products, they are part of an engineered system. It’s essential to understand how trussed-roof systems work and why truss designers specify the details of the specific system you’re working with. It’s also important to understand how to store, move, and handle trusses. Once set and braced, trusses have tremendous strength, but they can be damaged if they aren’t properly cared for prior to the installation.
Truss Options for Different Roof Shapes
Trusses can be made for a variety of roof styles, including dual-pitched, gambrel, and mansard roofs. From gable-end to split trusses, there are plenty to choose from for almost any roof shape.