April/May 2009

Issue # 202

$7.99

Table of Contents

Articles		Page
DECK BOARDS DONE RIGHT by Mike Guertin Keep an eye on the stringline, and have a handful of spacers and a board straightener within easy reach		44
IS YOUR HEATING SYSTEM AN ENERGY BEAST? by Dave Yates Here's how to spot the signs and boost the efficiency of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump		50
NEW WINDERS FOR AN OLD HOUSE by Andy Engel Don't even think about tackling these space-saving stairs without a full-scale drawing and a pair of dividers		56
BEYOND OSB: WALL SHEATHINGS THAT MULTITASK by Charles Bickford Can a product that provides structure, housewrap, and even insulation save you time and energy?		63
DRESS UP A VENT PIPE WITH A COPPER BOOT by Patrick Sheeley Flash roof pepetrations with a soldered copper pan and sleeve for an elegant detail that lasts a lifetime		68
SWEAT-EQUITY RENOVATION by John Hawthorn An 1890s bungalow is returned to its original beauty by an ambitious husband-and-wife remodeling crew		70
TOOL TEST: PORTABLE THICKNESS PLANERS by Christian M. Whalen The best tools offer precision board-surfacing without sacrificing convenience and durability		74
PLUMB PERFECT PREHUNG DOORS by Gary Striegler Believe it or not, you need the level only once, and that's before you ever touch the door		79

Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		8
LETTERS		10
CROSS SECTION Energy-efficiency tax credits, Top green products		20
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Protecting woodwork on the job site, Anchor-bolt marker		28
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Mini reciprocating saws, Footing form on a roll		36
PROJECT GALLERY		84
Q & A Gutters below grade, Cutting in stain at the ceiling		86
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE Vapor barriers vs. vapor retarders		92
BUILDING SKILLS Making basic PEX connections		98
DRAWING BOARD Making the most of basement rooms		102
MASTER CARPENTER Flashing troublesome eave-to-wall intersections		106
GREAT MOMENTS Caught in the crosshairs		114

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