Contact between dissimilar metals – like copper fittings threaded into steel pipe or copper flashing fastened with steel nails – sets up an electro-chemical reaction that causes corrosion and leads to failure of the “less noble” metal
Roofing
Apr 10 2016
I spotted this interesting roof construction in Cuenca, Ecuador: Branch logs as rafters; purlins of split branch logs with thin brick overlaid in two strata
Mar 11 2016
Sweat the details or you'll drown in them
Jan 29 2016
Sixteen tips and a few good jokes, too
Jan 20 2016
Two packages for high performance homes. Vented and unvented roof insulation retrofits and exterior wall insulation details along with rainscreen wall details for furring strips.
Jan 15 2016
Water and air leaks in a building shell are difficult enough to detail on simple buildings. Complex structures can cause headaches for builders, remodelers, and architects who don't pick up their pens and trace at the design stage.
Jan 9 2016
In Cartagena, Colombia, where the Spanish Inquisition burned 800 suspected sorcerers and witches in the town square, roofs were equipped with spiked corners to prevent witches from landing on them.
Jan 4 2016
Rain should run off the roof and into the gutter
Dec 31 2015
When plumbing lines burst, people notice. Unfortunately, a lot of the moisture damage in houses has nothing to do with bulk water.
Nov 27 2015
Flashing a humpy old roof valley requires a little give and take, and a backup plan
Nov 20 2015
Dealing with dips and making clean overlaps
Nov 11 2015
A three-foot stick can hold a section of step flashing out of the way while you work the membrane into place.
Oct 30 2015
Roof valleys are like gutters with a steep pitch. Just because they are steep, doesn't mean they're not gutters.
Oct 27 2015
Another use for your broken shovels
Sep 17 2015
#ÜberRoof: A site-built ventilated SIP roof sandwich.
Aug 4 2015
Roofing contractor Eric Garcia walks us (literally) through a low-slope reroof to talk about base flashing, scuppers, and how to detail the corners.
Jul 3 2015
Using modern pneumatic tools, a roofer plies an ancient craft in Ecuador
Jun 4 2015
Clay is more durable, concrete is more affordable—both are great choices that will outlive your customer
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