In short, mortar is a mixture of some or all of the following materials: Portland cement, sand, lime clay, and more modern additives.

Quality, speed, and safety can work together

The first layer of foam is mostly an insulation layer; the outer layer is the air barrier and drainage plane. This video is about the first layer.

Making vinyl siding look great by eliminating ugly J-channel

The key to great-looking vinyl is great-looking trimwork (and great-looking vinyl)

Use real trim stock and give some thought to the layout—it will improve the look of your job 100 percent

Work WITH thermal properties of a material, not against them

Drip edge is another water-shedding tool

The days of staggering bolts every 16 inches or so are over—especially if you want to step down to the deck

 

It's all about the sand. and eye protection.

 

When the humps don't match the bumps, you need a second molding profile—or you can eliminate the plumb cut

 

Old Building Details That Work

Belt, suspenders, rainscreen, and redundancy make this wall awesome.

A  plastering contractor upgrades an ugly exterior in Northern California.