Q&A / 

Headers and beams size and load information is available in a free booklet. How to insert beams into a frame wall is illustrated, and a nifty electronic sensor can help you "see" what's behind your wall.

READ THE ANSWER »

A beam is not a complicated feature to install, but unless you've been eating your spinach,its weight may require the muscle of another friend. Beams should be sized and typed for load by an engineer. Structural beams can be added with fewer headaches with these inside tips.

READ THE ANSWER »

Column to beam connection requires good, solid connectors. Whether using columns or headers of wood, steel or other materials, there are a number of connectors available to solidly connect your columns to the beam.

READ THE ANSWER »

Rubber roofing often needs an underlayment when it's installed. But roofers need to make sure they can get the new membrane roofing underlayment installed before they leave the jobsite for the day. Covering the unfinished work with a tarp is dangerous as the tarp can blow off in an overnight rainstorm. When that happens, water can seep into the house.

READ THE ANSWER »

Installing insulation in your home is a fairly simple DIY project, and you need only simple tools that you likely already have around the house. Insulation is not the most fun project, however. Tips for installing fiberglass blankets or blown in insulation will advise on installing your insulation properly, whether DIY or hired.

READ THE ANSWER »

R value is an important number for homeowners to understand. Insulation r value recommendations have been updated recently by the U.S. Department of Energy. R values for your home insulation needs will depend on which zone of our country you live in. Insulation manufacturers are listed in the table and advisory below, as well as associations for additional information about insulation r values.

READ THE ANSWER »

Fiberglass has been improved with some new twists. Blown in insulation, of fiberglass, makes installing insulation easier in tight spots. Improved R value and health concerns have been addressed in another insulation product.

READ THE ANSWER »

Insulation for the home has been readily improved through the years. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation, in batt or blown in insulation form, have certain advantages as well as traits that need special diligence. Assure proper R-value--and your own safety, by reading these guidelines and tips.

READ THE ANSWER »

Fiberglass blankets, or batt insulation, and blown in insulation are essentially the same product. Only the batt is suggested for the DIY homeowner. The seven insulation manufacturers providing these home insulation products are listed here.

READ THE ANSWER »

SPONSORS /