Description
Book SynopsisThe most comprehensive guide to material selection & installation
It takes a wise choice of building materials and details to create durable, attractive, and affordable custom homes and remodeling projects. Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction provides up-to-date, field-tested recommendations that help professionals balance cost and performance when designing and building residential projects.
Steven Bliss, former editorial director of The Journal of Light Construction and founding editor of Progressive Builder, draws on his extensive knowledge as a practicing builder, designer, and construction editor to help building professionals select the right materials for every job and install them with confidence. This one-stop resource covers the real-world challenges of material selection and installation so designers, contractors, and building owners can make informed decisions for all major building components. Useful to architects, designers, and spec
Trade Review"This comprehensive guide just may set the standard for years to come." (
Green Builder, October 2006)
"By using the Guide, residential building professionals have access to a source of objective information that takes the guesswork out of selecting products and materials…." (ToolBase News, Vol. 11, Issue 2)
"Readable, practical, and most of all, highly applicable….." (Old-House Journal, May-June 2006)
Table of ContentsPreface ix
Acknowledgments xi
Chapter 1 Exterior Finish 1
Rain-Screen Principle 2
Sheathing Wrap 3
Flashing Membranes 5
Wall Flashing 6
Wood Sidings 9
Wood Shingles and Shakes 15
Fiber-Cement Siding 19
Vinyl Siding 21
Stucco 24
Wood and Composite Trim 29
Trim Details 36
Caulks and Sealants 37
Exterior Adhesives 40
Exterior Wood Finishes 42
Resources 47
Chapter 2 Roofing 51
Asphalt Shingles 51
Clay, Concrete, and Composite Tile 62
Metal Roofing 74
Modular Shingles 80
Wood Shakes and Shingles 85
Low-Slope Roofing 94
Walkable Roofing Membranes 96
Roof Ventilation 97
Resources 101
Chapter 3 Windows and Doors 103
Window Types 103
Window Materials and Construction 105
Window Energy Efficiency 112
Window Flashing 119
Skylights 123
Exterior Doors 127
Resources 132
Chapter 4 Decks and Porches 135
Framing Materials 135
Decking Materials 137
Fasteners 141
Construction Details 144
Rooftop Decks 150
Covered and Screened Porches 151
Finishes for Decking 154
Resources 156
Chapter 5 Interior Finish 159
Drywall 159
Wood Floors 164
Resilient Flooring 176
Laminate Flooring 179
Carpeting 180
Interior Trim 183
Interior Doors 186
Stains and Clear Finishes 188
Sound Control 188
Lighting 194
Resources 206
Chapter 6 Kitchen and Bath 209
Kitchen Design Basics 209
Bathroom Design Basics 217
Kitchen and Bath Flooring 223
Ceramic and Stone Tile 227
Kitchen Cabinets 244
Countertops 247
Plumbing Fixtures 251
Kitchen and Bath Ventilation 261
Resources 264
Chapter 7 Indoor Air Quality 267
Overview 267
Whole-House Ventilation Strategies 270
Air Cleaning Strategies 277
Common Indoor Pollutants and Sources 281
Resources 297
Index 299
