Framing

February 20, 2017

Updated: June 15, 2023

Modified Larsen Truss Retrofit: I-Joists on a Roof

Framing a roof with I-joists over the existing roof makes a ton of room for insulation and offers a short lesson in vapor movement through assemblies

Framing

Insulation & Air Sealing

Video

video

February 13, 2017

Updated: June 15, 2023

A Modified Larsen Truss Using I-Joists on a Passive House Retrofit

Screwing I-joists to the outside of a wall—really—makes a lot more room for insulation on a deep energy retrofit in NW Connecticut

Framing

Video

video

January 30, 2017

Updated: June 15, 2023

Carpentry Hack: Attach Wood to Concrete with Construction Screws

Yup—just drill a hole, add a piece of copper wire and drive the screw home

January 28, 2017

Updated: October 9, 2023

The Woodworker: 1940 Vocational Guidance Film

A film on the many aspects of woodworking that go into building things with wood—including a pre-robot look at technology displacing workers

December 3, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Applied Geometry: High School Students Construct a House

You get paid for what you do and what you know. Turns out, the more you know, the more you can do.

Framing

YouTube

video

October 24, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Airtight Walls—Housewrap and Sheathing as an Air Barrier

A tight air barrier is the best way to build an energy-efficient house. Outside the sheathing are many chances to make it better.

Framing

Insulation & Air Sealing

Siding & Exterior Trim

October 19, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Robotic Carpenters: 6 Carpentry Tasks Robots Can Do Right Now

It is time to think about the fact that many carpentry jobs may be automated—soon

October 1, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Carpentry Without Nails: Traditional Japanese Home Building

A Chinese TV show that never made it on the air—until there was a YouTube.

Framing

Video Treats

video

September 21, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Best Practices for Designing and Framing Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Tips on engineered wood layout, framing, cantilevers, blocking, web stiffeners, cutting, knockouts, duct runs, rim boards, and beams.

Framing

YouTube

video

September 19, 2016

Updated: June 15, 2023

Air Sealing a Dropped Soffit: Why and How in Three Minutes

When air sealing a house, begin with the biggest holes and work toward the small ones

Framing

Insulation & Air Sealing

YouTube

video