Siding

I’ve been a self-employed home improvement and remodeling professional since 2005, and I work regularly with a few other independent remodelers. Our primary focus has been on kitchens, baths, porches, decks and additions. My first experience with ZIP System® sheathing was when an architect requested it for an addition to his home, an 1880s farmhouse, outside of Albany,…

Because of their ability to provide higher quality and limit time on the job, revolutionary building products and practices are calling to design and build teams. More crews are switching from traditional sheathing and housewrap to ZIP System® sheathing and tape, and they’re learning to master new — but not-so-difficult — seam sealing and transitional details along…

Building codes and green building standards continue to raise the bar on energy efficiency and high performance in buildings. In wood-framed buildings, addressing both insulation levels and air tightness in the building enclosure continue to be refined by code and elective program standards. While this is a positive trend, determining the best amount and type of exterior…

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the building industry with a number of challenges, from initial closures to the cost of safety protocols. But as those issues have been addressed, one challenge continues on strong: price increases, particularly lumber costs. The NAHB reports that lumber prices have risen a whopping 180% since last spring, resulting in an increase…

Whether they own or rent, people want to be proud of where they live and feel good coming home. And whether it’s a custom single-family bungalow or a condo in a three-story multifamily building, first impressions are everything and comfort is paramount. Multifamily dwellers don’t want to sacrifice simply because they share walls and common…

Dressing up gable ends can add a pop of interest to the home—and isn’t hard to pull off, whether with a new siding texture, a simple window, or a decorative louver. Here are a few approaches to gable ends from projects around the country: Multi-textured facades are in big demand, and switching up the gable’s…