HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS WINTER ISSUE 2020

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HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR

VINYL FLOORING SAVES THE DAY PAGE 24

PREVIEW PAGE 38

ISSUE: 01 JAN/FEB 2020 ¢

HIRpub.com

ALSO INSIDE ¢ STEP-BY-STEP CONSTRUCTION: RUSTIC-STYLE WOODEN BED ¢ INSTALL A NEW OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR TO SAVE ENERGY AND BOOST CURB APPEAL ¢ THE LATEST IN LADDERS & ACCESSORIES

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INSIDE: 06 08 14 38 Cover photo courtesy of Lowe’s

COVER FEATURE

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STICK TO IT INSTALLING PEELAND-STICK VINYL FLOORING REQUIRES LOTS OF PREP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL

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LETTER FROM MATT WEBER START SMART TOOL TECH LADDERS IN FOCUS DON’T SKIP THESE BOOTHS! INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW 2020 PREVIEW

SNEAK PEEK

GARAGE DOORS UP CLOSE INSTALL A NEW OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR TO SAVE ENERGY AND BOOST CURB APPEAL STEP-BY-STEP HANDBOOK CONSTRUCTION OF A RUSTIC-STYLE WOODEN BED JOB ESSENTIALS • PM-4500 SPEEDHORSE • VOSKER WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA • WEED DRAGON

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SKILL LEVEL

EASY

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KNOW YOUR SKILL LEVEL:

SKILL LEVEL

MODERATE

LEVEL 1 EVEN FIRST-TIMERS CAN PULL THIS OFF LEVEL 2 WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS AND A LITTLE RESEARCH, YOU CAN DO THE JOB LEVEL 3 THESE CHALLENGING PROJECTS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED DIY’ERS LEVEL 4 DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE JOB, THE EQUIPMENT OR SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED, IT’S BEST TO CALL A PRO

Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

34 SKILL LEVEL

SKILL LEVEL

HARD

PRO

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LETTER FROM MATT WEBER Welcome to the inaugural issue of Home Improvement & Repair magazine. My name is Matt Weber, and you might remember me from Extreme How-To magazine, where I served as editor-in-chief for the past 17 years. Now, we are branching out, expanding, and adding a wing.

With this new title, our longtime production staff is building on a

WE ARE MORE FORWARDTHINKING, VISIONARY, TECHNOLOGICAL AND INNOVATIVE THAN EVER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MATT WEBER matt@HIRpub.com COPY EDITOR DIANE WEBER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS TOM MATTHEWS CHRISTOPHER WEST

strong foundation of more than forty years experience in the construction media business, while also breaking new ground in an ever-changing industry.

Just like we have strived to do for nearly two decades, we aim to bring our readers in-depth stories on professional-grade improvement projects for today's homeowners.

As principals of HIR, we are more forward-thinking, visionary, technological and innovative than ever.

From now on, this will also be visible to the public through our new brand and slick brand design (courtesy of Wesley Glassco).

HIR will be diving deep with detailed coverage of remodeling projects large and small, helping parse which jobs make sense for a skilled DIY'er and when it's time to call a pro. Our readers can expect expert advice, insightful remodeling

ADVISORY BOARD JEFF WINKLE CHIP LOVELADY REX LYSINGER KATHY ZIPRIK MARK CLEMENT KIM DREW ROB ROBILLARD LARRY CLEMENT

CREATIVE DIRECTOR WESLEY GLASSCO wesley@HIRpub.com AD DESIGN AND COORDINATION SPECIALIZED MEDIA SERVICES, INC. ads@HIRpub.com

tips, helpful photos and illustrations, plus news about the latest tools and supplies.

I am super-excited about the future of Home Improvement & Repair, and I hope you will be too.

The entire team behind the new publication has put forth a great deal of effort to get it off the ground, and I think it shows in the pages you'll see here. So bookmark our website, follow us on social media, and tell all your friends there’s a new place to find the latest info in the world of home improvement. You can find us online at HIRpub.com.

ONLINE DEVELOPER GLORIA BERRIO PRODUCTION MANAGER SHANNA QUIGLEY FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 205-915-5600 sales@HIRpub.com

Home Improvement & Repair is published by Pine Mountain Publishing LLC, 130 Inverness Plaza, Suite 226, Birmingham, AL 35242. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission. The editorial content is intended to explain and simplify home-improvement tasks. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change. We assume no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

PINE MOUNTAIN

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

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START SMART YOU NEED GOOD GEAR AND GOOD ADVICE TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. HERE’S A BIT OF BOTH: 1 LEAK THIS

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2 ON THE LEVEL

MFG: Zircon Corporation PRICE: $41.98 WEB: Lowes.com INFO: Zircon Corporation offers a WiFi enabled water detector that sounds an alarm, alerting the user to potential water leaks, and will also fire off an email, alerting the user to potential leaking wherever they might be.

MFG: Kapro PRICE: $TBD WEB: Acmetools.com INFO: The new 705 Eagle contractor box level is Kapro’s latest addition to the line of OptiVision Red leveling tools.

It's specially engineered for concrete and masonry applications because of its continuous surfaces on the

top and bottom, which reduces areas where cement can build up, making it easy to clean.

Kapro’s patented OptiVision Red vials feature easy-to-read bubbles with super-defined edges and strong surrounding color definition.

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

IT'S SPECIALLY ENGINEERED FOR CONCRETE AND MASONRY APPLICATIONS

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START SMART

NEWSWIRE

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3 HIGH STEPPIN’ MFG: Second Shift PRICE: $84.00 WEB: Catfootwear.com INFO: With classic styling and rugged detailing, the Second Shift steel-toe work boot from Cat Footwear delivers protection, comfort and durability. The strength of the Goodyear Welt Construction provides flexibility in the forefoot while keeping the feet and legs comfortable for all-day wear, and the rubber outsole is instrumental in slip resistance.

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

4 SHOWER POWER MFG: American Standard PRICE: $37.99 WEB: Amazon.com INFO: Touch-control allows you to switch between different spray patterns with the Spectra+ eTouch 4-Function shower head.

In addition to the touchcontrol on the shower head itself, a wall-mounted remote can be placed anywhere in your shower, so you can change patterns at the touch of a button.

The four spray patterns include Drench, Sensitive, Jet and Massage. Find the polished chrome version of the Spectra+ eTough at Amazon.

HIDDEN RISKS OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION As a home insulating material, Spray Polyurethane Foam, aka SPF, has skyrocketed in popularity, but homeowners should know the hidden risks associated with its installation throughout a house. As it’s sprayed onto an existing surface, the foam expands to create a seamless mass, which inhibits termite inspection. Termite infestation is a common problem with homes in Southern regions of the United States, and although SPF is not a food source for termites, it typically prevents proper visual inspection by pest-control professionals. SPF can provide termites cover from detection, allowing them to travel throughout the home causing destruction without exhibiting any visible evidence until it's too late. Before installing SPF in your home, first contact your exterminator, because SPF installation might void the termite warranty with your pest control service. This can have serious repercussions when selling your house. For example, in Georgia and Alabama, a home buyer is responsible for proviing a professionally administered Wood Infestation Report to the lending institution. If this report indicates large areas of the structure inaccessible and not properly inspected, it may cause concern for the lending agency, and the loan may not be secured for the property.

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ASK MATT QUESTION: Does the aluminum wiring in my house pose a fire hazard?

ANSWER: If your house has aluminum wiring, it could pose a fire hazard, but the wiring itself isn’t the problem.

Aluminum safely conducts electricity, but the connections can be a problem. The wires must be connected individually so they are not prone to corrosion. The only safe way to

connect copper and aluminum is through a splice connector.

An electrician can splice the connections by adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire. By doing this, copper wire rather than aluminum will be connected to each switch, outlet or other device.

you're short on wall space, maybe a ceiling-mount model is the best solution. Some of these racks hang from wires and feature closet rods or clothespins. Some wire-mount hanging racks are held by pulleys and can be pulled up neatly out of the way. Also available are retractable clothes lines, fold-down wall racks, and "collapsible" racks that extend from the wall accordion-style. Make sure your ceiling or wall is capable of supporting the weight of a clothes rack full of wet laundry.

For the most holding power, mount the rack into solid wall or ceiling framing.

QUESTION: What is the easiest way to hang a drying rack in a laundry room?

ANSWER: There are many different designs of drying rack, but if you plan to "hang" one, it sounds like you're opting for a wall- or ceilingmounted version. Much of your decision should be based on your room layout, i.e. if

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Got a question for Matt? Visit Matt’s blog at HIRpub.blog.

Indoor Dryer Vent

Indoor lint trap for electric dryers • Does not require water • Clothes dry faster, saving time and energy • Double filter system captures lint and dust • Protects indoor air quality

www.adr-products.com

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START SMART

ON SALE AT LOWES.COM FOR $99

NEWSWIRE BANK OF AMERICA $5 BILLION AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE

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5 NICE DRIVE MFG: Metabo HPT PRICE: $99.00 WEB: Lowes.com INFO: Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi Power Tools) launched its new 18V Brushless Driver Drill (DS18DBFL2QB) and 18V Brushless Impact Driver (WH18DBFL2QB), both with variable speed. Brushless motor technology delivers more power to the motor by minimizing unnecessary energy

loss through friction and heat.

Brushless tools achieve longer run time between charges, increased power, and extended durability with essentially no maintenance. The ergonomic design for the Metabo HPT tool bodies makes them extremely well-balanced and comfortable for extended use, plus they're covered by the company's Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty and 2-year Lithium Ion battery warranty. Both tools have a MSRP of $159, but we found them on sale at Lowes.com for $99 each.

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

Bank of America’s Community Home Ownership Commitment is a $5 billion affordable-homeownership initiative for low- to moderateincome homebuyers across the country. Designed to help more than 20,000 individuals and families, the program includes a New Down Payment Grant which offers up to 3 percent of the purchase price of the primary residence (maximum $10,000) to be used for a down payment in select markets. The funds do not require repayment.

(Grant program is not available with all mortgage products).

Additionally, America’s Home Grant program offers a lender credit of up to $7,500 that can be used towards non-recurring closing costs, like title insurance and recording fees, or in certain circumstances, to permanently buy down the interest rate. The funds do not require repayment. Also available is the Affordable Loan Solution mortgage, a fixed-rate loan for modestincome borrowers that offers a competitive rate with a down payment as low as 3 percent and no mortgage insurance.

Plus, the Freddie Mac Home Possible mortgage offers a fixed rate with a down payment as low as 3 percent and low-cost mortgage insurance. Learn more about the available resources at bankofamerica.com/firsthome.

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TOOL TECH

By Matt Weber

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Everyone thinks they know about ladder safety … including the more than 100 people who die each year in ladder-related accidents, as well as the thousands who suffer disabling injuries.

The problem is that ladders are deceptively simple in design, so workers grow accustomed to using them and get lazy about proper usage.

Most falls don’t occur at great heights, when workers are more likely to be careful, but instead happen from six to 10 feet from the ground where workers are more comfortable.

The two most common ladder accidents are easily avoidable: (1) missing the last step when climbing down, and (2) overreaching, which causes the user to lose balance and fall.

Rather than taking ladder safety for granted, a true professional and any mindful DIY’er should respect basic procedures and learn which ladders work best for the type work they do.

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LADDERS IN FOCUS

When choosing a ladder, consider your work environment. For example, if you’re working near sources of electricity, avoid using a metal ladder because aluminum is a conductor. Your body can complete an electrical circuit between the power source, the ladder, and the ground if you contact a live wire. An electrical shock can trigger a fall or stop your heart.

On the other hand, if there are no electrical sources in your work area, an aluminum ladder is the lightest weight option when compared to fiberglass or wood.

Understand that a ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Don’t forget to account for equipment or materials you’ll be carrying when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

Keep in mind that a taller ladder does not equate to a higher weight rating. Make sure to take into account the Duty Rating for your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount

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TOOL TECH A-frame ladders such as Stepladders are more stable than straight ladders due to their broader support base at ground level.

Unlike a Stepladder that requires level support for all four of its side rails, Extension Ladders require only two level ground support points in addition to a top support—but they must be set up at the proper angle.

Extension Ladders should be erected as close as possible to a pitch of 75-1/2

Read the digital version of this issue at HIRpub.digital and click the

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s The Werner Multi-Position Pro functions as five ladders in one and is the lightest weight multi-ladder the HIR staff has ever used.

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WHEN CHOOSING A LADDER, CONSIDER YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

of weight your ladder will support, meaning the sum total of your weight, the weight of your clothing, plus the weight of tools and supplies you’re using.

Avoid using a ladder that is too long or too short. Standing on the top cap of a Stepladder (or the step below it) will cause you to lose your balance. Likewise, the top three rungs of an Extension Ladder are not meant for climbing. An Extension Ladder is too long if it extends more than three feet beyond the upper support point. In this case, the portion of the ladder that extends above the upper support point can act like a lever and cause the base of the ladder to move or slide out.

Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

degrees from horizontal to prevent its bottom from sliding outward and to maintain strength of the ladder. A simple rule for setting-up an extension ladder is to place the base a distance from the wall equal to onequarter of the extended length of the ladder.

To prevent tipping the ladder over sideways due to over-reaching, always climb and work with your body near the middle of the rungs. Ladder levelers at the bottom of the rails may be used to achieve equal ground support on uneven surfaces. A stabilizer accessory at the top can be used to secure or tie off the ladder to increase stability.

New Ladders & Accessories Werner Multi-Position Pro The HIR staff had the opportunity to test a new 17-ft. Werner Multi-Position Pro, which functions as five ladders in one and can be configured into 24 positions. With a telescoping design, the independently adjustable rails allow it to be used on uneven surfaces such as a staircase. As an extension ladder, it stretches to a 15-ft. working height. As a 90-degree ladder, it grants up-close access to

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Use the Werner Multi-Position Pro as a stepladder, a stair ladder, right-angle ladder, extension ladder or scaffold base.

walls and ceiling perimeters. As a stepladder, both sides can be climbed, so two people can use it at once. The ladder also separates into two small stepladders that can be used as scaffold bases—and do so without requiring special hinge accessories.

Additional features of the new Werner Multi-Position Pro include protected springs and hinges, as well as shatterproof J-locks that hold the rails in place. Werner’s rigid

PowerLite Rails are easy to carry and set up, and the lighter weight is a welcome improvement to the multi-ladder design.

Although multi-ladders offer great versatility, they have traditionally been heavy units to lug around a home or jobsite. The new Werner Multi-Position Pro weighs less than 32 lbs., so users can easily grab it and go, rather than cringe at the thought of hauling it around. Visit wernerco.com.

WATCH AND LEARN Check out Matt’s video review of the new 17-ft.

Werner Multi-Position Pro at HIRpub.blog, or simply click the video image to the left if you are reading our digital magazine at HIRpub.digital.

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TOOL TECH

Raise an Extension Ladder Properly

Ladder-Aide Use a straight ladder atop a staircase with the Ladder-Aide accessory. The retrofit attachment functions as a level support base across stairs. It is compact and portable, versatile and fast to set up, plus it’s micro-adjustable to match stair riser height. Ladder levellers and leg extenders make ladders heavier

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The easiest way to raise a long extension ladder is to do it with two people. One person “foots” the first rung, holding the bottom of the ladder securely to the ground, as the second person walks toward the house with the other end of the ladder, raising it with the first person’s help, as needed.

1. If you need to raise the ladder alone, it needs to be collapsed to its shortest height.

Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

First, brace the foot of the ladder against the wall and walk it slowly toward the base, rung by rung and hand by hand, until the ladder is upright. Rest the top of the ladder against the wall, roof, or other solid surface. Then lift the base out to a slight angle where it can temporarily rest without your support.

and can be annoying to carry around.

Ladder-Aide fits any straight extension or telescopic ladder (but not for use with step-ladders). The original model fits a ladder with a maximum 19-in. wide ladder base and 4-1/2-in. feet. The larger Ladder-Aide Pro fits a ladder with a 22-in. base and 7-1/2-in. feet.

Visit ladder-aide.com.

2. Extension ladders are equipped with a lanyard and pulley to help extend the ladder.

To use the lanyard, first foot the bottom rung, carefully tilt the ladder backward with one hand, and pull the rope with the other to extend the ladder as necessary. Be careful of hazards to nearby power lines or other people.

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LADDERS IN FOCUS

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No Bull Ladder Stabilizer Bumpers The No Bull Bullhorn Ladder Stabilizer Bumpers (2-Pack) are heavy-duty, nonskid rubber guards that protect your siding and other work surfaces. Crafted to the demanding specifications of professional contractors, these bumpers cover and fit securely on most standard ladder stabilizers, providing superior durability and toughness. Also available are No Bull Ladder Bumpers (2-Pack) that cover and fit securely on most standard ladder rails. Visit nobullproducts.com.

Werner Quick Click Stabilizer The Werner Quick Click Stabilizer protects work surfaces such as roof edges, windows and gutters from damage by an extension ladder. This lightweight accessory is a cinch to attach with a spring-loaded locking latch that bites over the top rung. The stabilizer adds safety, security and peace of mind when working at heights. It offers an ample 44-in. span, and an accessory paint-can hook keeps your paint accessible. Visit wernerco.com.

setting up on uneven ground, it helps to dig a small trench beneath the high foot of the ladder to level the base.

3. An extension ladder should be set with base 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder reaches, or roughly a 75-degree angle.

4. Once you’ve got it positioned right, you need to secure the feet. The base of the ladder should rest on level ground with the feet flipped into position. On a wooden deck, you can nail a board down behind the feet to act as a cleat and prevent slippage. When

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5. Make sure all locks are engaged and that the ladder is supported securely at all contact points. If it seems the least bit unstable, tie ropes to the ladder stiles beneath the lowest rung and anchor them to something solid. You can also secure the top of the ladder using rope or wire fastened to a couple of eye screws mounted into the house’s fascia.

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LADDERS IN FOCUS

Little Giant King Kombo Little Giant puts a new spin on the traditional stepladder. The HIR staff tested the new King Kombo 3-in-1 All-Access Ladder Model 6-10. It converts from storage to step-ladder to extension in seconds.

When folded flat for storage, the King Kombo also acts as a leaning ladder for tasks like painting, running wire, or accessing a hardto-reach corner. As a leaning ladder, its rotating wall pad accessory works in four positions; stud, corner out, corner in, and wall pad. This lightweight ladder is rated for 375 lbs. and is made of nonconductive, high-strength, lightweight fiberglass ideal for professional applications. The Hi-Viz green fiberglass rails makes the ladder more noticeable to prevent accidents, and the wide-flared side offers superior side-tip stability. The bottom safety step makes a distinct noise when stepped on to let the climber know when they’ve reached ground level. Learn more at littlegiantladder.com.

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Read the digital version of this issue at HIRpub.digital and click the

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

A NEW SPIN ON THE TRADITIONAL STEPLADDER

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TOOL TECH

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WATCH AND LEARN

Check out Matt installing the Style Selections luxury vinyl plank flooring at HIRpub.blog, or simply click the video image to the left if you are reading our digital magazine at HIRpub.digital.

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2 SKILL LEVEL

MODERATE

STICK TO IT

INSTALLING PEEL-AND-STICK VINYL FLOORING REQUIRES LOTS OF PREP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

By Matt Weber

The spacious nature of an open floor plan is all the rage in modern remodels, but these projects can come with a number of challenges, including how to cover the floor.

On a recent project, we had two major hurdles to overcome regarding the floor. The idea was to connect a dining room and kitchen by removing a partition wall between them. We discovered, however, that the wall represented the high point of the two adjoining floors, which sloped downhill in opposite directions from that dividing line.

Complicating this scenario, one adjacent side of the dining room had no wall and was exposed to a living room, with the open edge of its floor elevated six inches above the living room carpet like a stage.

The slope downward from the high point between the kitchen and dining room was significant— exceeding a 1-in. drop across 12 feet—meaning we couldn't level the floor because doing so would essentially "tilt" the exposed edge of that stage and look completely bonkers. On the kitchen end,

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COVER FEATURE

the floor fell another inch or more, and to elevate the kitchen subfloor would cause noticable problems with the toe-kick reveal of the kitchen cabinets.

The homeowner wanted a hardwood pattern to cover the newly unified floor, but tongue-and-groove boards require a flat, even surface. We were dealing with a 30x12' subfloor that basically had a slight hill in the middle of it, and we needed a flooring product that would conform to that hill. To get a hardwood pattern, that left us with the choice of sheet flooring or adhesive vinyl tiles. We chose Style Selections peeland-stick luxury vinyl planks from Lowe's Home Improvement Store.

SELECT A QUALITY PRODUCT WITH A REPUTABLE BRAND NAME

STEP BY STEP 1

2

SPECIAL CARE

I saw a lot of shaking heads and heard many grumbles from my contractor friends when discussing plans for this job. A lot of pro flooring installers shy away from peeland-stick flooring because inferior products of the past have failed and come unglued.

I've experienced this myself. I recommend you select a quality product with a reputable brand name and backed by a warranty.

Yet, even the best adhesive flooring can fail if improperly installed. The subfloor must be extensively prepped and maintained to ensure the strongest adhesive bond.

Furthermore, the thin, flexible nature of the vinyl tile means that any slight imperfection in the subfloor can transfer through the tile, distorting its shape with dips or bumps that look unsightly and cause problems with adhesion. Here's how we took special care to get the job done.

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Home Improvement & Repair | Issue: 01

1| If joining two rooms together, the first step in applying a floor product is to make sure the two subfloors have the same elevation. In our case, one floor was 3/8-in. lower than the other, so we covered the lower floor with 3/8-in. thick plywood subfloor panels. Always refer your flooring manufacturer's suggestions for specific subfloor requirments.

2| Space the plywood panels with a 1/8-in. expansion gap to allow for expansion and contraction. It's a good idea to use marine-grade plywood and fasteners only

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STICK TO IT

long enough to penetrate the plywood and flooring beneath it, to avoid drilling into pipes or cables.

3| Nail or screw down the sheets at 6-in. centers around the edges and 10-in. centers elsewhere. Countersink all fasteners.

4| The plywood overlay ensured the flooring would meet in the middle at the same elevation, but extensive prepwork of the subfloor was only beginning.

5| You need to fill every fastener head, panel joint, and any other dents or dings to give the subfloor a smooth surface.

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6 6| Any projections above the subfloor will have to be scraped, grinded or sanded down. The vinyl tile in the kitchen would be installed over a laminate floor with a smooth, unembossed surface, but a couple of standing seams had to be sanded flat. Now is also a good time to

Dry Your Floors Faster

From multiple washes of the floor to applying floor patch and primer, this project involved a whole lot of stoppage and waiting for the floor to dry. The work can be slow-going as a result, or you can speed things up with a floor dryer. On this project I used the mighty new DeWalt 600 Cfm Portable air mover. It's equipped with three speeds for drying carpet or flooring. It's versatile, lightweight and compact, which makes it a great solution for drying multiple surfaces. Learn more at altonindustries.com.

BUY IT

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walk the floor in search of squeaks to fix before installing the new floor.

7| Trim any door jambs for clearance prior to cleaning the floors.

8| The most difficult part of the subfloor to prep was the wall transition where we had pried up the floor plate.

Although the two subfloors now had the same elevation, the trough between them had to be filled. First step was to fill the void with shims and blocking.

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9| A skimcoat and patch product can be used to finish out the voids in the floor. Use a drill paddle to mix the powder with water to a cake-batter consistency.

10| Trowel the floor-patch product over the problem area and use a rubber float to spread it evenly with the surrounding floor, feathering the edges thin.

11| After the patch has fully hardened, sand the floor smooth and even.

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12| Although the kitchen's laminate floor required no plywood, we gave it a thorough scrubbing before applying primer. We first used a bleach mixture, then mopped the floor with detergent and followed with two thorough rinses using clean water to eliminate any residue from the cleaning products. The primer selected was Multi-Surface Primer from TEC Skill Set, with its recommended 1:1 mix of ratio with water when used for peel-and-stick flooring.

From the moment cleaning begins, all traffic should be kept off the floor. This extends to primer application too, which

can be spread evenly over the subfloor using a short-nap paint roller. The primer helps ensure maximum adhesion of the vinyl floor. It gives the floor a tackiness that helps the glue bond, but it also sticks to dirt and dust from foot traffic that will impair the glue--so keep everyone away from the work zone until the floor is complete.

13| The homeowner selected Style Selections luxury vinyl plank available at Lowe’s, which has an embossed texture and naturalistic color pattern that replicates genuine wood, but at a fraction of the cost.

Touch Up with Stain Rough cuts or edge damage in the vinyl flooring can catch a glare and appear lighter in color than the surrounding planks. A dark magic marker or stain pen can disguise these areas. Just wipe off the excess ink immediately to avoid adding extra color where you don’t want it.

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THE HOMEOWNER SELECTED STYLE SOLUTIONS LUXURY VINYL PLANK AVAILABLE AT LOWE’S 15

14| The exposed edge of the dining room's stage floor provided the control point of our layout and determined the first row to install. For most installations, a chalk line makes a good tool to establish straight layout lines to guide placement.

15| Press each plank down firmly, tightly abutting the end joints, working in a row from one corner toward the opposite wall. Use the cut-off portion of the final plank to begin the second row, staggering the joints.

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planks to fit around projections or floor registers.

18| The paper backing peels off easily for press-and-stay installation. The act of applying the planks is easy. The difficulty of this job lies in the prepwork, the cleaning, the priming, and maintaining a clean subfloor throughout the installation.

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16| This simple photo of my hand sweeping the subfloor before laying a plank shows one of the most important steps of the whole process. Always wipe off the subfloor for any tiny pebbles, glue globs, grit or "no see-ums" prior to sticking down each tile. Construction sites are typically dirty and cluttered, and little bits of debris tend to show up everywhere, even after you've cleaned. These tiny obstacles can cause major headaches if they get beneath the vinyl flooring.

17| A jigsaw can make quick work of making notches and tricky cuts in vinyl

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19| The adhesive on the planks is a pressure-sensitive glue, so the flooring instructions recommended using a 100-lb. 3-section steel roller over the floor after installation. We opted for using a hand roller on each plank to ensure a complete bond to the substrate, pressing down every edge to avoid loose or curled pieces of flooring.

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20 20| To rip a plank to size, use a drywall square as a guide and make repeating cuts with a sharp utility knife.

21| The Skil flooring saw made quick cross-cuts for trmming planks at the end of each row.

22| This photo shows the scope of this project--a 30-ft. floor that connects two rooms. As you lay the flooring, keep an eye on the repeating plank designs and try not to group similar designs closely together, which might give the pattern a less natural appearance.

23| As with any tile or plank floor, the layout should be adjusted in advance to make sure the floor doesn’t end with a final row of “sliver” thin, awkward-looking planks.

Baseboard and shoe molding can conceal the minimum 1/8-in. expansion gap between the vinyl flooring and the walls.

24| To complete the floor, we routed an oak board and stained it to match the flooring, then installed it as transitional trim along the stage-floor edge of the dining room.

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25| The finished floor looks excellent, stays where it was layed, and meets enthusiastic kid approval.

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Special thanks to Lowe's for supporting this project. For more information on Style Selections luxury vinyl plank flooring, visit lowes.com.

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Confession Booth Throughout this article I stress the need to carefully prep, clean, then re-clean the floor prior to sticking down a plank. Well, nobody's perfect.

The problem shown in this photo was difficult to judge by touch because it was a shallow rise between seams in the subfloor. Nevertheless, the edge of one of the planks would not lay flat. In this case, I had to pull the plank up and discard it. I then took a belt sander and very carefully planed down the subfloor within the void. I then thoroughly cleaned the area of dust, re-primed it, let it dry, and reapplied a new plank. I got lucky, and the problem was fixed, but I included this sidebar to stress the importance of prepwork.

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DON’T SKIP THESE BOOTHS! SNEAK PEEK

Compiled By Christopher West

Each Year, the National Association of Home Builders hosts the International Builders’ Show, the largest annual light construction show in the world. IBS 2020 will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 21-23. The show will bring together more than 1,400 top manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe in 600,000 net square feet of exhibit space, showcasing the latest products and services. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the cool new home-improvement products that will be on display.

NEW PRODUCTS THAT WILL SHAPE CONSTRUCTION IN THE YEARS TO COME.

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SURE DRIVE HIDDEN DECK FASTENERS Sure Drive USA manufacturers a wide variety of deck fastening solutions, including the Mantis Clip for grooved boards, voted as the easiest hidden deck fastener to install. For installing Mantis clips using Ballistic Nail Screws, the Senco Eliminator RCS with E-Z Slide attachment is a pneumatic tool to fasten grooved decking up to 70 percent faster than conventional methods. The Mantis clip is recommended by top decking manufacturers like MoistureShield, Trex, Americana, ChoiceDek and more.

For solid-edge decking, the Hidden Link is available in two varieties. One offers 1/8-in. deck board spacing while the other provides 1/4 inch. The Hidden Link has been approved by several leading decking manufacturers.

Plus, Sure Drive’s new composite fascia board screw needs no predrilled pilot holes to allow for expansion and contraction. The Sure Hold Fascia Board Screw has wings built into the shank to bore out the hole. The large pancake head is painted to match a variety of decking colors.

BOOTH C8343 SUREDRIVE.COM

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CAMO DECK STARTER CLIPS National Nail's Camo deck fastening brand introduces new Camo Starter Clips for facefastening the first and last board of any grooved deck project. Each package of Starter Clips covers 30 linear feet and contains 25 clips and 25 screws manufactured with 304 Stainless Steel for superior corrosion resistance. Installers who use Starter Clips with the Camo EdgeClip and EdgeXClip system create a truly fastener-free deck surface that installs in half the time of other clip systems. For a faster installation overall, they can use the Camo Drive tool and its clip guide to fasten EdgeClips and EdgeXClips (for angled patterns).

Camo Drive—the collated stand-up deck fastening tool—gets installers off their knees, saves their back and has three end attachment guides.

BOOTH N963 CAMOFASTENERS.COM MESHGUARD GUARDRAIL SCREENING SYSTEM For a wide-open view to the outdoors, MeshGuard guardrail infill screening system can be used in 6-ft. x 3-ft. openings below the porch handrail to create an unobstructed view. MeshGuard is made of high-density vinyl, steel and a special polyester screen to deliver unrivaled strength. Most building codes require the vertical posts that support the handrail to be installed no more than 4 inches apart. This limits porch railing design options and results in an obstructed view to the outdoors.

MeshGuard enables an open, picket-free design and is approved by building codes across America, when installed at the maximum clear span distance of 72 inches (6-ft, 1828.8 mm) between the posts.

BOOTH C3552 SCREENTIGHT.COM

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TREX SIGNATURE RAILING A customized complement to modern decking, Trex Signature Railing is durable and designminded. This powder-coated aluminum railing suits traditional and modern homeowners alike, available in a selection of elegant neutrals and backed with the stability aluminum railing offers, along with Trex’s 25-year limited warranty. Choose from round or square balusters for classic appeal. Consider curving your rails to mimic the sweeps of a garden below, or preserve your vantage point with sleek and spare rod rail. And entertainers, take note: wide, beverage-ready cocktail railing may just be the ideal choice for you. With the new post cap lights and wedge deck lights, your expressive style will never go dark. To design the railing, simply choose your Trex Signature aluminum posts (which include a cap and skirt) and pair with a rail and baluster kit, or a rail and rod kit.

BOOTH N1113 TREX.COM PROTECTO WRAP Since 1952, Protecto Wrap Company has been manufacturing some of the highest quality waterproofing membranes available, meeting or exceeding requirements for a variety of applications.

Protecto Wrap product lines include residential and commercial waterproofing membranes on foundations, decks, window and door flashings, roofing underlayments, flooring underlayments and energy systems.

BOOTH N227 PROTECTOWRAP.COM

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ACCUMASTER INSTRUMENTS FROM CALCULATED INDUSTRIES Calculated Industries adds to its lineup two digital levels, a digital angle finder, the CMEZ construction math app, and updates to the industry-standard Construction Master Pro app.

Together or individually, these items each help make building with accuracy easier and more dependable. The AccuMaster Pro Digital Level has an easy-to-read display that shows plumb and level as well as pitch and slope (in percent or degree). Its display inverts when used upside down for easy reading. The display can be “locked” to STIHL AP SERIES allow the unit to move for easier viewing. Furthermore, it provides accurate CORDLESS TOOLS measurements within ±0.2°. The AccuMaster Digital 7-in. Angle Finder Ruler Stihl AP Battery Series tools provides a digital accuracy of ±0.3°. Using the angle finder, you can determine deliver professional-grade power inside and outside angles with absolute precision. The Construction Master that's great for extensive use EZ app features simple-to-use forms to calculate advanced construction math. on a wide range of properties.

Users enter inputs and instantly see outputs. Enriching an already robust Choose from hedge trimmers, Construction Master Pro app, CI added the ability to copy and paste from pole pruners, lawnmowers, a the app to other tools on mobile devices. cut-off machine and more. The BOOTH SU928 AP Battery Series works with AP CALCULATED.COM chargers and batteries, as well as Stihl AR backpack batteries.

As lightweight as before but with up to 25 percent longer run times than the previous model, the 36-volt AP 100 lithium-ion battery weighs just 1.8 pounds and connects to multiple tools, including extended-reach hedge trimmers, chainsaws and blowers. For greater battery capacity on the bigger jobs, the AP 300 S battery features a 25 percent increase in capacity over the AP 300 for longer run time, as well as an enhanced power-to-weight ratio and a weight of only 3.9 pounds.

BOOTH SU1673 STIHLUSA.COM

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MURO AUTO FEED SCREW SYSTEM Muro, one of the original developers of Auto Feed Technology, remains prominent 30 years later.

Speed, while important, is not the biggest advantage gained by people utilizing a Muro Auto Feed Screw System. Consistency and ease of use are more important factors and why these tools are so popular. Gone are the sore backs and knees normally associated with driving screws into a floor. Muro's height-adjustable handle allows users to work standing up for hours on end, using 150-screw coils that are easy to load. The screw guns feature a no-jam design along with a built-in countersinking feature that removes the guesswork when driving and seating screws. Get the same depth each and every time, with no feathering the trigger or backing out a screw that went too deep. Screw development has evolved with twin fast threads, special screw tips that eliminate the need to pre-drill, and nibs under the head for countersinking.

Muro has even taken a huge step in fastening wood to steel, including heavy-gauge metal.

BOOTH C8743 MURO.COM

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> SNEAK PEEK KEVO TOUCH-TO-OPEN BLUETOOTH SMART LOCK The latest Touch-to-Open Kevo smart lock is powered by your smartphone and Bluetooth, so fumbling with your keys is now a thing of the past. Whether you're leaving or coming home, Kevo smart lock takes only a touch to lock and unlock.

With a small interior panel and traditional exterior, the Kevo deadbolt matches any home's decor. Give loved ones access to your home from your phone.

You'll even get a notification when the lock is used.

BOOTH C4548 KWIKSET.COM

CEDAR RENDITIONS PREMIUM ALUMINUM SIDING Cedar Renditions Premium Aluminum Siding, especially known for its durability in China, is now available in the USA from Royal Building Products.

Moisture-proof, nonflammable and virtually maintenance-free, Cedar Renditions can be used as a main feature or an accent.

Designers and homeowners use this product to add contemporary curb appeal to their exteriors.

BOOTH N913 ROYALBUILDINGPRODUCTS.COM

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TANDOSTONE TandoStone adds two new colors to its line of composite stone: Nordic Mist, part of the Tando Creek Ledgestone Collection, and Glacier Bay, under the Stacked Stone line. Creek Ledgestone emulates the rugged look of hand-picked stone with distinct grout lines, while Stacked Stone features a dry-stack profile without grout lines between the stones. Neutrals and light gray colors remain extremely popular for housing exteriors. Drawing from those current trends, Tando developed Nordic Mist, a cool subtle gray with warm accents, and Glacier Bay, which includes a striking array of frosty gray hues. These two new shades perfectly complement today’s on-trend, dark colored shake and siding options, creating a striking contrast and a rich, natural look.

BOOTH SU4230 TANDOBP.COM

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DAVINCI HAND-SPLIT SHAKE SIDING DaVinci Hand-Split Shake Siding ensures that your home can withstand whatever elements test its durability. With the damaging effects of sun, hail, gale-force winds, and freeze and thaw cycles, the siding of your home goes through a high amount of strain. The real genius of DaVinci composite siding lies in its ability to provide lasting beauty in the outdoor environment. Available in 8- and 10-in. widths, the prefinished, individually-applied tiles endure in any climate, and the materials have been tested and trusted for years.

BOOTH N939 DAVINCIROOFSCAPES.COM

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ZEEL DOORGLASS FRAME FROM ODL Touted as "the most versatile doorglass frame ever," ZEEL from ODL Inc. is sleek and minimal, designed to be stained or painted to blend seamlessly into the entry door, allowing the doorglass to take center stage. This clean, lowprofile look offers an alternative to flush-glazed doors. The FiberMate Plus frame withstands extreme environments, resisting scalloping and warping in severe temperatures and direct sunlight even when painted dark colors. The clean thermoset foam seal can be repositioned and stays consistent over time. And by incorporating an innovative clip system, ZEEL eliminates the need for screws and cumbersome screw-hole covers.

BOOTH C3029 ZEEL.ODL.COM

FIRST 1/4-IN. STAINLESS-STEEL SCREW ANCHOR Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced the first 1/4-in. diameter stainless-steel screw anchor designed for lighter-duty applications in severely corrosive environments. It’s code-listed for use in cracked concrete. Part of the broad line of code-listed stainless-steel Titan HD heavy-duty screw anchors (THDSS), the new 1/4-in. screw anchor combines the corrosion resistance of Type 316 stainless steel with the undercutting ability of harder, heat-treated carbon steel. The THDSS helical-coil threads feature a serrated carbonsteel leading thread that cuts a channel so the stainless-steel threading can securely interlock with concrete and masonry.

(Traditional carbon-tipped stainless-steel anchors are vulnerable to rust and expansion that can crack the concrete.)

BOOTH C3025 STRONGTIE.COM

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GOOF PROOF SHOWERS Mark E Industries has created eight products to simplify the art of shower and tile installation by focusing on some of the industry’s more difficult and time-consuming tasks. These tools save the installer the valuable time required to complete such tasks, without the problems that can occur with traditional methods. Installing a shower pan is now easy, less time-consuming, and less expensive with Goof Proof products that guide the slope of the floor.

The products not only assist the professional contractor but any do-it-yourselfer looking to create a tile shower installation of any size or shape with consistently perfect results every time. A shower pan can be waterproofed with many different membranes on the market today, and the Goof Proof products such as Pre-Pitch, Kirb-Perfect, Quick-Pitch or Handi-Kirb will work with all liners currently available.

BOOTH N1072 MARKEINDUSTRIES.COM

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TITEBOND ADHESIVES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PRO Titebond's construction adhesives have recently been repackaged to make it easy to identify the right product for the job. The repackaged line includes 11 products, covering applications across the job site –installation of subfloors, drywall, cove base, hardscape, FRP panels and more.

It features Titebond’s TiteGrab Ultimate Construction Adhesive for instantly bonding even heavy items on vertical surfaces, often without bracing. Another adhesive, Fast Set, is an advanced polyurethane technology that rapidly develops strength and bonds virtually every construction material, including non-porous to non-porous.

Titebond also will be featuring its line of WeatherMaster sealants, most notably, WeatherMaster Metal Roof Sealant and, for multi-purpose use, WeatherMaster Ultimate MP Sealant. Their advanced polymer formulation outperforms other sealant technologies, including VOC solvent, silicones, tripolymers and urethanes.

BOOTH P2 TITEBOND.COM

U2 FASTENERS U2 Fasteners aim to create a new generation of innovative, codecom-pliant, premium fasteners to be used by professional builders, simply because they are the best.

Of the eight product lines currently available, the U2 CS is the next generation of construction screws which is replacing lag screws and is Structural & ACQ-treated lumber compliant in IAPMO report ER-454.

The U2 CS has a Tapper Point which consists of the Cork Screw Start and Blade Cutting Thread for easy piercing and alleviating strain on the material. The Tight Star Recess system is designed to grasp the U-Bit tightly for one-hand installation.

The Dome Head of the CS enhances structural capability, and underneath the head, the Talon Grip holds the screw tight to prevent loosening, using its nibs to dig into the material when countersunk. Below the smooth shank is the Reamer Thread, which enlarges the hole in the material to create a larger passage when drawing materials together to reduce tension on the screw head. Plus, U2 fasteners are tested with the Wet Factor to ensure performance in all conditions.

BOOTH C3165 SALES@U2FASTENERS.COM

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GARAGE DOORS UP CLOSE

By Tom Matthews

INSTALL A NEW OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR TO SAVE ENERGY AND BOOST CURB APPEAL.

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Overhead garage doors occupy a lot of square footage, which means they can be among the most noticeable features of a home. A good-looking garage door can add a great deal of curb appeal, whether you're replacing an old door or adding a full new garage. New insulated doors increase weather protection, save energy, and operate with smoother, quieter performance than doors of the past.

The design of overhead doors has evolved over the years. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of panel and trim designs, a variety of window configurations, and various glass options. Select your favorite color and finish, then personalize your door with optional accessories such as faux door hinges and handles to achieve the look of vertical double doors.

Here’s how a professional installer from Precision Overhead Door Service got the job done.

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STEP BY STEP 1

1| The homeowners, Michael and Paula Laney, selected new Clopay doors for their newly built detached garage. The Clopay Intellicore doors feature proprietary polyurethane foam injected into the door, expanding to fill the entire structure, providing strength, durability, quieter operation and R-values up to 20.4.

2| First step of a garage door installation is to arrange all the components on a work surface so they're easy to see and ready for assembly.

3| First step in installation is to attach the weather-stripping around the jamb.

4| Pro tip: Pre-set your nails into the weather-stripping before positioning it.

5| Fasten the hinges/rollers onto the individual door panels.

6| Professional installer Jeremy Molay places the first panel at floor level.

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11| The upper horizontal sections of the tracks will be suspended by slotted angle brackets.

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12| Pro tip: An angle-iron cutter makes short work of cutting the slotted angle brackets.

13| Angle brackets extending from the wall brackets to the ceiling tracks ensure strength and rigidity.

14| Additional angle brackets fastened to the ceiling joists support the tracks from above and keep them perfectly aligned.

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7 7| Molay uses the door’s rollers to guide position of the tracks on each side of the doors, screwing the tracks in place on the door frame.

8| To lift the door, steel cable is routed up through the roller assemblies.

9| The upper arms of the door tracks are held by metal brackets screwed to the wall. Make sure the brackets align with lower tracks and that everything is installed plumb.

10| The curved section of the tracks connect with the vertical wall tracks at the bracket to ensure smooth travel of the door up the tracks.

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PRO TIP: AN ANGLE-IRON CUTTER MAKES SHORT WORK OF CUTTING THE SLOTTED ANGLE BRACKETS 11

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15| Both door tracks must be aligned perfectly parallel.

18| Next, assemble the torsion spring according to the manufacturer's instructions.

17| The panels interconnect at each roller/hinge assembly.

20| The torsion spring bolts to the corner brackets.

16| With the tracks in place, the doors can then be assembled panel by panel.

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19| Torsion springs are mounted above the doors to operate the door with a controlled, steady motion.

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SKILL LEVEL

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21| The torsion spring is also supported by a center bracket.

22| Attaching this reinforcement bar ensures the top panel will stay flat and rigid when lifted.

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23| Winding the torsion spring requires using 18-in. winding bars made from 1/2-in. diameter cold rolled steel (not a typical toolbox staple). Notice the drums on each end that carry the cable up to the spring.

Because of the high-degree of tension applied to the spring and the potential for injury, most manufacturers recommend this step be done by a professional.

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WARNING

BECAUSE OF THE HIGH-DEGREE OF TENSION APPLIED TO THE SPRING AND THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY, MOST MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND THIS STEP BE DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL.

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24| Before moving forward, Molay tests the travel of the door.

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25| Additional angle brackets are fastened to the ceiling joists to support the garage door opener.

26| Assemble the garage door opener on the ground and mount it centered above the door. Essentially, a garage door opener works as a light-duty winch.

27| Installation of a lifter arm in the center of the door connects it the door opener.

28| Finally, the opener is wired to the controllers and to the sensors mounted to the bottoms of the doors.

29| Mount the controls in a location that is most convenient to how you'll be using them on a daily basis.

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ESSENTIALLY, A GARAGE DOOR OPENER WORKS AS A LIGHT-DUTY WINCH 28

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30| Decorate your door with optional accessories to give it a custom look.

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31| The finished project adds a lot of appeal to the front of the Laneys’ garage.

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Free Online Garage Door Design Tool

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How many times have you been told to "just imagine" how something would look in or on your home?

With garage doors, you don't have to imagine how a new garage door would enhance your home's curb appeal, you can actually see it! From Haas Doors, HaasCreate is a free design tool that serves as an online visualizer, located at www.haascreate.com.

It is also available as an easy-to-use app for the iPad, which doesn't require an internet connection to use, and is available for free at the Apple store.

Once installed, you can upload a photo of your home and outline the existing garage area. Then HaasCreate helps to instantly create a new garage door with different styles, options and colors at your fingertips. If you don't have a photo of your home exterior, don't worry. You can choose from sample home images on the app. Have fun making personal product selections — including a garage door style, color, windows, overlay colors, trim colors, handles and accessories — so you can customize your garage door perfectly to enhance the exterior of your home. Visit www.haascreate.com to learn more.

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GARAGE DOORS UP CLOSE

SKILL LEVEL

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CONSTRUCTION OF A RUSTIC-STYLE WOODEN BED

By Matt Weber

A few years ago I built my son a bed using reclaimed lumber from an old farmhouse owned by my grandparents. I now have a second son and a two-year-old daughter, which means I'm on the hook to build two more beds. The bed shown in this article is one I made for my youngest son, combining the same old-growth pine with some new store-bought lumber to create an old-fashioned cabin-style headboard and heavy-duty bed frame.

The only difference in design between this one and my oldest son's bed is the orientation of the reclaimed tongue-and-groove boards of the headboard—horizontal boards on the first bed and vertical boards on the second—a design detail you can customize for your own bed.

BED FRAME

The following instructions pertain to a queen size bed, nominally 60-by-80 inches.

I used a 12-in. sliding miter saw to cut four 6×6 bed posts to 11 inches. For the bed frame, You’ll need seven 8-ft. 2x4s; four for the bed rails and three for the crossmembers. The top of the frame is sheathed with 1/2-in. plywood flush with the edges.

Construction of the frame is fairly simple, with the exception of the notched posts that receive the rails. After cutting the posts to size and sanding them to an even height, mark the top ends with a Speed Square, allowing 3-1/2-in. of each 2x4 rail to set inside the corner posts flush with the outside edges of the bed.

The base is a simple but sturdy 2x4 bedframe supported by 6x6 posts.

[STEP 1] I cut the 6x6 into 11” posts using a 12” Bosch gliding miter saw.

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[STEP 2] Sand the posts flat and even.

[STEP 3] Notch the posts to receive 3-1/2” of the 2x4 bed rails.

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This photo shows the orientation of the post notches.

[STEP 4] Apply glue to the joints to reduce squeaking in the bed.

[STEP 5] Drive offset screws through the rails into the posts.

[STEP 6] Apply stain to what will be the visible areas of the bed frame.

The headboard is constructed from 2x8 and 1x6 fastened over a 1/2” plywood backer.

The 1x6 boards I used were reclaimed T&G boards from an old farmhouse, which I washed off before construction.

[STEP 7] Cut the 2x8s to length. Use a table saw to cut a 3/4”x3/8” groove along one edge of each.

[STEP 8 ] To match the weathered textured of the old boards, I distressed the surface of the new boards using a variety of tools, such as chains, hex nuts, hammers and a punch tool.

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[See photo for orientation of post notches to accept the bed rails.]

Use a circular saw to cut the notches (although you'll have to finish the cuts with a jigsaw, multi-tool or wood chisel).

Cut the 2x4 bed rails to length and insert them into the notches, using wood glue at all joints to help eliminate squeaking in the bed. Fasten the rails snugly using 3-in. wood screws. Use at least two offset screws driven through the face of each end into the posts.

The outside dimensions of the frame should approximate the size of bed you’re trying to build.

This queen size frame measured 58-1/2 by 79 inches.

Fasten the cross-members by spacing them evenly between the end rails then driving long screws through the side rails and into their end grain. Use two screws at each connection. Make sure the top edge of the cross-members align flush with the top of the posts and bed rails.

Cover the bed frame with 1/2-in. plywood, butting the sheets together over the center cross-member. Screw the plywood down using 1-in. screws every 18 inches over the 2x4s and cut flush with the outer edges of the frame.

I finished the bed frame with wood stain and two coats of polyurethane. However, I taped off its edges and left the interior plywood unfinished, since it would be concealed by a mattress.

PRESTAIN THE HEADBOARD

My first step was to lightly wash the old reclaimed 1x tongue-andgroove pine to remove loose dirt.

I love the old, distressed wood, complete with pinholes and rich character, but didn't want the dirt.

Note that any 1x wood boards could be substituted for the reclaimed lumber I used.

Rip the rounded edges off the new 2×8’s. The 2x8 boards will composes a frame around the old reclaimed 1x boards. Cut the 2x8s to length, then rip 3x8-in.

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rabbets along the inside edges of the 2x8’s on a table saw. The grooves will conceal the butted ends of the 1x6 T&G boards.

I recommend pre-staining all visible headboard components prior to assembly. There are many options for finishing, but I wanted this bed to maintain the aged and weathered appearance of the reclaimed 1x6 boards. My plan was to combine the reclaimed wood with new store-bought lumber.

To make the store-bought 2x8 lumber match the look of the old wood, I distressed the texture of the new boards. To achieve this effect, I beat up the surface, using a hammer, hex nuts and a trucker chain to dent and ding the wood. I even used a punch tool to add some characteristic termite holes that matched the reclaimed pine.

Because the new 2×8s had a much brighter color tone than the darker, weathered old boards, I applied a darker wood stain than I used on the 1x6 to achieve a close match between the old and new materials.

[STEP 9] Stain the headboard components prior to assembly.

[STEP 10] Fasten the top 2x8 and one of the legs onto the backerboard.

[STEP 11] Install the 2x8s using construction adhesive as well as screws driven through the back of the plywood.

[STEP 12] Loosely lay the 1x6 boards along the 2x8.

[STEP 13] The butted ends of the 1x6 should fit inside the groove of the 2x8 to conceal the joints.

[STEP 14] Adjust the placement and sequence of the 1x6 boards until satisfied with the pattern.

[STEP 15] Use long pipe clamps can help squeeze the assembly together.

[STEP 16] Fasten the 1x6 with screws driven from the back. Use screws short enough to avoid penetrating the 1x6 board face.

HEADBOARD ASSEMBLY

Assembly of the bed’s headboard begins with a 4×8 sheet of 1/2-in. plywood as a backerboard. All the other boards will be screwed onto the plywood backer. I used the sheet’s entire 48-in. height but trimmed its length to 59-1/2 inches.

Mount a 2x8 across the top of the plywood backer, cut flush with the edges. Screw it and glue it from the back with cabinet screws.

Make sure the rabbet is oriented to the inside edge of the 2x8.

Install one of the headboard's legs, butting against the top 2x8 and aligning it flush with the edge of the backer. Screw it and glue it securely from behind. Make sure to orient the rabbet of the 2×8 legs facing inside. The legs extend beyond the bottom of the plywood the same distance as the height of the completed bed frame. In my case, the legs extended 11-1/2 inches (post

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[STEP 17] After fastening the second leg, install the final 2x8 cut to fit between the legs.

[STEP 18] I ripped the 1x6 boards narrow on a table saw to use as trim pieces.

[STEP 19] Trim screws from U2 fasteners have small heads that can be easily concealed with filler.

[STEP 20] Each trim piece has a 3/4” reveal to add depth and shadow lines.

[STEP 21] The side trim extends the full length of the legs.

[STEP 22] The completed headboard is coated in polyurethane.

[STEP 23] The headboard connects to the bed frame with 5/16x5” Construction Screws from U2 Fasteners.

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height plus thickness of plywood sheathing). Clamps will help to hold the work-pieces steady while you fasten them together.

Note: When screwing from the back of the 1/2-in. ply, be sure to use screws short enough to avoid penetrating the face of the boards. Remember that although the 2x8s are 1-1/2-in. thick, the 1x boards only measure 3/4 inch, meaning any screw longer than 1-1/4 inch will penetrate the 1x board face.

At this point, I found it helpful to turn the entire headboard upside down and use gravity to help me keep the boards aligned. I laid out the old T&G boards loosely and adjusted their sequence to get the color and texture pattern I thought would look best to complete the field.

Once I was satisfied with the T&G board pattern, I applied glue to the plywood then re-clamped the boards on top using long pipe clamps to close the stubborn tongue-and-groove joints.

I fastened them all by carefully screwing through the rear of the backer.

As I completed the T&G field, I installed the final leg, sandwiching the old boards between the two parallel 2x8s and squeezing the entire assembly tight with long clamps before screwing them in place. The next step of the headboard is to add the bottom 2x8 cut to fit flush between the legs.

I then flipped the headboard back upright to install the surrounding trim. To give the headboard some shadow lines and a more finished appearance, I installed 1x trim that I ripped from the old T&G. First, I ripped two trim boards wide enough to conceal the side edges of the headboard, plus a 3/4-in. reveal. I aligned the rear edge of these two side pieces with the back of the plywood.

The trim boards begin at the floor and end flush with the top of the plywood, fastened to the leg with wood glue and finish nails.

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The final piece is the top trim board that creates a narrow mantle shelf on the headboard.

The top shelf should be cut long enough to create a 3/4-in. reveal over the trim boards on each side. The shelf should also be ripped 3/4-in. wider than the side trim boards to create a 3/4-in. reveal along the top.

I used glue and a few trimhead screws to install the top trim piece. The trim screws have a small fastener head that is easy to conceal with wood filler and stain.

After the headboard was fully assembled, a few coats of polyurethane gave it a rich gloss that highlighted the distressed character of the wood.

The two sections of the bed will each be very heavy, so plan to move the completed headboard and bed frame separately.

Recruit some help for the labor.

When you’re ready to assemble the bed, center the headboard along the back of the bed frame.

Use an impact driver to drive a couple of offset 5-in. rugged structural screws through each 2x8 leg and into the 6x6 bed posts. Move the bed into place so the headboard rests against the wall.

Apply a mattress. Find a pillow.

Take a nap.

[STEP 24] Take a nap.

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JOB

PM-4500 SPEEDHORSE VOSKER WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA WEED DRAGON

ESSENTIALS

PM-4500 SPEEDHORSE BoraTool.com

The HIR staff had the opportunity to test a pair of the new PM-4500 Speedhorses from Bora Tool. They’re lightweight and easy to deploy with a simple finger switch. The legs drop right of the body for instant setup “30x faster” than a standard sawhorse, so you can get to work within seconds.

Each individual unit can support 1500 lbs., which is 200 lbs. more than the leading competitors.

Read the digital version of this issue at HIRpub.digital and click the

BUY IT

button to purchase this item directly from Amazon!

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More length provides a larger workspace and greater stability. The pre-drilled metal slots allow you to screw in 2x4s for a sacrificial top, and the grip-tape surface helps hold plywood steady to serve as a jobsite work table. Plus, the non-sequential leg folding makes storage a snap. To break down your worksite, just pull the levers on each end and fold the legs up—doesn’t matter which order. This saves time and frustration. When folded, each sawhorse measures roughly 3-by-6-by-44 inches for compact storage.

WATCH AND LEARN Check out Matt’s video review of the Speedhorse from Bora Portamate at HIRpub.blog, or simply click the video image to the left if you are reading our digital magazine at HIRpub.digital.

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ESSENTIALS

WEED DRAGON FlameEngineering.com Homeowners everywhere know the aggravation of dealing with weeds. Farmers have long been aware of the effectiveness of using a controlled flame to combat weeds. The Weed Dragon is the farmer-inspired solution for the homeowner and gardener. The Weed Dragon is a 100,000-BTU propane-fueled torch designed specifically for the average consumer. Its low cost and ease of use make it possible for the homeowner to deal with weeds just like the pros. When flame weeding, the most effective method is to catch weeds early, from 1 to 4 inches. At this small stage, flaming is nearly 100-percent effective, whereas weeds over 4 inches are more difficult to kill without an extended dose of heat. By destroying cell structure in the plant leaf, the weed will no longer put energy toward growth, so even on big weeds, you will see a stunting effect or even a kill, depending on how established the root system is and how long the plant was exposed to heat. The Weed Dragon has received the National Home Gardening Club Member Tested Seal of Approval and is Made in the USA.

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Vosker.com There’s been a surge of recent security cameras that tap into your WiFi, but what do you do when there’s no access to WiFi but still need eyes on the area? Vosker Mobile 4G or LTE surveillance cameras don’t require WiFi or any wired connection to transmit surveillance right to your phone.

Set them up in less than 5 minutes and let them get to work. The Vosker V200 is a security camera ideal for just about any outdoor environment where security is important, including construction sites, country homes or even on a boat dock. Its high-definition AI image recognition and LTE connectivity help capture and record every detail in its surroundings. The built-in solar panel keeps the waterproof camera powered day and night, making it perfect for remote locations. The Vosker V100 utilizes a 4G connection and includes automatic motion detection.

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JOB

VOSKER WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA

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