As a builder and flooring installer, I’ve learned the benefits of oriented strand board (OSB) and have often used it as a cost-effective alternative to plywood for sheathing and subfloors. The ...

Can new plywood be installed on a 40-year-old roof without removing the old? Roy Gingrich of Ellicott City has a 40-year-old house with an asphalt shingle roof surface. The existing asphalt shingles ...

Last week, a reader asked our opinion about insulating his crawl space and doing a little earthquake retrofitting under his San Mateo home. We recommended that he install batt insulation between the ...

Q: I need a new roof and am in the process of getting estimates. Currently there are three layers of shingles, which I am told is the limit. I can't decide whether to tear off the entire roof, adding ...

Q. I'm trying to educate myself about new construction, as I'm thinking of building a new home. I see carpenters nail on large sheets of wood onto the wall studs. What's the purpose of this funny ...

Q: I'm trying to educate myself about new construction because I'm thinking of building a new home. I see carpenters nail large sheets of wood onto the wall studs. What's the purpose of this ...

Which house holds up better in a fierce storm _ one with concrete exterior walls or one made of wood? “Ask about any builder what they want in their own home, and they’ll usually say concrete block _ ...

DEAR TIM: I have a house wrap installed on my house over plywood sheathing. No clapboards are in place yet. I’m getting moisture behind the house wrap that is of concern to me. The product was ...