JLC Workbooks - Journal of Light Construction

Skylights and Dormers Challenge

How well do you know skylights and dormers?

Test your knowledge

The Roto windows had been fastened to the roof with a few screws driven through angle brackets; the new, Velux skylights are fastened to the roof sheathing with 1 1/4‑inch roofing nails (included with the installation kit) driven through pre-punched holes in the units’ aluminum mounting flanges.

Radiant Hydronic Heating Challenge

How well do you know radiant hydronic heating and cooling?

Test your knowledge

Kelly and Dwyer ran the extensive tubing for the home's innovative radiant slab heating system themselves, as a cost savings and a learning opportunity. Main runs from the system's manifold were insulated. Here, Kelly works tubing into a bent conduit at the manifold connection.

Deck and Railings Challenge

How well do you know decks and railings?

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Water drains from the deck through a large scupper in the curb and runs through a custom-fabricated leader head. The powder-coated aluminum deck railing is also custom-fabricated.

Door and Window Skills Challenge

How well do you know door and window installation?

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After fastening the window frame in the opening, the carpenters reinstalled the unit’s sashes. Some minor damage occurred as a result of pulling the windows (mainly where the trim fastened to the windows), so they were repaired and repainted.

Exterior Trim Design and Installation Challenge

How well do you know exterior trim design and installation?

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To save time and money, the original siding was kept in place for the installation. To fit the exterior trim, Manny holds the molding in place and scribes a line along the ends of the siding boards.