Structural Issues
- Old-House Lumber & Framing Systems
Balloon Framing Details - The Preservation and Repair of Historic Log Buildings
A concise history and description of American log buildings, plus guidance on preservation and maintenance. - Wood Rot
The key to preventing rot is to control the wood's exposure to moisture and to employ a treatment program. - Home is here the hearth is
A first-person account of lovingly stripping and restoring a 100-year-old mantel -- complete with how-to tips - Common nail sizes
Can't remember which nail is how long? You're not alone. - Concrete floor slabs on ground
A primer, with illustrations, on the parts of a slab foundation - Balloon Framing
Is balloon framing a fire hazard? - The Seismic Retrofit of Historic Buildings
Keeping Preservation in the Forefront - Protecting your property from earthquakes
Inexpensive steps homeowners can take to prevent property damage - Stone foundations - cause for concern?
Common in old houses, stone foundations can be a source of trouble ... and need regular maintenance. - Termite damaged wood in an old house
The floor joists in our "new" old house have extensive termite damage. What should we do? - Preservation of Historic Adobe Buildings
Traditional materials and construction of adobe buildings and the causes of adobe deterioration - A primer on composite woods
Manufactured products changing lumber industry - Chimney Flue Liners
Liners can make old chimneys stronger and safer. Here's what you need to know to buy one. - A rotted sill - What now?
"Our deck wasn't flashed - and now the sill where it was attached to the house has rotted." - Flashing - a necessary defense against leaks
Good flashing installations take time -- but it is time well invested. - Termite treatments & prevention tips
There are two kinds of homes: those that have termites and those that will. - Termites - Where are they a problem?
These two maps show sections of the U.S. where termites are most prevalent. - Sheathing, tarpaper and clapboards
The clapboards on my old house are nailed directly to the frame -- with no sheathing. Should I rebuild my walls? - How to repoint old stone and brick walls
That bag of ready-mix mortar can be mighty tempting - but can also damage your home. - Pinhole leaks in copper water lines
What's the problem here and how should we deal with it? - Structural Terra Cotta
Many stucco homes from the 1920s and '30s were made from these durable, fire-proof building blocks. - Deck details - using compatible materials
Pressure-treated lumber and aluminum flashing don't mix. Here's what to use so that an outdoor deck will stand the test of time. - Oops! My foundation is longer than my new house!
Our modular home builder messed up. What should I do now? - Faltering Foundation
In a pre-Civil War house, bricks in a basement bearing wall begin to crumble, suggesting foundation repairs are on the horizon - 6 Easy Steps to Stone Wall Repair
Old stone walls are a charming feature of many historic homes, but from time to time, those stone walls might need a bit of repair. These six handy tips for stone wall repair can help you get the job done right the first time. - DIY Concrete and Crack Repair for Patios, Walkways, and Driveways
If your concrete base is sound, repairing fissures is a job you may want to take a crack at. Read on to find out how. - How to Handle Cracks in Your Concrete Foundation
Even the best-laid concrete foundations may crack over time. A DIYer can handle many of the fissures, but for structural or soil problems, you should call a pro. Find out which concrete cracks you might be able to handle yourself and which you should leave to the professionals.
