Comes compacted in bags and is poured or blown into walls and between joists of the attic floor.
Good for retrofitting insulation into previously uninsulated homes.
Each bag is labeled according to federal specifications for both mineral wool and cellulose. Left column lists the R-value, second column tells how many bags are needed to cover 1,000 square feet of attic floor area, the third column gives the minimum thickness after completing the job.
Some manufacturers have two columns on thickness for loose-fill and cellulose insulation. The second of these is labeled “settled density”. This is important since cellulose settles quickly.
Types include fiberglass rock wool and cellulose. Cellulose is made from waste paper that has been treated to be fire retardant. It is also less likely to cause skin irritation.
Batt and roll insulation encapsulated for easier handling.
Encapsulation enables the insulation to breathe and prevents condensation build-up.
Easier to handle by reducing dust and other irritants associated with insulation installation.
The non-woven type tends to stay in place better than plastic-wrap insulation. This product must meet all building code requirements for flame spread resistance, as it is flammable.
Can be used on the interior or exterior of the house, or on basement walls.
Usually comes in board form in a variety of sizes ranging from 8” squares to 4’ x 12’ sheets.
Some types are made of fiberboard and are popular because of their durability and low cost. Fiberboard repels water, while the asphalt coating eliminates the need for building paper.
Another type is made of extruded polystyrene. It is very resistant to moisture and is most highly recommended for below-ground use.
Molded polystyrene board is another type that dissipates water well.
Another type is polyisocyanurate sheathing that is available with aluminum foil or glass fiber mat facers. This type has the highest R-value per inch of thickness of all insulation products.
Comes in a liquid spray form that quickly foams and hardens.
May have a higher insulating value than blown-in materials, but is more expensive and still subject to shrinking.
For use only on closed, properly vented exterior wall cavities. It should be sealed from exposure to the interior with vapor- and fume-resistant paints.
Also suited for sealing cracks around windows, doors and constructions seams.
Installs similar to foam insulation, but comes in an aerosol can and is best for do-it-yourself use.
Best used for permanently sealing irregular gaps around the home, such as plumbing feed-thrus, electrical outlets, vents, etc.
After curing, it can be trimmed, sanded and painted.
When installing, only fill the area about 33 percent and the expanding foam will fill and seal the rest of the area.
Formulations include triple-expanding for general-purpose sealing and insulating; minimal-expanding for windows and door frames; and fast drying for multi-step projects such as filling a crack before painting.
Wear gloves and eye protection when applying.
Remove wet foam with acetone or acetone-based nail polish remover. Cured foam is difficult to remove from skin and clothes.
One type is made of foil and poly to trap air between the sheets of foil, generally using bubble pack.
A second type expands when installed between stud spaces. The resistance to heat flow depends on the heat flow direction. This type of insulation is most effective in reducing downward heat flow.
Comes in long rolls of various widths.
May be used in conjunction with many different building materials and cut to fit any shape.
Typically installed between roof rafters, floor joists or wall studs.
When a single reflective surface is used alone and faces an open space such as an attic, then it is called a radiant barrier.
For insulating water pipes from freezing in the winter. It also helps control heat loss when pipes carry hot water and controls condensation and dripping.
Available in preformed insulating tubes that fit over the pipe.
Another type comes in batt form, which can be wrapped around the pipe.
Seals the bottom of an exterior door, preventing drafts, water, noise, light and insects.
Usually made of aluminum extrusions with vinyl flaps.
Screws into the lower part of the door.
Some types lift automatically when the door is raised.
Another type is an aluminum extrusion with a rain-drip flange to prevent the flow of water off a door from collecting on a threshold and flowing under a door.
Another type is an adhesive-backed plastic door sweep.
Used in place of regular insect screening and blocks out most of the sun’s heat while serving as an insect barrier.
Available in aluminum material or as fiberglass ribbed-weave mesh.
Helps save energy; aluminum screens can reduce incoming heat by as much as 87 percent and fiberglass solar screen can reduce incoming heat by 70 percent.
Available in the same widths and colors as regular screen.
Plastic used as window film can be used to reduce heat, prevent heat loss to lower heating and cooling costs and to reduce fade and glare.
Can block up to 98 percent of UV radiation and about 80 percent of normal heat gain.
Film made of polyester is coated with water-activated or pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side and with a scratch-resistant coating on the other side.
Dyed films absorb heat and give a tinted appearance.
Metallic films can be clear or reflective. Use this type on double-glazed windows.
Is used in drywall construction as a bedding compound for the joint tape and to finish seams between drywall.
It is available in powder or ready-mixed form and comes in quarts, gallons and 5-gallon pails. Some ready-mixed types may also be used as texture paint.
One pound is sufficient for four lineal yards of joint surfaces.
Is a quick-setting white powder used to repair wallboard, plaster walls and ceilings, set bathroom wall fixtures—towel racks, soap dishes, etc.—and for art projects.
It usually hardens within 30 minutes.
No more water than necessary should be added; when water evaporates, the plaster shrinks.
Cuts through and dissolves rust from metal surfaces to form a metal shield that can be painted.
In jellied form, it clings well to vertical surfaces.
When brushed on, the rust dissolves quickly.
These products are extremely harsh on the skin; protective gloves should be worn.
The solution is applied with a stiff brush or aerosol spray and allowed to dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on humidity (check manufacturer labeling and literature).
One of the strongest adhesives known, epoxy is designed primarily for the bonding of non-porous surfaces, but can also be used effectively on wood.
Available in clear, white or metallic finish.
Most epoxies come in two parts: a resin and a hardener (or “catalyst”) which must be mixed together before the adhesive is used. Once mixed, the material will set permanently in a specified length of time—most will permanently bond, even under water.
The bond will withstand most solvents when curing is complete.
Excellent for sealing gaps and will withstand vibration and shock.
Can be used on pipes, radiators, wood, metal, ceramic tile, china, marble, glass and masonry.
Since epoxy is toxic and flammable, use extreme caution when handling.
Generally referred to as latex caulks and sealants, water-based caulks are the easiest to work with because they apply easily, are paintable, have little odor and clean up with water.
Ideal curing conditions are warm (above 40 degrees), dry weather.
Effective for filling gaps in baseboard and trim, as well as for caulking around interior window and door frames.
Generally available in cartridges ranging from 10-12 oz. as well as convenient squeeze tubes ranging from 4 oz. to 6 oz.
Vinyl Latex Caulk usually effective for five years and is most effective on small cracks in baseboards and little gaps around windows. Vinyl latex is non-flammable and paintable but not very flexible. It hardens over time.
Acrylic Latex Caulk is a general-purpose caulk—more flexible than vinyl latex caulks. It is water-based, easy to apply, non-flammable and cleans with water. It adheres to most surfaces—best on wood and masonry—and it can be painted shortly after application. It is available in pigments that allow it to match many surfaces. It remains effective for 10 to 15 years. However, it is not recommended for an area that is subject to excessive water collection. It is flexible and it maintains that flexibility over time. It should not be applied in temperatures of less than 40° F.
Tub and Tile Caulk is a specialty performance caulk with added mildewcide to protect against mildew growth in the areas prone to moisture (kitchens, bathrooms). Some tub and tile caulks are more flexible and crack-resistant. Many formulations include adhesives that combine a sealant and adhesive in one. Like other latex caulks, they apply easily, are non-flammable, clean up with water, and are paintable and mildew resistant. They are available in a variety of colors.
Used for a variety of jobs, most often around electrical outputs, pipe penetrations and large voids or openings where the elements can infiltrate a structure.
It expands to fill gaps, holes and voids and is good for insulation purposes.
It is easy to apply, cures quickly, is paintable and offers good adhesion.
Are solvent-based, with a life expectancy of two to 10 years.
Butyl rubber is good for sealing out water in lap joints, such as gutters. It is also a good choice for metals and masonry, as well as outside for chimneys.
Probably the best waterproofing sealant for below-grade applications, such as foundations.
Stringy, difficult to apply and slow curing, they are most efficient when applied to openings between similar surfaces.
Not recommended for openings wider or deeper than 1/4″ or in 90° corners.
These sealants offer low to moderate movement capabilities.
A relative newcomer to the caulk category, synthetic rubber caulk is perhaps the most flexible product on the market.
Cures clear and is ideal for exterior joints that typically expand and contract.
Can be applied in adverse weather conditions (wet and cold).
Stretches easily without breaking and recovers easily.
Great for use on roofs, wood siding and joints that frequently show movement.
Can be painted with latex paint.
Due to higher VOC content, can’t be used indoors in some parts of the country, although manufacturers have introduced low VOC formulations to the marketplace.
Offers the advantage of storage space under and next to the sink.
The mounting for vanity sinks can be self-rimming, flush-mounted, undermounted or integral. Integral sink basins are typically made of solid surfacing or cultured stone, and any damage to the sink will mean replacing the entire unit.
In addition to cultured stone and solid surfacing, bath sinks are made of enameled steel, vitreous china, glass, cast iron and stainless steel. Vitreous china is the most common material, since it provides a high-gloss finish and is durable and sanitary.
For bath vanities, 34″-36″ is a more comfortable height for adults than the typical height of 30″-32″.
Provides an extra deep, multi-purpose single bowl for pre-washing laundry or washing out items like paint brushes not suitable or other more expensive sinks.
Uses a high-speed rotating table powered by a sealed motor, it flings kitchen waste against a stationary shredder, cutter or grinder.
This action, together with a full flow of cold running water that must be used while the disposal is operating, reduces the garbage to fine particles and flushes them down the drain to the sewage system.
Fits standard 3-1/2″ to 4″ sink drain openings and are installed under the sink drain.
Cold water congeals grease and prevents it from coating the drain line. Hard particles, such as bone and eggshell, actually scour the drain line as they whirl down and help keep it clean.
One type is the Continuous-Feed disposals. Garbage can be fed while the machine is in operation. These disposals are controlled by a wall switch and operated with a continuous flow of cold water.
A flexible splashguard at the disposal opening stops backsplash and helps to catch non-food items that may accidentally fall into the opening.
Batch-Feed disposals grind or pulverize food waste one load at a time. The hopper is filled and cold water added. When the cover is put in place, the unit begins operating. Some models have a magnetic switch control in the cover; others require a locking turn of the cover to activate the unit. No other switch is necessary. The safer design of batch-feed disposals makes them more attractive to homeowners with children.
A sealed motor requiring an electrical hook-up powers most garbage disposals.
The typical disposal has an overload switch that shuts off the motor if something is jammed.
Disposals will grind most garbage–from the sink and the dishwasher–but they are not intended for glass, crockery, leather, metal, newspaper, paper cartons, rubber or plastic.
The standard Drop-In tub installs within a tile or solid-surface surround within three walls of the bathroom, while the old-fashioned Clawfoot tubs are freestanding.
Standard size for tubs is 60″ wide, 30″ deep and 14″ high.
Whirlpool and deep tubs are designed for soaking and relaxation. These tubs can be separate or incorporate a shower combination.
Cast iron tubs are the most durable and do not stain or scratch easily.
Acrylic is a better insulating material so the water takes longer to cool, and its light weight and flexibility makes it a better choice for larger tubs.
Fiberglass tubs are easy to install, but are more apt to fade and scratch.
Tub and shower combinations are typically made of reinforced fiberglass with a polyester finish.
Has a base mat of glass fibers covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules.
Some types may use a polyester or fiberglass blend for the base mat.
An inorganic shingle.
Features a better fire rating and often has a longer warranty than other types of shingles.
Does not absorb water and resists cracking.
Most come with seal-down strips. These are most effective when applied in warm weather, which allows the asphalt in the strip to soften and adhere to the next shingle.
An inorganic-based shingle usually has a Class A fire resistance rating from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL also tests for shingle performance in high winds. To qualify for the wind-resistance label, shingles must withstand test winds of at least 60 mph for two hours without a single tab lifting.
Used on lower-slope roofs or as a supplement to shingles.
Comes with either a smooth or mineral-covered surface on a heavy felt base that has been saturated with asphalt and then coated on both sides with more asphalt.
Easy to install.
A typical roll roofing, known as 90-lb. granule-coated, will cover 100 square feet.
A 45-lb. smooth roofing, without granules, will also cover 100 square feet.
A properly applied roll roofing should last from 10 to 20 years.
Some flashing may be called a “boot”. This kind is specially made to fit around a vent pipe. They are often made of plastic. It fits snugly over the pipe and then slides under the shingles for a waterproof joint.
Seals with flashing sealant, usually sold in a tube and applied with a caulk gun.
Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors, textures and profiles.
Benefits include easy installation and low maintenance. Color is solid throughout, so scratches don’t show. Available in widths up to 12” in lap.
Aluminum siding is used less frequently than vinyl siding. Has a baked-on enamel factory finish that fades over time and needs to be repainted. Can be installed over any structurally sound surface.
Must be grounded with a No. 8 or larger wire to the cold-water service or the electrical service ground.
Wood siding typically comes in redwood and cedar. Wood is a natural insulator and adds to the R-value of the wall. Not as popular as other types of siding as it is high maintenance. May be stained or painted.
Fiber cement siding looks, feels and installs similar to wood.
Created by mixing Portland cement, sand, clay and wood fiber and forming it into siding panels with various textures, including wood grain, smooth or stucco texture. Usually comes primed and ready to paint. Has a Class 1 (A) fire rating and resists rot and wood-boring insects.
Made of a tempered hardboard, wood or particleboard with or without a veneer, and from several kinds of solid wood.
Ash, birch, mahogany, hemlock and pine are commonly used for solid doors.
Comes in standard widths for front and rear entrances. Narrower widths are sometimes used between house and garage and/or breezeway.
More fire resistant than hollow-core doors. Particleboard is more fire-resistant than natural wood and it resists warping because of its higher density.
Available pre-hung, which means the door is hinged in a framework that includes the header and side jambs of the door and the casing trim. The door may also be predrilled for the lockset.
Each section is hinged to its side of the doorway with a single fold down the center of each. When closed, they meet in the middle of the doorway.
Usually designed for an extra-wide doorway between rooms and on closets.
Constructed of metal, wood or composite wood. It can also feature decorative glass or mirrored glass for decorative effect.
Louvered bifold doors are an assembly of slats—or sometimes a combination of panels and slats—that slope downward to permit ventilation while preserving privacy.
Made with safety or insulated glass and comes with a screen for hot-weather use.
Low-E glass offers protection from ultraviolet rays and is more energy efficient than regular glass.
Frames may be wood, aluminum, fiberglass or PVC vinyl in a variety of finishes.
Aluminum patio doors are generally the least expensive as they are the least durable and energy efficient.
May be two-, three- or four-panels wide. A two-panel door has one active (sliding) panel and one inactive (stationary) panel. A three-panel door has one active and two inactive panels. A four-panel door typically has two active panels in the middle and two inactive panels on the outside.
Pocket doors are ideal for wardrobes, dining rooms, bedrooms or anywhere space is at a premium. It frees up floor space by allowing the door to recess into the wall.
The pocket door kit includes all the pieces needed to convert a regular doorframe into one that will accept a pocket door.
The door is sold separately, and is typically either a solid wood or hollow frame door that is slightly smaller than the size of the frame where it is being installed.
Kit includes tracks, rollers, steel/wood wall studs and miscellaneous hardware.
A bay window is made of three windows: one large unit in the middle and two flanking windows that are usually placed at 30- to 45-degree angles.
A bow window is made of four or more windows that, all together, form a shape that curves outward. It looks like a bay window, but is free of sharp angles.
Sometimes called combination windows because they combine the functions of storm and screen windows.
Typically made of aluminum
Easy to install and usually attached directly to the exterior casing surrounding the window.
The single-track type consists of a piece of glass in a lightweight sash, fixed permanently in a nail-on frame.
The dual-track style has a glazed sash and screen. The glazed sash is in the top half of the outer track and the screen is in the lower half. Another glazed sash in the inside track covers the screen and can be raised to uncover the screen for ventilation.
The triple-track storm window has two glazed sash and a screen panel, all in a separate track. This is best for second floor windows.
A window installed on a sloping roof. Also called a roof window.
Can be stationary or vented.
Sizes range from 18” to 60” wide to 18” to 60” long. Usually, there should be only one square foot of skylight for every 20 square feet of floor space.
Opening the window can be controlled by a manual crank,sometimes reached with a long pole, or by a remote electronic operation.
A tubular skylight is one type designed for rooms where a larger, standard skylight may not be practical. Easy to install, it features a one-piece flashing system to eliminate the possibility of leaks.
A self-flashing or curb-mounted roof window works best with asphalt or fiberglass shingles.
Consists of a core of gypsum plaster covered with two sheets of heavy paper.
Panels are 4’ wide and range in length from 6’ to 16’.
Boards 1/4” thick are normally used for recovering old walls and ceilings.
Boards 3/8” thick are used in two-ply construction.
Boards 1/2” and 5/8” are used in single-ply new work. 5/6” boards provide better fire resistance and sound control.
Benefits include low cost and ease of installation. The plain-papered face provides an excellent surface for paint or wallpaper.
The edges are typically made with a slight taper, which allows for a filled and tapered joint.
Greenboard is a type of gypsum wallboard that has a water-resistant (not waterproof) facing and is used in bathrooms and areas that will be exposed to water or steam.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun damage the asphalt binder used as the paving material. The sealer protects asphalt against oil, tar and gasoline and keeps water from settling in pores.
Apply at 70°F or higher and require 24 to 48 hours to dry before use.
The coal tar type of sealer needs to be resurfaced yearly and may contain hazardous chemicals.
The acrylic sealer type is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Usually constructed of nylon. Polyester, wool, acrylic and polypropylene are also used.
Styles include level loop pile (Berber), multi-level loop pile, cut and loop pile, cut pile and sisal.
Quality of carpet depends on the density of construction (the denser the better) and the twist, or how many fibers have been intertwined to make the yarn (the tighter the twist, the better the carpet).
Use with carpet padding to extend the life of the carpet.
Installation products will include tack strips, a sharp razor-type knife, a chalk line and a straight edge.
Generally available in large, 12’ rolls in varying lengths, or in square tiles.
Available in a variety of patterns and colors.
Most floors have a no-wax surface, although most manufacturers recommend specially formulated floor finish to enhance or restore shine and provide added protection.
Quality depends on the thickness of the material. In general, urethane floors last longer than vinyl.
Installed by gluing to the subfloor with an adhesive made for the material.
The square tile type often has an adhesive backing that makes for easier installation.
More durable and easier to maintain than vinyl or wood flooring.
Glazed tile is made of clay that has been single fired at a high temperature, a process that makes color and shape permanent and a surface that is resistant to stains, burns and scratches.
Comes with a durability rating from 1 to 4+. Class 1 is the least durable, while 4+ is intended for commercial applications with heavy traffic.
Available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Comes in sizes 12” x 12”, and accent pieces can be 2”x 2”, 4” x 4” or 6” x 6”.
A popular grade is A-C EXT, which has one paintable surface and can be used outside.
Type A-A EXT is also available if both sides will be exposed.
Plywood siding is also available, and comes in standard patterns such as texture 1-11, reverse board and batten and others.
A “shop-grade” panel is one that, after its manufacturing process, failed to meet the specifications of a specific grade. The piece can still be used for some applications, but should not be recommended for structural applications.
A “mill certified” panel does not carry the approval of a quality control agency, but may be used for non-regulated projects such as storage sheds or shelves.
Made from wood chips that are mechanically reduced to wood fibers and then bonded together into panels through heat and pressure.
Panels are thin, grainless, dense, uniformly textured, strong and bone-dry.
Used as an exterior siding, interior paneling, as a garage door panel, perforated boards, for furniture, toys, cabinets, floor underlayment and many other items.
Can be sawed, shaped, routed and drilled and will accept paint and varnish.
Not recommended for use in areas with high temperature or humidity because warping can occur.
Made from standard dimension lumber glued face to face.
Lengths are as long as 150’, using finger-jointed materials.
Frequently used as garage door headers and girders.
A recent development is a glulam that uses fiber-reinforced plastic in the lower part of the beam to create a lighter, stronger and less expensive timber.
Softwood paneling comes in either knotty grades (2 & Better Common and 3 Common) or clear grades (Superior, Prime, Select, C & Better Select or D Select).
Hardboard panelings have vinyl, printed or paper surfaces that make them look like genuine wood. Woodgrain finishes are the most popular, but other varieties are available in solid colors, marbleized patterns and novelty designs.
Another type is plywood wall paneling. On the back of these panels, a stamp will indicate information such as glue type, fire resistance, wood species used and structural description.
Comes in 4’ x 8’ sheets in thicknesses from 1/8” to 5/32”.
Have either smooth or V-grooved edges.
Perforated paneling is a hardboard that comes in 4’ x 8’ sheets in thicknesses of 1/8” or 1/4”. Thicker panels will support more weight.
Known for its ease of workmanship and nailing as well as strength and dimensional stability.
Western lumber includes more than 15 commercially important Western softwood species.
Most common species are Douglas fir and Hem-fir.
Can be classified as High Quality Appearance, General Purpose Board or Radius-Edged Patio Decking Grade.
The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) has a rigorous inspection and quality control process. Lumber with the WWPA logo indicates the lumber has passed that quality control process.
Lumber with only the “WWPA Rules” stamp indicates the lumber has been graded according to the WWPA rules, but not been inspected by WWPA.
Most redwood sold is heartwood and sapwood grade. Each type comes in several grades, from a fine finish appearance to a rougher, less attractive finish.
Heartwood contains natural barriers to termites and decay and is suited for applications that come into contact with the ground.
Sapwood contains cream-colored streaks. It should not be used in contact with the ground.
Architectural redwood is the strongest redwood. It is normally kiln-dried and used for structural and finish applications.
Garden redwood comprises lower grades that are not kiln-dried and are commonly used for decks, fences and other outdoor garden uses.
Lumber treated to resist weather, termites and fungus.
Treatment involves chemical preservatives forced deep into the cells in the wood under pressure.
Wood used for decks and other outdoor consumer use is generally treated with an inorganic chemical. In 2004, the EPA outlawed the use of arsenic as a method of treating wood. ACQ and copper azole are the current popular chemicals used.
Treated wood still absorbs water, and the treatment is not considered waterproof, but rather decay-proof.
Wood species typically used include Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, Hem-fir and Southern yellow pine.
Always wear respiratory protection when cutting treated lumber.
Common types include cove, crown, bed, attic and picture.
Available in many different widths, from 1/2” to over 5”.
Several types can be combined for more elaborate trim work.
Picture molding is placed below the ceiling and traditionally was used to support a wire that held picture frames. Today, they are used mostly decorative than functional.
A non-self supporting type of ladder with two similar sections that are linked with internal guides on the bottom of base section and external guides on the top.
Sections are pulled apart to increase length.
Used for working in high areas and primarily for exterior applications.
Available in heights ranging from 16’ to 40’.
Smaller extension ladders are extended manually and secured with gravity spring lock brackets
that rest on the selected rung.
Larger extension ladders are extended by means of a rope and pulley running down the side of the ladder and secured with a cleat.
Generally available in all aluminum and fiberglass with aluminum rungs.
Rungs can be round or flat and are usually serrated for enhanced slip resistance.
Ladder shoes pivot to allow full contact with ground. Shoes can also be turned up to penetrate soft ground for extra stability.
Quality classifications include consumer (household), commercial (mechanic) and industrial grades.
Comes compacted in bags and is poured or blown into walls and between joists of the attic floor.
Comes in continuous rolls that vary in width and thickness.
Sold in either pre-cut or perforated into shorter lengths.
Batt and roll insulation encapsulated for easier handling.
Can be used on the interior or exterior of the house, or on basement walls.
Comes in a liquid spray form that quickly foams and hardens.
Installs similar to foam insulation, but comes in an aerosol can and is best for do-it-yourself use.
One type is made of foil and poly to trap air between the sheets of foil, generally using bubble pack.
For insulating water pipes from freezing in the winter. It also helps control heat loss when pipes carry hot water and controls condensation and dripping.
Made of extruded aluminum and vinyl.
Resilient, rustproof, fire resistant and melt-proof.
Rustproof, corrosion proof and flame retardant.
Offers a nostalgic look for accenting old homes.
Inserted into grooves in screen frame after screen is tucked in to hold screen in place.
Used in place of regular insect screening and blocks out most of the sun’s heat while serving as an insect barrier.
Plastic used as window film can be used to reduce heat, prevent heat loss to lower heating and cooling costs and to reduce fade and glare.
Is a long-lasting material used for glazing wood or metal sash.
Is used in drywall construction as a bedding compound for the joint tape and to finish seams between drywall.
Is a fast-setting powder ready to use by adding water.
Is a quick-setting white powder used to repair wallboard, plaster walls and ceilings, set bathroom wall fixtures—towel racks, soap dishes, etc.—and for art projects.
Cuts through and dissolves rust from metal surfaces to form a metal shield that can be painted.
Fast acting thinner, cleaner and remover for resins, inks, adhesives and contact cement.
Fast evaporating clear, colorless solvent.
High solvency thinner for oil based paint, lacquers, varnish and adhesives.
Fast evaporating, clear, colorless solvent.
Medium evaporating, clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent for thinning varnishes and rubber.
Also known as polyvinyl acetate (PVA).
Also called carpenter’s glue.
Also called Super Glue (cyanoacrylates), this glue creates a strong, instant bond with a small amount of glue.
One of the strongest adhesives known, epoxy is designed primarily for the bonding of non-porous surfaces, but can also be used effectively on wood.
Is a one-part adhesive offering the strength of an epoxy without mixing.
Can be used on many surfaces, but the joints it makes may come apart under a heavy load.
Is two-component adhesive of liquid resin and powdered catalyst.
Ideal for strong, flexible joints on wood, dissimilar surfaces such as metal, rubber, glass, ceramics, brick, wood and polystyrene foam.
Is powdered urea formaldehyde glue.
Also known as mastic, which is a general term for any thick adhesive.
Generally referred to as latex caulks and sealants, water-based caulks are the easiest to work with because they apply easily, are paintable, have little odor and clean up with water.
Combines silicone with acrylic latex formulas for improved water resistance.
Is good for use around bathtubs and sinks because it resists mold and mildew.
Used for a variety of jobs, most often around electrical outputs, pipe penetrations and large voids or openings where the elements can infiltrate a structure.
Are solvent-based, with a life expectancy of two to 10 years.
A relative newcomer to the caulk category, synthetic rubber caulk is perhaps the most flexible product on the market.
Delivers excellent performance on vinyl, fiber cement, aluminum and wood siding.
Male threaded on one end with a smaller diameter female thread on the other.
Attaches directly to pipe threads to reduce pipe size.
Three female openings in a T shape.
Also called a Y Bend.
A three-part fitting that connects any standard size pipe where it may be necessary to disconnectt later, such as on a water heater.
Connects a pipe to a wall, floor or any flat surface.
Joins a smaller drainpipe to a larger one, such as a 1-1/2″ pipe to a 3″ pipe.
Provides a rigid installation for mounting an elbow to a wall.
Offers the advantage of storage space under and next to the sink.
The bowl rests on a pedestal and does not have storage space underneath.
Also called a laundry sink.
Uses a high-speed rotating table powered by a sealed motor, it flings kitchen waste against a stationary shredder, cutter or grinder.
The standard Drop-In tub installs within a tile or solid-surface surround within three walls of the bathroom, while the old-fashioned Clawfoot tubs are freestanding.
Attaches to drywall, plaster or most any solid surface.
Some units come in one piece, mainly for new construction or major remodels.
Often sold in a style that matches other bathroom accessories, and some manufacturers will match them to light fixtures.
Often sold in a style that matches other bathroom accessories such as towel bars.
Installed for safety around tubs to help prevent falls.
Has a base mat of glass fibers covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules.
Also known as a laminated asphalt shingle, or architectural shingle.
Less expensive than shingles.
Steel panels designed to cover the roof in place of shingles.
A roofing material known for its durability, as it can last up to 50 years.
Typically made of cedar, although composite wood shingles are available.
Strips of sheet metal or roofing material.
L-shaped weather-resistant metal.
Also called building paper.
Used with roof cement to add strength and flexibility to surface repairs.
A trowel-grade, general-use sealing compound.
Also called lap cement roof adhesive.
Vents exhaust from the attic and extends the life of the roof.
An air intake on the soffit or eave.
Designed to complement most brands of vinyl siding.
Turbine vents that consist of a turbine mounted on a sheet metal cylinder.
Used to ventilate basements and crawl spaces.
Used for bathroom fan exhausts, kitchen duct outlets and attic ventilation.
Provides an exhaust for the dryer.
Offers a waterproof surface for installing outlets, lighting and plumbing fixtures with new siding.
Changes the direction of a run of gutter.
Used to stop a run of gutter.
Used to hold a gutter to the eave of the roof.
Used to attach the gutter downspout to the side of the house.
Diverts water away from the foundation of the house.
Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors, textures and profiles.
Outside corner posts provide a more finished appearance at the outside corner of adjoined walls.
Soffit panels enclose the underside of an eave.
Used to trim out the ends of siding panels where they meet a door or window.
Has wooden or cardboard ribs inside for stability.
Made of a tempered hardboard, wood or particleboard with or without a veneer, and from several kinds of solid wood.
Typically galvanized steel facing with polystyrene, polyurethane, wood or particleboard cores.
Easy to maintain and requires less time to refinish.
One style is woven, which is used when ventilation is necessary and usually consists of natural wood or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
A door that comes in two sections.
Made with safety or insulated glass and comes with a screen for hot-weather use.
Also known as a café door.
Also known as a garden door.
Provides extra security to the exterior door and protects against weather and stops drafts through door openings.
Pocket doors are ideal for wardrobes, dining rooms, bedrooms or anywhere space is at a premium. It frees up floor space by allowing the door to recess into the wall.
Hinged panels allow overhead garage doors to roll up and down with ball-bearing rollers and a rope pulley on a steel track.
Has a two-sash system
Has a single sash hinged at one side to swing open by means of a crank or lever.
Has a single sash hinged at the top.
A bay window is made of three windows: one large unit in the middle and two flanking windows that are usually placed at 30- to 45-degree angles.
A fixed window.
Slides horizontally to open.
Sometimes called combination windows because they combine the functions of storm and screen windows.
A window installed on a sloping roof. Also called a roof window.
Consists of a core of gypsum plaster covered with two sheets of heavy paper.
Contains all the elements needed to mix concrete except water.
Contains masonry cement and sand, everything but water needed for a mortar.
Used to patch cracks in concrete.
Used for patching concrete.
Fortified with epoxy to make it one of the toughest masonry patchers available
Used for setting bolts, handrails or anything to be set in concrete.
A combination of cement and fine sand that the user mixes with water.
Used to plug running leaks in masonry surfaces.
Used to maintain outdoor asphalt surfaces.
Usually constructed of nylon. Polyester, wool, acrylic and polypropylene are also used.
Installed underneath the carpet.
Generally available in large, 12’ rolls in varying lengths, or in square tiles.
Available in planks or parquet tiles.
A popular alternative to solid hardwood flooring.
Consists of thin layers of wood or paper products adhered to a resilient foam core.
More durable and easier to maintain than vinyl or wood flooring.
Made of natural marble.
Made of solid granite.
Made of shale with a natural cleft finish.
Has a shale body, extruded then cut to size with edges ground smooth.
Poured between the joints of a tile installation.
A laminate made from thin sheets of wood called veneers.
Plywood construction acceptable for outdoor use.
Known as OSB.
Also known as wood fiber substrate.
A hard, dense composition board made of very small particles of wood bonded together with resin under intense heat and pressure.
Known as LVL.
Made from standard dimension lumber glued face to face.
Composed of thin OSB or plywood web that is bonded to the top and bottom flanges of lumber or LVL.
Softwood paneling comes in either knotty grades (2 & Better Common and 3 Common) or clear grades (Superior, Prime, Select, C & Better Select or D Select).
Known for its ease of workmanship and nailing as well as strength and dimensional stability.
Most redwood sold is heartwood and sapwood grade. Each type comes in several grades, from a fine finish appearance to a rougher, less attractive finish.
Has high strength, resistance to wear and holds fasteners well. It is often used in homes and other structures.
Lumber 1” thick and of varying widths and lengths.
Lumber treated to resist weather, termites and fungus.
The trim used where the wall and ceiling meet.
The trim used where the floor and wall meet.
Used to protect and decorate the outside corners of an interior wall.
Sometimes referred to as window or door casing.
When paneling goes only part way up the wall, it is called wainscot.
Used to conceal joints when plywood panels or boards meet.
Installed at the corners where two runs of molding meet.