Build Smarter with Alternative Materials
Table of Contents

Introduction | Preview A Chapter | Back Cover

1   Alternative Building Materials, 9

Why Use Alternative Materials?, 10

 2  Foundations, 15

Permanent Wood Foundations, 16
Concrete Wall Systems, 21

 3, Wall and Roof Systems, 37

Aerated Concrete Wall Units, 37
Mortarless Block System, 42
Structural Insulated Panels, 46
Insteel 3-D Panel System, 53
ThermaSteel System, 56
Panelized System, 59

 4  Framing Materials, 61

Log Homes, 61
Steel Framing, 64
Prefabricated Homes, 70
Sheathing, 72
Framing Members, 78

 5  Roofing Materials, 91

Shakes and Shingles, 91
Metal Systems, 97
Fiber-Cement Tiles, 99
Corrugated Fiber Roofing, 100
Miscellaneous Items, 101

 6  Siding Materials, 111

Wood Products, 111
Hardboard, 116
Fiber-Cement Composites, 121
Vinyl-Type Products, 124
Masonry Products, 131
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, 134
Siding Maintenance, 139

 7  Insulation Materials and Radiant Heat, 141

Insulation, 141
Housewrap, 149
Radiant Heat, 150

 8  Doors, Windows, and Trim, 155

Doors, 155
Windows, 160
DecoRoof, 164
Skylights, 167
Molding, 169

 9  Interior Products, 179

Wallboard, 179
Wallcovering/Cabinetry Products, 189
Flooring, 195
Problem Solvers, 205

10  Bathrooms and Kitchens, 209

Repair Instead of Replace, 209
Solid Surfacing, 215
Other Countertop Material, 220
Underlayment, 223
Paneling, 224
Fixtures, 225
Helpful Accessory Items, 228
Heat and Ventilation, 229
Let There Be Light!, 232

11  Decking, 235

Alternative Products, 235
Wood Products, 246
Hardware, 250
Protection, 256
Railing, 260
Landscaping, 262

12 Outdoor Products, 265

Railing and Fencing Systems, 265
Bulkheads/Retaining Walls, 276
Patios, 280
Invisible Pavements, 283
Miscellaneous, 287

13  Building to Help the Environment, 291

Reducing Waste and Recycling, 291
"Green" Building, 293
Who Can Help?, 295
Where Do We Go From Here?, 300
 

Appendix, 301

Abbreviations, 301
Who to Contact, 303
Organizations, 317

Index, 321

Introduction | Preview A Chapter | Back Cover