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John Carroll

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In the late 1960s, while still in high school, John Carroll spent two summers nailing asphalt shingles on the roofs of new houses in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. After acquiring carpentry and masonry skills, he became a general contractor in 1977. He is a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding and has written three books on building, all published by The Taunton Press (Measuring, Marking & Layout (1999), Working Alone (1999), and The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House (2014). He lives in Durham, N.C.

  • Watertight Chimney Cricket

    Easy-to-make tools simplify the framing, while time-tested flashing techniques make it last a lifetime.

  • How to Repair a Chimney Crown

    Depending on the size and severity of the cracks, you might be able to use products to repair the cap, or you may need to remove the old crown and build a new one.

  • How to Install Wood Corner Boards

    Learn tips for fitting and fastening this detail commonly found on traditional homes with clapboard or shingle siding.

  • Podcast 350: 40th-Anniversary-Edition Interview With John Carroll

    In this week's special anniversary episode, regular listener Ian Schwandt interviews longtime FHB contributor and Taunton Press book author John Carroll.

  • Building Brick Arches

    A seasoned mason's guide to planning and constructing this classic Roman-styled architectural feature.

  • Truss Options

    From gable-end to split trusses, there are plenty to choose from for almost any roof shape.

  • Introduction to Roof Trusses

    As part of an engineered system, it’s essential to understand how trussed roofs work.

  • Rafters vs. Trusses

    Compare the pros and cons of the two basic options for framing a roof.

  • The Loads Carried by a Roof

    Understand the difference between dead loads and live loads, and design and detail the roof structure to meet local weather conditions.

  • Essential Details for Stucco and Masonry Siding

    Get a basic overview of how to create a drainage plane behind masonry siding and how to secure these veneers to a wall.

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
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  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
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  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
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  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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