Hey folks! Due to some technical issues with transferring the content, I’ve decided to publish new blog posts on our website’s “News” page, which you can find at https://www.hirpub.com/news! Please drop by for a visit! Thanks for reading, and keep up the good work! — Matt ..read more

Our magazines are distributed in print and digital editions. Check out the digital back issues HERE, and if you’d like to sign up for our newsletter to receive each digital issue in your inbox free of charge, just enter your email address at https://www.hirpub.com/digital-issue ..read more

This short video focuses on what I consider to be the Number One rule of applying an exterior wood stain/sealer: Always brush the product into the wood grain. Watch to learn why ..read more

image © Simpson Strong-Tie Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Eight-Episode Video Series for Contractors and Homeowners on How to Build a Stronger Deck Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader manufacturer of engineered structural connectors like joist hangers hurricane ties, debuts the first episode of its Build a Stronger Deck educational YouTube video series. These videos show builders, deck contractors, and homeowners how to easily build stronger, safer decks that last. The first episode dives into the available options and ideal solutions for stronger, safer post bases. The second video features deck ledg ..read more

HIR publisher Jeremy Hollingsworth’s house, which features DaVinci shake roofing. A few years ago, we worked with DaVinci Roofscapes on a new roof installation at HIR publisher Jeremy Hollingsworth’s house. Davinci manufactures composite shake and slate roofing materials which resemble natural materials but offer maintenance-free performance that’s backed by a 50-year warranty. Now, DaVinci has posted a follow-up story to the company in which they’ve interviewed our publisher. Check out the story at the DaVinci Roofscapes Blog ..read more

I’ve been doing a little deck remodeling lately and took the opportunity to shoot this brief video that highlights some of my go-to tools for taking apart an old deck. The deck shown in the video had to be demolished because the original builders were too lazy to excavate the site adequately, and they laid the deck joists directly on the dirt. Needless to say, a few years later the framing had to be demolished, excavated and reconstructed because the joists rotted. — M. Weber ..read more

For the past several months, the ‘Home Improvement and Repair’ staff has been testing a new premium water-based elastomeric caulk/sealant from Titebond called DuraMaster. Made for both interior and exterior applications, DuraMaster is easy to tool into shape, it cleans up with water, and it handles movement up to 100-percent of the original joint size. Check out our video review right here ..read more

Here’s a roundup of the latest news on tool and home-improvement products sent to our mailbox. World’s First Smart Microwave Drawer Oven The Sharp SMD2489ES is the first, built-in Microwave Drawer Oven with Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless integration with the modern smart home. Download the Sharp Kitchen app to enable the smart features. The SMD2489ES Microwave Drawer Oven features built-in airflow venting. Now you can choose the traditional “proud mount” installation or flush mounting for a streamlined finish without additional trim-kits or vent deflectors. With the Easy Wave Open feature ..read more

Honda Self-propelled HRN216 Series 21-in. Lawn Mower The HIR staff got to test-drive Honda Power Equipment’s new self-propelled HRN216 Series 21-in. lawn mower. This thing has some real pep! It’s powered by the all-new Honda GCV170 engine that delivers 9 percent more power and 18 percent more torque than the Honda HRR model it replaces. Unlike some of the all-wheel-drive models on the market, this is a rear-wheel drive unit. For very rugged, extremely uneven terrains, the two-wheel drive design might have less traction than a four-wheel drive, but if you don’t usually mow such a yard, you won ..read more

Our long-time friend and colleague Rob Robillard is a pro remodeler who runs a very cool blog at https://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/. He offers all sorts of handy insight from his years of building experience, and lately he’s been producing videos that help demonstrate his advice. Check out this new spot on How to Cut Extreme Angles Using a Miter Saw ..read more