| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| hanging curtain rods | 11/20/2009 |
Q: I read your answer on how to hang curtain rod hardware when you hit metal. I believe I am hitting a ...
A: Dee Dee, Any high speed metal bit should do, it make take just a little leaning into the drill, ...
|
| Exterior peeling paint. | 11/19/2009 |
Q: In May 2005, we Primed & painted our house (concrete bloks) with Behr's products from Home Depot. We ...
A: Luis, The old paint did not adhere to the block. Use a pressure washer to clean the block ...
|
| wheelchair vehicle ramp | 11/18/2009 |
Q: I need a 6 foot ramp to allow a power chair access to a minivan. The rise is 18 inches. There is ...
A: Eric, It sounds to me like you already have this one solved, you could indeed do this with a 3/4 ...
|
| invisible water leak | 11/18/2009 |
Q: I am desperate for help. My mother's house has a water leak somewhere, and I can't find it. There ...
A: Jerry, This sounds like a roof leak, there shouldn't be any water lines in the attic, so you either ...
|
| Reflective Foil | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I have looked up on the internet the use of reflective foil as a radiant barrier over existing ...
A: Richard, I'd say R-50 is pretty darn good, I have never used this foil, but, I did look into using ...
|
| Shutoff valve issue | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I am finishing my basement and I have 2 spigot shutoff valves in different locations up between the ...
A: Kevin, My first 2 questions are, 1. what are they for? 2. do they need to be there? 3. are they ...
|
| Cracked Floor Joist | 11/4/2009 |
Q: This house was built in 1962, this cracked floor joist is right underneath of bathroom tub. I am ...
A: Salem, You can just use a couple pieces of 2x8 (one on either side) and put 3/8 carriage bolts %26 ...
|
| bathroom reno | 11/3/2009 |
Q: I have alot of problems with water damage to my shower area because someone used a cloth shower ...
A: Simon, I believe that those newer cloth shower curtains have been treated with a waterproofing to ...
|
| Mirrors | 11/3/2009 |
Q: How do you remove old mirrors with out damaging walls
A: Eugene, That is a very good question, I would like to know that answer myself. Unfortunately, they ...
|
| Foundatioon and Floors | 11/2/2009 |
Q: I have noticed a crack above my bedroom door and there is a crack in the masonry on the back of my ...
A: Miriam, This is most likely a foundation issue and you should have a reputable foundation service ...
|
| insulating and vapor barrier | 11/1/2009 |
Q: I have a 1954 home with wool insulation in the attic. I remodeled kitchen a few yrs ago and dropped ...
A: Mike, Yes it will cause that to get and stay wet. You know you can just put faced roll insulation ...
|
| shower mount | 11/1/2009 |
Q: I am replacing a hand held shower head. My old shower head was mounted on a standard wall arm. A ...
A: Alex, That will work, if you can rethread that successfully, it's pretty thin and may collapse on ...
|
| soundproofing | 10/28/2009 |
Q: I recently separated a room into two using 2 X 3 for a frame ant sheetrock for the walls on both ...
A: David, That will reduce the noise to some extent and is probably your quickest cheapest way out at ...
|
| Front Door - replacing | 10/23/2009 |
Q: We have a front door, that has an oval-shaped glass in the center. We want to replace it, and have ...
A: Lew, you start by removing the interior and exterior trim, if this comes off right, there shouldn't ...
|
| Gable vent | 10/22/2009 |
Q: My home builder was kind enough to side over where there is supposed to be a gable vent in my garage ...
A: Tim, I checked and found several at Home Depot that were 24"x30", you want the hole to be a little ...
|
| Roof venting for a natural gas furnace | 10/21/2009 |
Q: I live in the Bitterroot Valley in Hamilton, Montana. I bought a 57 year old wood framed home ...
A: Marypat I would check your local building codes before I got started with this, Here in Indiana you ...
|
| Cracks in home | 10/20/2009 |
Q: and recently found a vertical crack near the garage door. The door is set in a narrow wall that's ...
A: Mark, This happens alot; The mud probably wasn't thoroughly dried when the second or third coat is ...
|
| Window caulk | 10/20/2009 |
Q: The home inspection was fine, but now we are finding virtually every single window in our home has ...
A: Denise, Since this is every window and not one particular room, and, since you purchased in ...
|
| bathroom tub and tiles | 10/17/2009 |
Q: Can you kindly comment on the success of bathtub re-glazing? I do have the option of replacing the ...
A: Liz, I have never done any reglazing myself, but, I have a friend who did his own, just to change ...
|
| garage door opener | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I have an automatic garage door opener, something is went wrong with it as it become independent and ...
A: Nauman, Start by, turning off the power to the door, then find your owners manual and look in the ...
|
| Vinyl Vertical Slider Window Problem | 10/7/2009 |
Q: I believe the window is single hung and is made to open the bottom panel only. The top window panel ...
A: B. It does look like the window came apart, First, I would check to see if they're still under ...
|
| Installing Curtain Rods | 10/6/2009 |
Q: Running into a problem hanging curtain rods. We live an apartment, and when we attempted to install ...
A: Dan, It is very uncommon to run duct work through an exterior wall, are you sure that you are not ...
|
| shower tile | 10/6/2009 |
Q: My mother has a tiled shower no tub and she noticed water on the floor of the bathroom after taking ...
A: Denise, You should be able to remove the loose tiles, replace them and regrout. I would try that ...
|
| Installing Curtain Rods | 10/6/2009 |
Q: Running into a problem hanging curtain rods. We live an apartment, and when we attempted to install ...
A: Dan, You can use "tapcon" screws for this, you will drill into the concrete with a masonry bit (the ...
|
| Interior doors misaligned | 10/5/2009 |
Q: I Live in Fort Worth, Texas and reside in a three-year old 2 story house that was built according to ...
A: Jay, You didn't mention where the cracks were, but, I'm guessing they were all either above a ...
|
| floor joist repair | 10/3/2009 |
Q: Bill, I have a crack in the bottom 4 inches of a 2x10 floor joist in the basement that needs repair, ...
A: Jim, You can either use the steel plate, or if it's just wires, you can cut from the wire hole to ...
|
| Exterior veneer work | 10/3/2009 |
Q: I have search this site and have found various answers to similar questions on this topic and it has ...
A: Bob, Bluestone is a slick stone and good adhesion is more difficult to achieve than with other ...
|
| removing skim coating from walls | 9/29/2009 |
Q: I am removing wallpaper that was installed by a professional about 10 years ago. I am planning to ...
A: Jane, You can try steaming it off, you should be able to rent a steamer, apply the steam and scrape ...
|
| New foundation for grandparents house | 9/28/2009 |
Q: I own the house that my grand parents built and lived in for many years. The house is a 30' x 30' ...
A: Duane, These patio homes or slab homes are indeed on frost footers, the are poured just like a ...
|
| buckled hardwood floors | 9/26/2009 |
Q: Who do you contact to investigate the cause of the buckling? My house is 60+yrs old. Within the ...
A: Marci, I think this will require some onsite investigation. I think you should call a home ...
|
| old home restoration | 9/24/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of buying a 200 year old farm house in upstate NY, already you're thinking I'm ...
A: Sandy, I run into New York quite often and see some beautiful old farm houses up there, I envy you. ...
|
| Insulating a Rehabbed Older Home | 9/24/2009 |
Q: Bill, I recently moved into a "flipped", 1908 home in a re-gentrified area of Indianapolis. Although ...
A: Keith, I have also seen that foam on the same channel, I can't remember what the "R" value was ...
|
| Mrirrored Closet Door Wheels | 9/22/2009 |
Q: I picked you because of the volunteer work that you do for seniors/elderly. Thanks in advance for ...
A: Don, You are more than welcome Don, anything I can do to help, unfortunately, Ace would've been the ...
|
| Siding leaking through | 9/21/2009 |
Q: We signed a contract on a house on Friday and I went in on Saturday to take a few measurments and ...
A: Chris, I think you are very well in the ballpark. I could probably fix that for less than a ...
|
| Installing New Gas Line | 9/19/2009 |
Q: we need to install a new gas line and vent for our dryer in the basement. There has never been a ...
A: Andrea, The vent should be fairly easy, you can get all you need with installation instructions in ...
|
| Ceadar shingles | 9/19/2009 |
Q: I'm starting a project on a shed I have. I want to put shingales on the outside walls. Someone told ...
A: Pat, Asphalt shingles, the first row goes on upside down to put shingle under the rain lines, (that ...
|
| tile help | 9/16/2009 |
Q: my name is John, while bathing my 2 dogs, I slipped and leaned to much on the shower wall. 8 tiles: ...
A: John, The backer board has probably broken and will have to be replaced. I am going to a clients ...
|
| Cellulose vs. Fiberglass ??? | 9/14/2009 |
Q: Hutson, I am going to have Insulation blown into the existing exterior walls of my home. My ...
A: George, I would go with the cellulose because I think it gives a better "R" value over the ...
|
| bathtub fix-up | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I'm cleaning up a bathtub and surround. I need to replace the old moldy caulk from around the ...
A: Kim, Wal mart sells an inexpensive caulk removal tool, it's made of plastic so it won't scratch the ...
|
| NYC Painters License | 8/26/2009 |
Q: Is it required to have a painters license to work as a painter in New York City. If so, what does ...
A: Jules, I have checked the NYC website and it does not appear as though you need to be licensed. ...
|
| Wood Plank Walls | 8/25/2009 |
Q: Renovating an older home which has 1 x 8 rough wooden plank interior walls and would like to cover ...
A: John, Sorry this took so long, I've been on the road. I would put a vapor barrier on, then use ...
|
| Sequence of job site tasks | 8/24/2009 |
Q: In new construction or in a major remodel that includes new cabinets, new flooring (carpet in most ...
A: Richard, Cabinets, ceiling and wall paint then flooring. With these three, out of sequence is not ...
|
| sewer vent repair | 8/20/2009 |
Q: Bill, After a recent wind storm, the stack from the sewer vent pipe blew off my roof. When I ...
A: Mary, You can repair this with a sleeve, it's a rubber sleeve with clamps on either end, you can ...
|
| insulating the back of ceiling tile | 8/14/2009 |
Q: I am wondering if there is a rolling mat type of insulation that can be spread behind the ceiling ...
A: Alex, Regular roll insulation or blown-in insulation should be used according to your local code in ...
|
| Chain stuck in ceiling fan | 8/10/2009 |
Q: Our ceiling fan was turned on and running when my husband moved a blanket up off the bed. The ...
A: Karen, Make sure the power is off at the circuit breaker. Depending upon how many speeds your fan ...
|
| Manufactured home expansion | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a manufactured HUD home and am looking to do some kind of expanding. What I'm ...
A: Barry, You can add on to the manufactured home, they are assembled closely the same as a stick ...
|
| holes in hrd wood floors | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I bought this old house and I pulled up the carpet and I found old tile that had tar under neath it, ...
A: Marina, If the boards have been eaten through enough to make them unstable, they need to be ...
|
| Carpet tape OK for cold air return grille? | 8/3/2009 |
Q: Bill. I have a pretty, custom-made grille made of "paint-ready veneer" that I want to attach to a ...
A: Sheila, No, you won't need the plastic jackets for the wood, just screw them directly into the ...
|
| Carpet tape OK for cold air return grille? | 8/2/2009 |
Q: Bill. I have a pretty, custom-made grille made of "paint-ready veneer" that I want to attach to a ...
A: Sheila, From the picture, it looks as though the screws would go into the studs behind the drywall. ...
|
| attic insulation | 7/31/2009 |
Q: We live in Tucson, AZ, in a single story ranch style, peaked roof home. The attic is well insulated, ...
A: John, You will recoup the cost of insulating the garage. It might take longer than if you just ...
|
| ceramic tile | 7/31/2009 |
Q: I have vinyl tile on concrete floor, can I ceramic tile over the vinyl tile?
A: Susan, The hardest part of laying ceramic tile is the preperation. Here's an example of a shower we ...
|
| mobile home residing | 7/29/2009 |
Q: We wish to take the aluminum off the exterior of out mobile home and replace it with vinyl siding. ...
A: Esther, I have done this before and I didn't see any need in removing the aluminum. Without ...
|
| wood basement | 7/27/2009 |
Q: My parents built a home 24 years ago with a wood basement. The painting on the outside basement ...
A: Bob, Strip off as much if not all of the old paint, I would use an oil based primer and paint on ...
|
| electrical household problems | 7/25/2009 |
Q: on occasion my power in the kitchen and the small bedroom goes out without warning. After checking ...
A: Greg, At a home of 55 years old, your load center has been updated at some time. Check the voltage ...
|
| LARGE corner drywall crack | 7/24/2009 |
Q: I have a LARGE drywall crack where my wall meets the ceiling about 3/8 to 1/4 inch wide that the ...
A: Cathy, I would go ahead and mud this, I like to use the fiberglass tape in the corners because it ...
|
| Stairway Stringers | 7/22/2009 |
Q: My stairway stringers are stained a dark oak. My stairs are carpet. I want to veneer a clear oak on ...
A: Bob, It is possible, and I am assuming that your stringers are visible from underneath, unusual. ...
|
| Hole in front porch pebble coating | 7/15/2009 |
Q: The house I bought was built in 1973. It has a small pebble texture coating on the front porch and ...
A: Rhonda, I am not really familiar with this particular substance, but, it sounds like it may be ...
|
| Red Oak Wainscot in half basement...problems | 7/13/2009 |
Q: Bill, It seems the good old DYI bug has gotten me good this time, and even a carpenter friend who ...
A: Christopher, You definitely have a moisture problem. If there is an area where you can get to the ...
|
| laminated beam install | 7/11/2009 |
Q: We have a 1950 split level with garage built under master bedroom and child rm.I want to remove a ...
A: Joel, Unfortunately, I can not answer that, this is a question for a licensed engineer or ...
|
| repairing sagging floor | 7/9/2009 |
Q: my husband is trying to repair his Mother's bathroom. The subflooring has dry rotted. The end of ...
A: Victoria, I run into this all the time at Table Talk Ministries, and here's the usual problems ...
|
| Screening in an existing porch | 7/5/2009 |
Q: Would appreciate information on how to frame, and screen in an existing porch which has a roof ...
A: William, 1st, you will need to frame in a door, we'll use a 36" screen door as an example. install ...
|
| Tools for scraping off foam from roof | 7/1/2009 |
Q: I've been remodeling my roof and I filled the interior of my roof with polyurethane foam, but I need ...
A: John, Without resorting to industrial tools, I am not aware of any tools made speficically for ...
|
| Repair stripped metal door / hinge | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I would like to repair our external metal storm/screen door instead of replacing it. The only ...
A: Caryn, You have a couple things you can try, use larger screws, fill the holes with a metallic ...
|
| Garage door | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I am helping my elderly mom with the upkeep of her house. The garage door and a section under the ...
A: Bud, You could use a scraper on that, but, try going to your local tool rental place and see what ...
|
| Bath tub squeaking | 6/27/2009 |
Q: We had a bathtub installed and now when we take a shower, the bathtub squeaks when we move in the ...
A: Carrie, Call the installer and tell them to come back and install it right. 2 things may be ...
|
| Vinyl Siding Question | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I purchased an end-unit townhome about 2 months ago. During the inspection (and before it), we ...
A: Jason, If you'll look at the siding during different air temperatures, you will see this bubbling ...
|
| Bi-Level Home Staircase Handrail | 6/23/2009 |
Q: We just remodeled our newly bought home, which was built in the mid-70's. It is a bi-level house ...
A: Andrea, A newel post is the big post at the end of the rail, it has the most strength so it can ...
|
| Improvements to lower electric bill | 6/21/2009 |
Q: my name is Jordan and I have a bit of a problem that maybe you can assist me with. I currently live ...
A: Jordan, Here is a link with a lot of good tips for enegy savings, http://www.energy.gov/summer.htm ...
|
| contractors | 6/18/2009 |
Q: ok my mom is getting some work done upstairs in 3 bedrooms.i have seen contractor after ...
A: Michelle, Unfortunately, this type of thing happens a lot and gives the industry a bad rap. You ...
|
| "Unmstaining" Fiberglass door | 6/17/2009 |
Q: Bill: I brush stained a fiberglass door with a gel stain. The result was much darker than I hoped. ...
A: Nicholas, I am not really sure what a furniture stripper would do to the fiberglass, you could try ...
|
| shower replacement | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I am planning a bathroom remodeling 9not DIY) involving replacing a bath tub and a shower (32”X48”). ...
A: Alex, Actually, I installed two of those in the last house I built for myself. I cannot remember ...
|
| Insulation | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I live in Oregon and need to insulate and improve the vapor barrier of a home we purchased. It looks ...
A: Kevin, Make sure the water lines and any heat ducts are wrapped with insulation to prevent heat ...
|
| Floor vibration | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I have a 10 yr old two story house. When we walk on the second floor the things in the rooms ...
A: Yolanda, Replacing the carpet will alleviate the vibration. Although, I would be interested to ...
|
| Framing a Basement Cement Wall | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Can you tell me step by step how to frame out a unfinished cement basement wall for the purpose of ...
A: Dee, This link has some very good basic tips with pictures to help you along the way. Just copy and ...
|
| water leak & finding source... | 6/10/2009 |
Q: When we bought our home (almost 3 yrs. ago), there was some water damage which was in our entry way ...
A: Pam, You can determine where the leak is by using a garden hose to spray the exterior of the home. ...
|
| advice on termite damage | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I'd like some advice on termite damage and repair stratagies. My savings are pretty depleted at the ...
A: Alice, The termites could have come any time after the initial inspection. I would cut some ...
|
| Vinyl Shutters Fading | 6/5/2009 |
Q: Mr. Hutson, Our house, which is about 9 years old, has both vinyl siding and shutters. The shutters ...
A: Jeff, Unfortunately, darker colors fade and show it more than lighter colors. To my knowledge, ...
|
| kitchen island/ flooring | 5/23/2009 |
Q: Please help!!! I'm trying to remove old laminate flooring from my kitchen only thing is it seems to ...
A: Michelle, You have two options here, 1. you can remove the island, take out the vinyl and put the ...
|
| Stucco over rotted wood | 5/22/2009 |
Q: I own an old adobe (real adobe bricks) home where large wood beams were placed over the windows ...
A: Paul, Scrape out the rotted wood and fill the beams with bondo, thats auto body putty, (sold at ...
|
| use of saws | 5/22/2009 |
Q: Thanks you
A: Barbara, You can use a handsaw for the small branches, If the branches are too big for that, you can ...
|
| crawl space nightmare | 5/20/2009 |
Q: Hey Bill! I have a friend with an above ground home in Md. She brought the home 7 years ago. The ...
A: Gary, I get into these tight situations with my work at Table Talk all the time, mainly with the ...
|
| window sills | 5/20/2009 |
Q: I have cultured marble sills I installes years ago. I cut these with a masonary blade in my saw. I ...
A: Phil, You'll need to use a wet saw, you can rent them at most any tool rental store. Depending on ...
|
| Chimney pulling away from roof | 5/18/2009 |
Q: We bought our house tow years ago and received a credit for the chimney pulling away from our house. ...
A: Chris, If this is a false chimney, I would take it down now, so that it doesn't fall on someone ...
|
| New shower installation - Bench Seat fabrication | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I'm having bathtub converted to shower only. Right now, the contractor has placed a grey thick ...
A: Rayna, As long as he uses pressure treated wood for this, it should last 15 or 20 years. If he ...
|
| celings | 5/16/2009 |
Q: We have a 1998 doublewide mobile home that needs the celings retextured. The problem that the ...
A: Julie, Try applying your new texture straight onto this in a closet or another inconspicuous place ...
|
| Anderson Double Hung 40yrs string | 5/5/2009 |
Q: I have Anderson double pane windows about 40 years-of-age. They raise and lower with very taut ...
A: Rolf, Those strings are attached weights which help raise the window. There should be plates in the ...
|
| Installing "Removable" Lamp Post | 5/5/2009 |
Q: Bill: I am installing a 3 inch aluminum post into a concrete bed for the installation of a new lamp ...
A: Nicholas, The concrete might react to and eat the aluminum pretty quick. Try sticking a piece of pvc ...
|
| Mounting Table on drywall? | 5/2/2009 |
Q: My mother bought an ikea table that hangs from the wall. She wants me to hang the table in the ...
A: Angel, First, there should be a stud in the wall somewhere, finding that and anchoring to it would ...
|
| Outdoor pine deck treatment | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I have a salt treated deck attached to the house. I've used CWF and other commercial products to ...
A: Jim, Linseed oil is not completely denatured, so it can encourage rather than discourage mildew ...
|
| ODOR IN MOBILE HOME | 5/1/2009 |
Q: We have a doublewide and live in a trailer park. Last week we notice a smell coming thru the vent ...
A: Barb, Check the A/C drain tube coming out of the side of your furnace, if it gets plugged, it will ...
|
| French door | 4/30/2009 |
Q: THe French door going out to my deck has a glue like sustance that hasoozed out from the windo ...
A: Sandra, Is this kind of a yellowish color and very very very sticky? If so, it's sap. I would ...
|
| Basement Remodeling | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of remodeling my basement. My house is a raised bungalow so on one side of my ...
A: Danny, You can build right over the existing wall as long as moisture is not and has not been a ...
|
| Hot mop | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I bought the house brand new in 2003, and in 2006, we found a water leak in our master's shower. ...
A: Allen, This is a cheap AND stinky way of putting in a shower pan. 5gals tar=$45.00 copper or ...
|
| Remove a Wall | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I have a wall in my living room that I want taken down.Behind the wall are the stairs that lead down ...
A: Dave, Is it a load bearing wall??? That would be my primary concern. Once you get past that and ...
|
| ceiling fan light kit. | 4/25/2009 |
Q: having just installed a new light kit to an ceiling fan that is a few years old. The light kit works ...
A: Dan, I would love to see that. Sounds like something is caught inside the fan between the motor and ...
|
| installing interior french doors | 4/25/2009 |
Q: We are interested in installing french doors on an 8 foot interior entry way into a formal living ...
A: Monica, It doesn't look like you have the needed room for pocket doors. Which would be a more ...
|
| Beam Supporting Roof Trusses | 4/24/2009 |
Q: In Baltimore, MD I am installing a roof over my deck. The deck is 12' deep off the house and 33' ...
A: Kevin, You might increase the posts to 4x6, but other than that, you will be fine and won't need ...
|
| basegoard heat and decorating | 4/22/2009 |
Q: what are clever ideas you may have for putting furniture up against a wall that has baseboard heat ...
A: Renee, You might build a small box, the same height as the covers, using a similar type of wood as ...
|
| Replacement Windows | 4/22/2009 |
Q: I purchased a raised brick ranch house built with a single car garage in the basement. The house has ...
A: Michael, YOU have been doing some homework, that is very good, more people should put this much ...
|
| brick fireplace | 4/19/2009 |
Q: I have a standard brick fireplace which runs from the flooe to the ceiling. I would like to install ...
A: Phil, That depends on how the mason put in the brick, some leave a space, some don't. Taking a ...
|
| Bakers Scaffolding | 4/18/2009 |
Q: Why is this particular scaffolding called Bakers?
A: Kim, Not really sure how it got it's name, probably a family name, but, Bakers scaffolds are ...
|
| Celotex stain | 4/17/2009 |
Q: We recently had heavy rains and now we have a water stain on the Celotex in our kitchen. What is the ...
A: Jolene, First, I hope you have repaired the leak. Most of those celotex tiles are replaceable ...
|
| Weatherproofing steel balcony | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I just bought a new condo last year and I am already showing signs of rust on my steel balcony. ...
A: Sunny, That is a good product, I am however stumped by the reason it did not last, I have similar ...
|
| Slate applied to walls | 4/14/2009 |
Q: Can slate be applied to walls without scoring or sanding the wall if the tiler pushes heavily with ...
A: Wayne, If I were doing this, I might have used a mastic for slate instead, because some slate will ...
|
| blown in insulation | 4/8/2009 |
Q: the previous owners drywalled over plaster. We want to blow in insulation from interior walls before ...
A: Deb, You can blow it in from the inside, but, your gonna have one heck of a mess on your hands., ...
|
| load carrying beams | 4/8/2009 |
Q: i am renovating and wish to relocate tele-post to get a better flow to the rooms, the load beam is 3 ...
A: Noah, I'm afraid that a structural engineer is the only one who will be able to change the sizes of ...
|
| Where vinyl siding meets brick veneer | 4/6/2009 |
Q: My home is a 1960 ranch in Rochester, NY. The home had been neglected for years before I purchased ...
A: Joanne, I'm sorry, I misunderstood the first time. The brick veneer is kept away from the sheathing ...
|
| home siding | 4/5/2009 |
Q: MY HOME IS BRICK WITH WOOD TRIM AND SIDING. I AM CONSIDERING HAVING THE WOOD TRIM COVERED VINYL ...
A: Gary, They have made some great technological advancements in the production of siding enabling it ...
|
| Hairline cracks | 4/3/2009 |
Q: What's the best way to repair hairline cracks in drywall?
A: Gerd, Are these coming from the corner of a door or window? If they are, they are caused by ...
|
| termites ate wood expansion joints. | 4/2/2009 |
Q: Need your experitise, ASAP. I recently leased a suite in a shopping mall, I am planning on opening ...
A: Teffany, First, MAKE SURE, the termites are dead and gone, which they should be if the wood is ...
|
| chair rail seperating from wall | 3/28/2009 |
Q: We have wood chair rails in our hallway. I have noticed that it is seperating from the wall a bit. I ...
A: Caryn, It is always good to have straight walls, but, an easy fix would be to just take the chair ...
|
| Dropped Ceiling | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I am installing a drop ceiling. I have installed the wall angles on all 4 walls, what I would like ...
A: Doug, You don't need to use a cross "T" that close to the end, the wall angle should be holding the ...
|
| Window replacement (Window Jamb) | 3/23/2009 |
Q: Please give me your opinion on the following suggestion I was given by a local contractor I'm ...
A: Thomas, Where I grew up we followed some pretty simple rules, one of which was, "if it ain't broke, ...
|
| Window replacement (Window Jamb) | 3/23/2009 |
Q: Please give me your opinion on the following suggestion I was given by a local contractor I'm ...
A: Thomas, Yes, they can do this, but they will probably use an epoxy caulk instead of mortar around ...
|
| Carpentry/electrical | 3/22/2009 |
Q: perhaps you can help me DYI, because I am disabled and over 60 and cannot afford to hire anyone. I ...
A: Lynn, I have had some response from one of the Pastors in your area, why don't we wait and let them ...
|
| Replacement Windows | 3/22/2009 |
Q: Our home currently has typical dual-pane vinyl windows. These windows were installed utilizing the ...
A: Bill, You can usually get by with just replacing the sash in these flange windows, as the frame ...
|
| Carpentry/electrical | 3/21/2009 |
Q: perhaps you can help me DYI, because I am disabled and over 60 and cannot afford to hire anyone. I ...
A: Lynn, would a storm door with screens help with that door, other than that, I don't think your going ...
|
| Carpentry/electrical | 3/21/2009 |
Q: perhaps you can help me DYI, because I am disabled and over 60 and cannot afford to hire anyone. I ...
A: Lynn, First thing, let me say kudos to you for taking on all this work yourself, this is a good bit ...
|
| REPAIR CEMENT PATIO | 3/21/2009 |
Q: I am going to repair a cement patio that became pitted from deicer salt this winter. I am using a ...
A: Shelley, If the product you are planning to use has glue in it, it will probably be too cold. On ...
|
| Iron baluster installation | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I am replacing my wooden balusters with iron, I took one of the wooden ones out to observe the holes ...
A: Kevin, You should be able to get the iron balusters with a base that will cover the hole and hold ...
|
| Temporary removal of Whirlpool | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I am remodeling my master bath. Is it possible to remove or disconnect the whirlpool then replace ...
A: Jocelyn, I would try to do the work without actually moving the tub, which should be rather easy to ...
|
| An Alternative Insulation? | 3/10/2009 |
Q: I am giving a few cracked plaster walls a face-lift with quarter inch drywall. I would really like ...
A: Michael, Flooring felt, or even a fan-fold insulating board like they use under vinyl siding would ...
|
| ice dammimg at eaves | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Can I reduce ice dammimng by improving ventil;ation at the soffiting
A: Wayne, You may reduce it some, but, depending on what part of the country you live in, there are ...
|
| moving floor support in basement | 3/1/2009 |
Q: I am remodeling my basement and the builder put in floor supports in several locations that make it ...
A: Steven, There may be more to this than you think. The contractor probably poured a thicker floor ...
|
| Full view storm door closer problems | 2/28/2009 |
Q: We have a full view storm door which will not open further than 80 to 85 degrees, which makes it ...
A: Lee, I am not aware of any special length door closers for these. I would imagine that the pistons ...
|
| Finishing basement | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I need some info on framing the walls for my basement. First, my basement is dry, I've lived here ...
A: Larry, You do want to use a vapor barrier (this goes against the concrete). You can use regular ...
|
| Window frosting up | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I'm from Canada where the temperatures consistently and without a doubt will reach between 20-35 ...
A: Gale, The area between the panes of glass in windows is filled with argon gas to insulate between ...
|
| Brick Repair/Replacement | 2/25/2009 |
Q: There are about 7 bricks on the corner of our chimney (outside) that are cracked or broken. If I ...
A: Reynaldo, It depends on brick placement, how old the chimney is, if it has a block liner, a lot of ...
|
| water pressure reducing valve | 2/24/2009 |
Q: I’m a handyman and I have a client who told me he has 110-lbs water pressure coming into the house ...
A: Randy, If you perform any plumbing work where you get paid, you are supposed to be a licensed ...
|
| Corners | 2/23/2009 |
Q: Hey Bill, I'm about to start taping and spackling a room. I have a inside corner trowel/knife, what ...
A: Doug, two ways to feather the edges, run the knife vertical and just put more pressure on the end of ...
|
| Air Vents for under house | 2/19/2009 |
Q: Want to put vents on under pinning that is around house. Can't seem to find any suitable. What is ...
A: Margaret, Use a dehumidifier to dry this out, just opening up a crawl that has been enclosed will ...
|
| drywall | 2/18/2009 |
Q: These are the options that our home center offers for sheetrock / drywall. What is each of them used ...
A: Randy, fire guard is for apartments buildings and other commercial use, it has a rating of how long ...
|
| Corners | 2/18/2009 |
Q: Hey Bill, I'm about to start taping and spackling a room. I have a inside corner trowel/knife, what ...
A: Doug, Here's the trick to inside corners. I personally like to use the fiberglass tape in corners. ...
|
| bathroom door | 2/16/2009 |
Q: Trying to replace an odd shaped interior door - it's 23-1/2 x 76. Without spending a fortune, where ...
A: Cyndi, Try looking at restores, these are places that sell reclaimed building materials. Habitat ...
|
| 1978 mobile home remodel | 2/7/2009 |
Q: is it possible to vault the ceilings in the livingroom/kitchen area? do not want to open up the ...
A: Lorrie, Not unless you remove the roof entirely, and install cathedral (scissor)trusses. Mobile ...
|
| closets and also disabled living | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I was originally seeking someone who could help me with ideas for closet space but, after seeing you ...
A: Linda, First, let me apologize for the delay, I work away from home during the week. I will do some ...
|
| Sealing vinyl siding ends? | 1/17/2009 |
Q: Should vinyl siding be sealed with sealant a the ends that meet the end strip or corner strip? On my ...
A: Terry, No, those ends should not be sealed. Vinyl siding actually moves, it contracts in the cold ...
|
| ceiling bellowing | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I was painting my ceiling the other day in which i noticed or at least felt that the ceiling may be ...
A: Juan, I would want to know if the roof has ever leaked? Taht will certainly cause this. Second, I ...
|
| Noise from neighbors | 1/12/2009 |
Q: have a problem with my neighbor in the appartment adjesent to my bedroom wall. Too mich noise coming ...
A: David, I know there are some different sound deadening wall systems that you can use here. I am not ...
|
| Question | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I have a crooked ceiling fan. The whole thing is crooked and it maybe the box or ceiling that is the ...
A: MK, I just bought a home in September, when we moved in, I noticed the ceiling fans were crooked, I ...
|
| Installing baby gate on plaster wall | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I'm attaching a top-of-stair baby gate to a plaster wall and it didn't hold. I was going to put in ...
A: Richard, I think Bondo (yes, the stuff they use on car bodies) would be stronger than the plastic ...
|
| windows | 1/2/2009 |
Q: The windows in my bedroom haven't been opened for several years and now they won't open. They have ...
A: Jo, You can try putting some wd-40 on them and let them soak overnight to loosen, you can also ...
|
| Rounded wall-board corners/edge | 12/29/2008 |
Q: I am planing on replacing some wall board(plaster board) on a wall in our home and I am wondering ...
A: Jim, The rounded corner bead you saw is the right product for this. Just staple it on, making sure ...
|
| Interior insulation | 12/26/2008 |
Q: I am just starting up my own business and I am in the process of putting plasterboard onto the ...
A: David, I have not heard of them, but, there are holders for non-faced insulation, you can ask for ...
|
| plating or painting bathroom metal trim | 12/24/2008 |
Q: I renovated my bathroom and need only the drain and overflow value for my tub. The manufacturer ...
A: Patty, I don't think you can plate it sucessfully on the first shot, plating involves the movement ...
|
| Home insulation for renters. | 12/21/2008 |
Q: My husband and I rent a home that is poorly insulated. The landlord is not about to make any moves ...
A: Angela, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. There are no special programs for renters in the ...
|
| drain pipe venting | 12/13/2008 |
Q: When I bought my 1908 brick rowhouse, the washing machine into a sink that emptied, unvented, ...
A: Will, That will be according to the local building codes, I know that here in Indiana, a vent would ...
|
| constructing column around heat pipe | 12/12/2008 |
Q: There are exposed steam pipes that run floor to ceiling in each room. They are very ugly and very ...
A: Susan, You can simply build a box around these and use drywall to cover the box. You can use 2x2 ...
|
| partician wall interior/vaulted ceiling/ support? | 12/1/2008 |
Q: We need to install a partician wall in a bedroom to creat a passage & privacy wall for our ...
A: Letty, You can lag screw the end of the wall down to the floor, also, you can put a 45 degree brace ...
|
| Garage Door vs Garage Door Opener | 11/18/2008 |
Q: Our 16’ x 7’ tall, 4-panel aluminum garage door and is powered by an old 1/3 HP chain drive garage ...
A: Jim, I don't think that is gonna change anything, it sounds like this door has seen better days. ...
|
| Garage Door vs Garage Door Opener | 11/17/2008 |
Q: Our 16’ x 7’ tall, 4-panel aluminum garage door and is powered by an old 1/3 HP chain drive garage ...
A: Jim, I'm afraid it may be time for this old door to just be replaced. It sounds like more of an ...
|
| Dust in the half-basement | 11/17/2008 |
Q: I live in a hillside old cottage. The half-basement gets really dusty all the time, not just during ...
A: Makoto, You could start with putting plastic sheeting over the walls and see if that helps, then ...
|
| crawl-space issues | 11/9/2008 |
Q: We purchased a home that was in foreclosure (builder went out of business)and consequently a 'punch ...
A: Deb, There are varying answers to these questions, depending upon which expert you ask. The paper ...
|
| seams in walls | 11/9/2008 |
Q: I am trying to do some DIY home improvement and I am stumped. The interior walls of my home (most ...
A: Molly, I repair a lot of different types of homes in my business, most of them from the early ...
|
| Foundation/Sill plate Gap | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I would like to know if it is normal for a brand new home just built to have small gaps between the ...
A: Sherry, If it's that bad, the builder should be responsible for adequate repairs. This should be ...
|
| Foundation/Sill plate Gap | 11/6/2008 |
Q: I would like to know if it is normal for a brand new home just built to have small gaps between the ...
A: Sherry, While this is not normal, it does happen on occasion, either the concrete is not level, or ...
|
| Faulty door | 11/3/2008 |
Q: My bedroom door was a very basic 30" interior door, also old and weak. I found myself consistently ...
A: Drew, I assume you are referring to the screw holes in the hinges? You can try two things, you can ...
|
| Water leak from basement ceiling | 11/3/2008 |
Q: We own a 10 year old house in NJ, that we bought 3 years ago. Two years ago, there was water leaking ...
A: Ravi, It sounds as though you are experiencing a drainage problem for one thing, the rain water is ...
|
| Noise in Wall | 11/1/2008 |
Q: I have a single family/two story home with aluminum siding, built in 1924. In the perimeter wall of ...
A: Bill, I can only suggest a few things here to rule out. 1. water pipes will make noise because of ...
|
| generators | 10/31/2008 |
Q: I'm considering a generator that automatically comes on when the power goes off. I live in the woods ...
A: Moya, you might look at a propane powered model, you'll only have to fill the propane tank once ...
|
| water condensation on upstair pipes leaking through ceiling | 10/29/2008 |
Q: we purchased a VERY old home a couple of years ago, and during the colder months once we turn on ...
A: Kitty, I like the name, If you can get to those pipes, you can put some foam sleeves on them and ...
|
| wall removal | 10/29/2008 |
Q: Bill, Like other people who've asked about determining which walls are load bearing for removal. I ...
A: Steve, Cathedral trusses do use a vertical stud to separate rooms,(leaving one room with a cathedral ...
|
| Basement Smell | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Bill, My wife and I bought a home built in 1923. Unfortunately the lady that lived in the house ...
A: Damian, I have a close friend who is a coroner, he has told me on many occasions that the best odor ...
|
| Replacement of douible pane glass in wooden windows | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Can I order replacement glass on line and what tips do you have for removing and replacing the ...
A: Harry, I recommend that you order these through your local home center instead of online, that way ...
|
| attaching a deck | 10/15/2008 |
Q: I have a unique problem that I hope someone can help with. I have a relatively high stand alone deck ...
A: Chris, I am sure you have been informed of the proper installation of the deck in the first place, ...
|
| Additional Beam Support | 10/14/2008 |
Q: In looking at a home I'm interested in (built mid-70s), I could feel a slight dip in the second ...
A: Fran, Boy, for that much, I'd almost come from Indiana and do it myself. Shop around very thoroughly ...
|
| foam insultation | 10/13/2008 |
Q: I have access to large blocks of black styrofoam 4x4x6 4x4x8. Can I cut these into sheets to use as ...
A: Phil, While this will work as insulation, the efficiency of it will depend upon, what part of the ...
|
| Drywall repair | 9/29/2008 |
Q: While finishing some drywall I have found an area that seems to have been damaged. It was probably ...
A: Jeff, You are doing fine, you can either patch this with another piece of drywall or you can get a ...
|
| Painting prefabricated sheetrock walls in a mobile home | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I have prefabricated sheetrock walls with a textured paper/coating in my mobile home, they are in ...
A: Violet, I would first wash the walls down with a TSP (tri-sodium phosphate)solution which you can ...
|
| Cupping of wood floors | 9/25/2008 |
Q: We bought a new construction home a year ago in North Carolina. The wood floors were cupping when we ...
A: Michele, The problem is that the floor did get wet and has cupped as it dried. The home builder and ...
|
| Filling holes in wall | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I am ENTIRELY new to DIY. I've just moved into a new house and had some lights taken off a wall ...
A: Paul, You can get a patch for that at wal-mart or any hardware, they are typically used for holes ...
|
| basement repairs and remodeling | 8/18/2008 |
Q: the problem we have is a dirt and crack cement walls,along with molding,some water leak that coming ...
A: Kim, Sorry for the delay. The first thing you'll need to do, is to address the incoming water, which ...
|
| Header Selection | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I want to remove the 2" x 4" wood supports between my enclosed Patio & Living Room on the first ...
A: David, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking here, but, it sounds like you wanting to remove a ...
|
| Basement finishing | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I've got a 75 year old home. The house was built on the side of a hill, so we've got a full height ...
A: Chris, That is a dramatic slope. I would put in 2x4 floor joist (laying flat) sitting on the floor ...
|
| Soffits | 8/13/2008 |
Q: Bill, I live in 2000 sq ft house in Houston, TX. My air conditioner struggles to cool the house to ...
A: Ed, This is relatively easy to do, you can install gable vents, or install vented soffits, you'll ...
|
| WLL REMOVAL | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I HAVE A HUGH ADD ON OF TWO ROOMS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO A LOAD BEARING WALL (ORGINAL WALL)ON BACK ...
A: Mary, Any time you want to open up a load bearing wall, you must use a header in the wall to hold up ...
|
| Drywall Ceiling | 7/28/2008 |
Q: Hutson, I had ceiling tiles up in my basement and took them down. I was thinking of putting a dry ...
A: Steve, I apologize for taking so long to answer this, I have been on the road all week. I would ...
|
| Stuck Windows | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I have tilt-down pop-out double hung windows. About a year ago I had someone clean them. I just ...
A: Steven, You should be able to loosen the bottom window using the locks on top of it at the sides ...
|
| ripples in esterior aluminum trim wrap | 7/12/2008 |
Q: Our contractor for siding, soffit, and trim, roof and gutters, on our western bungalow has now hung ...
A: Meg, OK, now, I understand the situation, I fight all the time with the inexperienced guys on my ...
|
| Cool basement | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I am in a new house and I had the builder finish a room in the basement 15 by 25 ft.for my mancave. ...
A: Jerry, That may help, but keep in mind that the temperature under ground level stays at 58 degrees ...
|
| ripples in esterior aluminum trim wrap | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Our contractor for siding, soffit, and trim, roof and gutters, on our western bungalow has now hung ...
A: Meg, If you are talking about aluminum fascia pieces which are used to cover the fascia board, they ...
|
| roof leaks,plumbing leaks,etc,Disabled | 7/7/2008 |
Q: Hutson,Me,wife,and son are all disabled.Roof leaks,plumbing leaks,mold and mildew in and out side ...
A: Robert, send me an email here, bill@tabletalkministries.org I will need to get some personal info ...
|
| Sewer Pipe Vent | 7/3/2008 |
Q: Would you know what would make the sewer pipe vent steam, its been steaming for a few hours now and ...
A: Melissa, I'm not sure exactly what sewer pipe vent you are describing. You should have no open sewer ...
|
| removing a (?) jacuzzi (?) whirlpool type indoor tub | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I inherited this tub when I bought tis cottage and the bottom is peeling away (it appears to have ...
A: Lynne, I am assuming that this is a whirlpool tub in the bath. Usually these sit on a mortar bed, it ...
|
| wind pressure in hurricane zone | 6/26/2008 |
Q: If a house with a normal peaked roof had no overhangs, (gutters ect.) that the wind could not get ...
A: Jeff, Yes, the structure is no match for the sheer velocity of the wind alone, not to mention the ...
|
| Vinyl Siding | 6/25/2008 |
Q: Mr. Hutson, My elderly Mom had her home vinyl-sided 6 years ago. The siding has now faded quite a ...
A: Jane, Unfortunately, the older vinyl does indeed fade. They now have improved the technology and ...
|
| Repair and replace Joist | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I have accumulated rot of most of the joist under my subfloor. About 90 percent of them have to be ...
A: William, I see this allot in Table Talk Ministries, I try to sister another joist along side the bad ...
|
| hanging strip flooring on walls | 6/20/2008 |
Q: I came across a gentleman who needed to get rid of 3/4" maple strip flooring from a school ...
A: Elaine, I probably would not, unless I knew I would be hanging heavy items on the wall. The nails at ...
|
| re: Hole in drywall | 6/18/2008 |
Q: in my bedroom, there is a 3" x 5" hole cut out in the drywall where the tv cable is - I assume the ...
A: Fergus, Sounds like an awful big hole for cable. You can get a receptacle box with flip out tabs at ...
|
| hanging strip flooring on walls | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I came across a gentleman who needed to get rid of 3/4" maple strip flooring from a school ...
A: Elaine, Use plastic, it will help keep moisture out. Where you nail these is going to be a personal ...
|
| How to build/make a freestanding handrail | 6/12/2008 |
Q: Bill, Both my sisters-in-law have physical impairments due to hip problems, and hip replacement ...
A: Sooz, Freestanding metal railings are not my favorite, in my ministry, I install alot of wheelchair ...
|
| Replacing studs in stucko wall | 6/6/2008 |
Q: My stucko garage wall has the wooden studs exposed on the inside. Some of them have termite damage. ...
A: David, What I would do here is; make sure you have eliminated the termites. Assuming the studs are ...
|
| sealing a sill plate | 5/30/2008 |
Q: I want to seal at sill plate & rim joist (1957 non-PT wood and no sill seal) basement dry..read that ...
A: Sonia, Do you have heat and cool in this basement, that should be adequate ventilation. If not, I ...
|
| is it a foundation problem? | 5/29/2008 |
Q: We have vertical cracks on the external brick wall of our end unit townhouse. 2 contractors said ...
A: Sean, If you have vertical cracks on two opposing walls at a corner, then you have a foundation ...
|
| sealing a sill plate | 5/28/2008 |
Q: I want to seal at sill plate & rim joist (1957 non-PT wood and no sill seal) basement dry..read that ...
A: Sonia, If the basement is dry and you have not had any problems thus far, I would not bother with ...
|
| Bedroom doors open by themsleves | 5/27/2008 |
Q: I'm sure this is a common problem. After closing the bedroom doors, they slowly open until they are ...
A: Ian, with the door closed, check the gap along the door knob side, if it is larger at bottom, remove ...
|
| attic insulation | 5/20/2008 |
Q: "WE HAVE A HOUSE THAT WAS BUILT IN 1952. THE INSULATION IN THE ATTIC IS ABOUT 2 INCHES THICK AND ...
A: Raymond, This is cellulose insulation, made from ground up paper and fiberglass, I do not think they ...
|
| Refacing Prefab Metal Fireplace | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I would like to reface my current fireplace. It now has the old fashioned gas/wood burning metal ...
A: Sadie, If the vents are to let in fresh air, you don't want to cover them. If they are blower vents ...
|
| problem with load bearing beams | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I have a problem with cracking in a ceiling. On further inspection of the attic in this bi-level I ...
A: Brian, This is not going to be a DIY project. I think you had better get a reputable contractor out ...
|
| uncaulking | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I have to correct a big mistake. I caulked doors and baseboard with a silicon based caulking. It ...
A: Gabe, Try a utility knife. First, slice through each side of the bead with the knife, and pull out ...
|
| replacement windows vs new construction | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Dear Dave Coil I am unsure whether I can use a replacement window (no flange) or must use new ...
A: Steve, I have used replacements in the same type of situation. I put mine in, leveled and shimmed ...
|
| Popcorn ceiling | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I have an old popcorn ceiling (my guess is pre 1985) that is pretty disgusting. Several cracks, very ...
A: Dan, This is the best way to go about this, that type of texture is very difficult to remove, it can ...
|
| porch ceiling | 4/30/2008 |
Q: I just asked you a question, but I gave wrong information. I'm in a humid area, and the ceiling of ...
A: Bobbie, Since you live in a humid climate and moisture is going to be an ongoing problem, I would ...
|
| Replacing an electrical outlet | 4/24/2008 |
Q: My Mother owns a Condo. The plug to her answering machine keeps falling out. I noticed the ...
A: Norma, You can buy an outlet at wal-mart for less than a dollar. I found this illustrated guide for ...
|
| Ceiling remodel of modular home | 4/20/2008 |
Q: I'm a retired teacher. My children just bought a ranch and there is an old, 1978 vintage modular ...
A: Nancy, Look first at some mobile home supply companies to see what they might have available, also ...
|
| Ceiling remodel of modular home | 4/20/2008 |
Q: I'm a retired teacher. My children just bought a ranch and there is an old, 1978 vintage modular ...
A: Nancy, You could nail furring strips to the ceiling making sure to go into the ceiling joists, this ...
|
| Ceiling remodel of modular home | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I'm a retired teacher. My children just bought a ranch and there is an old, 1978 vintage modular ...
A: Nancy, I just did some of this same type of repairs to a mobile home here in Indiana. Probably close ...
|
| Lap Siding | 4/13/2008 |
Q: I am assisting my Son-In-Law with the remodeling of a once flooded home in New Orleans. LA. I told ...
A: John, You can use a sawzall with a metal cutting blade or a hack saw blade to get behind the siding ...
|
| Sewer Vent Pipe Through Roof | 4/10/2008 |
Q: Bill, I recently asked you about my sewer vent pipe that goes up through my wall and out through my ...
A: Gary, Vent pipes are open lines to the drain system to allow air to enter the system for ...
|
| Attic Vent | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I am in HOT West Texas. I have started remodeling this 40's house. I installed an attic stairway and ...
A: Don, I'm thinking that a single pipe is not going to provided enough airflow. A couple things to ...
|
| Replace Sewer Vent Pipe | 4/8/2008 |
Q: My sewer vent pipe that goes up through my wall and out through roof is copper and I am wondering if ...
A: Gary, There is no liner that I know of, that does not mean that one does not exist. If you are not ...
|
| Attaching a patio cover ledger to the house | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I'm building a patio cover. I want to attach a header 2x6 board to the house. The exterior is stucco ...
A: Richard, I use a deep scanning stud sensor that works pretty well. or, you could drill a small hole ...
|
| lead paint on wood floors | 3/25/2008 |
Q: We are purchasing a house that has lead paint on the foors upstairs(all bedrooms and hallway)Is it ...
A: Stacy, I think you would be best off asking this question to a licensed lead based paint removal ...
|
| hardiback for tile shower install | 3/11/2008 |
Q: We recently had our bathroom remodeled. The walls are green board. The tile guy we hired then ...
A: Diane, This will be fine and with proper installation it should last for many years; the hardiback ...
|
| stall shower | 3/6/2008 |
Q: WE live in an in-law quarters attached to my son's house. My wife has curvature of the spine among ...
A: Jim, Go down to the hardware and look around for 1) a rubber mat that has holes in it, 2) something ...
|
| cracks at top of walls | 3/3/2008 |
Q: How can we repair cracks at the top of the wall where it joins the ceiling. We have plastered ...
A: Lowell, Usually this is caused from settling, and typically in older buildings. If the cracks are ...
|
| Bi-level/ walls / load bearing | 3/1/2008 |
Q: Re: a previous question .. a Bi-level that i am looking at has but only an open attic above. i ...
A: Jack, An easy way to tell is, look into the attic, if you see any rafters or beams at all resting on ...
|
| Petition wall | 2/26/2008 |
Q: What is petition wall?
A: Arie, Commonly referred to as a partition wall, is a moveable temporary wall used mostly to separate ...
|
| balcony | 2/24/2008 |
Q: We need to replace the surface of our outdoor, upstairs balcony. Existing roofing material is ...
A: Peggy, I think you mean the decking itself, if so: I had the very same situation at our Church. ...
|
| stipplied ceilings | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I would like to ask about stippled ceilings in general as to the promotion of mold growth in ...
A: Allan, You can KILL the mold with a GERMICIDAL BLEACH. Lowes carries it. I use it non-diluted in a ...
|
| moisture around light switch covers | 2/18/2008 |
Q: I had my home built 3 years ago and now there is two light switch covers that are showing some kind ...
A: Mike, Since your house is only 3 years old, ask the builder to come and look at this, it should be ...
|
| Drywall Crack Repair | 2/11/2008 |
Q: Our house is 14 mo. old - we have cracks above 2 doors, running from the door trim to the ceiling. ...
A: Agnes, I would use the mesh tape, it won't break as easy. You can buy smaller amounts of powdered ...
|
| Drywall Crack Repair | 2/10/2008 |
Q: Our house is 14 mo. old - we have cracks above 2 doors, running from the door trim to the ceiling. ...
A: Agnes, Unfortunately, this happens allot. Drywallers butt two pieces of drywall together at a door ...
|
| Drywall Dimples | 2/9/2008 |
Q: Bill: I don't know if you remember but we communicated a bit in December about some water damage ...
A: Roger, I do remember you, and first let me apologize to you and anyone else who may have been trying ...
|
| grab bar | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I have to install a grab bar for my father in-law to use to help him get up from the toilet. Is it ...
A: Dave, These are usually installed at an angle, BUT, if the person who will use it is available, I ...
|
| wall panels | 1/18/2008 |
Q: hope you can help me. I am installing a thin wall panel to join an exsisting panel. Instead of using ...
A: Lorne, Didn't any of your teachers ever tell you that the only stupid question is the one you don't ...
|
| Very general drywall / insulation questions | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I have some very general questions about DIY home improvement, specifically related to drywall and ...
A: Mark, It may take some time, but that's ok, a job not rushed is a well done job. It is not a problem ...
|
| garage door remote | 1/10/2008 |
Q: bought house, garage door worked but no remotes. had overhead door guy come and program two. ...
A: Sue, Unfortunately, you have found the one thing I know very little about. Do you have any printed ...
|
| Dry wall seams | 1/3/2008 |
Q: Bill: i guess they wouldn't let me ask any more follow up questions on my drywall problem. I am ...
A: Roger, You can always get me at our website; tabletalkministries.org, you might even find my number ...
|
| visible seams in dry wall | 12/30/2007 |
Q: We recently had a big ice/snow storm and we had some ice dam damage to our house with water creeping ...
A: Roger, there is probably not enough moisture in the walls to cause any damage. that type of damage ...
|
| visible seams in dry wall | 12/29/2007 |
Q: We recently had a big ice/snow storm and we had some ice dam damage to our house with water creeping ...
A: Roger, If you'll try the plastic taped to the wall, I think you will find moisture in your wall. ...
|
| concrete stoop under carport | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I have a concrete step that leads to my kitchen door. It is fully covered by a carport. When it ...
A: MaryLee, Typically, when they put in carports, they don't put in a vapor barrier which is just a ...
|
| visible seams in dry wall | 12/28/2007 |
Q: We recently had a big ice/snow storm and we had some ice dam damage to our house with water creeping ...
A: Roger, the holes in the ceiling should be closed back up. try this, tape a clear piece of plastic to ...
|
| Bad drywall job on new house. | 12/27/2007 |
Q: We just built our house and in every room I can see drywall seams through the paint. The ceilings ...
A: Karen, my first question is; did you get a warranty with your home? you may want to check with your ...
|
| replacing kitchen range | 12/21/2007 |
Q: We live in Vancouver Washington. My husband will be replacing our drop-in range with a slide-in ...
A: Stephanie, The new one should come with a template to help you with the cutting diagram. At this ...
|
| drywall to brick | 11/29/2007 |
Q: I am covering my brick fireplace with dry wall. What is the best way to do this w/out using firing ...
A: Jim, You can use an adhesive like liquid nails for this and just glue the drywall right to the ...
|
| Cabin walls | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I have a place that has no plywood on the exterior walls with that no house wrap either(tyvec?). ...
A: J, The structures strength comes from the corners. This should be plywood at least, with tuff-r in ...
|
| joist repair | 11/20/2007 |
Q: My husband and I bought a 100 year old "foursquare" home and intend to do a lot of the needed ...
A: Jan, I want to thank you for including the picture, that helps allot. It looks like someone didn't ...
|
| False Walls | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I would like ideas & advice on building a false wall to incorporate a LCD TV, fire, video equipment ...
A: Patricia, This should be relatively easy to do, the most important step will be the planning, first, ...
|
| HANDICAP BATHROOM | 10/29/2007 |
Q: NEED TO REMODEL BATHROOM FOR MY MOTHER WHO IS 87 YEARS OLD, HAVING HARD TIME GETTING HER INTO THE ...
A: Sharon, There are some low profile tub or shower surrounds that are made for this specific ...
|
| Home Insallation | 10/27/2007 |
Q: I currently have blown in insulation in my attic. Would it help to decrease my monthly electric ...
A: Keith, It may very well help to lower your heating and cooling costs, but there are other things to ...
|
| Replace siding | 10/24/2007 |
Q: We have a shed that we want to replace the siding on. We had the present siding tested and it does ...
A: Carol, You can fill the cracks with quikcrete, I think I would use an epoxy caulk for the smaller ...
|
| Wobbly overhead fan | 10/23/2007 |
Q: 42" / 5 blade overhead fan that wobbles. I believe I heard that it can get "out of balance" and ...
A: Jim, These fans can get out of balance, you should either have a kit with weights that came with the ...
|
| Ground Settling | 10/22/2007 |
Q: The ground underneath my front sidewalk/porch has settled to the point that about an inch separates ...
A: Derrick, I am truly sorry that I didn't reply sooner. The first thing I am wondering is why did it ...
|
| Door/Stripped Hinge | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I have an indoor, wooden door (bathroom door) that has been slammed too many times. The screws to ...
A: Scott, I am very sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner, Try this, using a wooden toohpick, ...
|
| Kitchen | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I have a kitchen with a standard 8 foot ceiling. I was wondering if it it worth removing the ...
A: Todd, If you can get into the attic, look at the joints in the roof joists, trusses use a gang nail ...
|
| Kitchen | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I have a kitchen with a standard 8 foot ceiling. I was wondering if it it worth removing the ...
A: Todd, Not really a dumb idea. Could be expensive though. It depends on whether your existing roof is ...
|
| Drill Bits | 10/18/2007 |
Q: Bill. I wanted to know what types of drill bits are the best to use to make holes and what are the ...
A: Daniel, There are many different types of drill bits, metal, wood, glass, diamond, countersink, ...
|
| In-Ground drainage clog | 10/17/2007 |
Q: I have a 5 year old 2 story home that has downspouts that attach to underground drainage. After ...
A: Kevin, If it is only the one drain that is clogging you should be ok, You can rent a drain auger ...
|
| Granite Island | 10/14/2007 |
Q: Our neighbor is selling their portable island really cheap. It has a 3in chip in the granite on the ...
A: Tina, There are options available to you, I do know, that this can be repaired. Your best bet would ...
|
| sewer gas | 10/13/2007 |
Q: recently we remodeled our bathroom, so we had to rework our water lines and plumbing, we didn't hook ...
A: Flora, The vent pipe does need to extend to the exterior of the home, that may be the cause of your ...
|
| Crawl Space Vents | 10/12/2007 |
Q: I have a question about venting of crawl spaces. We recently added to our family room and created a ...
A: Joe, Those vents serve a very good purpose. They allow your crawl space to remain dry and help to ...
|
| bearing walls | 10/7/2007 |
Q: I have two walls that I want to remove to open the area up. The roof above this area has a Dutch ...
A: First way to tell if you have a bearing wall, Does the roof line change right above this wall? If ...
|
| Interior Wall building | 9/30/2007 |
Q: My wife and I are opening a business. We would like to put up some half walls (8ft) to divide up ...
A: Gavin, I am assuming you are talking about a knee wall, which is generally about 36-42" high, and ...
|
