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Home Improvement--General/Questions Answered by Expert Bill Rodgers
| Subject | Date Asked |
| moderate water damage | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: A year and a half ago, my wife and I bought a foreclosure as new homeowners. Even though ... A: Vulnerable flashings are a maintenance item which only needs to be monitored regularly. Not a ... | |
| Shower Wall | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: I am renovating a bathroom in which one of the walls is an exterior wall. The exterior of the house ... A: That depends on whether that plaster is portland cement plaster or gypsum plaster. If it's portland ... | |
| Window flashing sealing question | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I hope this kind of question is allowed. I just had replacement windows installed in my homr, and ... A: Please keep in mind that caulking against brick work requires a certain amount of artwork. It may be ... | |
| eifs stucco house | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: We are renovating an EIFS stucco house and I have many questions relative to work being done by ... A: EIFS stucco systems are divided into two types: 1) surface barrier systems 2) membrane drainage ... | |
| condensation on windows | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: We just bought a new house May 2010. it has Acan windows example casement 295 Glass clear ... A: I don't speak Celsius very well so I had to calculate 50C = 122F. Did you mean something else? ... | |
| condensation on windows | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: We just bought a new house May 2010. it has Acan windows example casement 295 Glass clear ... A: Ho Dolores, I understand the difference between the condensation you experience between cooking and ... | |
| leaking basement window | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a 70 year old house with 2 basement windows that leak. The window sills are concrete and are ... A: I don't think that the cracks are the primary problem either. No matter how many cracks you succeed ... | |
| studs staining thru drywall | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: 100 year old house with all oak framed construction. 12 yrs ago all plaster and latices removed, ... A: Since I do not know where you live I cannot answer your question about the vapor barrier with any ... | |
| flashing windows t111siding single wall no vappor barrier under it | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: I have older building that has T1-11 siding I have discovered that it is single wall, that is the ... A: Your's is a common problem. Before we get into anything else have you considered what you may have ... | |
| Moisture under vapor barrier | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: Bill, I have a three stall garage, walls are sheetrocked/insulated/vapor barrier, ceiling is ... A: I'm going to assume that the vapor barrier is between the drywall and the insulation which is the ... | |
| Condensation between double hung windows and manufacturer out of business | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: In 2002 I had 9 double hung windows installed by a local home improvement company (American ... A: I suggest that you contact a local glass shop. Chances are that they know about problems with ... | |
| condensation in double pane windows | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: two of my living room windows that are double pane tend to get condensation. I read that you ... A: I'm assuming that the condensation you're referring to is contained inside the insulated units. If ... | |
| reflective film on windows | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: I have a two story house with plenty of windows. During the summer the sun's heat and reflection ... A: Yes these films can be very effective at reflecting heat and blocking UV as well. However their use ... | |
| Anderson casement window | 12/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a new 3-piece Anderson casement window installed. I find that the right window has ... A: Yes the hardware is most likely adjustable but it may be difficult process to describe unless you ... | |
| Window frame lets water in | 12/20/2010 |
| Q: My house has a big 3-section glass window in the front wall of the livingroom. Each section is a ... A: The first thing to check is to plug up the weep system of the sliding windows with some plumber's ... | |
| Winter condesation on new vinyl replacement double hung windows | 12/15/2010 |
| Q: I live in a ranch style house in Wisconsin which was build in 1989. My dad had great lakes windows ... A: Wow! It seems you've been all around this issue. With perhaps one exception, air circulation at the ... | |
| tile and "grout"/ on a fireplace | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: Our home has real masonry fireplace, at some point someone refaced the outer wall with decorative ... A: I have a similar installation however I have a fireplace insert in my fireplace. My choice was to ... | |
| low e glass | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I have two 6 feet wide windows high up in my sunroom. Each is a single sheet of glass that is ... A: You're referring to triple glazed glass. For more images of what you're interested in than you ... | |
| replacement window - leaking? | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: I replaced all my windows in my home. I have noticed that my single hung and slider windows have ... A: First of all I must tell you that the symptom you describe is part of the way these types of windows ... | |
| Water intrusion to family room | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: We have a 5yr old newly built home. 2 mos ago we noticed what look like mold growth in the carpet ... A: There are two possibilities for your issue: First: it might be that there is a large amount of roof ... | |
| Doors | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: 1. What can be done to make a hollow core entrance door more secure? 2. Steel, wood, of fiberglass ... A: If I was concerned about the security of any entry door I'd focus my attention of the strike and ... | |
| Water intrusion to family room | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: We have a 5yr old newly built home. 2 mos ago we noticed what look like mold growth in the carpet ... A: It seems that you've already been in touch with the folks who should be able to help you. Your ... | |
| Leaking windows | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: Have a contract on a 2003 home in pretty good shape. On inspection today noticed most of the windows ... A: Simple answers are not available in your case. Frankly my first suspicion would be condensation ... | |
| chimney refacing | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: hi my question for any one that can answer it my chimney's facing was falling apart really bad at ... A: Plastering is nothing less than an art! I suggest that you pick up a book at the library or do an ... | |
| Sunspace large window panes | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: We have a sunspace that has eight 2'W x7'H window panes, with only 3" wide wood boards between them. ... A: I'm not familiar with "bluwood" so I cannot comment on that portion of your question. If you were ... | |
| Alternative to window replacement | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: I much appreciate your help. All 16-18 windows in my house have storm windows, added by the previous ... A: I suggest that you contact a glass company. I'm sure that the insulated glass units are replaceable ... | |
| Window replacement | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: Can you suggest a dealer in the central NJ area sash packs. Original windows in 2 story colonial ... A: Sorry but I can't make a suggestion in that vein.I've been licensed in New Jersey but it was only ... | |
| Can't figure out where a leak is coming from | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: We have a two story house built in 1992. Above a bowed room, on the lower level, we have standing ... A: You problem is very common. The lintel that carries the brick veneer over the opening at the bowed ... | |
| Odor from below window | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: Two of my windows are giving off a musty odor. The smell is not damp musty, but rather dry musty ... A: There are any number of paint on sealants that are supposed to seal in odors. Sorry but the only ... | |
| Installing new construction vinyl windows in stucco exterior | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I am about to embark on a fairly major DIY project. We are replacing the aluminum windows in our ... A: You seem to be going in the right direction. The most important part of any window retrofit ... | |
| Leaking Sunroom | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: My all glass sunroom (about 15-19 years old) is leaking in multiple spots. My husband is handy and ... A: Many of these systems rely on a concealed interior drainage system that can become plugged up in a ... | |
| windows leaking? | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: We replaced all of our windows several months ago with new Anlin windows that met all the current ... A: Horizontal slider windows are designed with a weep system that depends on the ability to collect ... | |
| Awning window | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of vinylsiding my home & want to replace a large (32x32) attic vent with an ... A: Sorry Bob, I just off the phone with Lowe's. The lady there affirmed that they will order any size ... | |
| Awning window | 9/7/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of vinylsiding my home & want to replace a large (32x32) attic vent with an ... A: There's a reason why the folks at Victor would rather deal with a contractor, less confusion and ... | |
| Door knob removal in mobile home | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: The interior doorknobs in my 1985 mobile home have no screws. I also do not see any slots or tabs ... A: Some estucheons spin off and bring the knob with them. Others are released by pressing an narrow ... | |
| stucco painting | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: Our stucco was painted a day before downpour and now [a day later] it is peeling off and one can see ... A: Sounds as if your wall was painted without being properly cleaned and prepped. It's also possible ... | |
| door sweep | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: I’m looking for a door sweep, 2 actually; it’s hard plastic with vinyl sweeps. The attachment is the ... A: The AFGD mark reveals only the manufacture of the glass. It has no bearing on the make of the door. ... | |
| patio door | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a 3 season room that I want to put in a patio door. The opening is from the kitchen to the 3 ... A: They make patio doors in retrofit sizes that will fit through a 36" by 80" diagonally. Alternately ... | |
| Brick walls soaking | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: Bill- i have a north facing wall on my 2 story brick home that has a continuous problems when a ... A: The problem is that a very important piece of flashing that is missing from above the copper roof. I ... | |
| prehung doors | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: Bill, I am diy finishing my basement and drywall is up. I have prehung doors to install. I have a ... A: Typically the finish carpenter would hang the door jamb on a shim that matches the finished ... | |
| attaching a deck to a screen porch | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a large concrete pool patio just off my screen porch. I want to build a wood deck over part ... A: If the 4" brick wall is not well integrated with the masonry behind, I suggest that you build the ... | |
| Condo water intrusion issue | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: Bill, I live in Miami Beach (South Beach) in a condo and I am being held liable to pay for damages ... A: If your weep system is obstructed by the tile it could well cause the track to overflow to the ... | |
| Replace Alum. windows in T1-11 | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I'm semi-handy, and looking to replace Aluminum double pane windows in T1-11 siding (no sheathing) ... A: "2) T-111 in part of the addition without weather-barrier. To make sure I am understanding the ... | |
| Replace Alum. windows in T1-11 | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: I'm semi-handy, and looking to replace Aluminum double pane windows in T1-11 siding (no sheathing) ... A: In a case like yours the most important question is whether or not there is a weather barrier ... | |
| Leaks with rain | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: My townhouse leaks when it rains. It seeps underneath the 2nd story french doors which exit onto the ... A: Is it possible that your contractor might write up a short description of what he has tried do to ... | |
| Siding, patio, and a rotted sill board | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: My home has a concrete back patio. The concrete is poured right up to the horizontal lapped cedar ... A: "I wonder if the extra support is necessary for the amount of time that I expect the repair will ... | |
| horizontal sliding window weatherseal | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a photo of cross sections of two horizontal sliding window weatherseals I am searching for. ... A: I've been there too many times and only been successful some of those times. If you aluminum windows ... | |
| Leaky Windows on Patio Doors | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: I did the garden hose test and found that water is coming in through the window perimeter. The only ... A: I'm guessing that your doors are made by Kolbe and Kolbe. I'm not familiar with the type of lite kit ... | |
| Fiber Cement Siding Installation | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: My home was built in 1987 with solid redwood, stained siding. It was never maintained after ... A: Fiber cement siding comes in many forms including planks and panels. If you intend to use plank ... | |
| Water leakage | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: Last June we purchased a 25 yr old home. It is a two story vinyl siding home. There are two areas ... A: Where to start? I suggest that you contact your friends and neighbors and ask for a referral to a ... | |
| Cutting window sill | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: I built an extra bathroom as an extension to the house. The original house has a window, facing into ... A: Yes, you can easily cut away the cement sill using a diamond blade on a angle grinder or circular ... | |
| eifs and hooks | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: we bought a home 3 yrs ago w/ eifs exterior. i want to install christmas light and put in some hooks ... A: Before I'd drill holes in the EIFS, have you tried the adhesive hooks? If the adhesive hooks are not ... | |
| leak from vent fan in roofline | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: Last year, I discovered the ventilation fan in our hall bathroom vented into the attic, not outside. ... A: Did you interweave the roof terminations with the asphalt shingles? Sounds as if you did not. Use of ... | |
| eifs and hooks | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: we bought a home 3 yrs ago w/ eifs exterior. i want to install christmas light and put in some hooks ... A: I suggest that you contact the manufacturer of your particular EIFS system. Were it my own home, I'd ... | |
| patio sliding door replacement Flashing | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: Having a contractor replace my 72" x 80" patio door with a same size new Andersen 200 series sliding ... A: The only way to properly replace your sliding glass door is to remove enough aluminum siding to ... | |
| basement windows | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: Our house is about 35 yr. old, has a poured basement with the old metal windows with the metal ... A: Typically, these windows would be replaced by removing the glass and collapsing the frames with a ... | |
| Sliding patio door | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: I need to replace my sliding patio door. The house has vinyl siding, and a deck that is attached to ... A: If you find that the existing door is nailed across the sill you can sawsall the nailfin off of the ... | |
| Vinyl Windows Creaking | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: I saw a Feb 15, 2008 inquiry on your site that was answered by Guy Lunsden about vinyl windows that ... A: Your issue could stem from several causes. First: Is there enough room between the window frames and ... | |
| flooded property | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: We built a house on rural farm land 8 years ago. Since then our neighbor has built his property up, ... A: I suggest that you contact your local government to see if they have any ordinances that cover ... | |
| Glass Block Window | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can answer this.... We have a glass block window with a vent/window in it. The ... A: I seriously doubt that you can make any glass block window resist hydraulic water pressure. The ... | |
| vinyl windows | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: Bill, We have new construction vinyl windows that were installed in our home when built in 1993. ... A: Any of the commercially available silicone spray lubricants are fine. I suggest that you spray them ... | |
| Waterproofing windows to brick vineer | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: We're getting quotes to replace our aluminum clad casements with new, full frame clad casements from ... A: I've never attached an image before let's see if it works. Be forewarned: this installation takes ... | |
| water damage | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: when my house was built, the cement slab slants back to the rear wall. it leaks under and has ruined ... A: I would start by adding a gutter. To rebuild the wall I would screw or nail a 2X4 through the ... | |
| water damage | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: when my house was built, the cement slab slants back to the rear wall. it leaks under and has ruined ... A: You could choose to try to seal the joint between the new wall you are about to construct and the ... | |
| Windows | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I had 6 large picture windows replaced 4 months ago. One damp morning, all but one of the windows ... A: I think it's time to have the Low-E coatings checked. Most any glass shop has a meter that can ... | |
| Cant lock window | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a single hung window that will not lock. When i try to lock it the sliding lock just misses ... A: There are many types of vertically hung window hardware on the market. Without actually being able ... | |
| Waterproofing windows to brick vineer | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: We're getting quotes to replace our aluminum clad casements with new, full frame clad casements from ... A: Projects like yours are done every day, I should say incorrectly every day. At least your installer ... | |
| window leak | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: This is a followup question concerning a leaking window on my first floor. I had a company come out ... A: Tyvek won't help your situation any more than rewrapping your home in 15# felt for one third the ... | |
| old door | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a Douglas fir door and want to have it installed, but my husband says that it is too ... A: It's certainly possible to refinish that door and install it in a modern jamb, with modern weather ... | |
| water behind vinyl siding | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: I emailed you in the past about water getting in above a couple of my first floor windows. We have ... A: Is it possible that the water is flowing across the top side of whatever makes up the ceiling of the ... | |
| Windows | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: I had 6 large picture windows replaced 4 months ago. One damp morning, all but one of the windows ... A: Your certainly correct that is perplexing. Condensation occurs on a surface that is cooler than the ... | |
| WateSplit foyer bi-level home (1996) below grade rear cement case stairwell (5 steps down) with floor drain to sump pump section of deck right above the stairwell Sliding glass door entry from stairwell Drain taxed by heavy rains Water rapidly fills stair | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: This is our home and problem: 1996 Split foyer bi-level home (we are 2nd owners since 2005) Below ... A: Well perhaps the bottom of your issue is too deep for a long distance diagnosis. However I seriously ... | |
| Windows | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I had 6 large picture windows replaced 4 months ago. One damp morning, all but one of the windows ... A: I have see this happen numerous times. There can be two causes: First, The window that did not ... | |
| Water Leaks & damage repair | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: 8 MO old house had water leaks during rain and high winds 3 weeks ago. Water entered from every ... A: I suggest you contact your local contractor's licensing agency just to find out what assistance they ... | |
| Hybrid windows | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: I live in Quebec where the weather changes are pretty dramatic from summer to winter. We need to ... A: I am not familiar with the hybrid windows you mentioned. But I can give you information that might ... | |
| Exterior French Door install | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I was writing to inquire about how I install a pair of french doors I bought. I got ... A: After reading your original question I was initially inclined to suggest that you hire a carpenter ... | |
| Installing new window in existing stucco | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: Bill, Prior to owning my house a kitchen remodel was done. A door leading outside was ... A: Yes your plan is sound. One thing you should try to accomplish is to remove the stucco and wire lath ... | |
| Exterior French Door install | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I was writing to inquire about how I install a pair of french doors I bought. I got ... A: I suggest that you take the doors to a door shop and ask them to prehang them in a jamb for you. You ... | |
| aluminum fixed frame windows | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: How can we remove thse windows-frame and all- without breaking the glass. They were installed ... A: The only product that I know of would be a "Flush Fin" vinyl window. However, I've never heard of ... | |
| aluminum fixed frame windows | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: How can we remove thse windows-frame and all- without breaking the glass. They were installed ... A: Before I could answer your question I will need more information: What sort of wall construction do ... | |
| concrete spalling in a foundation | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a perimeter concrete foundation on a single family home with approximately 1/16 inch of ... A: Yes this problem is fairly common but may have several causes. The concrete may be short on cement ... | |
| sealing windows | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know what can I use to seal the windows from the exterior of the house.All the ... A: I suggest that you seal up any open gaps around your windows with Xtra-Bond 9500. It is distributed ... | |
| Missing Weep Screeds | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a manufactured stone veneer on the front of my home (built in 2006). Weep screeds are ... A: Short answer NO! To remove only the lowest pieces, peel out the weatherbarrier, tease in the weep ... | |
| Water Leaks During Storms on Home Overlooking Pacifc | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: Our original ocean cottage structure in Newport Oregon had vinyl siding applied when remodeled in ... A: Yes it's true, I've got a serious case of Multiple Bike Disorder. At present I've got 18 in various ... | |
| storm door | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: Hi, I have a client asking about a storm door. Usually it’s no problem, but this opening is ... A: Can you say "Time and Material"? I've never tackled your exact problem but I have installed screen ... | |
| Window frame drip | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a large vinyl window that starts dripping from top frame in spring, when the snow starts to ... A: Your solution is easier to describe than to implement. Insulation is important but air/moisture flow ... | |
| nj international code | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: How difficult is it to get an exemption from a code requirement NJ code requires 32" access doors ... A: It's not worth the effort. You will never get the exemption. The usual standard is a 36" wide door ... | |
| Water Leaks During Storms on Home Overlooking Pacifc | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: Our original ocean cottage structure in Newport Oregon had vinyl siding applied when remodeled in ... A: Viking windows? At the coast? Can you give me a DP rating? Without doing any research on your ... | |
| follow-up question | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: Your response to my initial question about driving rain getting into my house through tops of ... A: You will have to remove some siding. It's likely that you will find little or no attempt to seal the ... | |
| weep holes/screen room | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: i have a gutter i will fix that basically drains right into the screen porch...even after that ... A: Your problem is obviously complex and without drawings to give me a better idea of what you're ... | |
| window replacement | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: Our home is 8 yrs old. The original windows are doubled paned aluminum by Jeld-Wenn. Not sure of the ... A: If it's the double sided tape that failed that means that the insulated unit is no longer sealed to ... | |
| Outside Ventailation | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a vent in the outside wall above the window of my house close to the roof. Whenever there is ... A: The leakage could be caused by any number of problems. I'm assuming that you have little or no roof ... | |
| window replacement | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: Our home is 8 yrs old. The original windows are doubled paned aluminum by Jeld-Wenn. Not sure of the ... A: If Jeld-Wen is willing to provide upgraded glass with you only paying for the difference, I think ... | |
| windows | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: ow do you replace a window that is incased in brick. A: That depends on the vintage and type of window you are dealing with and also the type of brick wall ... | |
| RE; SLIDING POCKET DOOR | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: "I have a sliding pocket door in my home that has gotten disconnected from the piece that holds it ... A: I'm familiar with your hardware. Generally if you're having a problem it's because the cam lever is ... | |
| WATER LEAKS | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: This is my 1st post to this site. I'm hoping you can help shed some light on my issue. I just ... A: I'm going to guess that your home has not been recently constructed. Your question about mold is ... | |
| windows- water leaking from top | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 story house. We had driving rain/wind here in the Northeast yesterday. I have 4 first ... A: My bet is that your windows are not flashed properly. It's likely that the installer decided that ... | |
| Stucco Water Penetration | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: I have stucco surface on the front of my house in southeastern PA. After recent heavy rain, that ... A: Stucco is generally a membrane drainage system. Unless your home is EIFS, synthetic stucco, the ... | |
| leaking bay window | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: We live in a row home in Philadelphia and have a problem with a leaking bay window. It is a 3 story ... A: You've been all around this problem haven't you? The problem is that brick veneer is not intended ... | |
| Vinyl Windows | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: First of all I want to thank you for guiding me through the stucco work on my home. Stucco is not a ... A: Sorry for not answering sooner. but I've been traveling since last Friday and this morning, the 16th ... | |
| Low E argon filled casement windows | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I have just had someone replace old windows with the brand new casement windows. They came with no ... A: I know of no way to determine, after the fact, that your insulated units are gas filled. I suggest ... | |
| Water leaking from window moulding | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: In our 2 story 1940s' house, one of our original double hung windows in our 2nd floor master ... A: I would suggest that you examine the exterior cladding for a deteriorated condition. Could be a ... | |
| Help w/ window leak | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: Water is leaking throgh the top of my window; this definitely is coming from the outside. Do you do ... A: I would charge you $65.00 per hour. Depending on just where you are located it could probably be ... | |
| Regarding Insulated Window fogging | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: I recently came home after an extended away period at work in the Gulf of Mexico to discover my ... A: I'm sorry, perhaps I was not clear enough. Do you actually have manufactured windows or are these ... | |
| Regarding Insulated Window fogging | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: I recently came home after an extended away period at work in the Gulf of Mexico to discover my ... A: Check to see if your picture window insulated units have equalization tubes. If they do it's totally ... | |
| sweating walls | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I bought our first home in Sept. of 2008. The winter of 2008 we didn't notice any ... A: My bet is that as you have started using your wood stove more you have been using your baseboard ... | |
| door sweep mfg. | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a door sweep that plugs in the bottom of the entry door. It is plastic with two rails with ... A: You could remove the metal portion of your door bottom and try to match a new vinyl wiper to it an ... | |
| Help w/ window leak | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: Water is leaking throgh the top of my window; this definitely is coming from the outside. Do you do ... A: Leaks from the top of the window almost always indicate a faulty installation. I will be in Maryland ... | |
| Doors with minds of their own | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: What is a simple, elegant solution for a door that doesn't quite hang true? I have two bathroom ... A: There are spring loaded hinges in every size. None that I know of that will slow a closing door but ... | |
| wet basement possible causing mold | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: our house was built back in the 1930's, my husband %26 i have lived here 20 yrs. the only time the ... A: Some of the characters In your question did not come through clearly. The long and short of it is ... | |
| drafty window | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1 year old Jeldwen vinyl replacement picture window. It's double paned IG glass. 109X54" ... A: Denny, The frost cold your are describing is normal given the temperatures you're experiencing. In ... | |
| Leaking Bricks | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: HELP!!!! My wife and I recently renovated our home to accommodate our growing family. Unfortunately, ... A: If I understand you correctly your contractor removed some brick from your first floor wall and ... | |
| picture window in shower? | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: Our home has a garden tub/shower combination in the master bedroom. There is a huge picture window ... A: Why are you concerned about water getting onto the window? My only concern would be that water might ... | |
| picture window in shower? | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: Our home has a garden tub/shower combination in the master bedroom. There is a huge picture window ... A: From the picture I'm betting that your window has an aluminum frame. If I'm correct it's totally ... | |
| Cedar Condo | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: ..I have just bought a condo with cedar planking. It was built in 1982 and has not been maintained ... A: By planking, I assume you mean siding. Considering that wood siding has always required a weather ... | |
| installing frameless windows | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: i have just converted a carport into a sunspace and will be installing 5 windows, three of which are ... A: You're talking about stopped in glass. Depending on the exposure it may work and it may not. At the ... | |
| New sliding door problems? | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I had a new sliding door installed a few months ago, which leads from our kitchen (upper floor) onto ... A: You are correct the upstairs door is improperly flashed at the sill. My bet is that the door will ... | |
| New windows - some are leaking | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: Just had new windows installed on my house. I have vertical wood siding. All windows on the east ... A: You are correct except that the flashing should not only go under the siding but it must also go ... | |
| Stucco joints- old to new | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: Recent home repairs including rebuilding two walls due to water damage and mold, on a two story ... A: Sounds to me that whomever removed the old stucco used a saw to cut a clean line all the way through ... | |
| Leaky sliding glass door | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a new sliding glass door for my walkout basement from a Pella store. Prior to the ... A: Given that your previous doors did not leak my educated guess is that your new door is not properly ... | |
| window seat crack at corner | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: My window frames are made of vinyl. At bottom corner of a window frame (where window sits), i ... A: In order to determine if the crack is part of the problem you would perform a sill dam test. If the ... | |
| replacement windows | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Good Morning, I recently had a large name replacement vinyl replacement windows put in.I have had ... A: From your description I doubt that there is any seal around your windows to be concerned about ... | |
| french doors with blinds within glass | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I have french doors that open to my backyard. The kind of doors that have blinds inside the glass. ... A: There are numerous manufacturers of these between the glass blind systems. I have no way of ... | |
| glass in door | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: We recently purchased a small store. The commercial entry door looks like heck because the pane of ... A: You're describing a classic seal failure. The door need not be replaced but the insulated glass unit ... | |
| Sliding door | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: I had a sliding door installed by a local contractor. The bottom of the door was 2 inchs off the ... A: Michigan apparently uses the 2006 International Residential Code. Unfortunately the State of ... | |
| Water Leakage | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: We have regular vinyl siding on our home (unsure of age). We have a roof that is less than 5 years ... A: I don't know any body in New Jersey I trust, except you, of course! I'm actually licensed there, and ... | |
| French Doors | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I have french doors in my house and I don't like the "window pane" look to them. Or whatever you ... A: If I understand you correctly your "Lite Kit" has the grid dividers integrated with it. Yes the lite ... | |
| Leaky Windows | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: Rodgers, I have Aluminum framed windows that comprise of a single large upper pane with two lower ... A: Just a word of caution: the use of any sort of hose, much less a pressure washer to test a window ... | |
| Ref: question | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: Good day, I live in a townhome. It is about 5 years old. I recently noticed on all of my windows at ... A: How about the exterior siding is it stucco, wood or vinyl? Where is this concrete you mentioned? ... | |
| Leaky Windows | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Rodgers, I have Aluminum framed windows that comprise of a single large upper pane with two lower ... A: You are describing a classic leaking mull. The person who suggested sealing up the weep holes is ... | |
| Ref: question | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Good day, I live in a townhome. It is about 5 years old. I recently noticed on all of my windows at ... A: Are you sure that the wood you pushed your fingers through wasn't really drywall? The "metal strip ... | |
| Remodeling - Ceiling box insulation / attic | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I have no idea if you are the right one to ask, but this is a sort of "general" question I guess. I ... A: I'm pretty sure that the blown in insulation will seal up well enough to prevent air infiltration. ... | |
| Block windows in a stucco home | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1 year old Santa Fe style home in Arizona. In my master bath, next to the tub is a fixed ... A: Yes you can replace any window with glass blocks and do so without allowing leakage. I recommend a ... | |
| Moisture on the baseboard | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I am noticing mositure on the baseboard on the wall that faces the backyard/garden. There is a ... A: I still do not know what sort of window we're talking about (wood/vinyl/aluminum). Leaks that ... | |
| Window well | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I just bought my home and I have a big problem. My basement window well fills up and eventually ... A: You will have no success sealing up the bottom of the well. Your only option is to eliminate the ... | |
| Moisture on the baseboard | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I am noticing mositure on the baseboard on the wall that faces the backyard/garden. There is a ... A: There could be many reasons but I can pretty much make an educated guess that there are only two ... | |
| vinyl windows | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a house that has had vinyl replacement windows installed 10 years ago or so. ... A: You cannot have too much attic ventilation. However the attic insulation and vapor barrier must be ... | |
| vinyl windows | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a house that has had vinyl replacement windows installed 10 years ago or so. ... A: There should be a gold colored AAMA label on the window. It's usually located someplace where it ... | |
| ice buildup on sliding door | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: Can you help me? I recently had our old sliding glass door replaced and am very disappointed with ... A: Typically there is a #3 phillips head screw adjuster that raises or lowers that corner of the door ... | |
| ice buildup on sliding door | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: Can you help me? I recently had our old sliding glass door replaced and am very disappointed with ... A: It sounds as if your door is improperly installed. I'm not familiar with that series of sliding door ... | |
| Windows, condensation | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: We live in a house that was built in 1996 (In Edmonton, Canada). Most of our windows in the winter ... A: Without knowing the specifications of your existing windows I could not suggest that you replace ... | |
| waterleak from window | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: bill my name is rakesh. i have high ceiling family room, where i have this hugh window above fire ... A: What sort of a window is that? Am I looking at an interior shutter or some sort of inswing window? ... | |
| Stucco Work | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: How would you define the ideal consistency of the mud? How long after applying the mud is it ... A: Hey Ron, The best consistency of the mud is when it is stiff enough to hold on the trowel and still ... | |
| Garage Stucco Repair | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I have posted questions before on this project and thank you for the help. I removed the bottom 24" ... A: The bonder is not needed when patching in projects like yours. It's only important that the new wire ... | |
| Installing new windows and doors in stucco exterior | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: We've installed a new window and door and closed an old door and window opening in our 1914 ... A: I would prefer to see the flashing sealed directly to the weatherbarrier, but if you are unable to ... | |
| Installing new windows and doors in stucco exterior | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: We've installed a new window and door and closed an old door and window opening in our 1914 ... A: Is it possible to get a piece of metal "L" shaped flashing between the particle board and the 1X12 ... | |
| Leak on side of house | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: Our house is a late-1930's stucco colonial in northern NJ and the wind-facing side (east) leaks ... A: It's likely that the weather barrier beneath your stucco never was properly installed. In the early ... | |
| sealling the gap of doors from the floor | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I am working in a communication Company we have rooms contain of cables so i want to seal the gap ... A: I like the Pemko line of products. I suggest you look around this site. You'll find something that ... | |
| Caulking on wooden windows | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: The caulking used as molding around the wooden windows on the house we bought is turning black from ... A: The caulking around any windows is not related to any manufacturer's process. Typically a local ... | |
| LVL beam in basement | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a load bearing wall in the basement that I want to replace with a LVL beam. The beam would be ... A: I certainly could figure out ( with a bit more information ) which beam I would choose to support ... | |
| Flashing window in stucco house | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I'm having trouble figuring out how to flash my new nail-fin aluminum windows in my stucco ... A: Building Envelope Innovations makes a non adhesive flashing called "Sure Flash" that you could use ... | |
| Replacement windows. | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: I am beginning to remodel my single story ranch and have decided that windows would be first. The ... A: Insulated ( double layer ) glass is the only way to go. Depending on your type of siding and ... | |
| water coming in from driven rain | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I own a 22nd floor oceanfront condo in Ocean City, MD, northside of the building (my condo unit does ... A: I wish I was able to help you in person on this one. Typically the intersections of walls and floors ... | |
| Flashing window in stucco house | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I'm having trouble figuring out how to flash my new nail-fin aluminum windows in my stucco ... A: Wow! You've really got a project on your hands. It looks to me that you also have recessed set ... | |
| waterproofing | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: I have an unfinished basement and i have water leaking in around my basement window. There is a deck ... A: It sounds like you have a wood "pony" wall sitting atop your foundation. Deck connections are often ... | |
| Discoloring of the stucco | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I recently noticed that the stucco wall under the windows (vinyl) had some black color. For some ... A: You did not tell me where you live but from your description I would guess it is a wet or at least ... | |
| sewer vent | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: I'm having trouble with my toilet flushing. I checked the clean outs and I have flow. could it be ... A: A plumber, I'm not but I doubt seriously that an obstructed vent pipe would affect the flushing ... | |
| Prevent from rain coming in - caulk or textured concrete? | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Rain comes in from a crack between the outside of window frame and the wall. I would like to fill ... A: I would choose a color as close to the brick as you can get that way the wavy line will disappear ... | |
| Prevent from rain coming in - caulk or textured concrete? | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Rain comes in from a crack between the outside of window frame and the wall. I would like to fill ... A: You should use a color matched caulking something like Xtra Bond 9500 from Premier Products. Follow ... | |
| Reflective Foil | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I have looked up on the internet the use of reflective foil as a radiant barrier over existing ... A: I prowled around the web to read about the two foils you're interested in. I really found little ... | |
| Water infiltration | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: We have purchased an apartment that faces the sea ( 4 yrs old) . The apartment has a 1st floor ... A: It's my understanding that James Hardie company is an Australian company. Is it their siding that ... | |
| Therma Tru French Patio Door | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: Bill, you stated this statement in a previous response about a Therma Tru French Patio Door : Not ... A: Therma Tru makes a DP 50 door system that WILL solve your issue. Check them out here: ... | |
| Water Ingress above double gazed window | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: Sir, 3 years ago we had all new windows fitted,after 6 months we had a water leak in the top corner ... A: I've not witnessed construction techniques used in the UK, but a friend of mine who has carpentered ... | |
| Anderson Window - How to replace broken pane? | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a crack on the inside glass of an Anderson thermal pane windows. Can the insulated glass be ... A: Yes it is certainly possible to replace just the glass. However, Anderson has made numerous types ... | |
| Windows in Showers/Tubs | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: Bill, In an answer you gave to Alex about windows in showers and tubs you said "According to the ... A: No the International Building Code has not been adopted by all the States. However, the various ... | |
| replacement window | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I got a quote of $15,000 (before the Energy Tax credit of $1500) for 21 SL 2700 double hung ... A: I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with "SL2700". Is it a window brand or a line of windows manufactured ... | |
| Garage Stucco Repair | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I have posted questions before on this project and thank you for the help. I removed the bottom 24" ... A: It's only important that the new wire lath lap the old lath. Under or over is not important. I would ... | |
| Caulking Preparation for Acrylic Stucco Finish | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: We just got a 1922 pueblo bungalow, and are preparing the old stucco for an acrylic parex finish (as ... A: I'm not sure that acrylic means anything more than water based. I've applied elastomeric paint to ... | |
| Water leaks between threshold and sweep (shoe) | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: I too have been struggling with water leaking through a couple inswing exterior doors. I am in N ... A: I've not had much luck finding replacement vinyl inserts unless you're sure, in advance, which door ... | |
| Garage Stucco Repair | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I have posted questions before on this project and thank you for the help. I removed the bottom 24" ... A: Sorry for taking so long with this answer. Unfortunately my 100 pound Canine, Kamden, died on ... | |
| Cavity system | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: If a Stucco home is built with a cavity system does this mean you are okay or is there more too it ... A: I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with the term "cavity system". I'm sure I'm familiar with the system, ... | |
| Fill A/C hole in brick wall | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: My brick veneer house has a hole for a window AC unit. I would like to take the A/C unit it out and ... A: It sounds as if you've already got a pretty good concept of your project. I suggest that if it's ... | |
| Water leak door/window | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I have water leaking slowly through the frame of my patio door. It's a french door with floor ... A: It sounds to me like the water in coming under the threshold area of the door or the bottom of the ... | |
| foggy windows | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: I noticed that some windows around the house seem to be foggy. I would like to know if there is a ... A: I suggest you ask the glass company about your concerns with their license. There's every ... | |
| how to cover-insulate interior brick wall? | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: i live in a 100+ year old brick apartment building. my bedroom flooded 2 months ago. they removed ... A: The first question I would ask of the building owner is what measures have been taken to waterproof ... | |
| foggy windows | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I noticed that some windows around the house seem to be foggy. I would like to know if there is a ... A: I strongly suspect that the problem you are having is with condensation occurring within your ... | |
| Sliding Glass Door Leaking Air | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: Our sliding glass patio doors leak a lot of air during windy conditions, which occur fairly often. ... A: First off I'd contact Hurd to see if they can offer a replacement interlock seal. Failing that you ... | |
| water leak | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: I had aluminum horizontal window slider installed in our windows. I however encounter problems when ... A: Your comment about high winds could possibly indicate that someone has obstructed the weep system ... | |
| musty odor to replacement windows | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: I had 15 windows replaced in my home a few years ago. Recently, I discovered a "musty" smell coming ... A: First of all, I suspect that what was left of the Anderson window was the jamb extension rather than ... | |
| french doors rotting on the bottom | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: We have the same problem as the previous person asked. Our patio is lower than the doors about 4 ... A: Sorry but I do not track the questions so I do not know which question you are referring to. ... | |
| leak into window framing in a stucco wall | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I have had a sporadic leak in a window that is set into a stucco wall. The water drips from the top ... A: No need to apologize for asking further questions. That's why I'm here. From your description, I ... | |
| leak into window framing in a stucco wall | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: I have had a sporadic leak in a window that is set into a stucco wall. The water drips from the top ... A: First of all I must apologize for the delay in answering your question. I was on vacation and had ... | |
| caulking replacement windows | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: We have new windows installed in our home , we really like the ripple pane windows but i am ... A: First of all I must apologize for the delay in answering your question. I was on vacation and had ... | |
| water leakage | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: Our home is 6 yrs old. There is water coming in around some of the first floor windows and 1 second ... A: Sorry for the delayed response but I've been away from the internet for at least a week, on vacation ... | |
| tiles | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: about a year ago i installed tiles but nothing was laid before installing the tile, only adhesive. ... A: If your tile installation is still sound you can attempt to level the depressions with any of the ... | |
| unclogging a flex pipe | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Hey Bill hope all is well. Here is where I need your expertise. My Dad's down pipe from his gutter ... A: I would try to force a garden hose up the pipe from the lower end with the water running full bore. ... | |
| Patio door sill support | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a patio door that sit's on top of my cement foundation. My problem is my cement patio is ... A: Yes this door can be resupported by drypacking the exterior of the threshold. Unforunately achieving ... | |
| Vinyl Window Felt Replacement | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: My home was built in 1995 using New Construction vinyl windows. The windows use white brush like ... A: I understand your problem. Oftentimes these window frames are welded together with the weatherstrips ... | |
| Patio door sill support | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a patio door that sit's on top of my cement foundation. My problem is my cement patio is ... A: You certainly can Mark. The usual process is to use tapered shims wherever you need them to achieve ... | |
| Building Paper | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I am making progress on the stucco work I am doing outside my house, but it slowed down during the ... A: Glad to hear that your project is progressing. Yes the sun will deteriorate the tarpaper over time. ... | |
| foundation flashing around windows | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I have new vinyl windows coming on the 23rd and then insulation and new siding going on my house (by ... A: Wow! that's a bunch of design issues in one question. Typically the foundation insulation needs to ... | |
| gutters | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: There is about a 2 foot section of my gutter that has water coming through, it appears at the ... A: When the gutters were installed, the installer had the opportunity to apply a joint sealant between ... | |
| gutters | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: There is about a 2 foot section of my gutter that has water coming through, it appears at the ... A: Joints in gutters are often a problem area because of expansion and contraction. Unfortunately once ... | |
| Leaking French Doors | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I am almost finished building an addition to the rear of my home in Miami. IFC block on a concrete ... A: I use a product called "Wet Flash" by Building Envelope Solutions to seal such areas however it must ... | |
| water leak | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: we have a leak from the upper floor glass sliders and balcony to the lower level ceiling, the home ... A: Let me guess you live in South Florida. Right? It's not unusual for these problems to take as many ... | |
| water leak | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: This is tough to put in words. I have a small water leak behind the stucco on the back side of my ... A: Often times wind can force the water to enter through small cracks that might not even be visible. ... | |
| water under baseboards | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: We are buying a home and went to inspect and on the 2nd level we noticed water along the baseboards ... A: Before I can offer you anything, I'll need to know more about the construction of the home. Is it ... | |
| Leaking French Doors | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I am almost finished building an addition to the rear of my home in Miami. IFC block on a concrete ... A: While what you builder did to stop the leaking is not necessarily wrong, it is not the best ... | |
| Cost to re-clad EIFS home | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: We have an EIFS home and a prospective buyer just had an inspection done that found up to 40% ... A: When you say 5400 square feet are you referring to floor or wall area? Let's assume you're going to ... | |
| Painted Cedar | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: My living room walls had raw, heavily textured cedar planks, and at some point they were painted ... A: You could cover the gaps with smaller boards so as to give a board and batt finish. I would not ... | |
| Stucco | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I am considering stuccoing my garage, which is currently sided, to match my home. The stucco on my ... A: Wow! You've got many nested questions there. I'll try to address them as if I were the contractor ... | |
| Basement remodelling | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: We are renovating our basement. Wood wall studs; "green board"/drywall; with pink R-5 insulation ... A: From the R5 I infer one inch thick insulation and I assume 1.5" thick furring. If this is the case ... | |
| Water Infiltration Casement Windows | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: We recently completed construction on a home very near the ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We had ... A: I drew some sketches of what I think you screens should look like but unfortunately There doesn't ... | |
| French doors, water leaks and rotting | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I have French doors exiting onto a cement patio. There are several problems. 1) Water leaks in ... A: First of all, I invented a sill pan flashing system that is superior to either of those you inquired ... | |
| Water Infiltration Casement Windows | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: We recently completed construction on a home very near the ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We had ... A: Wow! you've come up with a totally new coastal window problem. Can you say business opportunity? ... | |
| Wooden casement in basement? | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I am going to be installing an egress window in basement. I can get some very nice used wooden ... A: While FREE is a good price, I doubt that you will be able to use a casement window below grade for ... | |
| leaking patio door | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I did a hose test and found water coming in between the panes of glass on my patio door. It leaked a ... A: I believe that you're describing a glazing leak. By that I mean that water is coming in between the ... | |
| French doors, water leaks and rotting | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: I have French doors exiting onto a cement patio. There are several problems. 1) Water leaks in ... A: Go for the new doors, but before you do ask any contractor you might choose what they think of sill ... | |
| leaking basement window | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I moved into a 20 year old house in the winter. Now that it is summer, 2 of the basement windows ... A: "...how do I fix the well and stop the water build up?" Have you identified the manner in which the ... | |
| replacement door in concrete block | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I would like to have a front entrance door replaced in my concrete block (now covered with insulated ... A: There are many types of metal door frames and just as many methods of installing them in a concrete ... | |
| Window Manufacturers | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Hope you are well. I am in the process of selecting a vinyl window manufacturer in Southern ... A: I have very little experience with Better Built so I cannot make any comment on their products. ... | |
| moisture under wall | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: I own a split entry house built in the mid 70's and in the winter I get frozen moisture in the ... A: Yes I do understand your problem. The answer is that conditions in those areas are reaching the dew ... | |
| Window replacement | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I live in an historic district with STRICT requirements. I need to replace the sashes of existing ... A: Jeld-Wen makes "Sash Packs" which consist of two sashes and two block and tackle type balances. ... | |
| American Homecrafter vinyl windows | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: I am sorry and I appologize sincerely. I said casement window but meant to write Double Hung ... A: I was really stumbling on that one. As I said most all window manufacturers use third party ... | |
| rain driven leak | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: Our family room/patio roof was added on with the original roof still underneath. There is about 8-10 ... A: Unfortunately you have just not provided enough information for anyone to answer your question, ... | |
| Locate limit latch for American Homcrafters vinyal windows | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I wrote last week. I have American Homecrafters Vinyl windows. I am trying to find the Latch which ... A: I've never encountered such a latch on a casement window. I'll need some pictures to go forward ... | |
| Old Metal Flashing Around New Vinyl Replacement Windows Is Leaking | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: we had old single pane metal windows in our basement that we had replaced with vinyl replacement ... A: If I understand correctly, the water seeps under the metal flashing only when the exterior ponding ... | |
| Old Metal Flashing Around New Vinyl Replacement Windows Is Leaking | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: we had old single pane metal windows in our basement that we had replaced with vinyl replacement ... A: I'm sorry but we're going to have to sort out some semantics before I can answer your questions. ... | |
| weather stripping | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: What is the easiest way to get new weather stripping to fit and stay in the narrow channel when ... A: Your reference to a "narrow channel" makes me think you have modern cushion weatherstripping. If ... | |
| drywall | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: i just bought a block home and the inside walls are made of block , not concrete block but a smaller ... A: Sounds like you have tile walls. In order to cover them with drywall you will need to attach furring ... | |
| Brick Veneer and Water leakage | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Bill - I read the question and your post on the issue of water leakage and a brick veneer siding. ... A: Several of those discussions started with mysterious leaks from the heads of basement windows. ... | |
| Water Leak | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm not sure what might be causing my problem, so I wasn't sure who to ask, but I'm hoping you can ... A: It's certainly possible that missing and/or deteriorated caulking could be allowing water to get ... | |
| Brick Veneer and Water leakage | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Bill - I read the question and your post on the issue of water leakage and a brick veneer siding. ... A: I will try to address some of your questions. Weeps are simply openings through the joints between ... | |
| Brick Veneer and Water leakage | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Bill - I read the question and your post on the issue of water leakage and a brick veneer siding. ... A: There all too many ways a basement can leak. I suppose that the first evidence that a brick veneer ... | |
| no weep screed on framed home garage | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I like the photo. Looks peaceful. I have a wood framed home in So Cal. The stucco around the ... A: Your friend is correct only if you are trying to patch the new stucco into the old IN THE SAME ... | |
| Steel siding to replace wood | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: We are in Wyoming and I'm told steel siding with insulatioon backing is preferred here. What ... A: Who told you that? A salesman I'm sure. Steel siding along with aluminum and vinyl siding salesmen ... | |
| No drilling | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I'd like to affix a small billboard (weights 7 lb) to a stucco wall w/o drilling holes, and in a way ... A: Yes there are numerous adhesives you could use however I believe that they would damage the wall ... | |
| new sliding glass door leaks at top | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: We had a new sliding glass door installed about 2 months ago on our house which was built in 1976 ... A: Your door is improperly installed. I would not allow them to do any more caulking. "...you don't ... | |
| exterior door leak | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a flat metal out swinging door that leaks. The home is only 2 years old and the door has ... A: I've a fair impression of what you have, and what I'm sure of what you don't have. Per your ... | |
| patio doors | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: We recently (six months) ago moved into our custom home. This spring we experienced a heavy rain / ... A: Regarding the hose test. I believe that hose test results are among the most subjective of measures ... | |
| patio doors | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: We recently (six months) ago moved into our custom home. This spring we experienced a heavy rain / ... A: My bet is that your doors leaked because of installation errors rather that any manufacturing ... | |
| water on transom window ledges | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: We noticed water was sitting on the ledge between the transoms and the windows on all of our ... A: I agree with you. An exterior "Cap Bead" is not a good trade off against a properly set piece of ... | |
| replace thermoglass | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: When replacing thermo-glass in a wood frame can I use 100% silicone instead of window glaze? Thank ... A: I suggest that you use any neutral cure silicone. Examples would be GE Silicone II or Dow Corning ... | |
| water on transom window ledges | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: We noticed water was sitting on the ledge between the transoms and the windows on all of our ... A: Please bear with me on this. By "ledge" do you mean the interior window surround or sill? What sort ... | |
| Do I REALLY need to replace my downspout diverters? | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I purchased this 1960's house 3years ago. Upon inspection, about 1-2inches of water was in the ... A: It's too bad that you did not replace the underground piping of your drain leaders before you ... | |
| residential footer | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of building my new home. I had the excavator come in and level out the ... A: The 4' in every direction was only to facilitate being able to walk around the footing during ... | |
| windows leaking from the top | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Rodgers, Yes - my house is wood frame with brick veener. Yes, the windows are similar to the ... A: "...the dining room hasn't leaked again. Somehow I'm thinking that isn't the correct way to fix the ... | |
| Windows Leaking from the Top | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Rodgers, I'm sure you are getting tired of answering the same question but here it is one more ... A: I'd be glad to help you but I need more information first. Can I assume that your home is wood frame ... | |
| bathroom window | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I am planning a Master Bathroom remodeling, possibly involving replacing a window. It is on the ... A: According to the International Building Code 2008 version any window above a tub or shower that has ... | |
| residential footer | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of building my new home. I had the excavator come in and level out the ... A: I've built several homes on clay. Oregon's blue clay is some of the worst anywhere!!! I've always ... | |
| crawl space insulation and vapor barrier | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: Rick, I live in Oregon and need to insulate and improve the vapor barrier of a home we purchased. ... A: "Question 1: should I replace that sheeting to cover the dirt in the crawl space?" Yes. Plastic ... | |
| Water leaking in through window | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Rodgers, We thought the previous time was a fluke we water was coming in at our kitchen window ... A: I doubt that your problem is caused by the roofing or the gutters. If I understand your issue, it's ... | |
| Resufacing Exterior Doors | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: Bill, Can vinyl laminate be used to resurface exterior wood doors? Living in South Florida, west ... A: I seriously doubt that you would be successful laminating a piece of vinyl to a door that is ... | |
| no weep screed on framed home garage | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I like the photo. Looks peaceful. I have a wood framed home in So Cal. The stucco around the ... A: "1) Okay, I visualize using a diamond saw to cut a line parallel to the ground above damaged stucco ... | |
| window leaking around frame inside home at the top | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: What is the likely cause and how do I, if possible, repair. My house has vinyl siding. The window ... A: The answer is fairly simple. There is supposed to be a weather barrier beneath your vinyl siding. ... | |
| Stucco repair | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a stucco wall that leaks water. There are no visible exterior holes. However, when I ripped ... A: It's difficult to really comprehend all of the difficulties you might encounter while attempting to ... | |
| Stucco repair | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a stucco wall that leaks water. There are no visible exterior holes. However, when I ripped ... A: It sounds as if your stucco is classic three coat stucco. If I'm correct it depends on a proper ... | |
| Ground Water Leakage into Basement Window Well | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: In my rental home, due to heavy rain, the ground outside is soaked. Water is filling up the window ... A: In the short term you tenant has the right idea. You're correct, adding an extension to the drain ... | |
| Replacing large windows | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I live in an 1860 Victorian that was restored in 1980. The windows are very large (10' x 4')steel, ... A: Wow! That is a beautiful structure! Most vinyl window manufacturers limit the size of a vinyl ... | |
| Stucco Ceiling | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: We have just bought a very old (1928) home with plaster walls and ceilings. We had a plasterer ... A: Your plasterer is being forthright. The moisture in the plaster has caused tannin to migrate from ... | |
| no weep screed on framed home garage | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I like the photo. Looks peaceful. I have a wood framed home in So Cal. The stucco around the ... A: I was skijouring that day in Juniper Park. My wife took the picture. That sounds like a pretty ... | |
| Stone Veneer | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: We built our house almost 4 yrs ago, and as I was reading your answer regarding weep screeds, I went ... A: I'm assuming that your veneer is three or four inches thick as opposed to the one inch stuff that is ... | |
| double-hung window repair | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: I currently have wooden, double-hung windows with nylon (plastic?) tracks (balances?) on the sides. ... A: "I assume that the "sash" is the actual window and the "balances" are the "tracks" that the windows ... | |
| double-hung window repair | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I currently have wooden, double-hung windows with nylon (plastic?) tracks (balances?) on the sides. ... A: New balances are available from Strybuc Industries. 1-800-352-0800. If you can decide on which ... | |
| Leak coming in under baseboards | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: I have been having a recurring problem with water intrusion. Whenever it rains heavily for a long ... A: "I have dug out the problem areas, re-graded the soil and put rocks down for drainage but I am still ... | |
| Water leaks under franch doors | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: Bill, on 4/13/08 there was the same issue posted, I have the same issue but did not see a solution. ... A: I'm assuming that you have sealed the joint between the threshold and the jamb. Is the door sweep in ... | |
| Water leak below a new window | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: We installed a new vinyl window into a brick opening last year. We went to the rough opening, ... A: All brick veneers leak just as all real stucco leaks. If the wind gets up during a good rain storm, ... | |
| Water leak below a new window | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: We installed a new vinyl window into a brick opening last year. We went to the rough opening, ... A: From your description I understand that you did not connect the Tyvek to the window frame. I'm ... | |
| Water leak below a new window | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: We installed a new vinyl window into a brick opening last year. We went to the rough opening, ... A: Before we really get into this, I'd like to clear up some vernacular. Is the wall really a brick ... | |
| smell after laundry | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: hear goes i got an older style home, and single story but for some reason when i wash laundry my ... A: The answer is your "S" trap. My bet is that your washer is dumping enough water into the drain line ... | |
| replacing veneer on front (exterior) doors | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I have front doors that are @ 36"X 93" solid core oak veneer. The exterior surface is delaminating ... A: Before you attempt to remove the exterior door skin, please confirm that your solid core door has a ... | |
| Existing stucco with no weep screed | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: . I have a house built in the 60's in California. The exterior stucco goes down to the grade and ... A: I'm aware that many homes are constructed without weep screeds this does not necessarily mean that ... | |
| leaking casement windows | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: we built a house and the framer did a very shoddy job of installing the windows and doors. when it ... A: It's more likely that the water is entering from between the rough openings and the window frames. I ... | |
| replacing veneer on front (exterior) doors | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I have front doors that are @ 36"X 93" solid core oak veneer. The exterior surface is delaminating ... A: I'm afraid that project is beyond the capability of most folks, that is unless you have a 36" ... | |
| Vinyl window replacement | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: For a window opening that measures 36X37.5 what size window would you get to put in that opening? ... A: Classic window installation problems!!!!!! Some one was not clear or someone else did not understand ... | |
| New Fiberglass Doors leak | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: I recently built house with new Therma Tru fiberglass doors. During heavy rainstorms all of them ... A: Did you miss the part about sealing the ends of the adjustable threshold after you adjust it? I'm ... | |
| Leaks | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: My question is two-fold. First, ever since my home was built, I've had leaks in several of the ... A: First of all I apologize for the tardiness of this answer. I was busy teaching a class all weekend ... | |
| structo-lite | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a tri-level home with 5 feet of exterior block showing on three sides. It has been painted ... A: Structo-Lite is a perlited Gypsum plaster which is not designed for exterior use. In order to ... | |
| Wet basement windowsill leak from above | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: lots of $$$ and experts - my basement window pools water in lower-left corner, then runs down the ... A: For starters I'm going to make some assumptions. If any of them are incorrect please ask a follow up ... | |
| Ext. Metal Door | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: ..I am looking to install a stained glass window in my front door. Wondering what to use to cut the ... A: I'd drill a 3/8" dia. hole all the way through near one of the corners and then I'd use a saber saw ... | |
| Leaky Window and Cieling | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: We live in a ranch style house and whenever we have a rain storm water is coming in the window ... A: Windows don't generally leak from their heads. By ranch style I assume single floor construction. Is ... | |
| front door | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: my front door does not sit right in the frame we have tried adjusting it but we cant get it right ... A: If your door has weatherstripping that is in good shape at the top and sides and a good door bottom ... | |
| windows | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I just bought windows and I think I paid to much we paid $8400 for 5 windows that are ... A: I'm sorry but you've not given me enough information. I'd be glad to do some research for you but ... | |
| removing a weight bearing wall | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: we have already taken off exsisting drywall to our 16 and 1/2 foot long living room wall. It ... A: It sounds to me that you were planning to "nest" the beam so that the bottom of the ceiling joists ... | |
| water leak | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Following a water leak, I had a new roof put on along w/ repairs on the inside (new insulation, and ... A: Given that you live in MN your concerns about concealed water are valid. However I doubt that one ... | |
| water leak | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Following a water leak, I had a new roof put on along w/ repairs on the inside (new insulation, and ... A: I hear you saying approximately one cup, but actually that's what you found, you have no idea how ... | |
| replacing windows in a cement block wall | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: We are going to replace several windows in the basement of an older home that my son owns. The ... A: Depending on your construction, it may not be necessary to frame the opening at all. I suggest that ... | |
| 1973 A Frame Home | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a few questions for you please: 1. There is mold under the bathtub and a horrible fake tile ... A: "1. There is mold under the bathtub and a horrible fake tile plastic tub surround that needs to come ... | |
| Window replacement | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I am going to be purchasing some fiberglass frame casements out of Canada, and they tell me that ... A: Assuming that you have sized the replacement windows to fit the rough openings and that you are sure ... | |
| lbl windows for iowa | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I have ordered 12 windows to be installed 1 bay 1 garden other are casements and sliders what do you ... A: I've only seen LbL windows in one home. My impression is that their commitment to quality ... | |
| Installation of Vinyl Replacement Windows in My Basement | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: Please let me know if it makes sense to remove all the wooden window jambs in my basement and have ... A: Your contractor is exactly correct. If you seal the vinyl window directly to the masonry you will ... | |
| house screed | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: I recently had landscaping done at our new home. When the hardscape was finished they had covered ... A: Most localities require six inches of clearance between the landscaping and the exterior cladding ... | |
| Windows | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1930 English Tudor house with some old single hung wooden leaded glass windows. The ... A: My suggestion falls somewhere between repair and replacement. If your home is done in the tudor ... | |
| Windows | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1930 English Tudor house with some old single hung wooden leaded glass windows. The ... A: I understand your dilemma. Yes it's possible to repair your windows including repairing the broken ... | |
| water leaking into basement | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I have an issue of water leaking into my basement, I've searched the Internet and cannot find much ... A: Basically a brick veneer is NOT a weather barrier it is actually part of a membrane drainage system. ... | |
| water leaking into basement | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I have an issue of water leaking into my basement, I've searched the Internet and cannot find much ... A: Your problem probably has many layers as does your wall. First of all, is the wall above the problem ... | |
| water in window well | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Every time we have a significant rain our window well fills up with water and dumps into our ... A: I'm surprised that your excavator couldn't help you. Perhaps you should ask for another opinion. A ... | |
| replacing windows in EIFS | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I am looking at a replacement window (complete pre hung aluminum clad wood windows) project ... A: Just because you have an EIFS exclusion doesn't mean you cannot contract EIFS as long as the ... | |
| replacing windows in EIFS | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Bill, I am looking at a replacement window (complete pre hung aluminum clad wood windows) project ... A: While it is not necessary to completely remove the EIFS, many owners and contractors would probably ... | |
| Window Leaking | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: On two separate occasions, when it is very windy and rainy, water seeps down from underneath the ... A: Vinyl siding is NOT a weather barrier. No amount of caulking applied the the "J Channel", the strip ... | |
| Window Leaking | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: On two separate occasions, when it is very windy and rainy, water seeps down from underneath the ... A: What sort of exterior cladding does your home have, stucco, wood siding or brick veneer? The likely ... | |
| corners spackle | 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: I use a six inch taping knife to spread the mud into the corner. Get some mud on the knife, hold the ... | |
| water leak in 2nd floor baseboard area next to chimney | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a house a few months ago and just found the carpet and baseboard in the area next ... A: Even though the joint between a chimney and the siding is often a problem area, it's not likely that ... | |
| Water in window well | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: 15 year old home. In last year had water leak into basement room through window well in front of ... A: The city may prohibit you from piping the downspout to the curb but they cannot prohibit surface ... | |
| stucco question | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: Our home has a stucco exterior. We are planning on moving in a year or so and would like to spruce ... A: Stucco is never "repointed". Repointing refers to a process whereby the failing mortar between ... | |
| concrete/stucco membrane | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I have an old house which is wood framed with a stucco/concrete exterior. I broke the concrete ... A: In order to do your job correctly you should remove at least 9" of stucco from around all the ... | |
| EIFS - Risk of Purchasing House with it | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: We are considering buying a house with non-draining EIFS siding. A moisture probe inspection done ... A: 20 to 30% range? Without knowing where this structure is located I cannot condemn such readings. ... | |
| Stucco - No Weep Screed | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I have an 80 year old home in the Gulf South (i.e. the land of rain and high humidity) with solid ... A: Your building would have no need for a weep screed because your type of construction is "Surface ... | |
| stucco problems | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: My home has stucco falling off the exterior walls where they meet the driveway because some ... A: You have not told me if your stucco is directly adhered to a masonry structure or if your home is ... | |
| silt between doublel hung replacement windows | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: Several of my windows have many vertically lined grey streaks between the panes of glass. In ... A: The vertical grey streaks sound like a breakdown of the Low-E coating that is located on one of the ... | |
| textured ceilings | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: i have a textured ceiling in the kitchen the sheetrock is fine so i want just the sheetrock celing ... A: How old is this texture? I'm not exactly sure of the year but if your texture was applied prior to ... | |
| Leaky door set on concrete | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: I installed an exterior door on a concrete slab in my breezeway several years ago. The slab sloped ... A: I don’t see why your shim method shouldn’t work, provided that: 1) The sealant you choose is ... | |
| exterior blistering under new paint on stucco | 12/24/2008 |
| Q: Approximately 6 months after new paint was professionally applied to exterior stucco, large ... A: There's no way for me to know the reason why your plaster came loose without at least seeing it. ... | |
| exterior blistering under new paint on stucco | 12/23/2008 |
| Q: Approximately 6 months after new paint was professionally applied to exterior stucco, large ... A: If the leak that loosened the plaster has been repaired you all set to get it repaired. Just be sure ... | |
| Top floor excessively sweating windows | 12/22/2008 |
| Q: greeting, on the top floor of my 3 family home during winter months all windows sweat excessively ... A: Can you inspect the attic space? Is it dry in there? Perhaps the installation of the recessed ... | |
| Top floor excessively sweating windows | 12/22/2008 |
| Q: greeting, on the top floor of my 3 family home during winter months all windows sweat excessively ... A: The insulation in the attic, or the lack of it is not related to your issue. If the windows are ... | |
| Insulate finished ceiling | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: Bill, We have an attached garage below our family room. The garage has a finished drywall ceiling ... A: Have you contacted an insulation contractor? They generally have ways of blowing insulation into ... | |
| Replacement window installation in winter | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: Some replacement windows we ordered have arrived and the contractor wants to install them soon. We ... A: There are plenty of types of replacement windows. Let's assume you're speaking of vinyl windows. Are ... | |
| New windows | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: We have a 1958 split level, not the best insulated. I saw your recent answer about moisture on the ... A: I'd put no stock by anyone whose services you're not paying for, mine excepted. Unless the ... | |
| moisture on inside of windows | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: I have anderson insulated wooden windows about 20 yrs old and this year they have started to get ... A: "...they have started to get moisture on the inside of the glass..." Sounds like classic seal ... | |
| stucco exterior | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: Were thinking of buying a home in phx arizona built in 1974. It has a stucco exterior which was ... A: Aridzona is responsible for at least as many water infiltration complaints as is Washington State. ... | |
| sent wrong email last time on window ques. | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: I just installed new Marvin Intergrity double hung fiberglass windows throughout the house this ... A: You said that there was a soft vinyl weatherstrip on the exterior side of the sash. If you open the ... | |
| sent wrong email last time on window ques. | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I just installed new Marvin Intergrity double hung fiberglass windows throughout the house this ... A: We need to establish some vernacular before we can go forward. Your double hung window has a frame ... | |
| condensation on inside of frames | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I just installed new Marvin Intergrity double hung fiberglass windows throughout the house this ... A: Without knowing where you live I cannot comment on what you should expect. You say you're running a ... | |
| Cedar Inserts above Windows failing! | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Our home was built in 2000 and we have had ongoing problems with the wood trim above our windows. ... A: In order to repair that sort of problem you will have to remove enough stucco, wire lath and foam to ... | |
| Cedar Inserts above Windows failing! | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Our home was built in 2000 and we have had ongoing problems with the wood trim above our windows. ... A: I've seen plenty of these false headers cause no end of problems. It's entirely possible that you ... | |
| Window Replacement | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: I just had my windows replaced by a contractor. They left some unsealed sports at the connection (at ... A: It's entirely possible that your contractor has sealed the window against water infiltration below ... | |
| Water infiltration from windows | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: Bill, My husband and I bought our house about 2 1/2 years ago. The house was built in 2003. Just ... A: I'm sure that it's not your windows that are leaking. Rather it's either the installation of the ... | |
| Removing a wall and... | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: this may be a total bad idea, but I live in a late 80 model 14X60. its 2 bedroom 1 bath. The rooms ... A: While I've never seen a bearing partition in a single wide mobile home, I'm still loath to tell you ... | |
| stucco problems | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: My home has stucco falling off the exterior walls where they meet the driveway because some ... A: Have you considered asking a stucco contractor to look at your issue? Even if you want to do the ... | |
| Casement Windows | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: Bill - I have a 1925 English Tudor home that is in need of new windows. To keep the integrity of ... A: It's not uncommon to budget $500.00 each, labor and material when replacing windows and that number ... | |
| Wood Rot In window sash & sills | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: We bought a 2 story all brick home of 3300 sq. ft. with wooden windows in upstate SC in 2004 that ... A: Please accept my apology for being so late with my response but I was out of town most of last week ... | |
| water infiltration through stucco vs. roof | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: Bill, I apologize in advance for any incorrect terminology. First, some background: I purchased a ... A: Your terminology not too far off. However I would need a set of drawings or at least a sketch to be ... | |
| Flashing for new window install | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I am adding 3 new windows to a ground floor by cutting openings in 1 inch thick stucco/metal screen ... A: Real stucco, which is what you apparently have, is part of a membrane drainage system. Your choice ... | |
| Water infiltration | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I live in a brick townhome in Chicago. Myself and most of my neighbors have been experiencing very ... A: 1)Yes, the through the wall flashing should have been installed during initial construction. 2) ... | |
| Water damage sheetrock | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: My hot water heater is underneath a set of stairs inside my house. It recently began leaking and ... A: How long was it wet? If it was only for a few days I would not replace it. Rather I would let it dry ... | |
| window replacement | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: i am replacing an old wood frame side by side single hung with a new vinyl. my question is what do i ... A: If what your using is a retrofit window, you're needing a sloped sill adapter. Contact your window ... | |
| possible moisture rot problems when residing | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: I have just installed a used doublewide manufactured Silvercrest home approx, 10 years old with I ... A: Yeah that's a bunch of questions. First, I'd like to apologize for taking so long to respond to your ... | |
| 80's "cake icing" mudding | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: We have purchased a house wich has one feature wall in each room that looks like cake icing- very ... A: There are too many variables for me to really give you a concise answer. I suggest that you ask a ... | |
| regarding Basement windows leak | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: Mr Rodgers, I hope you can help me a little bit with water leaking in windows when it rains hard. ... A: Windows do not leak from their heads, window installations do. If you are getting water at the top ... | |
| replacement window code and guarantee | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: We purchased replacement windows for our entire house in 1999. In March 2008 we noticed the seal ... A: Can we do this in steps? I'll ask you some questions and then you answer by posting follow up ... | |
| How to dissolve Protector Wrap on window frame | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: My contractor put Protector Wrap tape around the window to prevent water leak, but he left a big ... A: I assume that the flexible flashing in question is ProtectoWrap 25XL. If so it is a rubberized ... | |
| Water leaking around door frame | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: I have water leaking in around the door frame of a patio door on the ground floor. The door is a ... A: If the wall is masonry or concrete you can use a 4" angle grinder with a diamond blade to Gouge out ... | |
| pine siding | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: Have built a porch to our house for a hot tub, Wanted the wood look so I covered the tun&grove ... A: My area of expertise is not painting or wood finishing. I'm not familiar with "Danish Oil", although ... | |
| Re-caulking home exterior | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are getting ready to re-caulk the entire exterior of our home. Our house is only 6 ... A: I do not recommend latex caulking, 50 year or otherwise. You should look for a urethane sealant. ... | |
| Window Well Leaks | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: There is a small space between the window well and the outside foundation where water and some soil ... A: I would excavate the area around the window well and reset it tight to the foundation wall. While ... | |
| water in window well AGAIN | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: it's me again. We just got 3-6 inches of rain (not sure how much, power is out) from Ike. I was ... A: I doubt that water is migrating under the roadway. It's more likely that the water table is elevated ... | |
| exterior door | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: How can a wood door be repaired if the top sheet of verneer has peeled off? Do I just simply have ... A: Good question and very timely as I've just agreed to tackle two doors with deteriorated exterior ... | |
| Waterproof masonary from outside | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: Best method to waterproof cinder block from out side? A: There are any number of waterproofing products that are available at any building materials supply ... | |
| Wet House!!! | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: We are in the process of having the cedar siding on our 30 year home removed and replaced. Our ... A: How wet? do you have water inside your home? I doubt it. I suggest that the contractor get about ... | |
| windows | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: We own a 1978 tri-level house in Kansas. The current windows I believe are original wood with storm ... A: Sorry but I'm not familiar with either of those windows. One thing to keep in mind is that the more ... | |
| Water in window well | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: We had 3 inches of rain and this is the second time in 40 years that water came through the window ... A: If you can borrow a plumber's snake you might just be able to plunge it into the hole at least to ... | |
| Water in window well | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: We had 3 inches of rain and this is the second time in 40 years that water came through the window ... A: "How do I get the gutter people to fix the problem?" I doubt that you problem is being caused by ... | |
| windows | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: We own a 1978 tri-level house in Kansas. The current windows I believe are original wood with storm ... A: "I guess my basic question is do you feel it is worth the money to replace the existing windows for ... | |
| windows | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: We own a 1978 tri-level house in Kansas. The current windows I believe are original wood with storm ... A: You said "...the other single hung...". Does that mean that your existing wood windows are single ... | |
| basement | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: but I am confused about something and need some clearly up about this,if you don't mine. you stated ... A: There are too many variables built into your question to give you a real answer. The only way to ... | |
| brass | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: What's the best way to clean the brass fixtures (kickplate, lock and handle) on the exterior of my ... A: Often these types of brass fixtures are coated with a clear finish that is meant to keep the brass ... | |
| Replacement Windows | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: I am having trouble getting an idea of what is reasonable to expect replacing windows in our two ... A: You can expect to pay anywhere from $400.00 to $800.00 per window, installed, depending on the size ... | |
| Block Wall | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: My house is cinderblock wall, located in South Florida (135 MPH wind requirement), I have read you ... A: In Florida you need to respect the building codes very carefully. I can't imagine that you can ... | |
| basement | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: but I am confused about something and need some clearly up about this,if you don't mine. you stated ... A: My apologies Kim they are furring strips not stripes. By Joists do you mean studs? If you are ... | |
| ceiling refinishing | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a concrete slab constructed home of which the ceilings are finished with popcorn and have ... A: First of all these concrete planks have reinforcing cables just above their bottom surfaces. ... | |
| basement window | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I have several basement windows that measure 18" by 32". I am going to replace most with larger ... A: I suggest that you infill the opening with concrete masonry units. It will be necessary for you to ... | |
| stucco finish coat | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: My husband finished applying the finish coat of stucco on our entrance yesterday. While the two ... A: Sorry the days got away from me. Real stucco can take as much as three weeks to totally cure. ... | |
| stucco finish coat | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: My husband finished applying the finish coat of stucco on our entrance yesterday. While the two ... A: If the stucco hasn't cured yet, there's a chance that the color will even out when it does. Another ... | |
| Patio door | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: I have stained it and do not want a shiny varnish. Someone told me about oil that you can put on ... A: If you use an oil finish that is cloth applied you will likely be redoing it yearly. I realize that ... | |
| ventilation | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: My 80-year-old home is of brick and cinderblock construction. The exterior walls are sealed and ... A: If your problem is condensation caused by air conditioning the interior while the exterior is ... | |
| ventilation | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: My 80-year-old home is of brick and cinderblock construction. The exterior walls are sealed and ... A: I suppose that I'd first have to understand where the water/moisture is coming from. I see three ... | |
| Windows- New Construction or Replacement | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: We will be replacing our Casement windows very soon. Our 25 year old house has stained cedar T-11 ... A: "Our carpenter says New Construction windows are better because they are a better product and we ... | |
| Replacement Windows | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: We are researching replacement window options for our 70 year old home on the coast of southern New ... A: I have no experience with Anderson's Renewal. By insert replacements do you mean a complete block ... | |
| Popping noise from windows... | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: Referring to priorDate: 3/25/2008 Subject: windows make popping noise I'm a customer of Home/Devco ... A: I reread the question from last March. It was my understanding that the manufacturer was due to make ... | |
| window in steam shower | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: We are building a steam shower on a corner with two exterior, operable windows. I know this is not ... A: What sort of windows are going to be exposed to this steam shower? Hopefully not wood. I would ... | |
| Replacement Windows | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: We are researching replacement window options for our 70 year old home on the coast of southern New ... A: The only fiberglass window I'm familiar with is Milgard's and I'm not impressed with it at all. They ... | |
| replacement window choice | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: wind.on north side of carriage house--attempt to save energy as the ones in place are single glaze ... A: I'm partial to the Jeld-Wen brand window although there are plenty of good window manufacturer's out ... | |
| replacement window choice | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: wind.on north side of carriage house--attempt to save energy as the ones in place are single glaze ... A: What sort of windows are you considering? Wood? Aluminum? Vinyl? Are the existing windows vertical ... | |
| ceiling refinishing | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a concrete slab constructed home of which the ceilings are finished with popcorn and have ... A: I'm going to guess that the slabs you described are concrete planks that make up the ceiling of your ... | |
| Thermopane Windows, new construction | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: We have a new home in a retirement community just outside of Houston, TX. A few, though not all, of ... A: The condensation you are experiencing is normal. The reason you are seeing some with condensation ... | |
| door jam rot repair | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: My garage side door has rot at the bottom of the door jam. Instead of replacing the entire jam (or ... A: That jamb's begging for a dutchman! How about half inlaid wood dutchman/half epoxy filler. You might ... | |
| leaky basement window | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Recently the well started filling up with water during heavy rains and then leaks through the window ... A: If the window well is filling above the bottom of the window, it will leak. I suggest that you find ... | |
| Double/Hung Vinyl Windows | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: Windows are only five years old. Now they are hard to open like they are stuck - sticking. How can ... A: I suggest that you remove the sash and clean all the sliding surfaces with a rag moistened with ... | |
| Sliding window leaks | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: I am doing some volunteer work and the homeowner complains about air and water leakage along the ... A: If you will remove a small portion of that weather strip, draw a careful section view of it and fax ... | |
| Caulking/Sealing Windows | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I plan on caulking/sealing my Anderson 200 Series Tilt Windows, since the builder failed to do so ... A: It's certainly not worth any sort of legal effort to fix a problem that by the evidence doesn't ... | |
| Caulking/Sealing Windows | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I plan on caulking/sealing my Anderson 200 Series Tilt Windows, since the builder failed to do so ... A: I would like to have some additional information. "...since the builder failed to do so and the ... | |
| windows/sheet rock | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: recently purchased a brand NEW home, and when it was cold outside and the heat on inside we had ... A: I did not read that you actually see water condensing on the glass. "...the sheet rock in various ... | |
| Putting siding on a deck | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: We want to put steel siding on the ouside of a deck. We do not have a siding break. Is there any ... A: I'm assuming that your planning on bending occasional corner pieces and not every fold necessary to ... | |
| Water Infiltration Problem - Windows in Vinyl Sided Home | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: I live in east-central Iowa, and we've been experiencing a very wet summer so far. During periods ... A: Vinyl siding is not intended to be water tight! Don't bother to try to caulk vinyl siding unless ... | |
| Seal failures on very large thermopane windows | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: I have two very large thermalpane windows (Norco brand, about 9 years old) in my home. Each measures ... A: The best way to avoid seal failure is to be sure that the IGU is properly installed. 1)The unit ... | |
| Seal failures on very large thermopane windows | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I have two very large thermalpane windows (Norco brand, about 9 years old) in my home. Each measures ... A: First off, Please carefully check you warrantee regarding glass failure. ... | |
| removing brick for window | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: i am remodeling my bathroom. In it now is a window that is 16"x48" set at the very top of the wall. ... A: I'm assuming that you are speaking about a brick veneer on a wood frame wall, mostly always the ... | |
| Cost of Sump Pump System | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: Generally, how much does it cost to have a sump pump and perimeter drain system installed in a ... A: Any price range that I quoted to you would not be nearly as useful as asking two local contractors ... | |
| water in the cellar | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: We get water seeping up through the cellar floor in our 90 year old home. What is the best way to ... A: I'm sorry for the delay in answering your question. I did not receive the notice from All Experts ... | |
| Deck construction problem | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: I had a deck built by an unlicensed contractor and think I may have some construction problems. The ... A: 1)"unlicensed contractor" Contact the state to see if there is any relief available from them. ... | |
| Water seeping into window well from the bottom | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: During a recent, extended, very heavy rainfall, in which the ground became very saturated, I had ... A: 1. Could the drain tiles be plugged, preventing water drainage and is there a way to clean them ... | |
| HVAC Trunk Condensatation | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: The trunkline under my house sweats terribly in the summer especially (Tennessee-very humid). Put a ... A: While I'm not much into HVAC, I do know that your ducts should always be insulated where they travel ... | |
| Garage Door Leaks/Thresholds? | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: I am not sure if you also work with leaks from under Garage Doors, but I'll give it a try ... We ... A: Sorry, I am not experienced with the product to which you refer. I can tell you that garage door ... | |
| Water infiltration | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: We have been having water infitration issues with our home every time there is a wind-driven rain. ... A: Sure I've plenty of ideas about what might be causing your problems. In order to accurately diagnose ... | |
| leaking window in basement | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Above by window there are drips of water when it rains really hard. The window is in a basement ... A: Given that the "well looks completely dry" I do not think that yard drainage and/or condensation is ... | |
| French doors leaking at window | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: Bill! I have a steel french door, and water is leaking inside the house at the window (coming in ... A: What you are describing is a leaking lite kit. Typically these come from the factory with a bead of ... | |
| What's the best thing to do - with my brand new Gliding window that leaks air and water | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I just had a new construction gliding window installed to replace a cheap badly performing gliding ... A: I would look toward the objective standards that might apply in your case. If you specified a window ... | |
| What's the best thing to do - with my brand new Gliding window that leaks air and water | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: I just had a new construction gliding window installed to replace a cheap badly performing gliding ... A: I know two true things: One, All windows are manufactured to a standard. Two, The only window that ... | |
| Condo water intrusion issue | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: I have had issues following installation of new windows and glass doors in our 7 story oceanfront ... A: What often times happens is that the original stucco cladding serves to seal the margins between the ... | |
| Condo water intrusion issue | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: I have had issues following installation of new windows and glass doors in our 7 story oceanfront ... A: In order to definitely tell you where the water is entering from would require a level of testing ... | |
| Condo water intrusion issue | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: I have had issues following installation of new windows and glass doors in our 7 story oceanfront ... A: I do have an office in Fort Lauderdale, FL and would be willing to send my project manager to your ... | |
| Mansard roof | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: We want to remove the old cedar shake shingles from our "roof" (actually a "flat" rubber roof with ... A: The state of the art seems to be something called TPO. It's a plastic roof that comes in several ... | |
| Water leaks under French doors | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: I installed a Masonite triple French door in Sept. 2007. The door is fiberglass with vinyl frame. ... A: I can certainly help with this issue. However I need more information. You said "between the top of ... | |
| frustrating leak problem | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: Rodgers, We have a problem that no one has been able to help us with. We have a two story stucco ... A: Let's start in the beginning. You have two leaking bay windows on opposite sides of the house. ... | |
| Bad garage door opener? | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: I cannot find the answer to this ANYWHERE on the Net. My garage door power button has to be held ... A: I must apologize for my delay in responding, All Experts did not alert me to your response. Given ... | |
| Finishing my basement do I need a vapor barrier? | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I'm finishing my basement, do I need a vapor barrier even if I have no dampness? I have no dampness ... A: Since I don't know where you live I couldn't tell you weather or not your building code requires a ... | |
| windows make popping noise | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I work in construction and have a homeowner that has Marvin windows in approx. 4-5000sf of house. ... A: If the sound is not the result of the wind then it has to be thermal. Was the assembled design of ... | |
| brick getting damaged | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: Had a window replaced in kitchen 122 inches length aluminum almost 1 year ago, noticed now that ... A: In order to help you I'll need more information than you have provided so far. Is this wet brick ... | |
| new window leaking in rain | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: Just moved into our house after we did an addition. When it rained, however, the brand new kitchen ... A: Windows leak in many different ways. It would help if you could give me some information. 1) What ... | |
| So water does not come through door | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Bill Rodgers for AllExperts: Thank you for volunteering your knowledge and time. We truly ... A: If your door lacks a threshold entirely I would suggest a simple aluminum threshold such as Pemko ... | |
| mold in corner of ceiling | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: Our home is 18 years old It has blown in insulation. I have noticed the past 5 years that mold ... A: Let's assume that the roof is not part of the problem. Who replaced the plastic sheeting in the ... | |
| mold in corner of ceiling | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: Our home is 18 years old It has blown in insulation. I have noticed the past 5 years that mold ... A: I will need more information to really answer your question. If you could answer the following ... | |
| So water does not come through door | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Bill Rodgers for AllExperts: Thank you for volunteering your knowledge and time. We truly ... A: I'm assuming that your garage is already existing and you are having problems with water coming in ... | |
| condensation | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: this is a question for my son......... he has placed foil based insulation under his bay window to ... A: I guess I'm not clear what you mean by "under his bay window...". I'm willing to reach out a bit and ... | |
| new door | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: My 11 year old steel doors are rusting and I want to replace them with fiberglass doors. I don't ... A: First of all, what condition are your existing door jambs in? Can you send digital pics to me at ... | |
| french doors | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to find information on exterior French doors. Pricing and quality. Looking for a good ... A: First of all where do you live? What kind of exposure will they have to perform in? By that I mean ... | |
| replacing doors | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Bill, I want to replace a new front door, garage entry door, and a back garage door. I met with a ... A: If the contractor has given you a written contract that specifies a dead line when the contract is ... | |
| crooked door | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: When I stand in the street and look back at my front door, its crooked at the bottom. I can't tell ... A: I would start by asking your friends if they know a carpenter that they like to work with. Next ... | |
Home Improvement--General
Answers by Expert:
Bill Rodgers
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I have years of experience dealing with water infiltration issues associated with windows and doors. I have been a certified EIFS installer and am familiar with all types of stucco and masonry veneers. I can help you select the best windows and doors for any residence or multifamily building.
Experience
I've been a building contractor since 1977. Prior to that time I was the building official for Frederick County Virginia. I'm currently licensed in six states including: Oregon, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Florida. My primary business is solving and correcting water infiltration problems in residential structures.
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, 1972. I am an accredited instructor for the Installation Masters Institute. I regularly teach window and door installers how to be Certified Master Installers of windows and doors. The Installation Masters Institute is currently licensed to and administered by Architectural Testing Inc. for the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association.
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