How to insulate an older brick home can be a challenge. If furring strips were nailed to the inner masonry, there is only a narrow 3/4-inch space to add insulation. Very old brick homes often have no space to add insulation as the plaster was applied directly to the brick wall.
Drilling ceramic tile requires a special drill bit and a steady hand. A carbide drill bit or a diamond drill bit are best for drilling holes in ceramic tile. The proper drill speed will prevent a disaster.
House siding, including vinyl siding, is not maintenance free. Mildew and algae can grow on vinyl siding, as well as wood siding. Try using oxygen bleach to clean your house siding instead of using a pressure washer.
Metal ductwork, plastic piping and any other object that might expand and contract can rub against wood framing. The movement, in almost all cases, creates annoying noises anytime of day or night.
Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
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Crawl spaces collect and condense water vapor. Crawl space ventilation is necessary to prevent mildew or rot. Vapor barriers may provide better protection than crawlspace vents.
Marble floor polishing can remove small scratches. You can polish the flooring either by dry sanding or wet sanding. Use special silicone-carbide sandpaper in range of grits to slowly work out those imperfections.
Have recessed lighting with a mind of its own? Your recessed lights go off and on without the switch being activated? Are you getting ready to add extra insulation in your attic? If so, avoid problems and take a few moments to read this column.
Foundation drain tile systems are very important. They move water away from the soil around your foundation. Using a T fitting, they can move water to the soil to keep it in equilibrium during a drought.
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