"You install a deck post using special metal connectors and fasteners that have a thick coating of zinc. Cheap connectors can corrode and the deck will collapse." Revised November 2018 Install a Deck Post TIPS Use treated lumber for ground contact Connect to pier and deck beams with Simpson, or equal, structural framing connectors Watch my […]
Bathroom exhaust fans can dump cold air into rooms if they are not installed correctly. There are several places the cold air enters the bathroom fan exhaust pipe and room. Inferior, low-quality fans are often the problem.
If punch list items have not been completed before you pay the builder in full, you may be left punching yourself. Repair of the unfinished items may fall to you, as many builders lose interest in a job as it gets towards the end. If money has been received in full, only conscience may bring the builder back to work on small items. Fear not. You can fix them yourself, and with better results. The tips are here.
Steel I beams can be used on residential construction. However a steel beam design might require special handling. Structural steel beams are heavier then wooden beams. Consider the cost of special cranes and steel beam prices when using steel beams.
Removing caulk to replace it because of mold and mildew is a time consuming job. The good news is that the replacement caulk can now contain a mildewcide to kill mildew off. Some of these are colored caulks that come with lifetime guarantees.
Vent pipes are needed to supply air to water pipes. Without proper air replacement, your drain lines could create a vacuum in the plumbing system. Be sure local regulations allow anyone other then licensed plumbers to do work on your plumbing vent piping.
Heat pumps in certain weather conditions are extremely efficient. A heat pump works very efficiently when the outdoor temperature is in the 50 F range. They are air conditioners that run in reverse to bring heat from outdoors into your home.
Drilling into cement stucco can be done successfully. Beware drilling into EIFS, synthetic stucco. You could void the warranty and damage to the finish when doing stucco repair.
When it is time to replace your water heater, would a tankless water heater be the best alternative? Tankless water heaters cost more then standard hot water heaters. Be sure to consider the payback period on the tankless water heaters.
Once again, there's lots to share. I'm having a BLAST going back and revising all of my past columns at the AsktheBuilder.com website. More on that in a moment. My oldest daughter Meghan, and her husband Brent, bought me an Amazon Echo Dot for Christmas. I LOVE IT. It's just a little bigger than a […]
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