Quick Column Summary: Tiling on stained concrete Clean floor with oxygen bleach Test thinset for bonding to concrete Teresa Norrell, from Moyock, NC, has a pretty simple question. "Can I install tile directly to a previously stained concrete floor? I fear the thinset mortar will not adhere to the stained concrete." Here's my answer: Teresa, […]
Quick Column Summary: Tar paper or 6 mil plastic vapor barrier Leave an air gap to avoid mold Video link Charles Gregoire is perplexed up in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. "Confusion on whether to use tar paper or 6 mil plastic. In repairing a 64" section of an existing basement interior wood framed dry […]
Tim is getting ready for a BIG CONTEST. Guess what's going on!
In less than two weeks, you're going to have a chance to win huge money. If you're a new or newer subscriber to this newsletter, I ran a survey months ago asking "What prize(s) would you like to see as part of the fun games I'll be running?" Far and away the answer selected was […]
You may have to secure two thin pieces of metal together from time to time. It's possible to do this with solder, epoxy or screws with special threads meant for biting into thin metal, but my guess is you might turn to rivets. Rivets have been used for hundreds of years to join metal. The […]
Quick Column Summary: Intake vent for makeup air What height from the ground Be aware of blockages Randy King, who's in need of makeup air in Madison, WI, wrote: "I saw your video on make-up air. I'm installing Skuttle's Model 216-6 (6") damper control and exterior intake vent. The intake vent needs to exit through […]
Quick Column Summary: Planter landscaping against foundation Water issues Keep brick dry, weep holes open Space around foundation allows for inspection DEAR TIM: I just purchased a home where the landscaping bed is up against the brick front wall. The home is about twenty-five-years old. The planting bed extends about 3 feet from the house […]
I just shot a new video this morning. The inspiration came because I changed out all the old useless fluorescent fixtures in my garage that have given me nothing but headaches for six years. I installed simple surface-mount standard bulb fixtures that I'm outfitting with LED bulbs. As I was installing the new simple fixtures, […]
Quick Column Summary: Double pane windows with fogging between How to remove and clean it Have new insulated glass installed Video link Martin Gold, who's got a fogged window in Lakeport, NJ, has a great question: "I have a bow window double panes one pane has developed a film in between panes. Is there a […]
Two days ago, I spent over five hours on the Conway Scenic Train. It was a spectacular bluebird day here in New Hampshire, albeit a little cold in the morning as I rode in the open car with friends and co-workers from the train I work on. This long train ride, probably 30 or more […]
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