Do you have any idea how many press releases I get each week? Patti, my mail carrier, has let me know a time or two that I better be reading all of the stuff that's giving her a bad case of shoulder arthritis. Handling paper is a hassle, but reading an email and clicking a […]
If you think I just write my syndicated newspaper column each week and then kick off my shoes and relax (gosh, wouldn't that be the life!), you are dreaming. I do all sorts of other things: I am now taping five to ten short videos each week. They are loaded to a library at YouTube. […]
Your wall size or thickness will determine how much insulation you can apply for greater energy savings. A thicker wall upgrade depends on many factors, such as costs of insulation, heating and cooling your home, temperature differences between the inside and outside, etc. Whether a thicker wall will benefit you can be calculated, and best decided before you build that home.
Plumbing installation for drains through a line is not as easy as you might think. Your PVC piping should be sized right to avoid clogs. You will also need three fittings to create a new drainage line. Follow these tips for leak-free piping.
Clear mortar sealer applied to brick and masonry houses will allow the release of water to stop rot and damage to the walls behind them. Now you can apply a water repellent to the outside of existing brick walls with a clear masonry sealer.
Ice, frost and other condensation need to be removed from your attic. Mold, mildew or rot can occur. Exhaust them with turbine vents.
Basement insulation may help keep your first floor warmer. Is insulation added to basement ceilings between the floor joists worthwhile? Insulation slows heat transfer, but choosing to insulate your basement ceiling is not the most efficient. Basement wall insulation may be the answer.
French doors can be installed by any homeowner. Custom jambs made for the age of your house might be necessary. These French doors will require a rough opening and new header before you position the door. Determine your ability to plaster the gaps. Rookie plasterers should not use traditional white-coat plaster.
Concrete countertops are spectacular looking. However, if you plan to install your own countertops be prepared to work hard. Your skills must run to finish carpentry and concrete finishing. Perhaps a skilled concrete countertop installation is called for.
Masonry walls made from stone, concrete block, brick or a combination of the materials can look fine, but wind-driven rain can really cause waterproofing problems. Massive amounts of water can enter through invisible passageways.
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