Asphalt Shingle Failure Question #1: Tim, I’m beside myself. My expensive asphalt shingles that have a 30-year warranty are less than ten years old and starting to curl. I see lots of roofs around me doing the same. I never recall observing this type of defect in all my past houses with asphalt shingles. Did […]
Ask the Builder Podcast 11 Highlights: Bruce's new blacktop drive needs support at one edge Jack's brick home leaks in driving rains Diane has crumbling concrete steps Tim shares a story about new ceramic tile bubbling up off a floor! NOTE: Transcript of this story below. CLICK to LISTEN to Tim's AsktheBuilder Podcast 11. Podcast Sponsor: […]
Steel in Concrete Question #1: Tim, my builder is telling me to forget about using reinforcing steel or mesh is my concrete driveway and patio. He says he’ll just add an inch of thickness and that’s good enough. What’s your feeling? Would you go to the effort and expense to install reinforcing steel in outdoor […]
Shed ramps are necessary for almost all sheds that have a wooden floor. It is very common for a shed floor to be six or more inches above the outdoor grade level. Shed ramps can be made from wood or metal. Wood ramps are fairly easy to construct, but they must not be too steep.
"I started to test different products and discovered quickly they all did a great job of keeping leaves out of my gutters. But in the spring, or after two spring seasons, all of the gutter cover products I tested FAILED." Gutter covers are a huge business. They really came of age back in the 1990s. Related […]
Question #1: Tim, the window frame on the back of my house is deteriorating. If you look at the three photos I sent, you’ll see there’s no gutter over this window, but rain diverters up in the shingles. What’s the best way to repair the damage and prevent it in the future? Andy, Westerville, OH […]
Low-Voltage Deck Lights Question #1: Tim, I’m going to tackle rebuilding my deck soon and have seen lots of photos of low-voltage deck lighting. I’m afraid of electricity and don’t feel I have the skills to do this part of the project. Can you impart any wisdom that will instill the courage in me to […]
Here's a collection of photos showing how I connected up my Trex low-voltage lighting. Trex Low Voltage Lighting Is Easy to Connect First, allow me to show you what the lights look like when they're on: Check the June 3, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter for information on how the deck looked prior to the remodeling!!
Ask the Builder Podcast 8 Highlights: Karen's wondering if she needs a new paver or blacktop drive. Tim has a better idea. Brian needs some tips about painting the inside of a concrete block building Lauren wonders about attic framing lumber, a slanted floor and some cracks in her home Tim shares a funny […]