Q&A / 

I know, I'm the AsktheBuilder guy. But guess what? I've always loved trains and had a rare opportunity to become a real conductor on the Hobo Railroad the spring and summer of 2014.  This train operates out of Meredith, NH during the spring, summer and fall. There are daily one and two-hour train rides in the summer […]

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Quick Column Summary: How to reduce humidity in basement You may be doing everything right Damproof or waterproof foundations Run a humidifier Tom Donohue, who lives up in Ontario, Canada, has a humid basement. He's not alone. Millions have this issue. "How can I reduce humidity in my basement in the summer. I do not […]

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Quick Column Summary: How to prevent pot filler pipe from freezing Insulate the wall cavity Caulk all the gaps Keep pipe on warm side of insulation Tom Chan wants to install a new pot filler faucet in an outside wall. But he's got a problem. "I want to install a pot filler faucet.  How do […]

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Quick Column Summary: Have asphalt shingles improved There are great shingles out there Metal roofing is great too Use ice and watershields Barb Koehler, who lives in Moultonborough, NH, is facing an expensive re-roofing project. I have a feeling she has the same decroted pieces-of-crap shingles on her house that I have. Read this: "Tim, […]

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.   Recall Summary   Name of Product: ProLED bulbs   Hazard: The LED bulbs can overheat and fall onto consumers below, posing impact and burn hazards.   Remedy: Replace   […]

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Sewer Gas Smell When Sink Used Quick Column Summary: Sewer smell from vents after master sink used Probably biofilm Clean with a bottle brush Use Stain Solver, oxygen bleach J. A. Coffey, Jr. has a stinky problem when he runs water in his master bath sinks. His problem was featured in the July 16, 2014 […]

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It's Friday. That means it's time to get projects done this weekend. How would you like to watch a VERY CONTROVERSIAL video of mine? It's about using a pressure washer on a shingle roof!!!!! I can hear your screeching now! Watch the video and pay attention to the RED notes in the video. Be sure […]

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Two weeks have blown by. What happened in your world? In my world, I was at Mt. Washington volunteering for four days to work communications for the Climb to the Clouds Auto Race, I moved my daughter home for the last time from college, I worked on the train for three days straight, blah, blah, […]

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Quick Column Summary: Basement with water issues and mold Is it the builders fault Building code is for the minimum standard Research and detailed planning is required David Fern has lots of water and mold in his basement. He's one unhappy customer and wants to know who should have paid to make sure this didn't […]

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Emergency Building Tools and Supplies - Be Prepared After the Storm, Fire, or Earthquake "...the fire department will protect and defend the most-valuable assets first..." Quick Column Summary: Emergency tools and supplies Without help for days during an emergency Short lists of tools and supplies Keep them close California Here I Come - Earthquakes and […]

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