November 24, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Tim Carter

I've got lots to report even with the craziness of Thanksgiving upon us.

Before I go any farther, Happy Thanksgiving to you!

I'm so very thankful you're a subscriber, that you open as many issues as possible and that you click links in the newsletter that take you to fun and interesting places.

You may not celebrate Thanksgiving in your country, but here in the USA it's a time for family to gather.

It's supposed to be a joyous time, but egos can get in the way, stress can build because you don't like your in-laws or they don't like you, you dislike your own relatives, etc.

I propose this Thanksgiving that you set aside any ill feelings you may have for anyone and bury the hatchet.

My best friend Richard Anderson taught me years ago that the strongest person in a relationship says "I'm sorry" first and offers up the olive branch.

Be brave.

Be that person this Thanksgiving.

Do you remember that scene in the first Home Alone movie?

In that scene, Kevin offers his scary neighbor some advice that is LIFE CHANGING.

I'm sure you remember what Kevin saw looking through his window on Christmas morning, right?

Be brave this Thanksgiving.

I did it years ago and I can tell you it has changed my life for the better.

Do You Want Me to Call You on the Phone? I've offered this service for YEARS. Try it!

Cranberry Juice, Red Wine, Gravy and Fine Linen

Do you have new carpet?

How about heirloom linens you use for Thanksgiving?

Someone is going to have an accident and SPILL something.

There's NO NEED to FREAK OUT!!

You can clean up all the spills with Stain Solver.

It's Certified organic. It's fabric and color safe.

Kathy and I own the company.

Stain Solver is the most powerful consumer-grade oxygen bleach sold in the USA.

Order the 0.4-pound SAMPLE SIZE and a secret small scrap of paper is included. It has my private phone and text number on it.

You can call or text me if you need help using Stain Solver.

What other CEO / Founder gives out their phone number like this?

CLICK HERE now to order so we can get it moving to you immediately.

Product and Tool Award SCAMS

You may have seen other websites, magazines or other publications that make a big deal out of Awards they hand out about a new product or tool.

I'm not going to name them here so as to protect the guilty.

The publishers say awards are based on "Innovation" or "Quality" or some other SUBJECTIVE basis.

Guess what?

In many cases the awards are based on MONEY.

The website SELLS the award and companies making the product or tool PAY to get it.

Here's how to discover if the award or fancy medallion you see next to a product or tool is A SCAM.

Use the Contact Us form on the website.

Fill it out and ask them to show you the page on the website that spells out the criteria about how the winners of the award are chosen.

If they don't get back with you, then you know what the answer is.

Believe me, you'd be SHOCKED at who's doing this.

Is it illegal? NO.

Is it unethical? YES

Home Advisor TV Commercial

Last night I was tuned in to watch the New England Patriots, you know, the team many love to hate.

Anyway, set aside your feeling about pounds per square inch and listen.

I saw a commercial about a website called Home Advisor. It's a competitor to Angie's List.

You can use Home Advisor for FREE.

I'm not asking you to do it. The way Home Advisor makes their money is it's a lead-generation business model.

You, the consumer, go to their website and soon you're entranced about getting estimates for repair work at your home.

You fill out a form.

Within minutes / hours, you start getting phone calls from local contractors who PAID Home Advisor for the lead.

But BEFORE you ever use this website or any other similar one, you MUST DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE.

If you type "home advisor complaints" into any of the major search engines, you'll quickly discover websites that feature complaints about the website your researching.

Here's one troubling review I found fast about Home Advisor.

CLICK HERE to read it.

I'm sure there are many others and I'm sure you'll discover great glowing reviews for Home Advisor.

Just take your time and do research BEFORE you make a decision.

You should do this before you BUY anything.

MYSTERY LINK! Are you a Dreamer or a Realist? You'll love this column. CLICK HERE for a SURPRISE!

That's enough for today don't you think?

Remember two things:

Be Brave

ORDER Stain Solver to SAVE your carpet, linens, new top or dress.

Happy Thanksgiving! My favorite meal of the year.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Home Alone Old Man in Church Big Deal

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Tim Carter

Did you see the movie Home Alone?

One of the best parts in the movie is when Kevin is in church and finally has a talk with the scary old man who's his neighbor.

It turns out the old man is not scary.

What's more Kevin discovers that he's really just sad.

Kevin gives the old man some advice that turns out to be very good.

You should do what the old man does.

BE BRAVE, bury the hatchet, make the phone call, say I'm sorry or do what you have to do to ratchet down the stress.

Remember, the STRONGEST person always offers the olive branch.

Davinci Roofscapes vs. Asphalt Shingles Video 5 of 5

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Tim Carter

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Tim Carter takes you on a tour of his new Davinci Roofscapes Single Width Slate roof. You'll agree it's a gorgeous roof that would look fantastic on your home.

Tim refused to install another asphalt shingle roof because the one on his home that was supposed to last 30 years began to fail in about nine years!

Many people across the USA are suffering from poor-quality asphalt shingles and are looking for an alternative.

This DaVinci Roofscapes material may be of interest to you!

This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my July 8, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Davinci Roofscapes vs. Asphalt Shingles Video 4 of 5

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Tim Carter

Tim Carter shows the different ways to cut and fasten Davinci Roofscapes Single-Width Slate. Synthetic slate is durable, much lighter than real slate and it looks as good or better than slate.

This is a virgin polymer roof that can last generations. The DaVinci Roofscapes product is much lighter than real slate, but only a geologist can tell it's not real!

November 19, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Tim Carter

If you're a NEW subscriber, this is a very unusual eblast.

I do them from time to time if I have BREAKING NEWS.

Today is one of those days.

Kelly Needs an iPhone 5

First, my youngest daughter Kelly would like to buy your iPhone 5 if you have one in excellent shape and it's sitting around doing nothing.

Perhaps you've upgraded and have one that needs a new home.

Let me know. Just reply to this email and let me know the price and I'll put you two in touch with one another so you can finalize the dealeo.

Thank you.

Apple El Capitan Software Update

DO NOT INSTALL the El Capitan operating system update!

I installed it on my laptop this past weekend and it's got more bugs in it than a restaurant dumpster that's been sitting full in the Georgia sun for the month of August.

As soon as I can get the computer stable, I'll plug in my backup drive, use Time Machine and wipe the WRETCHED software off my laptop.

I've been trying to edit one of my last videos of my new roof and the laptop crashes more than an inebriated patron driving a bumper car at the county fair.

Apple should be ashamed of themselves for releasing a software update that's causing all these problems.

Don't waste your time telling me all about PCs. I was a Bill Gates zealot for about 20 years then threw in the towel because of all of the issues with Microsoft operating systems.

You telling me how great Microsoft is is like you telling me your Chevy truck is better than my Ford.

Blah blah blah blah.....

We both could chase those snakes all day long.

🙂

Is Your Roof DEFECTIVE? Take my Defective Roof Survey NOW. CLICK HERE

New Column For You

Okay, so this is a home improvement newsletter.

CLICK HERE for the latest column I've uploaded to my website.

More on Sunday, including the LAST videos of my new DaVinci Roofscapes roof!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over Tim Cook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Granite Tile Countertop Edge

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Tim Carter

Granite Tile Countertop Edge | The granite pieces at the edged of this countertop can be attached to the wood substrate and last for a long time. Photo Credit: Roger Cooll

DEAR TIM: Pieces of granite tile countertop edge at my kitchen sink have fallen off. None of the pieces of granite have been damaged or cracked. I need a simple fix to reinstall the tiles. Is there a way to do this so the tiles will stay attached to the wood substrate for years and years?

I'm worried about water leaking around the sink edge and causing the wood top to warp and rot causing even more problems. How would you repair this? What would you have done in the first place to ensure the granite pieces would have never fallen off in the first place? Roger C., Seattle, WA

DEAR ROGER: What a shame that you're having this problem. The good news is the excellent photo you sent tells me everything I need to know to help you do a complete repair in less than 72 hours. I suggest that we get started fixing the countertop and then we'll discuss how I would have done the job in the first place.

Your photo shows that the wood substrate is in excellent shape. There's no residual adhesive and the wood appears to be sound. You're lucky as it could have been much worse. To get a professional result, the substrate needs to be smooth, sound and in the same plane. That's what I'm seeing now in your photograph.

If there's any adhesive on the back of the granite pieces, it needs to be removed. I have no clue what it might be but I think I do see some cement-based thinset under one of the countertop pieces that's still in place under the corner of your sink. You'll need to grind as much of this thinset off the granite pieces as possible without damaging the granite. You may find a belt sander with coarse paper might do the trick.

Once you have the back of the granite cleaned up, it's time to concentrate on the wood substrate. It needs to be sealed so water can't soak into the wood causing it to swell and rot. I'd use a clear water-based urethane for this job. It dries in an hour and you'll need no less than two coats.

I'd apply one coat and then get busy fabricating a support frame that the vertical pieces of granite will rest on after they've been attached to the front of the wood substrate. Gravity will tug at the granite pieces causing them to slip and fall no matter what adhesive you choose to use. The frame with a tiny shelf prevents this movement.

Be sure the support shelf you construct is solid and will not move for at least 36 hours after you start to re-attach the granite to the front of the sink area. If I was there my frame would rest on the floor and I'd use blue painters tape to hold the frame to the front of the cabinets.

Before you mix up any thinset to reattach the tile pieces, be sure that when the granite pieces rest on the temporary shelf they are flush with the top of the wood substrate. If you have to put thin shims under the pieces of granite to achieve this, that's fine.

Apply one last coat of clear urethane to the wood substrate and as soon as it gets tacky mix up a small batch of Portland cement-based thinset. This is a great adhesive and it will bond well to the wood substrate. It's best to apply it to the urethane just before it cures so you get a superior bond between the urethane molecules and the thinset crystals. The thinset should be the consistency of warm cake icing or a firm applesauce.

It's very important that you apply the thinset to the back of the granite evenly and you press the pieces of granite to the wood substrate firmly. The face of the vertical granite pieces must be all in the same plane after they're installed so the overlapping pieces of granite that slide under the lip of the sink are flush with the vertical face of the granite.

While this sounds hard to do, it's not. You just have to have a nice metal 2-foot level that you can use to place across the face of the vertical granite as soon as you install them. If the wood substrate is smooth and you put on an even amount of thinset using a notched trowel, you'll have no problems.

The flat pieces of granite that slide under the sink will not be too hard to install. It's important that you get these in the same plane as the pieces of the granite tiles that are still in place at either side of the sink. Once again, use your 2-foot level, or a 4-foot one, to help you establish a line that's in the same plane. Be sure no thinset oozes out that will interfere with the grout that needs to fill the spaces between each piece of granite.

Once the tile has set for 36 hours, you can grout the spaces between the granite tile. If you've never grouted before, use sanded grout and watch my four-part series on grouting ceramic tile on my AsktheBuilder.com website. Use my search engine to locate the video series. You can't afford to make a mistake with the grout, especially in this wet location around a sink!

I feel the only mistake the original builder made in your kitchen was the failure to install a thin piece of cement board to the wood substrate. I would have done that because the thinset prefers to bond to the cement rather than directly to wood. If you do all I say above the thinset will bond permanently to the urethane-covered wood.

Once the grout has cured for about 36 hours, I'd apply a fine bead of clear caulk between the edge of the stainless steel sink and the granite tile that slides under the lip of the sink. Always be careful in the future and wipe up any water that collects here right away. You don't want to take a chance that water gets under the lip of the sink.

Featured in the November 19, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Column 1118

November 15, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Tim Carter

I got home from Cincinnati, OH on Friday afternoon just before sundown.

Kathy and I traveled west to visit her aging father, who's 96. We scheduled the trip at this time because our oldest daughter Meghan was in Cincinnati with her husband to attend a wedding.

Since Meghan and Brent live in California, it was a great opportunity to hug both of them and visit since we'd not seen them in over a year.

I had hoped to see many old and dear friends while there, but we focused as much time as possible with Kathy's dad, Meghan and Brent.

When we travel, we prefer to stay at bed and breakfast establishments and we uncovered a gem of a place in Utica, NY. The Rosemont Inn Bed and Breakfast.

CLICK HERE to watch a quick video I put together at the last minute just before, during and after eating a mouth-watering breakfast there on Friday morning.

MYSTERY LINK! Contains a small story about a job I did EARLY in my career! It could have been a SMASHING Failure!

Bearing Walls

Every week I get at least one question about removing or altering a bearing wall.

Years ago I taped a video that helps you identify whether or not a wall might be a bearing wall.

I URGE you to WATCH it.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Traction on Ice

Yesterday here at my house, we had the FIRST snowflakes fall for the 2015-16 New Hampshire winter.

Yes, the Old Man is just north of me and walking south.

I review products and building supplies. I've also branched out into clothing as you may be one who's emailed me asking me to do that.

If you live, or have a relative or friend, where ice forms on the ground, then you should PAY ATTENTION to the following.

Do you have any idea what it costs to fix a broken wrist or hip? LOTS of money, not to mention the pain and suffering. You can avoid this if you buy the following item!

NANOspikes can prevent falls! CLICK HERE or the photo below to read my review of this great product.

DEFECTIVE Asphalt Shingles Survey

Do you have failing asphalt shingles on your home?

I'm talking about ones that are losing granules, curling and otherwise looking horrible LONG BEFORE they should be failing.

It happened to me. I had a catastrophic failure of my 30-year-warranty IKO shingles after just twelve years.

Here's a photo of what my roof looked like before I ripped off the crappy shingles:

I'm putting together an investigative report about what I feel is a coverup or misbehavior within the asphalt shingle industry.

I NEED your help.

If you have defective shingles on your home or business, then CLICK HERE and fill out the survey.

Please pass the link to anyone you know that has defective shingles.

Do you do Facebook or Google+?

Then SHARE the page link there. We need hundreds / thousands to take the survey.

If you know of someone who works now, or used to work, in a factory that makes asphalt shingles, please contact me.

I'd like to talk with that person and am willing to do it OFF THE RECORD to protect them.

I submitted some tough questions back about five months ago to the following organizations:

Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
GAF Roofing Corporation
Owens Corning Roofing
Certainteed

All of them REFUSED to answer my questions.

What does that tell you?

I have an advantage that you don't have. I have two publishing platforms - this newsletter and AsktheBuilder.com - that allow me to get the word out.

It's one thing to publish my story about my shingles.

But it's quite another story if I publish hundreds and hundreds of examples of premature failure.

If you participate, then you and I can help create a better product for all.

We'll shine the needed HARSH spotlight on the shingle manufacturers forcing them to make products like they did forty years ago.

Please HELP me and tell me your story.

CLICK HERE to do it.

That's enough for a Sunday. I'll close with this photo.

I took it two years ago.

Thank you God for creating that sunrise and allowing me to see it, photograph it, and share it with many!

Tim Carter - Founder
www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Rosemont Inn BB Utica Video Review

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Tim Carter

Watch the video below to see what I thought about the Rosemont Inn B&B in Utica, NY.

It was a splendid bed and breakfast run by a wonderful spiritual family.

I taped the video on a whim without the proper equipment. I had no tripod, no great lighting, etc. so that's why some of the shots are not so great.

But I feel you get the point. You'll do well to stay here. I did NOT receive any compensation to tape and upload this video.

I did it as a favor to you and the Sley family who own the Rosemont Inn Bed and Breakfast.

NANOspikes Review

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Tim Carter

Seven years ago, I moved from southwest Ohio to snowy New Hampshire.

It was rare to have lots of snow and ice in Cincinnati, but in central New Hampshire, both can arrive during the first week of December and not go away until the middle of April.

I quickly discovered I needed great traction under my boots while hiking and snow blowing my driveway. If you're an all-seasons jogger or runner who gets out while it's dark, NANOspikes will prevent falls on black ice you can't see in the dark.

Brand X:

The first thing I tried were recommended by a neighbor. They were slip-on devices called yak tracks that had springs fastened to a rubber harness that slips over your boot or shoe. These fell apart in less than a week from the stress of going up the hill on my driveway. #FAILURE

Then I tried something that had more rubber to the harness and tiny little steel spikes that were attached to button on the bottom of the devices. These worked better than the yak tracks, but the rubber got stiff over a few years and the blue buttons would come out and disappear.

The Real Deal:

I then discovered the Kahtoola company while reading up on winter hiking equipment. Some expert winter hikers here in New Hampshire swear that Kahtoola makes the best ice and snow traction gear in the world.

After using two of their products, one being the NANOspikes, I have to agree.

These are ultra-light traction harnesses that slip over your shoes or boots. I believe the rubber is special in that it must contain some silicone to help keep it supple.

CLICK THE PHOTO to Buy the NANOspikes now!

FIT:

The NANOspikes come in five sizes: extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. You match up your shoe or boot size to a chart they have.

The sizing is very accurate and if you're at the high end of the scale for one size, you may want to go to the next size up in the NANOspikes to make it easier to put them on. But beware they could slip off your shoe if you're doing aggressive climbing.

TRACTION:

The eight tungsten carbide spikes bite into the most vicious ice with ease. You'll feel like Spiderman going across a parking lot with glaze ice or up an icy hill with these on.

FINAL SCORE:

I love my NANOspikes and I'm probably going to get a second pair to keep in my truck.

These NANOspikes were featured in the November 15, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Duluth Trading Flex Fire Hose Pants Review

Posted on November 14, 2015 by Tim Carter

"Duluth Fire Hose Pants fit me perfectly. They're not too tight and they're not baggy like clown pants."

Duluth Fire Hose Pants - I LOVE Them!

For a guy that primarily reviews tools and building products, you may feel it's a tall order to review a simple pair of Duluth Trading pants.

Guess what?

When you've worn as many pairs of pants as I have in my life, you're automatically qualified and up to the task.

Before we go much farther, understand I'm pretty different from my peers. Many of them review a product without really putting it to the test.

How Do Duluth Trading Pants Fit?

Duluth Fire Hose Pants fit me perfectly. They're not too tight and they're not baggy like clown pants.

I've never in my life worn a pair of pants that fits the way these do. They're cut just right so you have plenty of room, but they're not like ship sails.

How Do Duluth Fire Hose Pants Feel?

The Flex Fire Hose pants are lighter in weight than the original Fire Hose pants. The pants feel much softer yet the fabric wears like iron.

But don't equate lighter with less durable. I'm STUNNED how durable the fabric is. I'd swear the pants have got threads of iron in them. Heck, maybe it's titanium.

The primary seams are triple stitched and it makes a difference.

You can clearly see the triple stitching. Photo credit: Tim Carter

Are There Lots of Pockets?

Yes, there are lots of pockets. I've fallen in love with the primary pockets on each side.

The best feature of these pants, in my opinion, are the pockets.

It's got so many, I've never used them all. My favorite is the traditional front pockets. They're DEEP.

So deep you can put just about anything in there you're trying to conceal.

My tape measure showed 11 inches from the bottom of the pocket to the top up near the belt loops. That's deep.

On each thigh, you've got surface pockets that have two compartments each. Hook and loop flaps keep anything in there safe and secure.

There's a great side pocket on the outside of each thigh for your smartphone. It's just big enough to handle my Nexus 4 phone that measures 2 and 7/8-inch wide by 5.5 inches high.

What are Colors for the Duluth Trading Pants?

At the time of this review, there were four colors:

Black
Coffee
Desert Khaki
Steel Blue

I'd love it if they had a rich navy blue, but at this time it's not offered.

To prevent any fading NEVER use chlorine bleach when washing. I use Stain Solver, a Certified organic oxygen bleach that's fabric and color safe.

What is your Rating for Duluth Trading Fire Hose Pants?

Five hammers out of five! Way to go DT! hammer-5-5