What the heck? Did I leave the door unlocked again?! You’re no doubt a new subscriber and I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to let yourself in! Do you like music? I do and listen to a wide variety of it while creating each newsletter for you. Today you need to know that “I’ve read dozens of books about heroes and crooks and learned much from each one”! Who’s hanging out with me here in my cave?

You! You’ve been here so long that you know how I feel about winter in New Hampshire. Winter here is like that relative or friend you have who has no concept what time it is and blabbers on in your house long after he/she should have said goodbye and gone home.

FUN Quiz

I decided to try something different this week. See if you like it! How about a one-question fun quiz each week where you might discover something new? Look at this photo and ponder it for a moment:

CLICK or TAP HERE to see if you know why a certain Midwest State Park is important.

Be sure to answer the second Yes/No question so I know what you think about the quiz.

Copper Strips, Mold, Algae, and How to Clean

Ron went to the Ask Tim page on my website and here is his question:

“Tim, you mentioned using copper strips to take care of the mold up on roofs. Where do you get these and how do you apply them? Also, are you familiar with the product "Wet and Forget" to clean mold? Is it a good way to get rid of dirt and mold on my roof or house?”

Let’s go in reverse order with Ron’s questions.

Imagine you work in your yard all day. You’re hot, sweaty, and filthy. It’s date night and you need to get gussied up for your sweetheart. It's time to get up out of the wheelbarrow you were napping in. What? You've never done that?

Here’s what you DON’T do. You don’t stand in your garage and have someone spray your naked body with some solution and then wait until you air dry before getting dressed in your clean clothes.

I’m quite certain you probably get in the shower, soap up, RUB your skin with your hands or a soft brush, and then RINSE off all the body oils, the dirt, etc. that were DISLODGED from your skin by the RUBBING action.

When you wash clothes, here’s what you DON’T do. You don’t throw your clothes in a giant clean tub, pour in soapy water, and let the water and clothes sit for hours or a couple of days. After the soaking period, you don’t drain the tub and throw the clothes in the dryer.

What you do is put them in a washing machine that has some sort of AGITATION ACTION and allow the machine to go through the wash cycle.

Get the point? If you want something truly clean, you must agitate the surface and rinse off the dirt. You can do just that using my Stain Solver, the MOST AMAZING cleaning product you can purchase in the USA. Plus, it’s certified organic.

Copper is a natural biocide. This is why it was put on the hulls of famous clipper ships like the Cutty Sark and the Thermopylae. Copper plating is also on Old Ironsides. The copper prevented the growth of barnacles. Barnacles create lots of drag and slow the movement of a sailing ship.

Copper will keep mold and algae off your roof. It will ALSO slow the aging process and allow asphalt shingles to last 30 or 40 years. You can read about how I was the first person in the world to discover this in my Roofing Ripoff book. It’s a very easy and fast read.

I told Ron that he could purchase the copper strips from ME.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see how I’d install copper on your roof and to purchase it for your roof.

Soil Strength - Fred’s Shed

Fred sent me a very detailed email about a 10x20 prefab shed he wants to have at his home.

He was concerned about the strength of the soil and if the piers he had in mind would work. He doesn't want the shed to shift and sink.

Look at this photo and tell me if you understand its significance and how it helps solve Fred’s conundrum:

Are you stumped? I thought so! CLICK or TAP HERE and I GUARANTEE you’ll come away much more informed as was Fred after he WATCHED a very important VIDEO about soil maps at the above page.

Donna’s HOT Kitchen Sink Water

Donna emailed me a few days ago. She had a perplexing problem with the hot water at her kitchen sink. It would run HOT for a bit then go lukewarm.

It was such a good question, I decided to talk about it! CLICK or TAP HERE to see if you came to the same conclusion that I did.

The answer will most likely surprise you!

Cleaning and Sealing My Cedar Boat Dock

In the last issue, I said I'd share the details about my wood dock sealing project. If you own a wood deck or wood boat dock, then you MUST LOOK AT THIS PAGE.

I’ve got a 40-foot boat dock at my house. The flooring is made from solid cedar and the sun punishes it each summer day here in New Hampshire.

That’s the first cedar dock panel cleaned and sealed.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see how I’m cleaning and sealing the cedar this season.

Long Overdue Shoutout

I started Ask the Builder in October of 1993. I’ll never forget standing at the end of my driveway WAITING for my Cincinnati Enquirer carrier to deliver the paper so I could see my first column in print.

In March of 1994, I started my call-in radio show on WMOH. Long about October of 1995, I launched AsktheBuilder.com. The bottom line is it's been quite the journey and I’ve had all sorts of help from quite a few who are behind the curtain of Ask the Builder.

I want to call out three today, Ellen, Marty, and Roger. Ellen is the first employee of Ask the Builder. She started by opening envelopes that people sent in to get one of my old print Builder Bulletins. My buddy Chuck in Michigan sent for one long before we became friends in a secret Internet mastermind group.

She then started to help with the Stain Solver business and in a fit of frustration threw an empty bottle at me late one afternoon as I took an over-the-phone order for our Stain Solver deck cleaner. I told the customer we’d put their box on today’s UPS truck that was to arrive in just minutes. It had been a very busy day and everyone was very tired. The last thing Ellen wanted to do was process yet another shipment of Stain Solver - the MAGIC deck cleaner!

Marty is a superbly talented graphic designer who’s helped me over the years. Just after the AsktheBuilder.com website launched, Marty created the animated GIF that we used on pages “Under Construction”. It was very common back in the late 90s to do this.

You can see this cute animated GIF file on this page at the top just under the BLACK iTunes logo. I’m starting to put this animated GIF on all my new podcast pages in honor of Marty.

Marty also created the stunning 3D image of my linear french drain design over twenty years ago. CLICK or TAP HERE to see it.

It’s such a great illustration, MANY other websites have STOLEN the image and put it on their websites! I don’t have the time to police this piracy. Over the years, Marty has helped me look good, but his skills stop short when it comes to making my bald spot disappear in videos!

Roger is my go-to guy for all the daily heavy lifting that gets done on both the AsktheBuilder.com and StainSolver.com websites.

Roger has the patience of Job. Believe me, you need that when you’re around me for any length of time.

I want to thank Ellen, Marty, and Roger publicly for all they’ve done in the past and continue to do to make sure you have a positive experience with Ask the Builder and Stain Solver.

If you call in an order to Stain Solver, ask Ellen about the day she threw that bottle. I’m pretty certain she’ll laugh about it now. It was plastic and wouldn’t have hurt had it hit me. Remember, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, right? 😉

That’s quite enough for a Thursday.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
BEST CLEANER on the Planet: www.StainSolver.com
Hear Cool Waves - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. Max is remodeling his son’s home. He wanted to talk to me about the size of a return air duct in the house.

What do you know about return air? My guess is NOT ENOUGH. CLICK or TAP HERE now to be MUCH COOLER this summer and WARMER next winter.

I’m just certain you’re a new subscriber! You have that glow about you. Beaming about getting your first issue, aren’t you? I sure hope I don’t let you down! Guess what? I listen to music while creating this newsletter. If I shared that you and tequila make me crazy and it runs like poison in my blood, would you know who’s keeping me company in my man cave? (Editor Note - Kenny Chesney - You And Tequila.)

You, on the other hand, might remember way back when I shared that I was moving to New Hampshire. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and believe me, moving far away is quite disruptive. But everyone survived! I must say I left behind some great friends who I miss all the time as well as those cheese coneys - no mustard - heavy onion.

Severe WX & Tornado Season

Here in the USA, the hazardous weather season has begun. Just last week there was a massive outbreak of tornadoes.

There are all sorts of places you can gather safety information when you need it. But I want to share something you can do before severe weather strikes. If you’re involved in:

• building a new home
• adding a room addition
• doing a major interior remodel

You can often incorporate a safe room with not much extra cost. The room can be as small as a 4 x 6-foot closet!

Did you happen to see the unbelievable story of the family in the state of Mississippi who survived inside a tiny closet? The vicious tornado completely swept their house OFF the slab and only the closet was left standing. How is that possible you might ask?

CLICK or TAP HERE to see the stunning photos and to read the story.

They survived because the closet was surrounded by concrete blocks. But not just any concrete blocks.

My guess is they constructed the closet EXACTLY as I say to build a foundation in a past column. CLICK or TAP HERE to understand how you should create your safe room.

It’s very important to realize that I’d change one thing in the design you see in the photos. I’d have put in a steel door with a steel frame just like you see in thousands of commercial buildings all across the USA. You need a very strong door that will not rip off the hinges and will resist puncture by flying debris.

Staining Paver Brick or Exterior Tile

Did you know you can change the color of exterior concrete paving brick, softer Mexican tile, stamped concrete, and even concrete sidewalks and driveways?

CLICK or TAP HERE to see how easy it is. You’ll also discover why you don’t need to purchase any painter’s tape!

Leaking Tub Spout

Imagine each time you take a bath or a shower, you get a drip from where the spout connects to the pipe behind the wall.

How do you fix this yourself and save about $200 or more?

It’s so very easy! CLICK or TAP HERE to see how I’d do it.

Replace Crap Aluminum Windows With Vinyl

I had a great phone conversation with Gary not too long ago.

He’s older than I am and not afraid of replacing his own windows. He just needed a little bit of advice on how to measure and install new vinyl windows. Here’s one of the many windows he wants to replace.

CLICK or TAP HERE to discover key tips that I guarantee will save you hundreds of dollars.

I’ll bet you didn’t know about how to measure replacement windows and what’s the best way to ensure there are no mistakes! Now you’ll know!

Best Wood Deck Sealer

I don’t have a wood deck, but I do have a 40-foot-long cedar boat dock and a set of treated-lumber steps going down to the dock.

It’s time to clean and seal all that wood. I started about two weeks ago when instead of the 16 inches of snow N.H. might have had, there was a rare warm day here in early April. Look at these before and after photos of the first dock panel that the steps rest on:

You may wonder:

“Tim, how did you clean the cedar? Did you take off all the old sealer? Did you have to sand the wood after cleaning? What sealer did you decide to go with?”

I’m going to answer all those questions in the next issue and I have what we call a run-and-gun video about it too! So don’t forget to look for it next Sunday.

Epoxy Garage Coatings & Spalled Concrete

Have you thought about using those stunning epoxy coatings for concrete?

Do you think you could use one to repair this concrete?

What do you think I would do?

Are you wondering if I have an epoxy coating in my garage? After all, I have access to all the coolest and latest products.

Do you think you could even salvage the concrete in this photo?

CLICK or TAP HERE to get all those answers and MORE! I guarantee you’ll be satisfied. If not, let me know and I’ll send you a prize in the mail if you send me a #10 SASE.

What do you think? Enough for a Sunday?

Are you tired of being locked up? You’re not alone. We’ll get through this.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
BEST CLEANER IN THE WORLD - www.StainSolver.com
Cool Waves - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!
P.S. Do you have an outdoor patio umbrella? How about a fabric awning? What about outdoor furniture cushions?

Are any of them dingy? Do you want to restore them to BRAND NEW? It’s easy! CLICK or TAP HERE to see how!

I can tell you’re new here. It’s so delightful to have a new friend! I like to listen to music when I compose this newsletter. Do you hear the rhythmic drums pounding and the guitar screeching? When I was a conductor on a train line, I didn’t much like people getting romantic while they “might be lookin’ for a moonbeam a little more to the right”. Know what I’m listening to? Clue: When you move, you often use one.

You, on the other hand, could have been here for such a long time that you remember when I talked about why you NEVER EVER want to clean anything outside, like the deck below, with chlorine bleach. It’s VERY TOXIC. CLICK or TAP HERE to refresh your memory. You'll be STUNNED what chlorine bleach can do to harm SO MANY THINGS.

COVID and CHEAP CRAP

Are you growing increasingly frustrated with lots of things being withheld from you, not the least of which are many of your God-given liberties and access to quality products? I don't want you to think I'm advocating public disobedience regarding any directives, but one has to wonder if the cure is worse than the illness.

Just moments ago as I was eating breakfast, I was pondering past TV commercials for a brand-name paper towel. I was eating BBs. Do you know what cereal that is? Think.

I LOVE watching TV commercials for any number of reasons. Some make me laugh and others are quite creative. For years, I’ve seen TV commercials about how a major brand paper towel is much stronger than the also-rans.

Because I know how to edit video with cutaway shots, the side-by-side comparisons made me skeptical. I always thought the demonstrations were rigged because there was no way a competitor’s paper towel could be that worthless.

Guess what? I was WRONG!

For weeks, our grocery store has been sold out of the great paper towels I’ve always bought. I’m having to use PIECE-OF-CRAP imposters that are labeled as paper towels. These things are such poor quality I can’t believe anyone buys them a SECOND TIME.

If you get them wet, they fall apart faster than toilet paper!

Why is this important? In the past 24 hours I’ve been forced to think WHY the Stain Solver I sell is so much better than other cleaners. BTW, I started the company 25-years-ago.

Why is Stain Solver the BEST cleaner out there? It’s because it works - I mean it REALLY WORKS.

Stain Solver is a certified organic cleaner that cleans ANYTHING that's water-washable.

You may already be a Stain Solver customer for life. You’ve bought it month after month for the past 20+ years. The reason you keep buying Stain Solver is the same reason I buy those great paper towels - BOTH work.

But if you’ve NEVER BEEN EXPOSED to the BEST of anything or anyone, and that can be a person, a product, or a song, you have NO CLUE that what you’re experiencing each day is sub-standard. You don’t have enough data to make an informed decision.

You might mumble as you struggle each day doing whatever, “Well, I guess everyone else who uses this stuff suffers just like me.”

It’s time to re-evaluate much of the madness of the past three weeks.

It’s also time for you to think about buying quality stuff. Many quality products are available right now! With that in mind, allow me to share with you a few of the best things I’ve discovered while being the AsktheBuilder.com guy.

The BEST Paint for Vinyl Siding

Are you tired of the color of your vinyl siding? Or, is the CHEAP CRAPPY siding on your home fading like this? The reason it's fading is because the siding manufacturer failed to put in enough titanium dioxide and other UV-defense ingredients, but that's a story for another day.

Did you know vinyl siding can be painted?

CLICK or TAP HERE to see HOW to paint vinyl siding, vinyl fencing, or any outside vinyl. You’ll discover the BEST paint to use as you scroll down the page. It’s near the bottom.

Tim, How About the BEST Sandpaper?

I’m glad you asked. Are all sandpapers the same? Were all the dates you went on in the past the same? Bingo! The answer to both questions is, NO!

If you’re like many, some of your date memories were unforgettable while others are lost in clouds of smoke or piles of hay. Perhaps you’ve forgotten any number of your date nights because you had so many guys or girls wanting to go out with you that they each one was holding onto a take-a-number ticket like you get at the deli.

Now, back to sandpaper.

Look at this photo:

Which sandpaper in the group is the best? Why? Do you use different sandpapers for DIFFERENT projects?

My, you ask great questions! Your investigative skills and magic are remarkable!

CLICK or TAP HERE and discover answers that will surprise you like getting a prize package that holds a new and delightful colored marking pen or two you had no idea even existed!

STOP Moss and Algae on Your Roof

Do you battle moss and algae on your roof? Would you like to STOP it and never deal with it again?

Did you know I’ve been selling a product that will do just that?

CLICK or TAP HERE and watch this video that will PROVE to you why my product works. I guarantee you’ll be shaking your head. Trust me, shaking one’s head enough can lead to amazing things happening!

Repair A Handrail in Concrete or Brick

How would you like to discover a foolproof and permanent repair for fixing a dangerous loose handrail that’s rattling against a concrete or brick wall?

Hell, yeah, Tim! BRING IT ON. Show me now!

Tell me if you know the BEST WAY to fix this:

HAH, no way did you come up with the solution. Not on your best day.

What’s the secret method I use? LISTEN to the podcast at the top of the page. WATCH THE VIDEO of me using a roto-hammer drill showing exactly HOW to FIX this forever.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see how I’d fix this forever.

That’s enough for a Sunday.

I’ll be back in your Inbox in a few days.

Stay healthy. Don’t buy CRAP paper towels and worthless cheap cleaners. And by all means, never forget your best dates!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
BEST DARN CLEANER, Period - www.StainSolver.com
Invisible Happiness - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. What are the best nails to use outdoors? Seriously, do you REALLY know? Don’t try to BS me. Do you think I have “stupid” tattooed on my forehead?

CLICK or TAP HERE to see if you were right.

Let’s start with a question. Can you hear the guitar picking in the background? Welcome! If you’re a new subscriber I can see that quizzical look on your face. I like to listen to music as I compose the newsletter each week. Do you like your eggs runny? Or think crossing your legs is funny? Can you ponder for a moment what tune is bouncing off the walls of my man cave? RIP John … I’m going to miss you.

And you! There’s a good chance you’ve been a subscriber so long that you remember the day I announced the Kickstarter project where I spent six weeks building a deluxe two-story shed.

I know Robert remembers because he rode his motorcycle from the Baltimore area to work with me for a week. He had the foresight to realize he could dip himself into the magic waters of hard-core rough framing while working alongside me.

Do you want to reproduce my shed or a smaller version in your yard? CLICK or TAP HERE and you’ll be BLOWN AWAY by the plans.

My Sewer Backup <RANT>

Two days ago, the sewer line under my house got clogged - again. It last happened about sixteen months ago. This time I was furious!

CLICK or TAP HERE to discover why it happened and what I’m now doing to make sure it NEVER HAPPENS again. Right at the top of the page is my latest podcast about the crappy event - pun intended.

Be SURE to listen to the podcast if you want all the details. All you have to do is click the round orange/red PLAY button to get started. The player at the top of the page looks like this:

Repair/Restore Countertops

Money might be pretty scarce right now in your house. Or maybe you’ve always been thrifty. Do you have a plastic laminate (Formica or Wilsonart) countertop?

Does it look worn? Does it have a chip or a scratch? Do you want it to look like a NEW granite top?

You’re NOT GOING TO BELIEVE the video you’re about to see. It shows how to transform a plain-vanilla countertop into a stunning centerpiece in your kitchen.

CLICK or TAP HERE now to see what’s possible. You can do this transformation. You do NOT need pro skills!

Listen to the podcast at the top of the page while you’re at it!

Crazy Clean Carpets

Kathie emailed me a few days ago. I had shared some advice with her about how she could make her carpets look brand new. Here’s what she sent me:

“We used Stain Solver on that carpeting as you directed, and we are VERY pleased with the results.

1. We mixed well: 1 cup SS to 1 gallon of HOT tap water and poured this into a garden sprayer. I remember you telling me to make sure ALL of the Stain Solver was dissolved so it wouldn’t clog the tip of the sprayer.

2. We sprayed the carpet well, and let it sit for 30 minutes.

3. We poured 2 gallons of HOT tap water (with 1 scoop SS mixed well) into the rental machine's "soap" container. (NO additional soap was used)

4. Then we used the machine to scrub the fibers, then extract the liquid/dirt.

Voila!! Amazing improvement ... and we will not procrastinate in doing this more often now that we know how to keep our carpets looking clean.

So, I ordered additional Stain Solver ... since we have a list of things as long as our arms that we can clean/improve with this great product.

MANY thanks, Tim!"

Kathie

CLICK or TAP HERE to see stunning before/after photos of how Stain Solver can restore a carpet that might have been on its way to the dumpster.

Stain Solver will clean anything that you can get wet with water. As soon as it gets a little warmer, my agenda includes using it to clean the algae and mildew off my kayaks down by the lake. I’ll also use Stain Solver to clean my cedar dock panels before I seal them.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see quite a few videos of me using Stain Solver. What do you think of that blue shirt I’m wearing in a few of the videos? WOW, do you think it makes my eyes pop?

HOT WX Coming!!!!

Before you know it, you’ll have your AC on, You’ll be gritching about how certain rooms in your home are still hot and uncomfortable with the thermostat set at 70 F. If you live below the Mason-Dixon line, you may already be gritching.

Did you know your HVAC system may have a fatal flaw? If you have a two-story home, did you know with a little work, you can make your house much more comfortable? One-story houses are even easier to fix.

CLICK or TAP HERE to discover what the problem is and how it can be fixed for good. No more sweating in bed!

That’s quite enough for a rainy cool Thursday here in New Hampshire.

I’ll be back with more podcasts on Sunday. I’m having a blast recording them.

Is there one you want me to do for you? Just reply here and let me know the home improvement question that’s keeping you up at night.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
SUPER CLEAN and SANITARY - www.StainSolver.com
Analog Man - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!
P.S. Would you like to transform an interior fireplace made from brick or stone into something that will make you smile each day? Maggie did it with her daughter. It’s easy and the look is simply stunning.

What am I talking about? Well, silly, CLICK or TAP HERE and scroll down to see. Be sure you pay attention to the one photo where you see the small piles of colored powder!

Hi, and welcome to my newsletter family! Can you open doors with just a smile or do you have to use your arms as I do? I like to listen to music while I create the newsletter. Do you know what I’m listening to now? Care to make a guess?

If you’ve been here for many moons, did you know I own a 12-string Gibson acoustic guitar? After handing over the hard-earned cash to the salesman at Ray Lammers, a music store in Cincinnati, I carried it a few blocks to the bus stop, jumped on either the 61 or the 17 bus, and took this beauty home to admire it. I used to play it fairly well. Now it’s time to dust it off and learn how to pick it. Check out the date on the receipt! That's a 6 in front of the 7!

FREE Over-the-Phone Help

This past Friday, I helped Jan with her leaky patio enclosure roof. CLICK or TAP HERE to listen to that short call. I shared a tip on how she could save $2,000 or $3,000. She was pretty happy as you might imagine. Here's her roof. Can you see where it's leaking?

Yesterday, I jumped on a call with Eric. He wants to convert unused attic space to an in-home storage facility. However, he’s got electric cables draped on top of the ceiling joists.

I came up with a clever way to solve that conundrum, keeping in mind that safety is paramount. CLICK or TAP HERE to see if you agree with what I suggested Eric undertake.

I also chatted with Bill. He wants to create a bathroom in his basement. I’ve been a master plumber since age 29, so I was able to give him advice that will save him at least $3,000, probably more.

We talked all about the importance of venting. You don’t want to miss this podcast! CLICK or TAP HERE to discover something about plumbing you probably didn’t know.

How would you like to save thousands of dollars? If you don’t have a money tree in your yard where you can just go out and pluck Ben Franklins, then I CAN HELP!

CLICK or TAP HERE if you want me to call you. The call is FREE but the money-saving advice could be priceless!

Water Leaks Into Basement or Crawlspace

Do you have chronic leaks in your basement or crawlspace? Spring is the time of year many have this issue with seasonal snowmelt and spring showers.

I majored in geology in college and had a particular interest in hydrogeology. That’s the study of groundwater.

Think about how a gutter on the bottom of a roof works. It captures moving water and redirects it to another location.

Water moves sideways through almost all soil. CLICK or TAP HERE to see how I’ve transformed thousands of wet basements into miniature dioramas of the Atacama Desert.

Secrets of Old - Grouting Floor Tile

Have you ever been in an old church or some other old building that has floor tile? Here’s a photo of the tile floor in St. Joseph's Church in Laconia, New Hampshire. This tile and grout are over 100 years old.

What did the tile setters do to make the grout last for 100 years without crumbling or cracking?

I happen to know and created a few videos to demonstrate just how you can do it. CLICK or TAP HERE and be prepared to be amazed. You’re going to be SHOCKED by how simple it is.

I’d say that’s enough for a Sunday. What say you?

Is there a topic you’d like me to cover? REPLY to this newsletter and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
BEST Organic Cleaner in the Galaxy - www.StainSolver.com
Invisible Happiness Waves - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. When do most gutter guards FAIL? Not the fall, silly! You’ll never win a prize with an answer like that! They fail in the spring.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see two revealing videos about the TRUTH concerning gutter guards. Check out the entire column. The videos are at the bottom.