Footing Detail - Concrete + Steel + Great Soil A footing is quite possibly the most important detail in construction. A footing is what contacts the earth or soil and it distributes the total load, or weight of the building, so it doesn't sink into the ground. What are the Details of a Footing? A Read More »
Capturing Radon Secrets DEAR TIM: I’m building a new home and someone at a Christmas party asked me what my builder was going to do about radon. I’ve never heard of radon and thought it was a joke. Is radon an issue and what can be done about it in new construction? The foundation is Read More »
Building Blues My oldest daughter and son-in-law are building a new home in Downeast Maine. It’s their first home and you can imagine they’re excited. It’s a good thing they’re young and full of energy because the building process can be stressful and full of surprises. The project was delayed for any number of reasons, Read More »
Concrete Block QUESTION #1: I’ve been researching foundation types for both new homes and room additions. I’ve narrowed it down to either poured concrete or concrete block. Many websites thump their chests saying poured concrete is better than concrete block. What’s your opinion, Tim? Have you worked with both materials? Carol Ann S., Richmond, VA Read More »
Concrete Foundation Forms Checklist Modular design allows forms to be set in hours Produce perfectly straight and square foundations Allow for the easy installation of reinforcing steel Simple design requires few skills to set up Related Links Foundation Footer - Must Be Level and Square - SECRET TIPS HERE - Do NOT Share Poured Concrete Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 18 Highlights: Settlement Cracks in Walls Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Settlement Cracks in Walls Related Links: Settlement Cracks and More Pro Tips Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast .
Ask the Builder Podcast 14 Highlights: Foundation hole too deep Water leaking into the crawlspace Best garage insulation Tim shares a story about the sun destroying your things Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: CALL 1 Foundation Hole Too Deep Related Read More »
Stop Basement Leaks Question #1: Tim, water is pouring into my basement now that it’s spring. I’m sick of the water intrusion and the mold it creates. My head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton after trying to research online how best to stop the water. Can you add some clarity and tell me if Read More »
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If your bare concrete or concrete block foundation is exposed, you can use stucco to cover it up. You can add permanent colors to stucco and create very interesting textures with little effort. Be sure to clean the surface; applying stucco should be done in slightly warm weather.
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