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 »
Different Deck Piers QUESTION #1: Tim, can you explain why I need concrete deck piers under the wood support posts that hold up my deck? I saw an older deck where the posts just rested on pre-cast concrete stepping stones. The deck seemed fine to me. Are deck piers overkill and a way for contractors Read More »
Adhesive Remover Podcast: Adhesive Remover - Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares with Bob an easy way to remove the adhesive from outdoor concrete paver brick. Bob had been chipping off the adhesive. Another one Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Read More »
Smoking Fireplaces QUESTION #1: Oh Tim, I need your help. I’ve got a masonry fireplace that puffs smoke into the room when a fire is burning. It gets worse as the fire dies down. I’ve spoken with three different bricklayers who build fireplaces and have received three different answers. Confusion reigns at my home and Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 23 Replace Concrete Stoop: Replace Concrete Stoop - Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to David in Kentucky about replacing the concrete stoop that is on the side wall of his garage. It's dangerous and slippery in the winter. Tim offers David a simple solution that's DIY friendly and Read More »
25th AsktheBuilder Anniversary October 2, 2018 is the 25th anniversary of my Ask the Builder syndicated newspaper column. I’m very proud of surviving this long as a writer and publisher and thought I’d share some of the good and the bad I’ve seen since that morning I waited outside in the dark for the newspaper Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 22 Custom Joist Hangers: Custom Joist Hangers - Tim Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to David up in Wisconsin. He's building a deck and needs custom joist hangers for a few beams. You'll love Tim's suggestion. Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Read More »
Treat Your Own Wood Question #1: Tim, is there some other safe DIY treatment I can do to prevent the wood from being destroyed by wood rot and insects? I’m chemically sensitive and don’t want to rely on the normal treated lumber that one buys from lumber yards. Is there a downside to DIY treatment Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 21 Blacktop Driveway Crack Filler: Blacktop Driveway Crack Filler - Tim Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to Sam about his blacktop driveway. Sam wants to know how best to extend its life. All in all, it's not in bad shape, but it does need some attention. Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Read More »
"I do NOT make a normal practice of bashing my peers, but this instance is so egregious I had to point it out." This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my September 9, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. Exterior Wall on Slab Must Be Out on the Edge An exterior Read More »
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