Kristina Rowan, who lives in Bryan, Texas, has an excellent question about the magic of placing and finishing a concrete porch. "Hi Tim! My husband and I are planning to replace our concrete front porch. I'm not sure if it was originally poured and patched poorly, but it is cracking and crumbling terribly. The roof Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Problem with water entering crawlspace A crawlspace below grade is similar to a pond Waterproof your basement by diverting the water DEAR TIM: I've got a chronic problem with water entering the 4-foot-tall crawlspace under the duplex I live in. This year has been bad with all the rain we're having. We Read More »
Flipping Deck Boards - Be Careful About Wood Grain Patrick McNeill, who is revitalizing his deck in Woodstock, GA asks: "Can I flip my deck boards instead of replacing them. They are treated lumber." You bet you can flip them. There's no harm in doing so. While you're at it, be sure to clean off Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Problems with new house construction Correcting an off-center window Wood-burning stove exhaust stack not properly installed Checking to see if the contractor is on the run DEAR TIM: I'm having a house built and I've got some problems. It's still in the rough stage with just the rough framing pretty much complete Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Prep work for pressure washing Chewing gum stain removal Pretreat with oxygen bleach Use pressure washer carefully Jolynn, who lives in paradise - Waianae, Hawaii - wants to clean a commercial building with a pressure washer. Here's what she wants to know: "When pressure washing a single-story commercial building what should I do Read More »
Quick Column Summary: What causes concrete discoloration Were all slabs poured on same day What additives were used in the concrete Possible solutions for overall concrete color Paula Butterworth, who had some concrete work done at her home in Kennewick, WA, is not happy with the color of the finished slab. Her story appeared in Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Planter landscaping against foundation Water issues Keep brick dry, weep holes open Space around foundation allows for inspection DEAR TIM: I just purchased a home where the landscaping bed is up against the brick front wall. The home is about twenty-five-years old. The planting bed extends about 3 feet from the house Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Chimney repair for the ages Protect your chimney with a crown Chimney liners Prevent cracks with wire mesh DEAR TIM: My chimney is constructed with concrete block and has a thin stucco coating. I know the top of the chimney is not right and some of the blocks are falling apart. There Read More »
Quick Column Summary: What are flashings Install flashings properly Flashings protect your home from water How to make your flashings waterproof From the September 9, 2014 Newsletter DEAR TIM: I'm looking at bids right now for a re-roof project and a new deck job at my home. The bid documents mention flashings. I have no Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Siding replacement height from ground Building code standards Better than building code installation Michael Slater is putting new wood siding on his house in St. Catherine's - Ontario, Canada. Here's what he said: "I am replacing old vinyl siding with pine board and batten. How far off the ground level should I Read More »
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