Treated Wood Rot DEAR TIM: I’m starting to have some rot issues with my ten-year-old deck. Not only are some of the treated wood decking boards having rot issues, but I’m also noticing that the tops of some of the joists are showing severe rot where the decking screws pass into the tops of the Read More »
Types of Blacktop Driveways DEAR TIM: We need to have a new blacktop driveway installed and I thought it was going to be a simple process of comparing quotes. It turns out it’s somewhat confusing. I didn’t know there were different types of blacktop. What’s more, the contractors don’t seem to agree on the best Read More »
In just a few days, I leave on the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) Dawn ship for a one-week cruise to Bermuda. WOOT! I've never been on a cruise before. I've been in contact with the NCL public relations department and they're working with me trying to get me into non-public areas of the ship so Read More »
Treated Lumber Rotting TIPS Treated lumber does rot - it's a dirty little secret the industry keeps Preservatives might not be formulated correctly Products are available to minimize water infiltration into treated lumber DECK COLLAPSE VIDEOS - watch them below CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: In just a few Read More »
Porch decking needs to be prepared and installed properly to get a lasting porch. Composite porch decking is not always the best porch decking material. Wood can make a great long-lasting front porch decking.
Concrete Stain DIY TIPS Multiple ways to change the color of existing concrete Stains work best on steel-troweled smoother concrete and require diligence Best DIY method is easy-to-use concrete resurfacer products - add pigment for color Stenciling concrete with the resurfacers produces the most dramatic look CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! Read More »
Concrete Steps Leaking TIPS Concrete is not waterproof - common misconception Water can enter tiny hairline cracks Special concrete epoxy stops water WATCH concrete epoxy video below CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I live on the upper floor of a converted villa. The access is by a stairway at Read More »
Texture and color matching of your mortar to use in a brick or masonry repair job takes a bit of legwork. You will have to determine the size of the sand used in your mortar. Your mortar will also need cement and lime. Bricklayers from your area may be able to direct you to the source of sand used in older homes.
Septic tank maintenance is a must. Without proper maintenance, septic tanks can fail. Follow these do's and don'ts to keep the septic system and leach field working for years.
An attic fan can help lower excessive attic temperatures. Solar attic fans are available, but have limitations. Electric powered attic fans are available with thermostats to help conserve energy. Wind-powered turbine vents are another option, but require Mother Nature to supply the power.
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