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Mineral spirits are a chemical compound often used as a paint thinner and solvent.
They are commonly used to clean tools and machine parts. Because they tend to be less flammable and less toxic, artists favor mineral spirits over turpentine.
They also are effective in removing adhesive residue from subfloors you may want to revive.
We’ll talk about how to do that, and much more, on this episode of The Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
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You may have heard about a service called Aeroseal, which is designed to cover cracks and gaps in your heating and cooling system's ductwork. But does it really work?
That's what Evelyn, in Washington, is wondering. She recently learned that her air ducts have dust, and an HVAC professional suggested trying this product.
Ductwork maintenance is an ongoing issue for homeowners. On average, 20 to 30 percent of the air in the average home leaks from the ducts. That means air is not reaching the rooms it's supposed to reach, which isn't very energy efficient.
Usually, air ducts are insulated but the joints aren't sealed. Take a look at your ductwork; you might be surprised to see insulation being blown away. All joints should be sealed with mastic or tape.
Aeroseal is one way to deal with cracks and gaps in your HVAC ductwork. But does it really work? Here are our thoughts, along with much more, on The Today's Homeowner Podcast.
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If you have wooden floors, at some point, you'll have scratches and scuffs and want nothing more than to rejuvenate them.
The causes are predictable — someone moves furniture without protective padding under the legs, high heels create holes, and pets' claws leave their marks — and the result is unsightly.
That's the situation that Jack, in Illinois, faces. His engineered hardwood flooring has lots of wear-and-tear, and he's used wood pencils, stain markers, putty, and sometimes polyurethane to keep it looking its best.
The repairs look great, at first, but they don't last very long. He's looking for best practices and lasting results.
If you're in the same situation, listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast for tips about what to do.
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In this special Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're discussing drywall with Jay Watt. He's the Director of Marketing for National Gypsum and serves as a member of the Association of Walls and Ceilings Industry and The Gypsum Association.
This podcast is sponsored by National Gypsum, a private manufacturing company that produces drywall gypsum boards.
Their products include Purple XP, which includes interior finishing products, cement boards and roof boards, as well as a variety of products that protect against mildew, mold and moisture.
We'll talk about the origin of National Gypsum, whether plaster is still used today, the Purple XP line of drywall, and how the company gives back to the community.
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If you want the look of hardwood flooring, you can purchase stylish, low-maintenance vinyl planks.
But there will be tradeoffs, and that’s when you have to weigh the pros and cons to decide on the best option for your home.
That’s the situation Lisa in Illinois faces. She had vinyl plank flooring installed in her basement, and she loves the look — not to mention that it’s scratch-resistant and waterproof.
On the main floor, she has 17-year-old hardwood floors — and they look their age. They’re dented, scratched and worn. She wonders whether to sand, stain and refinish them or simply replace them with vinyl planks.
Lisa is leaning toward the vinyl planks, but her husband wants to keep the hardwood flooring. Meanwhile, a real estate agent told her hardwood floors are her best bet for resale value.
This is a house divided, and now, she wants us to share our thoughts.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our recommendation and more home improvement tips!
Caulk Saver — Tubes of caulk and sealant are not cheap, so how do you keep them fresh once you snip off the tips?
Twist-on caps are available at the home center, but most of them don’t work very well. I’ve found it’s much easier to grab some plastic tubing and make one myself.
Just take some tubing that’s 5/8-inch diameter by half-inch inside-diameter. Then use a pair of snips to cut a section of tubing that’s 4 or 5 inches long.
Next, heat one end of the plastic tube with an electric heat gun. You’ll need to heat it until it’s nice and soft — almost melted.
Then set the heated tube in a vise and clamp it pretty tightly to melt that end together. You should wait approximately 20 or 30 seconds before you take it out of the vise.
Before using your makeshift caulk cap, test it by blowing into the open end. You’ll want to make sure it has an airtight seal.
So, now all you need to do is get the open tube of caulk, slip on the modified plastic tube and press it on. It only has to go on maybe a half-inch or so.
And now, next time you need to use this tube of caulk, just pop it off and get to work!
Watch: How to Save Opened Caulk with a Plastic Tube
Sledgehammer Helper — It can be frustrating when you try to nail together boards that aren’t solidly supported, such as when nailing pickets to a fence rail or trim to a thin lattice panel. The board tends to bounce away each time the nail is struck.
The solution is to use a sledgehammer — not to hit the nail, but to serve as an anvil of sorts. Hold the head of the sledgehammer against the back of the board, then hammer in the nail. The heavy head of the sledge will absorb the hammer blows and prevent the boards from moving.
Q: How do you fix a sliding glass door that gets stuck a lot?
A: Do not use a multi-purpose lubricant, like WD-40, to lubricate the track. Instead, use a dry silicon sealant spray. Pulling off the door will allow you to inspect the track, and you should use a vacuum cleaner to clear debris around the roller.
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We’re talking with Tim Castille, Cabinets To Go’s top design consultant and Indianapolis store manager.
Cabinets To Go has been around since 2008. It started as a single store in Miami; now it has over 75 stores nationwide.
Tim’s favorite part of the job is the personal attention each showroom visitor receives. Customers are greeted upon entry and they’re guided through the process of creating their dream kitchen.
The first step is to measure your kitchen. You can do it yourself, get a contractor to do it, or have a Cabinets To Go contractor do it.
Next, take some photographs of the existing kitchen and bring the room’s measurements to the showroom. Once you’ve worked with a design consultant on the look you want for the remodel, an installer will visit your home and verify that the choices will fit in the room.
So, rest assured, the cabinets you ordered will fit, and there won’t be any unpleasant surprises!
No showroom in your area? No problem! You can work with Cabinets To Go’s virtual showroom. Just email your kitchen’s measurements and plans to a design consultant. They’ll reply with some images, plans and a quote for the project.
Then, you can arrange to pick up the order at the showroom, or have it delivered to your home.
The entire process, from start to finish, may take about 30 to 45 days.
Best of all, Cabinets To Go works with pros and do-it-yourselfers alike. So, you can install the flooring and sink, for instance, and let their installers take care of the rest, or you can have them install everything. The business is flexible to meet your needs, and your budget.
The kitchen cabinets themselves also are more efficient than others on the market, which may not make the best use of space. Cabinets To Go offers accessories such as cutlery storage, wastebasket drawers and under-cabinet wine glass storage.
They also have features such as soft-close hinges, full-wood drawer boxes that don’t sag in the middle, and the latest on-trend colors.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn more about how to bring a whole lot of ‘wow’ for a whole lot less with Cabinets To Go.
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This podcast is sponsored by Exmark, which knows you want to worry less about lawn maintenance and focus on enjoying that lawn, so they’ve created the website Backyard Life. Check it out to learn how you can maximize your outdoor lifestyle.
Now, more than ever, is a great time for kids to be outside, as opposed to being glued to a TV screen or mobile device. Planting a seed and watching its transformation in just a couple of days is a wonderful learning experience.
When kids plant a seed and watch its progress, they quickly learn that a tomato doesn’t just come from the grocery store. It comes from a plant that they can help grow and, eventually, enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Those lessons carry through adulthood, when many people often decide to grow their own fruit and vegetables to live a more self-sufficient, sustainable and economical lifestyle.
Fall is here, and if you’re looking to grow something, Joe says there are plenty of options.
The “Growing a Greener World” host recommends planting leafy crops. While fruits require full sun, and a lot of it, a fall garden is much more forgiving, and that means there are many more garden-to-table options.
Some of Joe’s favorite things to grow in the fall are lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale, peas, collards, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and garlic.
But before you head to the garden center to purchase seeds, first take a soil test. The results will tell you not just the nutrients you will need to improve the soil, but also what you don’t need to add.
For instance, people often think of fertilizer as a good thing, but Joe says there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing.’ A soil test’s results will take the guesswork out of gardening and provide the information you need for optimal growth.
Once you have that information, you can continue toward a greener lifestyle. Composting is one way to amend and improve soil with poor drainage, the “Growing a Greener World” host says.
Mulch adds a protective blanket over exposed soil; this keeps the good soil intact, so Joe is a huge fan of mulch, and he recommends keeping it year-round.
While it’s true that insects spend much of their time in mulch for the winter, just about 3 percent of those hiding insects are pests. So, the rest are beneficial or neutral, which means you don’t have to worry about providing shelter for harmful insects.
Joe clears up another gardening myth as well, which suggests fall is a good time to prune or trim trees. When you prune, you’re stimulating the tree and activating new growth, but that’s exactly what you don’t want to do coming into the cold season.
The “Growing a Greener World” host says it’s best to resist the urge to do this work in the fall, and wait for full dormancy, around mid-winter or early spring.
Listen to the podcast for more tips from Joe Lamp’l.
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Folks who want to update older homes often consider window replacements. That’s no surprise since many older windows aren’t as strong — and certainly aren’t as attractive — as newer ones.
But when you have windows that are old, ugly and inefficient, what can you do about them? It’s sometimes hard to know where to start.
Pella windows are among the best in the industry, and they’re easily retrofitted on older homes. You just need to give the company the window openings’ exact measurements and they’ll get to work.
Andersen is another good company, as is Jeld-Wen windows. You can’t go wrong with any of these top brands, but some are better than others when it comes to retrofit situations.
On that note, Andersen has a special plan for window replacements — Renewal by Andersen. That’s one way to go, and most of the windows would be wood with aluminum cladding. They also have fiberglass windows.
But vinyl replacement windows are increasingly popular. Many of them are reinforced with steel and have a lot of features you’ll want, such as energy efficiency.
If you want to spend a little extra money, go with the top brands. But you should also consider vinyl for window replacements.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Q: “I have a large front porch and it's a concrete slab. It has a large crack down the middle and on one end it has sunk about 5 inches, so when it rains, I have a pond I have to walk through. How can this be fixed?”
A: Since the slab has fallen 5 inches, there’s a significant settlement issue. Hire a foundation expert to jack up the slab. Some use high-density foam; others use hydraulic jacks.
First, find out what that would cost. If it’s too much for your budget, it may be better to hire someone to remove the slab and pour a new one.
Get a pro out there — just make sure the job is done right so it never has to be done again.
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Dedicating a space to crafting, woodworking and automobile repairs makes all the difference when you need to focus on a particular project.
But garages, workshops and sheds should be in ship-shape for optimal use. And we’ll talk about how to get them that way in this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Listen to learn how Chelsea repurposed old kitchen and dining-room furniture for her workshop; how to remove efflorescence from a garage floor, and a solution for your shed’s floors.
Q: “We are replacing a wrought-iron handrail. The post at the top of the handrail needs to be installed on a tiled concrete porch.
“The original railing post was core-drilled into the concrete and the tile was cut to fit and installed around the post.
“When the old railing is removed, the tile around the post will need to be removed as well and replaced.
“The new railing is galvanized. The railing company is suggesting that the post foot be mounted directly on the new tile rather than core-drilling directly into the concrete. What is the best way to install the new galvanized railing post?”
A: If you can place the post into the concrete and pour epoxy around it, that’s an easy option. Also, try using Concrete Fasteners’ Large Diameter Tapcons.
This time of year, we all want to be outside, and particularly this year when we’ve all been cooped up for weeks in quarantine.
But the warmer weather is also appealing to the bugs, so many of us find ourselves swatting mosquitos to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you want to enclose an existing porch area with a screen to get some relief, watch this video.
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Staying at home to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading doesn't have to mean staying indoors.
There's plenty to do outside, whether it's renovating a deck, creating a container garden or sealing slippery surfaces — just watch out for black snakes!
"I'm a project supervisor building houses in Beaufort, South Carolina. I hung a swing yesterday on the porch for someone and, even though I have the same measurements from the porch beams, everything is exact, the swing seems to be hanging crooked.
"I played with the chains and cannot seem to get it to hang straight in line with the handrail or porch decking. It is like an inch-and-a-half difference from one end to the other from the handrail.
"Do you have any ideas why this is happening?"
Do you lack a green thumb but desire a beautiful backyard with plants?
Growing flowers in pots is a satisfying way to brighten up your porch or yard, and it’s a great way to get started with gardening.
Here’s everything you need to know to get going:
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Monique has spent 35 years as a gardener, designer, and contractor. She is the CEO, founder and creative director of The Garden Continuum, a Massachusetts-based gardening company that works to ensure landscaping is organized, healthy and has a ‘wow’ factor that makes you want to stop and take in its beauty.
Everyone has their own preferences, and the company’s name refers to the continuum of landscape design and aesthetic, and where your preferences lie.
In addition to 35 years in the business, Monique is an accomplished business coach, industry blogger and just completed her first full-length book, "Stop Landscaping, Start Life-Scaping."
How to deal with nail pops appearing in rooms that have moisture like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Hear about a great new bath ventilation fan that attacks moisture without you having to flip a switch.
Eco-friendly spring-cleaning tips that are not only great for the environment but will also save you some money.
How to remove a waxy buildup from laminate floors.
Follow Joe’s Simple Solution to learn how to get an early start with your gardening with a used soda bottle.
Rick writes,
"I have a 60-year-old house that has superficial cracks. I want to paint the house but I’m afraid the cracks will continue to show through. Is there anything I can do about that? I’ve seen STO or drive systems used on commercial buildings — is it something I could use over stucco?"
4 Ways to Bring Warm Colors to a Cold Kitchen
Nothing’s more inviting than a warm, functional kitchen. But if people in your home avoid this room, a few simple changes can make the space more welcoming.
Colors stir different feelings in people, and there are many ways to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen through color.
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On this special Today's Homeowner Podcast we spoke to termite expert Dr. Jim Fredericks. Dr. Fredericks is a board-certified Entomologist and current member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
The NPMA is a non-profit organization, established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food, and property from diseases and pests.
During this podcast, you'll hear about different types of termites, what attracts them to your home, and the red flags to look out for in your home.
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When there is moisture where it shouldn’t be in a home, mold and mildew quickly follow.
Homeowner Wade says he's confused about why moisture is showing up on his new roof. He says he always notices the water during warm weather.
Wade had the roof addition built with an ice and water shield added underneath and he still notices moisture around the soffit area.
• A contractor gives potentially dangerous advice to a homeowner looking to remodel his bathroom. This is why you should always feel comfortable questioning a contractor.
• Need new flooring? We give you some reasons why bamboo's sustainability and style rivals hardwood and vinyl.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that deals with a diverter valve on a tub faucet. If it seems stuck, this will fix the problem.
Ray writes, “I have a three-bedroom one-level home. I want to put fire alarms in each room. Bedrooms, den, living room, kitchen, and dining room. Where should I place the fire detectors in these rooms? They are fire-and gas detectors.”
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Organizing your home doesn't have to be stressful. Break it up throughout the week and you'll notice a big difference. Here is how you can de-clutter your home in just 7-days.
Give this challenge a try and let us know if it worked for you!
• A homeowner wants to swap out her electric outdoor lamps for natural gas ones. The process isn't simple or inexpensive but it can be done.
• If you have ever finished painting and noticed the walls look like a cracked eggshell, then you likely missed this one important prepping step.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that makes woodworking and tape measure reading more efficient!
DIY Project of the Week:
How to Improve your Shelves Design
Deborah in Georgia writes,
“I'm in an 80's condo and want to remove the wall between my kitchen and dining room, how can I tell if the wall is load-bearing? I need countertop space!!!”
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When it comes to interior design, it’s all in the details. That’s why so many homeowners install crown molding as an elegant transition between the ceiling and the wall.
A listener wants to do this in his home, but there’s just one problem: a wall-mounted register for his heating and cooling system is in the way.
• Foundation problems are always scary. A homeowner is concerned that a basement beam is pushing a block out, damaging the home’s exterior.
• Chelsea Lipford Wolf talks about her custom-built shoe rack that you can piece together in your closet.
Do you have noisy neighbors? We talk about special drywall that retrofits over your wall, adding some sound dampening.
• Find out what a dishwasher, Scotchgard, and Kevlar have in common.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will keep your putty knife clean after every use.
DIY Project of the Week:
Sliding interior shutters add character and privacy when needed. Learn how to build them so you can reveal or conceal a loft or room.
The result is an attractive, functional treatment for an interior cased opening.
Kris writes, "My daughter left an upstairs faucet on and it leaked on the main ceiling and into the basement. How do we fix the ceiling?
Only one small bubble and a large saturated wet spot. Do we need to contact the insurance [company] or fix ourselves?"
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What do you do if your circuit breaker keeps tripping? This is a big trial-and-error job unless you take our advice on how to get the job done.
• A homeowner is putting together a workshop in his basement. We give him a few ideas on creating a dust collection system perfect for his future wood-working projects.
• We get a lot of questions about spray painting. Chelsea Lipford Wolf steps in to help cut through the painter's tape, so to speak. Hear what she, Danny and Joe recommend when it comes to paint sprayers.
• And, we're back from the massive International Builders’ Show and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Listen to the podcast to learn about some great new products we saw in Las Vegas.
• Joe has a 3-in-1 Simple Solution for removing a stubborn screw.
How to Transform a Brick Fireplace With Limewash
Applying a limewash is a quick, easy way to update a fireplace. Here's how to do it!
Debbie from South Carolina writes, "I put a contract on a home over the weekend that was built in 1987 that needs a lot of updating. There are true hardwood floors (I pulled the vent) in the Foyer, Living and Dining Rooms.
Overall, they are in good condition so refinishing them isn't at the top of my list. What can I apply to enhance their look? These won't be high traffic areas. Also, there is a pocket door that is sticking. What can I do to make it slide with less effort? Thank you."
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• If you’re about to paint your kitchen cabinets, this is a must-have tool to get the job done fast and without using much space.
• You might be surprised how easy it is to knock out algae stains on your roof.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that explains how you can make a children’s seat using a milk crate.
How to Install a Toilet in 6 Easy Steps
Installing a toilet is pretty much the same process whether you’re replacing an old toilet or completing a new bathroom.
Ryan writes, “I have a large leak in my third-floor bedroom, under my window after rain. But, there is no obvious leak, the window is dry,[and there's] no water on the wall or ceiling. What is going on and who can I call to get help?”
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• Saw Talk! There are dozens of sizes and styles of saws on the market. Learn when to choose which handsaw for the right project.
• Also: We help a homeowner in the middle of a shower renovation. They want to make sure it’s done right by putting up the correct material before the vinyl goes up.
• Joe has a Simple Solution to fix a loose baluster — all you need is a toothpick.
Donna writes, “I am currently building an addition to my home. The concrete finishers pouring my concrete slab for the foundation removed the plastic vapor barrier, so now I’m looking for suggestions to fix the problems. Should they fix it or is there another solution?”
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• What happens when you stain wood and it doesn't dry? What do you do when the stain gets tacky? We review the steps and procedures to perfectly stain your next project.
• Remove a water heater, gain a closet! It's a smart move but you still need to deal with the old drain hole. Here are a few ways to plug the hole.
• Joe’s Simple Solution: How you can use magazine holders to increase kitchen storage.
Marian in Rhode Island writes, “At the big-box stores, one sees air filters for a wide range of prices — $4 to $20 each.
"I have tried to find out the difference, and it appears the more expensive, the more types of particles get filtered. Is there any other difference that justifies a higher price?
"Could you also provide some direction on choosing between the disposable vs. a permanent (washable) filter?”
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Sometimes it's best to just let go!
In this special podcast, I spoke with organizing guru Kandy Negus.
Kandy, a professional organizer has previously lent her talents to our television show where she helped with a kitchen remodeling episode this season. We talk about why it's so important to create a clutter-free home and all the options at your disposal for getting rid of unused items.
Now that the holidays are behind us, this is the perfect time to start thinking about decluttering. After all, you've likely acquired some new stuff after Christmas and New Year's. So, take a good look around your house and see what needs some sorting out.
You can learn much more about Kandy by checking out her website orderyourspaces.com.
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• Have you heard about a beetle that can chew through your Pex pipes? Keep an eye out for this bug.
• Touching up paint? It could leave blemishes on your walls, even if you use the same color. Here’s how to make flawless repairs.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will help you clean your dusty shop using a wet-dry vacuum and a bicycle inner tube.
Mary Jane from California writes,
"Our house is on top of a steep slope where the gophers wreak havoc (of course), but now, after 29 years of living here, they are coming up between the cement driveway and the asphalt street!
There's no space to put the trap, and we are so frustrated with the constant battle. PLEASE HELP! Thank you very much."
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• We help a homeowner who has a problem with water entering a basement. Here’s what he can do to limit damage to his floors and walls.
• This time of year you'll likely be reaching for firewood. We have a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your wood and fireplace this winter.
• Have a slippery concrete driveway? Here’s how you can use play sand and masonry sealer to give it some grit.
• Joe’s Simple Solution for improving water flow from your faucets.
Eric from Pennsylvania writes, "There are three wood support posts in our basement. We are in our first home and in less than 13 months they are starting to split. We have no budget and our home is over 100 years old.
We just learned we need a new septic system. can you offer an opinion on how we should proceed."
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• Do ultrasonic pest deterrents really work? Probably not, but our solution WILL work - every time.
• Danny's Unique way to remove ice buildup from his freezer using a shovel, tarp, and a hairdryer.
• A previous homeowner capped off your bathroom vent so it doesn’t function? No problem. Here’s how to get the vent working properly.
• Joe’s Simple Solution for screening paint chips, dust and dirt out of old paint.
Ken in Mississippi writes, "Is there a wrong way to blow in cellulose? There are some areas in my attic that are almost inaccessible and I just want to fill up as many cavities as possible.
There is plenty of ventilation but I'm not going to be able to not blow insulation over the soffits."
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• Learn how to prevent your forced-air heating and cooling system from being blocked — it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run!
• A two-story colonial house is starting to squeak — learn how to quiet down those floorboards for good.
• How to tackle a kitchen cabinet painting project step-by-step.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — two tips that will make cutting tight-fitting cope joints a breeze next time you're working with wood moldings.
Henson from Mississippi writes, "We have a white brick corner wall to the ceiling built around a small fireplace. For years we used it burning wood and then had it replaced with a gas fire log.
Our bricks are dirty and sooty. What can we do to get them clean or if we can't get them clean, can we paint them?"
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• We spoke with a homeowner who uses cardboard and A LOT of tape to keep the cold out of her home. We give her a better option to stay warm, cozy and out of the crafting box.
• We talk about multiple ways to plan tile around a concrete porch with columns.
• How to get latex paint out of the carpet.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to spray paint with a lazy susan.
Mark writes, “I have small damp patches on my internal walls/bedrooms to my house. The width of the front and rear of the house is 6 meters long. If I install round 50-mm air vents to the soffit boards, do I need to do the gable soffits as well? And do I need to install roof-tile air vents as well, to stop small damp on internal bedroom walls?"
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• First-time homebuyers may be excited to purchase their first home. But don’t close before you inspect these 14 things.
• We help a homeowner who is practically walking on ice. The latest addition to his home lacks any access underneath the house, causing cold air and moisture to be a nightmare. Learn how he can create a way under the home — and what he can do to make the new addition warm and cozy.
• A wood-burning stove in the basement produces a lot of heat; however, the heat is trapped inside that single room. Learn how to spread warmth around the house.
• How to sand and paint inside of your home without making a mess.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to build a shelf for your wheelbarrow.
Dan writes, "I saw a few of your videos which are very helpful, but none quite match our situation. We put wainscoting (paneling) on the lower 3 feet on ½ the room but the other half has a baseboard hot water heater. Should we take the cover off and put the wainscoting up or should we start the wainscoting just above the heater?"
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• Hearing the word "sinkhole" can be scary — Danny and Joe share how to repair an area that’s starting to sink.
• A homeowner has a shed with a 30-year-old coat of paint — it's time for a makeover! Here’s how she can check for rot, mold, and mildew before adding new paint.
• Do you have some cracked floor tiles? Hear several solutions on the podcast to get the floor as good as new.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to keep your shed burglar-proof.
Patrick from Arizona writes, “I have a stained-wood front entryway and back deck. I’m seeking a recommendation for the best material to cover steps (partially) for best foot-grip In snowy/icy conditions without harming Or deteriorating the wood beneath."
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• We talk about how water can cause hardwood floors to cup — and what you can do about that situation.
• Leveling an uneven concrete slab is easy and inexpensive. So is patching and sealing concrete.
• Chelsea Lipford-Wolf shares tips for revitalizing a fireplace.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — making a picture hanging tool out of a wire clothes hanger.
Roscoe in North Carolina writes, "We have a brick home that we plan on painting off-white. What kind of paint and primer is the best, and what surface preparation is required?"
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• Solutions for a homeowner who’s installing 500 feet ofwood fencing — hear how Danny and Joe would tackle the installation and staining.
• Trees and their roots can lead to uneven walkways. While you could replace your concrete sidewalk, we’ve got a solution that will let you keep it.
• Do you have a big yard and need to rake soil? Try mechanizing your raking! Joe explains in this week's Simple Solution.
• Tips for creating a spooky — and safe — Halloween setup for your home.
Robert in Rhode Island writes, "Earlier today, my wife, and I were in the back yard, and I noticed the end of the vinyl siding was hanging. Is there any way to secure the siding."
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• Widening your driveway? Follow these tips to avoid headaches in the process.
• Flooding can be catastrophic. Danny and Joe discuss who to connect with if you face this type of disaster.
• Why rebar placement is important when creating a concrete porch. If you're noticing concrete crumbling at your house, try this!
• Why attaching the head of a scrub brush to a power drill can do wonders.
Lisa in South Carolina writes, “I would like to hang holiday decorations on the walls of our front porch. Our house exterior is the CertainTeed vinyl cedar shake siding. The normal vinyl siding clips will not work and we're trying to find a solution without nails or screws because the holiday decorations are removed seasonally.”
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• A homeowner has a problem with his dishwasher. Sometimes floor tiling can trap the appliance in place. Here's a trick to make room and not have to knock out the tile.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will ensure your firewood stays dry through the winter months.
Bill in Virginia writes,
"I've heard you discuss on podcasts, the subject of damp crawlspaces. On my most recent annual pest inspection, a higher than normal moisture level was indicated under my home, and I have been provided 2 options by crawl space contractors. 1) Replace my foundation vents with self-opening ones and add fans in the crawl space, and 2) Seal up the vents and install a dehumidifier in the crawl space. I appreciate any lessons learned/advise you might be able to provide for my decision."
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• A homeowner needs to save lumber from his grandfather's house, but he’s having trouble pulling nails without damaging the wood. Joe suggests a unique tool that may be perfect for this job.
•Have you ever had to replace a wax ring from a toilet? Danny and Joe recommend using something a little more up to date.
• A listener's garage is built into a hill and everything inside is getting damp. Learn how she can dry out the garage without constantly running a dehumidifier.
• Joe has a Simple Solution perfect for raking in the fall — here's a quick way to transport leaves away from the pile.
Andrea in Wisconsin writes, "I am remodeling my bathroom. I removed the ceramic tile from my wooden walls. I don't want to put tile up nor drywall. What can I use to cover the walls that would be great for my bathroom?"
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On this week's podcast:
• We help a homeowner who is running granite all the way up to her 8-foot ceiling. She needs some advice when it comes to installing her range hood on that granite.
• Vines can be beautiful but they sure are invasive. Danny and Joe help a homeowner with a non-toxic mixture that will limit vines from growing on his house.
And:
• Do you have black spots on your siding? If you do you are likely dealing with a fungus. How you can get rid of it and keep it off of your home.
• Carrying carpet out of a home is never easy.. unless you follow this Simple Solution. Joe gives us you much simpler option for removing the carpet.
Madeline from Indiana writes,
"We have a crawl space that has been waterproofed. What can I do around the outside of my foundation to help it stay dry?"
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