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All posts by onthehouse

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  Vegetable Garden

  Question I am planning on using pressure treated landscape timbers for a raised vegetable garden. Others have told me, that I need to be concerned about the chemicals that may leach out and affect the vegetables that...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Paint Thinners: Expense, Illegal Dumping and Recyling

  Question I read your recent column about disposing of paint thinners. Although a newly established “residents only” site is available off Tunnel Avenue, it is off limits to commercial sources like myself. This new effort is laudable,...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Gas Exiting Cracks in a Basement Floor

  Question I have 2 questions. I have cracks in my concrete basement floor from which I believe radon gas is creeping in. What is the best way to seal those cracks? Joe Answer Joe, before you do...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Disposing of Paint Thinners

  Question In a recent column on toxics, you not only failed to mention even one place to take solvents or other toxics, you missed the most important point of all, recycling. Paint thinner easily can be reused...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Removing Old Linoleum Can Release Asbestos

  Question One of your recent columns was seriously flawed. The instructions you gave in regard to ripping up old linoleum left one seriously important factor out. I am appalled at this. We are all familiar with the...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Solder-Rivet-Seal Valley Flashing

  Question Recently the valley between my house and garage roof leaked. It is galvanized and less than two years old. A seam that was soldered has come apart. Do you recommend re-soldering, or should I seal it...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Replacing Wooden Gutters with New

  Question My home is a 62-year-old Dutch Colonial. The wooden gutters must be replaced. Should I use vinyl, aluminum or steel, and who can I call for a price? Hazel Answer We strongly recommend galvanized sheetmetal (GSM)....

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Redwood Gutter Lining

  Question What can I use to line redwood gutters so I can avoid separation at joints? Ray Answer “Oh, what sweet agony the preservation of antiquity”. First, butyl caulk the seams, cracks and other leak points –...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Plastic and Others

  Question We are in the process of re-roofing our home. While we are at it, we would like to install new gutters. I have seen the plastic type advertised as “easy for the do-it-yourselfer”. Is this something...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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  Gutter Leaks

  Question I have metal rain gutters that leak at a couple of the joints. What can I do to stop the leaks? P.J. Answer The most effective way to patch a leak at the seam of a...

  • Posted March 26, 2014
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