All posts by onthehouse
-
Installing New Gutters
Question We can’t get anyone to return our calls to get gutters installed. How hard is it to do it yourself? Donna Answer Installing gutters is no easy task, but is manageable for “the mechanically handy,” and...
- Posted March 26, 2014
-
Edges of the Basement Get Wet When it Rains
Question The edges of the basement in my new home get wet whenever it rains. There’s been no mold so far, but is there anything I could do above ground to prevent this dampness? Elaine Answer The...
- Posted March 26, 2014
-
Dutch Gutters
Question Our stucco and frame house was built in the mid-1940s by a contractor for his family. It has Dutch gutters. Since that time a leak on the north side has apparently plagued every owner. The previous...
- Posted March 26, 2014
-
Electric Fireplace: A Shocking Idea
Nothing adds warmth and beauty like a crackling fire. But not every home can have a fireplace. Perhaps you live in a high-rise, or you rent, or you plan to move soon and a fireplace just isn’t...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
Making the Cut
The “Lady in Red” betrayed John Dillinger outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago. She marked the spot and G-men cut him down. While it didn’t work out too well for Dillinger, this system can be a boon to...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
Pipe Burst Prevention Suggestions
You never know when there will be a freeze. Here’s how to reduce the chance of having a water pipe burst. Even at a very slow rate, a dripping water faucet will help to prevent a water line from...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
Ridding the Rotted Wood Around Your Windows
In the remodeling industry, window replacement is big, big business. Damaged or rotted wood sills and frames prompt consumers to consider spending $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and more in replacement costs. This is because most folks don’t realize that rotted...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
This Side Up: Installing Insulation Correctly
Picking the right face is essential with fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier (meaning with Kraft paper or foil attached on one side). It should always face the warm-in-winter side. Thus, in cold climates, it should face the...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
Hoses, Hoses, Hoses Galore
There’s a lot more to garden hoses than meets the eye. There are choices in garden hoses you should consider before picking one out. First, there are three standard lengths: 25 feet, 50 feet and 100 feet. The...
- Posted March 25, 2014
-
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Since ancient times, the mystique of mirrors has inspired superstition. The Chinese hung them on front doors to scare away evil spirits. Greek mathematician Archimedes used huge ones to save the city of Syracuse by reflecting the sun onto...
- Posted March 25, 2014