Will it do any good to put drainage tiles under the patio slabs around the perimeter of our leaky basement? The slabs measure 18″ x 18” and begin right next to the wall. Water is leaking into the basement where…
Q: How can I keep rain from dripping through a second-floor deck? I want to use the area underneath the deck for weatherproof storage of outdoor equipment. A: That’s a worthwhile goal you have in mind and you’ve got a…
What should I use to strip paint off one outside wall of my house? The last time I stripped before painting I used a propane torch on the other walls, but that was before I realized I was dealing with…
We bought a new home and have a problem with the cold cellar.Help! The roof is corrugated steel, on top of which has been poured a concrete slab that forms the porch floor. The walls are poured concrete, too. In…
Our insurance company tells us that our 25 year-old oil tank needs to be replaced or they won’t extend coverage. Is it better to spend $1,100.00 on a new oil tank or $3,000.00 on a gas furnace? The heating oil…
Q: What tool should I buy first, a mitre saw or a table saw? I’ll be using the tool mainly for home repairs, with an occasional need to cut sheets of plywood. My budget is $600. A: If I could…
I’m thinking of building a bed in the Mission style, but would like to make it with knotty pine instead of the traditional oak. Can this wood be used for this style of furniture, and if so how much thicker…
I have an outdoor oak bench and cedar chairs that I assembled and finished last year with a clear water repellent, but they don’t look great now. They stayed out in the weather last summer and are dull and discoloured….
I’m planning to restore an 1860’s board-and-batten home, and need some advice about insulation. Right now there’s none in the wall cavities and I want to change this as part of the restoration. What’s the best type of insulation to…
We’re fixing an older home with plaster walls and want to apply drywall over top. Can we do this? I’ve heard that you can’t screw drywall down in situations like this. What about construction adhesive instead? I’ve never heard any…
My wife and I are building a couple of Muskoka chairs out of eastern white cedar. Since I’m making them fold-able, I plan to store the chairs indoors. What finish provides the best protection against sunlight while enhancing the beautiful…
Q: How can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement? My daughter is moving in down there and I’m hoping that fiberglass batts installed above the ceiling tiles will keep the sound down. A: Effective retrofit soundproofing is never…