How should I insulate the floor of a sunroom I’ll be building over a raised deck? It’s about 9 feet off the ground, with a hot tub underneath. The easiest, neatest and least expensive option is to apply 2 inches…
What’s the best kind of long-lasting, maintenance-free metal roof? I’m considering something that looks like roofing tiles. Our lot is heavily treed and the roof includes skylights. I’d also like to be able to walk easily on the roof from…
Is there an economical alternative to spray foam applied by a professional? The verbal quote I have for 400 sq. ft. of foam at R40 seems so expensive. Spray foam insulation is substantially more costly than fiberglass or mineral wool…
Maintaining a wooden deck finish is more work than most people realize, and that’s why it’s important to consider the long-term consequences before you make a finishing choice. Although I do like teak oil as a finish for exterior wood,…
What’s the best way to insulate the underside of a 10×15-foot sunroom? It stands three feet off the ground, and I’m confused about where to put the vapour barrier. The purpose of a vapour barrier is to prevent the movement…
What are your thoughts about the new Bosch sliding compound mitre saw with the articulated arm that you and I talked about at the Home Workshop Show last fall? You said you’d be testing it and I’d like to get…
It is a good idea to cover a deck with a roof, while leaving the walls open? What options do I have other than cedar for the new structure? Are there composites available that can hold a roof, possibly with…
How smooth does a plywood subfloor have to be to accept a new floor on top? We have a 1970’s vintage ceramic tile floor laid over a thick layer of mortar that I want to remove, and I expect mortar…
What length of warranty should we expect from a contractor who’ll be building a cottage addition for us? Hiring a contractor is trickier than it seems, and warranty periods are the least of your worries. That’s because it’s easy for…
How has that linseed oil paint you used a few years ago held up? I ran across your article from 2008 and was wondering if you’ve done any follow-up on the paint condition. I’m a contractor doing research on wooden…
What’s the best way to boost the energy efficiency of my 65-year-old frame house while I’m redoing exterior walls this season? My plan is to remove all exterior layers, including the original 1″ X 6″ sheathing boards, then fill the…
I have to disagree with your published opinion that outdoor wood boilers are an environmentally sound way to heat. While they do move the fire, soot and ash outdoors, they also burn twice as much fuel as an indoor woodstove…