Why Your House Is Cold Question #1: Tim, I’ve got a forced-air furnace. Several rooms in my house are cold in the winter and are hot and stuffy in the summer when the AC is on. Most of the rooms are comfortable. Why do you think this is the case? What can be done to […]
"I hope you're sitting down as Entry Ice Melt is 37.5 times more expensive to use than rock salt." Entry Ice Melt is an expensive liquid non-chloride deicing product. This product was introduced in Tim's December 1, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. Entry Ice Melt - Expensive Solution I was made aware of the Entry Ice Melt […]
Where Your Roof Leaks Question #1: Tim, I really need your help. My roof is leaking and my last attempt to get it repaired was fruitless. It rained again and water still came in. Where do most roof leaks happen? Is it okay to use caulk or black roofing cement to do a roof repair? […]
Roof Flashing Podcast 28 - Click to Listen: Roof Flashing - Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, provides you with the basics about flashings. It's important to realize the vast majority of leaks happen at these important flashings. Listen to the above podcast to gain valuable knowledge and tips. Where are flashings on a roof? […]
Wallpaper Borders QUESTION #1: Hello Tim. Trends and designs change and I’m convinced wallpaper will rise from the ashes. I’d like to start the resurgence and install some wallpaper borders in a few rooms in my home. What can you share to make this job go smoothly? Have you ever put in a border halfway […]
Caulking Doesn’t Have to Be Hard QUESTION #1: Tim, my husband caulked a few things in the bathroom and made an enormous mess. The caulk is smeared and there are gaps. Can it be repaired? He had the best of intentions but didn’t seem to be concerned about the final appearance. How does one get […]
Outdoor Shed Tips QUESTION #1: Tim, what can you tell me about outdoor sheds? I’m thinking it could end up being an outdoor retreat more than it might be for garden stuff and junk. How can you keep a shed cool that bakes in the sun all day? I want to make sure the shed […]
"The decorative glass panels at the top of each door flood the garage with light." Haas Garage Door - Real Wood Look But Tough Steel Just a month ago, I had two new Haas garage doors installed at my home. The doors are steel, but anyone visiting my home thinks we've got distinctive real-wood garage […]
Concrete Block QUESTION #1: I’ve been researching foundation types for both new homes and room additions. I’ve narrowed it down to either poured concrete or concrete block. Many websites thump their chests saying poured concrete is better than concrete block. What’s your opinion, Tim? Have you worked with both materials? Carol Ann S., Richmond, VA […]
Different Deck Piers QUESTION #1: Tim, can you explain why I need concrete deck piers under the wood support posts that hold up my deck? I saw an older deck where the posts just rested on pre-cast concrete stepping stones. The deck seemed fine to me. Are deck piers overkill and a way for contractors […]