January 13, 2013 AsktheBuilder Newsletter & Tips

I emailed you a few days ago about the Flash Sale for Stain Solver.

It's about to end in just a little less than 14 hours. The sale ended January 13, 2013 at midnight.

You can save 10% off the 2.2-pound size or 15% off the 4.5-pound size.

Go now to the Stain Solver cart to save money.

The SALE PRICE is already computed at the Stain Solver shopping cart.

Remember, you also get FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the lower 48 states.

In a few days I'm going to have more news about the new smaller size we're introducing! It's perfect to use as gifts for friends, family, or co-workers.

If you work at a store that wants to SELL Stain Solver, this is going to be perfect for you.

THANKS for your support!

WORKMANSHIP WARNING

Last night, I was paging through the most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine. I've been a subscriber for nearly 40 years. That's a long time.

I have a DVD that contains all of the past magazine articles from the beginning of the magazine. Many, if not all, of the articles from 20 - 40 years ago were written by real craftsmen.

But times are changing. I can clearly see a frightening erosion of the quality standard that's promoted by this amazing publication.

It saddens me deeply as I try to promote Fine Homebuilding magazine as one of the finest publications in the industry.

Some of the people writing articles for Fine Homebuilding are not as talented as they could be. I was shocked as I read an article in the most recent issue about how to flash a chimney.

The author was using expensive copper flashing. Copper is, perhaps, one of the best metals to use for roof flashing because it doesn't rust. It can last, in certain climates, well over 100 years.

But the SHOCKING thing is the author, who's a roofer, was using a caulk as part of the installation.

He was NOT soldering the tiny gaps where two pieces of copper flashing meet at the corners of the flashings.

Why is this important? Why should this concern you?

Fine Homebuilding for decades has been a gold standard of displaying quality workmanship.

Many young builders and remodelers think that if it's in Fine Homebuilding, then it's the right way to do something.

Here's the bottom line: I don't care WHAT the caulk manufacturers claim.

Caulk is NOT a permanent roofing material.

I don't know of a caulk that can last for 50 years up on a roof. I don't know of a caulk that can take that intense beating from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

I don't know of a caulk that can maintain its flexibility for as long as the copper expands and contracts over the 125-year period.

Metal and solder ARE long-lasting roofing materials.

You want flashings to last as long or LONGER than the actual roofing material. Caulk WILL fail long before that.

Solder will NOT fail if done correctly, and it's caveman simple to solder copper and tin!

How do you protect yourself in the future from workmen who think they know the correct way to do something?

I would recommend starting with my Contractor Hiring Guides. In all of them, I provide a checklist that contains the time-tested methods to do work around your home.

Be Careful Out There!

I've got a fantastic CONTEST for you on Tuesday. If you like hunting expeditions, then you MUST OPEN Tuesday's newsletter.

Thanks, as always, for your trust.

Tim Carter
Founder www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over.