The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out why the 1960s were a relatively good decade for home construction compared to, say, the 1980s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's not necessary to seal a concrete driveway on a regular basis. Just make sure you don't use any products with rock salt when de-icing your concrete driveway in the winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why an 11-year-old tank water heater still has some life in it and doesn't need to be replaced immediately. If you're worried about leaks and water damage, it's a good practice to turn off your main water valve when you plan to leave home for a weekend or longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on putting up faux-tin ceiling tiles in a three-season sun porch. Learn why you should use a mechanical fastener in addition to Liquid Nails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why what appears to be mold on your concrete basement wall is most likely actually efflorescence, also known as mineral salts. Get tips on cleaning it using white vinegar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why, when it comes to drywall repair, paper tape is more of a material that an artisan would use, while fiberglass mesh tape is better suited to the average do-it-yourselfer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If there are gaping horizontal cracks in your basement and the walls are bending in, it's a serious problem and you need to hire a structural engineer. They will write up a report about the situation and specify repairs. Then, after a contractor completes the repairs, the structural engineer will certify that the repair was done correctly. This process is necessary to preserve the value of your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to control moisture and humidity when building an addition to house an indoor pool. Get tips on using mold-resistant materials, such as fiberglass drywall, installing a dehumidifier, and talking to the pool manufacturer to see what they recommend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out when to hire a professional siding cleaner. Learn how smaller areas of dirt can be tackled without a pro, and what the advantages are of hiring a professional home siding cleaner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why you should contact the flooring manufacturer in a situation where your engineered hardwood floor is buckling. Unfortunately, there is no way to repair the floor; you'll have to cut it out and start over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what to do when mold is growing on the cut areas of your maintenance-free composite trim. Get tips on painting the trim with 100% acrylic latex exterior paint to try to seal it against mold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on checking out Trek for a UV-resistant waterproofing spray for outdoor fabrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a direct vent tankless water heater is the perfect solution if you are trying to save space in a bathroom. Learn the basic rules for where you can install a direct vent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on applying an exterior stain to your composite decking to restore its color. Learn about a brand called Messmer that makes a finish designed specifically for composite decking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why Tom recommends the American Standard Champion 4 toilet if you are in the market for what is called a comfort-height toilet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how poor drainage conditions around your home's perimeter most likely contributed to your bowing basement walls. Learn why you must hire a structural engineer to investigate the situation, specify repairs, and return to certify those repairs after they have been made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why Tom does not recommend over-the-counter insecticides. Instead, it really pays to hire a professional who can apply a specialized insecticide to target the exact species you're dealing with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to resurface a concrete porch. Learn why you can't simply adhere new concrete to old concrete. Get tips on checking out Quikrete.com for instructions and products that will help you resurface damaged concrete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the two areas of a brick chimney you should focus on when you have a leak: the clay flue liner, and the intersection of the chimney with the roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're having problems with water pooling on your garage floor, one option is to use a concrete resurfacer from Quikrete to add a slope to the floor so water runs off it. It's a DIY project if you are handy. Another option is to try tiles on top of your garage floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how installing an occupancy sensor switch can help with the problem of forgetting to turn off the lights. In a room with two entries and two switches, the solution is to replace one with an occupancy sensor set to "vacancy mode." You will have to turn the light on manually, but it will go off automatically when it stops sensing motion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips and advice for how to best make use of a small yard. Learn how to build a flowerbed with potting soil and landscaping lumber. Find out how a trellis can add interest to a boring wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to prep and restain a wood deck. Get tips on first cleaning the deck to remove any mildew or algae. Learn why you need to wait for a dry spell in order for the wood to absorb the stain properly. Find out why a solid color stain is the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to refinish wooden bar stools. Learn why the hard part is over if you've already sanded them. Get tips on covering and taping off the metal and fabric parts of the stools before applying spar varnish, which, as an oil-based finish, is more durable than acrylic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why Bon Ami is a good product to use if you want to really clean the rough, non-slip surface of the bottom of your tub. It has a slight abrasiveness to it, making it good for this particular application. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get the manufacturer's stamp off the pressure treated lumber on your deck. Learn why sanding it won't damage the pressure treatment. Get tips on staining your wood deck with a solid color stain for longer lasting pigment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FInd out how to give your concrete patio a makeover by putting brick pavers on top. They come in lots of different colors and shapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on choosing a wood floor finish that is durable and won't show dog nail scratches too much. Find out why a satin or semi-gloss polyurethane is your best bet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what to do about a baffling fly problem in your home. Get tips on going to the Orkin website and getting advice from an expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why cracks in the grout and tiles on your floor means that the floor was not installed properly. Learn why it is especially important to have the right underlayment for large tiles, which are not as forgiving to work with as smaller tiles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to restore some shine to an iron fireplace screen that got rusty from flooding. Get tips on using grill paint, which is designed to withstand high temperatures, once you've removed all the rust from the screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have asphalt shingles that were installed in a shoddy fashion, find out why you should strip your roof down to the rafters and re-sheathe the roof before installing metal roofing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the stages of steel pipe replacement in an old house. Find out why you should get a second opinion if your plumber says you need to replace your drainpipes -- typically, it is the supply pipes that need replacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why an open cell insulation like Icynene is a good choice for its ability to seal out drafts and help soundproof a space. On the other hand, closed cell insulation is better for high-moisture environments because it's less susceptible to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how sealing grout can help keep it clean and water-repellant. Get tips on using a silicone-based grout sealant with an applicator that is comfortable for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about tankless water heaters, which heat water as needed, unlike tank water heaters, which keep water hot 24/7. Get tips on direct-venting a tankless water heater in order to have it be located closer to your bathrooms, so you don't have to wait as long for hot water for your shower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why a bad valve is most likely the culprit if you have a problem with water not coming out of your outdoor faucet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair an area of your hardwood floor that is swollen from water damage. Get tips on cutting out the swollen part and replacing it with floor boards taken from a nearby closet or pantry. You can then cover the closet or pantry floor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to clean rust spots on stainless steel appliances. Get tips on using steel wool or a Brillo pad to remove the rust, then sealing the surface with a stainless steel polish to help keep the rust from coming back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to determine if isolated, fuzzy growth in cool, damp places is mold - and steps for getting rid of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Radiant-heat floors don't have to look different than other standard indoor flooring. Find out what type of flooring is recommended for floors featuring built-in heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the best products and process for protecting and refinishing hardwood floors without undoing their rugged, natural look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blood can be especially difficult to lift and remove from upholstery - but there are a few inexpensive, DIY spot removal methods that are likely to do the trick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out which cleaning product works best for removing grease and oil buildup from kitchen cabinets and other household surfaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sealing a deck requires sanding it down to its original lumber - otherwise, sealant will peel off. Find out additional options for restoring the look of your deck without the constant upkeep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Removing ceiling joints and adjusting roof pitch are serious undertakings that can compromise a home's safety. Find out who to call, and what to consider, when considering a remodel that includes structural modifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vine attachment points can leave marks that are surprisingly difficult to remove. Find out what's needed to get rid of vine marks left on indoor drywall, as well as tips for eliminating unruly vines altogether. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finding the source of a leaf goes from tricky to trickier when air conditioners and other units provide countless opportunities for water to get inside. Learn a simple way to deduce the source of a roof leak, as well as advice on what to do once it's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fireplace soot can be tough to remove from bricks - especially ones that are lighter in color. Get a tried and true method for restoring brick to its original color and look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why plaster loosens in old homes and the best way to repair loose plaster. Get tips on installing drywall over the loose plaster - a less-messy and more practical alternative to tearing it all out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices