Q: I have a 1970's split level, 2000 sq ft house. I am renovating and have totally removed all the finished walls. I always had to run a dehumidifier and I now see I have some moisture issues. On two walls I had efflorescence which I painted and now the floor about a foot out from the concrete block wall is spalling and has efflorescence. I also have a block chimney on … [Read more...] about Preventing Efflorescence & Spalling in Foundation
BUILDING Q&As
Well Clearance to Septic System & House?
Q: I’m building new house with a basement, and drilling a deep water well. How far should the wellhead be from the foundation and septic system? -- Brad A: Well clearances are typically governed by state and municipal law, which varies a bit from state to state and town to town. Your local health department or building department can provide you with details. The minimum … [Read more...] about Well Clearance to Septic System & House?
Is a Signed Proposal a Legal Contract?
Q: Last summer we signed a proposal with a local contractor to renovate our kitchen and two bathrooms within the existing footprints. The proposal totaled more than $50,000 not including the cabinets. Listed under the Scope of Work was all necessary plumbing (e.g., “Install shower drain and fixtures”) and electrical work (e.g., “Install under-cabinet lighting”). Now, on the … [Read more...] about Is a Signed Proposal a Legal Contract?
Can New Septic Drain Field Go in Same Location As Old?
Q: We are replacing a house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The house has a 5-year-old BAT system with a sand mound that has been maintained by the state. We just received notice the other day that we didn’t have enough acreage for a second sand mound and would need to go a holding tank if the system failed. How worried should we be? Would there be alternatives? Is it possible to … [Read more...] about Can New Septic Drain Field Go in Same Location As Old?
What Caused Cupping in Vertical Siding?
Q: Our vertical cedar board siding became uniformly cupped with outside edges pushing outward along with knots pushing outward. Does the direction of cupping and knot displacement suggest where the moisture came from? Thank You -- Dan A: Wood expands and contracts as its moisture content rises and falls. Increases in wood moisture content can result from exposure to liquid … [Read more...] about What Caused Cupping in Vertical Siding?
Can Tile Mastic Be Used In Showers?
Q: My contractor wants to use mastic, rather than thinset mortar, on our new shower stall – on both the shower base and the walls. He says that the mastic he uses is approved for wet areas. From what we’ve read and heard, thinset is the way to go. Also, we are considering a one-piece acrylic shower base vs. a tiled base. What do you recommend? – J.G. A: Never use tile mastic … [Read more...] about Can Tile Mastic Be Used In Showers?
Building Over Buried Agricultural Waste
Q: We have purchased 13 acres of land with a gorgeous mountain view in North Georgia that previously had chicken houses on it. The houses were torn down two owners ago. There were 6 total houses, 3 new and 3 very old and collapsing. We did all of the "right" things, so we thought, during the due diligence period. Perc testing, plat maps, checked on zoning, checked for … [Read more...] about Building Over Buried Agricultural Waste
How to Install Flange Windows with Felt Paper
Q: I am installing a new window in a garage wall in California. The window manufacturer states in the instructions that a backing (not more than 1/8 inch thick) "MUST" be installed for "open stud" construction. This is my case (open stud construction), and I planned to wrap my exterior wall with #30 felt. So, I searched the local lumber and box stores and found a 4x8 vinyl … [Read more...] about How to Install Flange Windows with Felt Paper