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You are here: Home / BUILDING Q&As

BUILDING Q&As

How Long Will Treated Wood Deck Last?

April 23, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

wood decay in treated lumber on deck framing

Q: I have an 8-year-old pressured-treated deck that has had a significant amount of wood decay mostly in the framing lumber, but also in some of the decking. The deck is about 5 feet off the ground. What is the normal life expectancy of treated decking? We used ACQ lumber for the framing and MCA-treated decking. -- Sam A:  Up till the early 2,000s, most pressure-treated … [Read more...] about How Long Will Treated Wood Deck Last?

How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House

April 8, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

Woodpecker damage to house cornerboards

Q: We have a number of woodpecker holes in our wood fascia and corner boards and are looking for suggestions for how keep them away. The activity seems to be mostly in the spring when we often hear a loud rat-a-tat sound in the mornings. We’ve even caught sight of them in the morning. They seem to be downy or hairy woodpeckers, not the large pileated type. -- DH   A: … [Read more...] about How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House

Septic Systems on Wet Sites

March 30, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

mound septic system installation

Q: How can you tell if land is too wet for a septic system? Can an area be covered with a tarp during the wet season to help it pass the perc test?  -- K.G.   A: Wet sites are challenging for septic system design and for home building in general.  If the seasonal high water table is too close to the surface – less than three feet below the gravel trenches in the … [Read more...] about Septic Systems on Wet Sites

How to Attach Deck Ledger to Brick Veneer

February 8, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

Simpson BVLZ bracket ties deck ledger to brick veneer

Q: What is the best way to attach a framing ledger to my brick veneer house? I’ve looked at the SimsonStrong Tie BVLZ connector but it is not approved yet in Ontario, Canada. I’m building a one-story addition with a low-slope roof that will attach to a two-story brick-veneer exterior wall. The floor joist ledger is attached directly to the foundation. I wish to attach a … [Read more...] about How to Attach Deck Ledger to Brick Veneer

Air-Sealing Between Chimney & Framing

January 27, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

How to seal the 2-inch gap around a chimney.

Q: What’s the best way to air seal and insulate between a masonry fireplace and the surrounding wall? There is a lot of contradictory advise around about how to handle this. I will be installing a direct-vent gas insert with aluminum liners in my fireplace opening, so heat in the flue cavity will not be a big concern. The chimney material is cement block above the … [Read more...] about Air-Sealing Between Chimney & Framing

Preventing Efflorescence & Spalling in Foundation

January 25, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

Efflorescence and spalling on concrete wall are caused by excess moisture.

 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

Well Clearance to Septic System & House?

January 6, 2022 by buildingadvisor 2 Comments

Ground should slope away from wellhead to help prevent contamination.

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?

January 1, 2022 by buildingadvisor Leave a Comment

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?

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Recent Posts

  • How Long Will Treated Wood Deck Last?
  • How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House
  • Septic Systems on Wet Sites
  • How to Attach Deck Ledger to Brick Veneer
  • Air-Sealing Between Chimney & Framing

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