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
BUILDING Q&As
Septic Systems on Wet Sites
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
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
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
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?
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 can vary significantly from state to state and town to town. Your local health department or building department can provide you with … [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?