Mark writes: I own a Cape-style house built in 1945 and worry about a leak developing in the iron water lines when I am not at home to shut off the water at the mains. Is there a reason not to use PEX or PVC rather than copper pipe? Is there any way to get an independent idea of what a plumber should charge to do this? I live in a small town and we seem to be largely at the … [Read more...] about PEX vs. Copper Plumbing
Remodeling
Splashback Rots Vertical Siding
Blair writes: I'm in a 30-year-old house built on a brick-ledge slab. The trouble is that the previous owner/builder used reverse board-and-batten siding to instead of brick. Over the years, rain hitting the ledge on the slab bounced up to rot the lower 2-4 inches of wood and likely the sole plate of the wall framing. My thought is to cut a foot or so above the rot around the … [Read more...] about Splashback Rots Vertical Siding
Best Subfloor for Ceramic Tile
Scott writes: I have a galley style kitchen that is approximately 10x20 ft. The floor joists are 2x10s, spaced 24” on-center and running lengthwise. The maximum span is 14 ft., as a steel I-beam breaks the floor into two sections of 14 ft. and 6 ft. The basement ceiling is finished in drywall so I do not have access from below. The subfloor is 23/32 T&G OSB, with ¼ inch … [Read more...] about Best Subfloor for Ceramic Tile
Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Don asks: Our house measures just over the EPA limit for radon. Is this something we should be concerned about or are the risks overblown? How effective are radon mitigation systems and what do they cost? -- Doug M. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: While radon stories rarely appear in the news anymore, the health risk from exposure to high levels is real and … [Read more...] about Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Drilling Ceramic Tile & Stone
Randy asks: What is the best way to drill ceramic tile for installing grab bars, shower rods, and other hardware? I didn’t have much luck with a carbide bit and even tried a hammer drill. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: A carbide bit will work fine on soft wall tile, but floor tile and most wall tile used today are harder and require a diamond bit for easy … [Read more...] about Drilling Ceramic Tile & Stone
Dense-Pack vs. Exterior Foam Insulation
Aaron writes: I own a post-and-beam house built in Portland, OR, in the 1950's with no insulation. The entire house has an exposed beam ceiling that we do not want to cover up, so we plan to put rigid foam above the roof sheathing. On the walls, however, we are getting conflicting advice and strong arguments for each option -- drill-and-fill cellulose vs. exterior foam. I do … [Read more...] about Dense-Pack vs. Exterior Foam Insulation
Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck
Martin writes: How do you properly build a concrete deck (with a roof) over a living area and prevent water leakage from rain and snow? What are the code requirements? The location is in Eastern PA. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately, the building code does not offer a lot of guidance on the best building details for this … [Read more...] about Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck
Cure for Basement Leakage
Dan writes: In the process of selling our house, the buyer’s inspector reported that there was "active water" in the basement. We assume that it was found in the walls or floor. We almost never experience any visible water in our basement. Can you recommend a professional to come to the house and perform an evaluation. The evaluation needs to include a verification of the … [Read more...] about Cure for Basement Leakage