Feb 18, 2014
Is painting bathroom tile a good solution for tile that is in good condition but not a desirable color?
Feb 19, 2014

John,

I must confess to never having seen that application. 

I am not sure the finish would look good or even hold up over the long term.  I would also be worried about the potential vapor retarder level interplay with what is behind the tile. 

Tom Gunter asked:

Nov 19, 2014
How can I best get squirrels out of my attic and repair their hole?
Nov 19, 2014

On the squirrel removal, best to call a trapper or get a trap. 

That area agains the home can be covered with some heavy guage counter flashing and sealed up prior to that with some fast setting mortar. 

John Tuseth asked:

Nov 1, 2014
What is the best way to remove a very slight amount of mold on shower grout? What is the BEST sealer to use for re-sealing the cleaned grout?
Nov 3, 2014

Almost any mildewicide will do the trick.  Grout sealants all seem to work but I would go specifically to a tile shop to see what they recommend.  I think most sealers will work but application and prep are key. 

john barton asked:

Feb 18, 2014
Is there anything I can do from inside my attic to battle ice dams? I'll worry about preventing them next, for now I have them and want to speed up their melt.
Feb 19, 2014

Air sealing and insulation of the exterior top plates is critical to preventing that warm and moist air from warming the roof deck.

Attic ventilation is critical to keep that attic dry and as close to ambient air temperature.

Keep in mind that some ice dams are not preventable regardless of insulation and ventilation.  That being said, I would venture a guess that 90% of ice dams are the result of poor insulation and ventilation. 

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Should I install solar panels on my new home?
Feb 20, 2014

+1

If you can amortize it into the long term loan on the home, it is a 100% no brainer.

Yes!!

Sep 20, 2014
What can be done to remedy a home with issues related to an EIFS stucco system? Can you re-do the front of the house with another material (i.e. Stone, etc)
Sep 24, 2014

+1 to Jeffrey's answer below. 

Most of the observed deficiences that we see in EIFS are the result of poor installation and flashing details.  Almost all the push off failures that are seen now are the result of poor water management and water getting behind the EIFS and pushing it off the substrate. 

See if it can't be fixed and flashed properly before ripping it all off. 

Dave Will asked:

Jun 9, 2014
wondering if there's a product out there that one can spray on the inside of an exterior wall on a wood basement to waterproof?
Aug 15, 2014

The basement is leaking through the foundation or block wall?  If so, there is nothing you can put on it that will keep the water back if there is enough of it outside the wall.

You need to fix the water issue on the exterior or allow for drainage to the interior in a controlled method. 

Dec 22, 2014
What is the average cost of a 85" x 50" Power model SL 2700 4-lite Bow Type casement replacement window, in white without a grid pattern?
Dec 27, 2014

Depends on the options in the bow, roof requirements, bracing, material construction, etc.

Are you referring to Power Windows when you say "Power" Model SL 2700? 

Al Kozich asked:

Oct 28, 2014
What is the best brand for natural gas stand-by generators to do the whole house
Oct 28, 2014

How many kW is the house going to draw?   Generac probably has the biggest market presence but if were going big, Kohler, Onan, and Cummins are great. 

Oct 7, 2014
What is the best flooring for a cold, damp basement? There is existing carpet over a concrete slab.
Oct 9, 2014

Why is the slab damp?  Carpet, is rarely a good solution over concrete. 

There are insulated subfloor panels that can be used as well to have a finished floor installed over top. 

May 1, 2014
What is the best way to kill and remove about 1/3 acre of poison ivy? Some of it is on the ground but it is also climbing trees.
Aug 15, 2014

Awesome answer.  Goat are machines and they do have rental goats.  You will need to keep them penned up where you need them though or they will clear you out. 

jan preston asked:

Sep 17, 2014
How do I waterproof my basement without getting a sump pump. Water comes in during strong rain at one side of the wall where there is brick chimney outdoors,
Sep 18, 2014

There is no short, easy, or inexpensive answer here.  In order to get a better handle on the situation and make appropriate suggestions, I would need to see more pictures. 

There is not much right with that set-up as it stands not though. 

Grading is bad to start with and grading and gutter routing are the two most frequent issues that I see when folks have basement water infiltration issues. 

The amount of mildew growth on the side indicates that this wall stays consistently wet. 

Post up some more pictures and I will give you some more pointed feedback and recommendations. 

Feb 17, 2014
What's the best way to test out if my roof is leaking before it rains?
Apr 13, 2014

Roof to wall intersections and pipe collars are probably the two most common locations. What is the height and pitch of the roof? I don't suggest hitting the roof with a bunch of water unless you know how to spray it. Shooting water from the bottom up can facilitate a leak on a roof that is otherwise working properly.

An attic inspection is a good idea an if you can separate out the difference between bulk water and condensation stains, you should be able to put an eyeball on the leak.

Good luck and do not get on the roof unless you know how to walk it and have PPE.

WoW Home Solutions.

Jun 7, 2014
is it ok to put up foam board sheeting on the exterior of the house with 1 inch capped nails
Aug 15, 2014

In a word...yes.

As Katie mentioned, you need an appropriate length fastener and a cap nail is ideal.

What you haven't mentioned is what the wall depth is as well as climate.  If you have 2x6 walls, 1" foam may not be enough to keep dew point at bay. 

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