Ask Tom & Leslie

Question Archive S

Sagged Ceiling Solution

Walls & Ceilings...

A few weeks ago I had a leak in my roof which I had repaired. The problem started before the roof was fixed and I had water damage in the ceiling of ....

Sanding Hardwood Floors

Flooring...

Experts tips on how far you can go sanding a floor before replacement is needed.  ...

Sealer Recommended For Driveway

Driveways, Paths & Sidewalks...

Dear Tom & Leslie,I have a new home with new concrete driveway and walk - is concrete sealer recommended to seal the concrete from oil and water?....

Sealing Drafty Windows

Energy Savings, Windows & Skylights...

I have very old and very drafty windows!  We do have storm windows but I am wondering if there is anything else I can do to tighten up the wood doubl....

Septic System Inspection Stinks

Plumbing...

We are buying a ten year old house in New York. We had the house inspected last week; however the home inspector would not check the septic system wit...

Shopping for a Room AC

Air Conditioning, Summer...

“I’m in the market for a new room air conditioner. Got any tips on what to look for?”...

Smart Lawn Sprinkler Tips

Lawn & Garden...

After last summer’s high water bills, I’d like to make some changes to my landscaping that’ll preserve its good looks without wasting water and co...

Solution for a Chilly Kitchen

Insulation & Ventilation...

I recently redid my kitchen which included raising the ceiling to the roof and installing a large skylight. Since then the upstairs area of the ki...

Solution for a Leaky Boiler?

Fall, Heating, Winter...

Tips for the cause of a leaking pressure temperature reliefe valve....

Solution for Small Bath

Bath Remodeling, Toilet...

We are in the process of converting an existing lavatory to a full size bathroom within an in-law-apartment. We are limit on the amount of space t...

Solving Copper Pipe Leaks

Plumbing...

Can plumbing just “spring a leak” if there’s been no stress on it? My 30 year old townhouse has copper pipes and I noticed a wet spot in the ceiling...

Solving Major Moisture Problem

Basements & Crawlspaces, Spring, Summer...

Moisture management typically involves several solutions working together.  Adding plastic sheathing over the soil as a crawlspace vapor barrier is a ...

Solving Pinhole Leaks In Copper Pipes

Plumbing...

I’m experiencing a problem w/our copper waterlines/pipes corroding from the inside out.   I purchased this home back in April 2006.   So far the corr....

Solving Shower Leaks

Bath Remodeling, Plumbing...

Our shower upstairs is leaking down the wall to our basement. I've checked everywhere for leaks and it looks like it is in the plumbing somewhere be.....

Sometimes A Girl Just Needs A Bubblebath!

Bath Remodeling, Plumbing...

Dear Tom & Leslie,We just bought our first home a year ago and although we are loving every minute of it there are a few projects that need to be....

Stinky Refrigerator May Have No Solution

Appliances, Cleaning...

Dear Tom & Leslie,I have been unable to get rid of a foul smell in my fridge. I have tried baking soda and have even washed it out with bleach tw....

Storm Doors are Ancient History

Doors, Energy Savings...

Storm doors are one of those products that remind me of horse shoes.  They used to be in great demand, before we had cars, that is!  Storm doors had a...

Summer Home Security

Home Security, Safety, Summer...

This week’s question comes to us from D. Carlson: “Our family has a few long trips planned this summer, and though our neighbors will be keeping an ey...

Synthetic Slate & Shake Shingles

Fall, Roofing, Spring, Summer, Winter...

I’m shopping for a new roof and learning that there are a lot more choices for shingles these days. I’ve decided against using composite asphalt s...

Question Archive

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z