1. On the Air - iPod, uPod, We all Pod!
2. Ask Tom & Leslie - Attic Insulation
3. Short Cuts - Counter Care
4. Fun Fact - Stamp of Approval
5. Dot Common Sense - Fabulous Flooring Fix Ups
6. On the Wire - Window Shopping

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ASK TOM & LESLIE

This week's question comes to us from Steven from Vancouver, Washington. Steven asks: "My unfinished attic does not have a vapor barrier between the insulation and the sheetrock. Do I need it?"

Steven, vapor barriers help reduce moisture that can wick up into attics and reduce effectiveness. If your attic has existing insulation that is in relatively good shape, I'd advise leaving it alone and adding more un-faced insulation on top of that. In your area of the country, having 10 to 15 inches of total insulation is best. However, be sure your attic is well ventilated. If not, the insulation will become damp and lose its effectiveness.

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3. Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.

Do you love the look of natural stone countertops but hate the maintenance? Using the wrong cleaners won't only set your stain in deeper, they can actually shorten the life of the top. Here are some great tips about caring for your natural stone counters:

• Wipe up wet spills immediately, especially acidic liquids like citrus juices, alcohol or soft drinks.
• Use recommended cleaning products that are pH neutral. Never wipe your table or countertop with an acidic cleanser (like vinegar or lemon) or harsh chemical and/or abrasive cleansers.
• Use soft cloths to wipe the surface instead of scratchy or abrasive pads such as steel wool.
• Some types of natural stone can be damaged if a hot dish is placed directly on it. Use trivets and placemats under dishes or hot pots.
• Some natural stone countertops need or benefit from a protective sealant. Your countertop supplier or installer will apply the correct sealant based on the type of stone you choose what you will be using it for.

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FUN FACT

Think you can't find style and beauty in a concrete wall? Using a technique called stamping, concrete walls can provide both strength and beauty to a home. Forms pressed into wet concrete make attractive patterns that can be left natural or colored using a paste of color hardener, acrylic bonder, and water. The result is a wall, which is both highly durable, and an attractive, maintenance free addition to your home's exterior.

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DOT COMMON SENSE

Laying down a new floor, be it wood, tile or vinyl is a basic DIY project many homeowners feel comfortable tackling. But keep one very important thing in mind: some flooring products, like ceramic tiles or hardwood, can raise the level of an existing floor. That's a problem when laying the floor around built-in appliances - like refrigerators or dishwashers. If those appliances have to be removed for repairs or replacement in the future, it's going to be tough. If you're planning on upgrading appliances, do it while you're laying your floor. If you're not, make sure you take the floor height into consideration before installation, to avoid future flooring aggravation. For more common flooring foibles, check out Tom and Leslie's article "Fabulous Floor Fix-Ups" in the Ideas and Tips section of www.MoneyPit.com

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ON THE WIRE

Window-shopping can be a trying time for some consumers, especially considering the maze of choices, widely varying price ranges and conflicting sales pitches. Following are some basic tips when you are looking for replacement windows:

Work with trained window experts. Trained experts will answer questions about energy efficiency, give good advice about your project and will help you understand different windows and each performs.

Choose quality windows with a reliable warranty. Windows are only as good as the warranty that comes with them. Make sure the fine print matches what the salesperson is promising.

Only purchase energy efficient windows. In addition to the Energy Star label, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label as well. The NFRC's label gives consumers an apples-to-apples comparison about the window's energy efficiency.

Choose windows with low-E glass. These windows have metallic coatings that reduce heating and cooling costs year round.

Bring in lots of light and add curb appeal. Studies show that exposure to natural light has positive health effects, both physically and emotionally. Use a combination of windows and skylights to let in natural light and brighten your space.

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Copyright 2005 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.