On the Wire - Water, Water Everywhere
Folks in the Northeast and MidAtlantic parts of the country are likely hoping for a dry spell at this point. Flooding has forced thousands from their homes. You might think you're safe because you don't live near a body of water, but the fact is: flash flooding can occur ANYWHERE after a major storm, including dry creek beds. What can you do to protect your home? What can you do if you've been a victim of flooding? Join Money Pit host Tom Kraeutler for a live chat Friday morning at www.WashingtonPost.com.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Leaky Basement
This week's question comes to us from Ron who listens to The Money Pit in Delaware. Ron says, "My house has a basement with poured walls. My main drain and my main water line coming through the wall leak after a long soaking rain. They used spray foam and caulk for my drain and just caulk for my water line. I want to remove everything and use something better. Is there some kind of cement product I can use?"
Ron, besides cleaning out the old caulk or foam, which is a great start, make sure you look at the drainage conditions above that are of the foundation. You may have a disconnected or clogged gutter that is allowing too much water to form in that spot, which can be bad for the foundation. We don't recommend using concrete to patch the hole. It's not sticky or flexible enough to stay in place. Instead, use a good quality silicone caulk to seal around the pipes. If the hole is very large, stuff the space around it with some fiberglass insulation just to cut down on the amount of caulk you'll need to seal it up.
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
- 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.
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On the Air - Clean Up, Clear Out
A recent survey from the Home Improvement Research Institute shows nearly half (46%) of those who sold a home, fixed it up first. Your first fix up should be cleaning up and clearing out – it’s cheap and easy, and will add tons of perceived value to your home. Clutter makes spaces look smaller. Your goal should be to make your home look as spacious as possible to potential buyers. Where should you start? What’s the best way to do it? Listen to our radio show this week to find out, when an organizational expert joins the program.
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Dot Common Sense - Fireworks Safety
Here are some tips to help you celebrate Independence Day safely from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
- Use outdoors only.
- Always have both a garden hose and a bucket nearby.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in water.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking in water, then disposing in trash.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
- Make sure you know the laws in your area, fireworks are illegal in many states. For more tips and info click here.
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Fun Fact - Take it Outside?
Outdoor kitchens are all the rage these days and it might sound like something you’d really like to add to your patio or deck. But how often will you really use it? Is it really worth all the effort? We found a great resource in the Lowe's website. There is helpful advice, info, products and even resources to help you make major decisions. For example, do you REALLY want or need an outdoor kitchen. Here are a few questions to ask yourself, courtesy of www.Lowes.com:
- Consider installing an outdoor kitchen if:
- You grill often (or in large amounts) and are looking for ways to streamline the process.
- You frequently have guests to a cookout, and everyone ends up huddled around you on the patio, socializing while they watch you cook.
- You have a little-used deck or patio that you would like to incorporate into daily life.
- You would like to move past burgers and steaks and cook more elaborate dishes using the grill.
- Cooking in the summertime heats up your house so much that the air conditioning cannot keep up.
- When you are ready to take the plunge, ask yourself these questions to help you determine what you are looking for in an outdoor kitchen:
- What kind of cooking will I do outdoors? How often?
- What kind of entertaining do I do? Large groups or small? Will we eat outdoors or bring the food back inside?
- What furniture do I/will I have for the space?
- What times of the year will I be able to use the space?
- Will I need to be able to move the kitchen components, or can they be permanently installed?
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Cool Tools - Foundation Failure Prevention
The Northeast and Mid Atlantic states are being pummeled with rain this month. Flooding is a major concern in many states right now. Even well-known landmarks in the nation’s capital had to be pumped out. In the Southeast and Gulf Coasts, the threat of another active hurricane season is bringing flooding fears to those who live there. There is a way to protect your home from major structural damage in case of a flood.
The Smart VENT® is a system that prevents water pressure from building up around your foundation, and protecting it from buckling. Flood waters lift a patented internal float which unlatches and rotates the door of the vent open. This allows the flood water to automatically enter and exit through the frame opening, relieving the pressure from your foundation walls.
Smart VENT® makes several styles. There are models that can be installed into masonry walls, 2x4 or 2x6 framed walls, overhead garage doors and fire walls. Vents are all stainless steel construction that meet or exceed flood and corrosion resistance code requirements. Vents and accessories also come in white, brick red, tan, and gray. Other colors are available by custom order. Visit www.smartvent.com to find a dealer near you.
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Copyright 2006 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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