1. On the Air - iPod, uPod, We All Pod!
2. Ask Tom & Leslie - Siding Solution
3. Short Cuts - Helping Hand
4. Fun Fact - Flying the Flagstone
5. Dot Common Sense - Fiberglass Doors
6. On the Wire - All Decked Out

ON THE AIR

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ASK TOM & LESLIE

This week's question comes to us from Mike in North Huntington, Pennsylvania. He says, "I'm replacing the siding on my frame house. The difference between the ground elevation and the bottom of the existing siding is one foot, which exposes the ugly concrete block foundation. I wanted to use the concrete based siding and backfill soil in front of the block to the bottom of the new siding. Is there a type of flashing or rubber membrane that I can run along and cover the framed portion of the house with to avoid bugs or exposure of the wood to moisture and rot? This would also help provide water runoff away from my house."

Mike, it's a really bad idea to cover the siding of your home with soil. If you do, you'd be inviting termites, carpenter ants, moisture damage and lots of other maladies! A better solution is to re-stucco the foundation to improve its appearance and leave it exposed to the weather.

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GOT A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR MONEY PIT?

1. 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.
2. 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. Weíll get back to you with the answer ñ or even call you back during the show!
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.

FUN FACT

Sometimes you wish you had an extra hand to help with your latest home improvement project. With the Ryobi MultiTASKit, you won't have to wish anymore. It's like having another hand to hold your tools or light while you're working. The MultiTASKit features the patented AIRgrip vacuum technology, which allows it to adhere to walls and other surfaces without marring or marking. It has a rotating laser head attachment so you can create level and plumb lines to hang pictures or lay flooring. It has a rotating work light great for jobs in the dark like under car hoods and sinks and up in the attic. It also has a magnetic tray you can attach to the body, which holds screws, nuts and bolts, small screwdrivers, and other hand sized objects right at your fingertips. You can find Ryobi tools exclusively at The Home Depot.

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SHORT CUTS

Keeping the inside of your home up to date is important, but so is keeping up that "curb appeal." Flagstone patios look great...and because they are mortar free, they're easy to install and maintain. But they DO need to be maintained. To keep your flagstone looking good, scrape away wax build-up. Then dip a brass bristle wire brush in a solution of one part pool acid and 20 parts water. And, as settling occurs, add sand, to keep the patio level. Stay on top of these two things and you're flagstone will always be flying high!

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DOT COMMON SENSE

Good doors are a must to keep warm air in and the elements out. Wooden doors take lots of punishment from changes in the temperature and humidity. To keep them stable and fitting well, be sure to paint all six sides of the door - being especially careful to always seal the end grain. Or, consider a wood-grained fiberglass door. They are five times more energy efficient than wood. For great fiberglass door options that have the look of wood without the price tag - check out www.ThermaTru.com.

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ON THE WIRE

A wood deck is a great feature for almost any home. A deck adds value and square footage to your home and can be a lot less expensive than an actual addition. To keep your wood deck looking great and lasting long, you should clean it regularly. Powdered laundry detergent and hot water is usually enough to spruce up your winter worn deck. It acts as an abrasive and a cleanser. To eliminate mildew, use a 10 percent bleach solution. Use a power washer for extra impact, and finish with a thorough rinse for a bright deck. As time and weather cause your wood deck to expand and contract, nail heads can pop up above the surface. Not only is this bad for your deck, but it can be a trip hazard for you. And if you plan to sand the deck, it will quickly rip into your sanding belt. To put a nail back into place, use a nail set and a hammer. If you don't have a nail set, you can also use a 12-D or a 16-D common nail with its head laid over the nail you want to set. With the nails back where they belong, you can safely sand your deck and bring it back to life. Use 80-grit sandpaper and a belt sander, which you can rent from your local Home Depot. To replace cracked boards, remove damaged boards by prying them up slowly with a pry bar. You may need to cut the board in sections by using a keyhole or jigsaw. Cutting on either side of the joists below. Then measure and cut a new board to the length you need. Nail to joists and stain to match your deck's finish.

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