Home Improvement Tips & Ideas
Get tips for repair and maintenance of your home’s structure and learn to spot small structure problems before they need a big and expensive fix!
Project Instructions When working with mortar mixes, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Step 1 Prepare the mortar joints using a hammer and chisel to remove any deteriorated mortar to a depth of ¼ inch to ¾ inch. Step 2 Clean out the joint using a wire brush. Step 3 Apply the mortar repair …
Cracks or breaks in concrete or masonry basement walls can turn into active water leaks as the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with rain or irrigation water. Repairing leaks and preventing costly damage requires a little preparation to the repair area and QUIKRETE Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement. QUIKRETE Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement is a very rapid …
Repairing Leaks in Concrete and Masonry Walls | VideoWatch Now
Many home foundations and walls develop non-structural cracks as they settle over time. These cracks can be unsightly and if not sealed can result in energy loss and moisture transmission. Sealing these non structural cracks in concrete is an easy project to complete for any skill level as with any concrete repair, proper attention to …
Repairing Cracks in Vertical Concrete Surfaces | VideoWatch Now
Building a garden wall, a planter, mailbox enclosure…or even an outdoor kitchen, can be as easy as stack and stucco with QUIKWall Surface Bonding Cement. The construction process is quick and easy for even the novice do-it-yourselfer with professional results. QUIKWall Surface Bonding Cement is a special fiberglass reinforced stucco that is simply troweled over …
Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWall | VideoWatch Now
Our 1937 built house just keeps on settling. I always have to re-adjust doors, entry, and interior. Is there any way to get a happy medium so I don’t have to keep adjusting?
I recently bought a home built in 1991. It is a fine home that sits on a hill. I discovered that there is no vapor barrier on the ground in the crawl space. I do not notice any resulting problems, but the first floor feels cold to my bare feet even though there is insulation …
I just purchased a new home with a solid poured concrete wall foundation. I am not looking to “finish” the basement, but I would like to paint the concrete foundation walls to brighten up and make the basement look clean. Is there a material that I can use that would also fill in all the …
Learn to Repair and Paint Concrete Foundation WallsRead More
My home drops about 4 inches from front door to rear bedroom. Â It's single story, crawl space and center support cement block appears cracked. Â I got two estimates, 4,100 and 1,800. Â Vast difference – Â one using metal supports, the other cement piers. Will leveling help the issue?
We live in the South. Is it enough to slope the dirt away from the house, to avoid termites? But with no gutters, what do we do to keep the dirt from splashing up onto the bricks when it rains? And what should be planted or put there to deter weeds and also look good, …
I recently offset and reconstructed a retaining wall against my house, which exposed more of the basement's exterior cinder block wall.   This previously underground cinder block has tar coating on it for waterproofing, and my wife and I hate how it looks. We don't really want to tar the rest of the wall, and I know …
I'd like to seal the cement blocks on my outside foundation and then use a cement product (not a paint) to finish the job. My questions are: 1. What sealer do I use? 2. What cement product do I put on after sealer? Thanks so much! Robert M.
I have a serious dilemma. I have a home that needs a new A/C, new plumbing, new windows, etc. I also suspect that there is a problem with the foundation. My question is: Would it make more sense to fix it up or just demolish it and start from scratch? I still owe about $35,000 …
I live in West Central Illinois and we are currently in drought conditions. Is there anything that should be done to protect our home's foundation? We have a full basement. I had been told to water the foundation but wanted to verify that this is a good idea. Thank you.
Can Drought Conditions Affect a Basement Foundation?Read More
I recently bought a cape cod style house built in 1938 with 2×10 joists on the first floor with a span of 16 feet on one side of the main beam that has a noticeable sag of about an inch and a half. There are no signs of damage to the joists themselves(very solid, no …
I have a similar situation in my basement. Most of the blocks in the bottom two rows on the north wall are crumbling. There are addtional spots here and there on the remaining parts this particular wall. Do I need to remove all the paint on the wall before using the epoxy patching compound or …
My floor joists are 2x10s, 16 inch on center. Before I drywall the basement ceiling, I would like to stiffen the floor joists to eliminate bounce, by installing new pieces of 2×10 perpendicular to the existing joists. How far apart should I put the new pieces of 2×10? I am trying to find the balance …
Please help. Approx 25 yrs ago my garage foundation walls were placed, 10″ walls,approx 6 ‘ deep no exterior waterproofing slab on grade interior floor Lately the walls have developed a spalling , white efflorescence and pimply appearance. Not sure if it is due to water run off the roof and over time the walls …
Our house was hit by a car that rolled into it several years ago. It knocked it out of square and our picture window on that corner leaks. I think this was the cause because I dont remember it leaking before. The water actually runs down the wall. There is nowhere for water to come …
Find out why steel built homes are increasing in popularity. Learn about the durability and curb appeal of steel framed residential homes.
How to make sure the soil beneath your home is safe before you build.
If you are planning a major remodeling project for your home, you might need a structural engineer. Any remodeling project that includes removing or adding a wall or beam calls for this kind of expertise. A structural engineer will provide you with a safe design and the required drawings to submit to your town’s building …
if you’re building a new home, there’s one key to it’s longevity and appearance. The frame of a house provides support and a base for outer layers. It includes the foundation, floor joists, wall studs, beams, and rafters. While wood framing is most common, new advances in technology have made steel framing or even or …
Learn how to seal a wood fence. Most wood fences are installed too close to the ground, where rot and termite damage forms quickly, ruining your fence.
Think the facts about concrete are – well, concrete? You’re wrong. There are some cold, hard facts you should know before using it for your home improvement. Different jobs require different formulations of concrete — and there are literally hundreds of mixes to choose from. If you are not sure which to use, contact a …
