Here are some of the highlights from the January 3, 2015, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford radio show.

Questions Answered on This Week’s Show

Milio in MA
I had my roof re-shingled but the area on the side of my chimney facing the roof continues to leak even though the roofers have been out three times and replaced flashing and re-caulked in this spot. What could be causing the leak?

Sherry in MS
My four kids and I became homeowners in July. I have noticed two cracks in the ceiling that I didn’t see before. We live next to an active train track, so I am hoping that this is the source of my problems and we can use duct tape to fix it. But just in case duct tape won’t solve my problems, what should be my next step?

No Name in FL
How many square feet of ground space do I need for a dump truck to dump 15 yards of sand?

Libby in OH
I upgraded two fans/lights one year ago. One of Them is noisy because the light socket mounted in the aluminum case is vibrating. What can I put on the light socket to tighten it up and stop the vibration?

Pam in AL
How do you prepare an old wood chair to be painted and how many coats of paint? Would you use interior or exterior paint?

Jana in OR
I want to hang a small pot rack in my kitchen, but there are no joists available. Would toggle bolts hold a 50-60 pound rack in the ceiling? I know some toggles say they hold up to 300 pounds in the wall, but not sure if it’s different for use in a ceiling.

Gilbert in GA
I have a boring patio outside my door here in the “Down Under.” No, I’m not in Australia. I’m in a basement apartment and my patio is just a concrete slab underneath the deck coming off the main level of the house. I would like to know how or what can be done to give me privacy, yet a pleasurable outside patio experience.

Marlette in CA
I’m having a small 5’ x 5’ area of popcorn ceiling repaired. How long should I stay out of the house in order to not have any problems with any toxic elements, and how would I clean up after this kind of repair?

James in AL
Any time I turn on the water, doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, I get a loud noise in the pipes. What is this and how can I stop it?

Alice in MO
I keep hearing noises in the attic and I’ve decided it must be squirrels. Can I use a bug bomb to get rid of them?

Darren in MS
My home was built in 1997 and I’ve had a couple of leaks lately in the polybutylene plumbing. What can I do about the cost of a re-pipe? Is the lawsuit closed? I was not having leaks when the lawsuit was ongoing.

Lynn in NC
I have side by side windows. I slid one side open and when I started to close it, it broke the seal and the frame is bowed and now the window will not lock. Is there a fix or will the window need to be replaced?

Tracy in WI
In the spring we want to replace our sliding glass door. We are unsure how to remove the siding on the outside of the house without damaging it. Do you have a suggestion?

Don in MS
I bought a used vanity that was in a house fire. How can I remove the smoky odor?

Rita in CA
What should I use to clean my shower door track that is brushed aluminum? I’ve used different products and now the bottom of the track has turned black. It never looks clean.

Bob in AL
I have a house covered in Hardiplank siding, but I still get a lot of mildew. I have to clean it about 3-4 times a year. I use chlorine bleach, but it just doesn’t seem to help.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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