Straight From the Pros
We welcomed Jimmy Tiganella, owner of Classic Tile in Watertown, CT, for our Straight From the Pros segment. He answered a question from Julie in Columbus, OH: “My husband and I want to tile our kitchen backsplash with glass-mosaic tiles, but we’re getting conflicting advice about how to correctly apply the mortar. Do we use a notched trowel or smooth trowel?” Hear Jimmy’s advice in hour 2 of the show.
Simple Solutions
How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Bathtubs and Sinks – Mix equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a thick paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with a soft cloth. Let sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and scrub with warm water. Repeat, if necessary. This tip also works on most toilet stains.
How to Fix a Clogged Spray-Paint Tip – Remove spray tip from paint can, soak in paint thinner for a few minutes to soften any dried paint. Then strip the plastic covering from a wire twist tie. It’s the perfect diameter to fit into the tiny spray hole in the tip. Place tip back on can.
Hour 1
James in AL
We need to replace a hot water heater and are considering a tankless model. Can you give us the pros and cons and what you would suggest.
Karen in FL
Our landscaper was going to landscape with rocks in our backyard but I got tired of waiting so I want to do it myself. I remember him saying not to use black plastic, that it’s not the best plastic to use, but I can’t remember what he said to use instead. We want to keep the weeds out and we don’t want to have to re-do it.
Keith in FL
I’m thinking of building a shed but I’m undecided on what kind of foundation to use. Any advice?
Barbara in FL
How do I keep the rain from coming under the garage door? It rains into the right corner of the garage.
Diane in FL
I have two 6-panel doors and would like to know how to paint them without the horizontal lines in between the panels. I have semigloss paint on them now and want to know if I have to do something to them if I want to use flat paint or if I should stick with semigloss paint.
Simmi in WI
My garage floor is cracking/breaking away especially along the edge where the door rests. Can this be repaired?
Hour 2
Barbara in FL
I have just recently purchased an older condo with an adorable screened courtyard area. The problem is that there are a couple of areas that seem to be lower than others and those areas have little puddles that form. Is there any reasonable way to raise those areas so that the water does not continue to sit there (that will not break the bank, which is limited and/or my back)?
Derrick in AL
I am looking to hire a contractor to renovate a bathroom and replace a tile floor in another. What is the best way to know you are getting involved with a good, honest contractor? What are some questions to ask during the estimate? Where can good honest information be found about local contractors?
Phil in NY
My original attic insulation had the vapor barrier facing up. Now I want to add more insulation but I am confused about whether the old insulation was installed incorrectly. What should I do with the old? Should I turn it around or should I rip the paper off?
Jack in MI
I vaguely remember something about using auto body (Bondo) to repair nonstructural holes in landscape timbers. Could someone give directions on surface preparation?
Mary in UK
I have floorboards but I’d like to tile over them. How would I go about this? Would I need a layer of plywood, then a layer of backerboard? Or could I just use a membrane?
