In this week’s show, we’re talking about battling the elements of nature. Check out our advice for tackling these home problems that nature brings on.
Fixing Gutter Gaps
Sandy recently hired a contractor to install gutters, but once they were installed, she noticed there was a half-inch gap between the gutters and the house.
Typically, the gutter needs to be nailed to the fascia board on the house. However, there are gutters that can be hung using brackets, so that could be the case for the space.
If you don’t fill the space, water will rot the wood fascia. To fill the space, don’t use caulk. Get drip cap molding, slip it under the lowest row of shingles and pull it out about a half-inch. This will carry the water off the edge of the roofing and into the gutter.
Water running down over fascia is not a big deal, but when you have the penetration of the nail, screw or bracket, that’s the entry point into the overhead area and soffit areas.
Once the water gets in, the wood will rot and become a breeding ground for pests, like roaches or termites.
Skip to [11:24] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Reviving a Log Cabin Exterior
Ariane needs advice on cleaning the outside of a faded and dirty, stained log home. The best way to revive a log cabin exterior is to pressure wash the wood, but be careful to not damage the wood with high pressure.
She said the manufacturer suggested sandblasting, but what they’re referring to is not traditional “sandblasting.” Never sandblast logs because that would destroy the wood.
What some manufacturers do is “sandblast” log homes not with sand, but with softer material like ground walnut shells or ground corn cobs.
Skip to [19:34] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
‘Does a Heated Basement Need Insulation?’
Any insulation you add to your house is a benefit. It will make you more comfortable and save money on the energy bill.
Where you install the insulation determines how much return you get on your insulation dollar. The attic is the best spot for insulating, although floor insulation will make cold mornings cozier as you walk across the floor with your bare feet.
It also helps to completely envelop your home to keep the most heat in.
With a heated basement, there’s not much benefit to insulating because there is already heat above and below. Adding more could help retain the heat better on the first floor. You would want to use unfaced insulation because it won’t trap moisture.
Skip to [44:22] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Smoothing Out Sand Paint
The sand paint on Barbara’s bathroom ceiling is peeling off, and she’s unable to remove the paint without damaging the drywall.
To fix this sandy mess, the best bet is to sand the ceiling with 80-grit sandpaper. There’s a good chance you can remove all the sand and just need some minor drywall repair.
Paint the ceiling with a thick roller to add some slight texture to cover up some of the defects, then paint a couple more coats.
In severe situations, you might need to veneer over it with quarter-inch drywall.
Skip to [55:05] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Also on this episode:
- Using Kitchen Cabinets for Garage Storage
- Fixing Cracks in Crown Molding
- Combatting Condensation on Windows
- The Basics of Blown-In Insulation
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