Answer by Jon Raynor for How to fix cracks in lath and plaster?
Spackling's best use is to fill holes made by pictures, curtain holders, etc. To fix cracks in plaster, use Plaster of Paris or Durabond, not spackling compound.Cracks are caused by moving or shifting,...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How to design a radiator cover for good heat...
A radiator works by heating a room with radiation and convection. Radiation is smaller in percentage as opposed to convection. The heat of the radiator is radiated into the room.Convection works by...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for Why do my new dimmable CFL bulbs hum?
It looks like CFL bulbs are difficult to dim.A dimmer typically reduces the effective voltage, which decreases current to the bulb. The science behind fluorescents just isn't meant to work that way,...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for sanding old plaster wall texture to prepare for mudding
I assume you have a textured surface. If so, yes sanding the peaks down a bit will help later on with the skim coat, because less skim coat will be required to fill in the uneven spots.But there are...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for Who to call about sinking porch and mud room?
You need to search on "foundation" and "engineering".Several years ago I worked for a company who did this type of work in the Boston area. Basically, we would jack up the foundation, build a new...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How do I remove cat spray smell from the exterior of...
Vinegar and water should work, but really the source of the problem must be stopped.You can try oranges, lemon, grapefruit (citrus) in the area to keep them away. Also I suggest spay/nueter if it is...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How can I transition from carpeted stairs to an...
One potential location is on the last rise on the stairs. This is depicted below on my crude diagram. Make the cut of the carpet right under the lip of the top of the 2nd floor. Use a piece of trim to...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for What can I do about this gap between the...
There should be no gap. Looks like shoddy construction.See figure 16 from this page for proper alignment:Also I have never seen a "band" or "rim" joist that are configured in the fashion described by...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How do I build a Gambrel roof?
You can use a program to calculate the angles for your desired gambrel shape. Here is one such example:http://www.easyrafters.com/gambrel.htmAs @Skaperen says, a basic gambrel is nothing more than 1/2...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How to prevent incandescent light bulbs from heating...
P = I * ATypically 10 or 20 AMP circuits draw :10 * 120 = 1200 W20 * 120 = 2400 WWatts of power.So, 600W is a lot on one circuit, (25% to 50%) of total output.That in of itself will produce a...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How to prevent wall-mounted TV above fireplace from...
I am not sure what kind of fireplace you have. But there is definately a legal clearance limit around the opening for combustable materials. Check with your local building codes or manufacturer if you...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How should I patch a popcorn ceiling?
I've had similiar issues and have re-applied the popcorn to good results since my house has popcorn ceilings. You can certainly scrape off the popcorn for the entire ceiling and either re-apply it or...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for What are good options for protecting expensive lawn...
You want to make it difficult for a potential thief to steal something or at least deter them from doing it.Some ideas:Motion sensor lights/w camera around building housing machineA dog, preferrable...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for Realistically, could you build a useful built in...
Not really. To frame it out you would need to use 2x4 or 2x3. Add in the sheetrock thickness on top and now it is only 5 to 6 inches deep at most. That's not a lot of depth. It sounds like a good area...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for Is there an easy way to replicate this ceiling texture?
It sounds like you have a mud swirl pattern on your ceiling. These can be difficult to match an existing pattern to a repair.Practice matching the pattern on scrap pieces of drywall by changing the...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for Secure TV mount?
TVs can be mounted to walls. I have two of them mounted on articulating arms.There are two points of concern:TV to MountMount to WallFrom TV to Mount ensure that:Mount can be bolted to TVThere are...
View ArticleBest option to fix cracks in ceiling with radiant heat?
One of friends recently purchased a house with electric radiant heat in the ceiling. Several rooms have cracks in the ceiling. Currently they are redoing the kitchen which has a large crack which is...
View ArticleHow to deal with the stress of DIY renovation?
I've done a few DIY projects over the years and over time it starts out as fun and exciting and then it detoriates to stressful and not so fun. Our latest project was to redo our basement. This...
View ArticleAnswer by Jon Raynor for How to finish wide gap in drywall at edge of ceiling
Although I up voted other answers, the correct thing to do as others have pointed out is to take it down and start again. The ceiling goes on first, going completely across the ceiling with no gaps....
View ArticleIs it OK to mount a smoke detector vertically?
In my basement I have several lolly columns attached to wooden beams that are supporting the floor joists. On one of these wooden beams I have attached a smoke detector vertically on the side of the...
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