DIY Questions and Answer
I’m making a drainage ditch in my landscape. What type of rock should I use for the drainage?
Q: I’m making a drainage ditch in my landscape. What type of rock should I use for the drainage? A: Drainage gravel made of crushed rock (usually gray in color) is normally 1 to 2 inches long, also used for driveways and building foundations. Another option for drainage is shell gravel made of ground shells and other natural materials found […]
What’s the best way to mount a TV onto a brick wall?
Q: What’s the best way to mount a TV onto a brick wall? A: To hang a TV on a brick or cement wall, we recommend using sleeve or wedge anchors and a metal TV mount. You will also need a hammer-drill and a masonry bit to drill pilot holes for the anchors. TV mounting products are available in a […]
Can I apply polyurethane over a wood floor without having to first strip off the old polyurethane?
Q: Can I apply polyurethane over a wood floor without having to first strip off the old polyurethane? A: Yes, a polyurethane-finished hardwood can be recoated if you take the proper steps to prep the finish. First, lightly sand with No. 2 steel wool or a dull 120- to 150-grit abrasive screen using a heavy floor buffer. Using a sanding […]
Is there a certain type of mortar mix I need to use?
Q: I’d like to build a stone landscape wall. Is there a certain type of mortar mix I need to use? A: There are several types of mortar mixes available for different applications, classified based on compressive strength, bonding properties and flexibility. Each mortar mix uses a specific proportion of Portland cement, hydrated lime and sand during mixing. Mortar mix […]
What is the difference between heat pump and a furnace?
Q: When considering home HVAC systems, what is the main difference between a furnace and a heat pump, and what are the pros and cons of each? A: For this question, the EHT staff turned to our friend Dave Miller at HeatTalk.com: Furnaces produce heat through the combustion of fuels including oil, wood or natural gas. While heat pumps, on […]
The blown-in insulation in my attic is compressed and I’d like to add more. What is the easiest way to do this myself?
Q: The blown-in insulation in my attic is compressed and I’d like to add more. What is the easiest way to do this myself? A: If you don’t need to add much insulation, you can purchase bags of loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose and install by hand. If you do have a big job ahead of you, then blowing machines can […]
My brother-in-law says our dishwasher should be installed with an “anti-syphon loop.” What is he talking about?
Q: My brother-in-law says our dishwasher should be installed with an “anti-syphon loop.” What is he talking about? A: An anti-syphon loop is made in a dishwasher drain line to prevent any backflow of water between the kitchen sink and dishwasher (or vice-versa). A simple method to accomplish this is to make a big loop with the excess length of […]
Do Certain Colors Of House Paint Resist Fading Longer Than Others
Q: Do certain colors of house paint resist fading longer than others? A: Dark colors are the most likely to fade noticeably, but even bright colors can change over time due to the effects of UV radiation from the sun. Fading and bleaching happen very slowly. You might not even notice the color on your exterior walls has changed over […]
Installing a Tiled Shower
Q: When installing a tiled shower, should I use grout or caulk at the joint where the tile walls meet the tub? A: For tiled showers, grout goes in the joints between tiles that are on the same plain (walls, horizontal shelves, etc.). However, waterproof caulk/sealant should be used in any expansion joints, such as the 90-degree angles where the […]
Polycarbonate Panels
Q: I’d like to cover my deck shade with clear polycarbonate panels. Do the panels handle snow loads in the winter? A: Your local building codes should provide the details for design loads that you will have to follow for your deck cover. A wide range of polycarbonate sheets are available and are engineered differently, some with multiple thin walls […]
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