Over the past 18 years, Extreme How-To has been asked for a lot of lawn-care advice. In this article we’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions, along with answers from lawn-care experts, to give you a grab-and-go primer for preparing your lawn for the green season. When should I begin feeding my lawn for spring? Winter is like a long […]
Q: What is the best way to paint and protect a concrete floor? A: Painting concrete floors continues to be a popular way to bring color to spaces like basements and garages. There are many considerations that should be taken into account, beforehand. Of course, an epoxy based paint or surface treatment solution, specifically made for concrete surfaces, should be […]
Q: Are there any advantages to installing an indoor dryer vent? A: Indoor dryer vents provide an effective venting option for laundry rooms, or other spaces, that do not provide an adequate space to connect an outdoor vent. These indoor units range in size and shape and can typically be mounted to the wall with a simple set of screws. […]
Q: Why aren’t “carbide-tipped” drill bits and saw blades made completely of carbide? A: Carbide (specifically tungsten carbide and titanium carbide) is a common material used for cutting tools such as saw blades, router bits, lathe bits and masonry drill bits. Carbide is used for the cutting edge because it stays sharper longer than most other materials and can hold […]
Q: How do I paint over furniture that has been coated in polyurethane? A: The tried and true method for refinishing furniture is to strip or sand down to bare wood. Another option is to use a chemical to etch the polyurethane prior to recoating. First, thoroughly wash the surface, using TSP for heavy-duty cleaning. Etch and de-gloss the surface […]
A: Made from clay and shale, bricks give a home a uniform look that complements almost every exterior home design. Solid brick is a sturdy long-lasting construction material, and solid brick homes are typically built using two layers of brick, or a concrete block with a layer of brick for the exterior. As a building material, brick is fireproof, durable […]
Q: How big of a notch can I cut from a floor joist before it weakens the joist? A: Floor joists occasionally need to be notched or drilled during construction, but you should take pre cautions not to weaken the structural strength of the framing member. First rule: Avoid notching a joist along the middle third of its length. However, […]
Q: What are the advantages of KDAT lumber? A: Wood labeled KDAT is “Kiln Dried After Treatment.” This process provides the benefits of composite material with the natural beauty and character of real wood. Dried to its original moisture content in a controlled environment, the wood dries evenly to minimize the natural tendency of freshly treated lumber to shrink, cup […]
Q: I want to add venting to the crawlspace of an old house. Are there certain building code guidelines I need to follow? A: Building code restrictions are enforced by municipalities, so you should call your local inspector’s office to determine guidelines for your area. In general, however, crawlspaces require one vent within 3 feet of each corner. The opening […]
Q: Is there any way to reduce odor from a roof’s sewer vent? A: A house’s plumbing vent is directly tied to the sewer/septic system, but normally gasses that rise from vents are carried away by the wind. Occasionally, the wind can push those gasses down toward your yard. To stop this from happening, consider installing a sewer/septic vent pipe […]
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