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Home Improvement
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Total questions 10800
How do you use muriatic acid to etch concrete?
For anyone interested in the TRUE HCl concentration of muriatic acid (sans WIKIfication) simply google "muriatic acid msds" and...
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How do you remove mold streaks from the shady side of asphalt roof shingles?
Clorox! Cleaner with bleach. Removes and disinfects! This can be accomplshed by means of an ordinary garden hose. You can also...
Popularity: 309 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you clean a stain off concrete?
There are lots of really good products you can purchase at hardware stores like Lowe's. Some are made specifically for oil spills...
Popularity: 234 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you properly and safely use muriatic acid to take a sealer off a concrete garage floor so you can apply Rustoleum paint on the floor?
First, depending on exactly what sealer was used, it may not even take it off successfully. Perhaps a test is in order for you....
Popularity: 215 • Tools: Recategorize
If an entire house is infested with mold can it be treated and if so would the treatments have to continue on a regular basis?
If your whole house is infested with mold it would be good to find out what kind of mold it is. If it is black mold this can...
Popularity: 180 • Tools: Recategorize
What can be done when muriatic acid changes your driveway concrete a blotchy tan instead of the ivory white it once was?
I would start out by using a hot water pressure washer with a store bought driveway cleaner. You can rent one at your local...
Popularity: 178 • Tools: Recategorize
What books would you suggest for someone who wants to make basic home repairs on his or her own?
If you're likely to shop for tools and supplies at a Home Depot, then I recommend you have a look at their own series of home...
Popularity: 172 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find barbecue pit designs?
Search on google for sure, I tried this site for a pig roast and it worked out...
Popularity: 163 • Tools: Recategorize
Are dome homes difficult to maintain?
Dome homes are generally much easier to maintain than most "conventional" structures. The reason being is that the domes require...
Popularity: 150 • Tools: Recategorize
Which is the least expensive way to add color to concrete - acid or staining or dying?
We suggest painting the surface of cured concrete with either an appropriate stain or paint available at your local "do it...
Popularity: 150 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fit 22mm to a 15mm compression fitting reducer?
You will have to have a reducer made which fits your requirements, it also depends on your use but you can have a fitting or...
Popularity: 149 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you put a liner over a wall with rust?
Go to your local hardware store and ask them this question. There are all sorts of products to get rid of that rust (most of it)...
Popularity: 145 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you hook up a natural gas appliance?
When hooking up a new or used gas appliance it is required that you use a new gas line. I always try to use a flexible line and...
Popularity: 139 • Tools: Recategorize
If you replace a leaking roof and add a deck to your rental property can you deduct the costs on your taxes?
[From Publication 527 at IRS.gov] You can deduct the cost of repairs to your rental property. You cannot deduct the cost of...
Popularity: 129 • Tools: Recategorize
Why do some people hire interior designers?
Because they want a room to look really perfect and "pulled together" and for things to match well. I would elaborate and say...
Popularity: 119 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the recommended slope for a deck so that water will not pool on the wood?
It differes by state, this if for California: The Uniform Building Code requirements for plaza decks (waterproofed surfaces...
Popularity: 107 • Tools: Recategorize
Why does your gas hot water heater pilot keep going out?
A Bad Thermo Coupling, This Looks Like A Solid Copper Wire Thick Screwed Into The Gas Valve On The Water Heater. It Runs From...
Popularity: 106 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the standard height for a towel ring?
There is no real standard height, but about chest high(48 to 54 inches would be about ideal). I put them at about 24" above...
Popularity: 103 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you move rainwater underground away from the house?
It's called a drain field. You will need to determine if there is enough drainage to absorb the rainwater. Some areas have too...
Popularity: 102 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you get instructions on repairing a small crack in the bottom of your fiberglass boat?
There are several websites that feature fix-it-yourself fiberglass boat repair. I know if I were to seek this information, I...
Popularity: 101 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix mini blinds that will not stay up evenly?
There should be approx. 3 little strings at the base of the miniblinds. These are how you can level them. If they are up in the...
Popularity: 101 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best location for a toilet paper roll?
I would say within arms reach of the toilet. preferably on the right side.
Popularity: 100 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix an older Kitchen Aid washing machine that only spins and won't start or fill with water in any other cycle. It stopped running when it was full of water and ready to spin?
There are a few possible reasons this would occur: - The lid switch is not working properly. - A faulty solenoid relay is not...
Popularity: 99 • Tools: Recategorize
How long would approximately 3 deformed rebar rust and crack through concrete if the bars were forming stakes and come from ground into concrete?
It depends on the moisture content of the soil, the acidity of the soil as well as other factors. "But practically, the answer...
Popularity: 98 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you convert a stove from propane to natural gas?
Due to differences between natural gas and propane, they require differing amounts of gas supplied to the burner. This is...
Popularity: 98 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would home heater not work?
If it is gas, the most common problem is the thermocouple. This is what keep the gas valve open. It is a small silver looking...
Popularity: 98 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the proper placement for a towel ring?
A towel ring can be placed on a wall or behind the bathroom door. The easiest method of installing a towel ring is to install...
Popularity: 97 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the standard placement of a toilet paper roll holder?
The standard placement is 20 - 24 inches from the floor up to the center of the TP holder...
Popularity: 96 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix a non-working fan in a stove vent hood?
Find the house wires to the switch (or switches) and check for voltages being there and then the switches being good.
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove Liquid Nail from an aggregate surface?
Scrape it as clean as possible and spray it with WD40 and let it soak. Several applications will be needed depending on how long...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would the motor of a radial arm saw smoke?
It could be that the blade is dull. The motor works hard to turn the blade and consequently producing smoke. Also make sure to...
Popularity: 91 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the correct way to apply Teflon tape to a threaded piece of steel pipe?
First, make sure the pipe threads are clean and in good condition. Hold the end of the tape flat against the pipe threads, flush...
Popularity: 91 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find clean fill dirt?
One way to get that stuff is if you place a big sign in your front yard that says "NEED CLEAN FILL". This works some times....
Popularity: 91 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you tell if your water tank is water logged and what are the symptoms of the water well pump if this occurs?
if your water tank is water logged the pump will kick on almost immediatly when the water tap is opened, and will kick off...
Popularity: 91 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you retrieve a filter that was sucked up?
Reverse the fan? Otherwise, need to know the what and where of the filter that was "sucked up."
Popularity: 91 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you build a playground?
Your best bet is to buy a kit. Many of your major lumber stores ect.. carry the kits that include the lumber and the fixings to...
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the standard placement of a toilet tissue holder?
I don't think that there is one. Wherever you want to put one. Within reach of the smallest person in the household
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
What temperature is swamp cooler air?
It is a function of the "dew point" of the air at any given moment. If relative humidity is high, the dew point will also be high...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
How can a cast iron cleanout with rusted stripped threads be capped?
Mix up a glob of JB Weld and then screw the cap in. Once that sets, it is never coming out. The other answer would be to get a...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
Why is the swamp cooler leaking through the ceiling?
Check the float valve, all connections, and for holes [leaks in the water reservoir]. Another possibility is that the...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
Can galvanized pipe be used in the wall to move your natural gas stove four feet over?
Black steel pipe is usualy used for gas lines inside the home. But I can't think of a reason why galvanized steel would cause a...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you change the belt on a clothes dryer?
I've done this but you must have a resource to parts appropriate for your machine, along with diagrams. There is no way to...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get scratches out of glass and Plexiglas?
They are Janvil. Their site is http://www.janvil.com . They have glass scratch removers for glass scratches and plastic polish
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the recommended humidity level for a house in Colorado when the inside temperature is 72 degrees?
A humidity level of 35-40 percent is considered best. Room Temp
Popularity: 88 • Tools: Recategorize
How often should you replace a roof?
How often you should replace a roof depends on the type of roof. According to Bobsroofing.com, estimates based on different...
Popularity: 88 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you glue an HC PEX tube to PVC pipe?
No, you'll need to put a pipe adapter on the PVC, then use a standard PEX crimp fitting. Or you can use a SharkBite...
Popularity: 88 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does it cost to build a very straight-forward 500 sq ft two-bedroom addition to a house in Austin Texas?
Depends if you are doing it yourself or hiring a builder to do it. Generally speaking about $30-$50 per sq foot. A builder will...
Popularity: 88 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you buy the round back splash penny tiles used on the All Star Kitchen Makeover show with Alton Brown in Ann Arbor?
Look up the website for "All Star Kitchen Makeover in Ann Arbor" and find the phone # or website address. I saw some great table...
Popularity: 87 • Tools: Recategorize
What causes the orange peel look on fiberglass bathtubs?
This can also be called, "fish-eye" and it's generally caused by the "kicking time" added to color of the tub and not the...
Popularity: 87 • Tools: Recategorize
Will asphalt shingles fade in popularity and will metal roofing replace them as an environmentally responsible choice for roofing and re-roofing?
Clay tile roofs are actually more stable and will last longer than either asphalt shingles or metal roofs. The ease of...
Popularity: 85 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it safe to use copper and galvanized pipes on the same fitting?
No, you cannot join copper and galvy directly. A brass fitting needs to be between the two to prevent electrolysis. You...
Popularity: 85 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it worth the effort to try to install an existing portable dishwasher under the counter or just get another dishwasher?
No, it is not worth the effort. Just bite the bullit and buy a new dishwasher I would disagree as I have done it....
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you disassemble a Vermont American Right-Angle adapter from a Black and Decker drill?
Open the drill chuck FULLY. Look inside the open chuck and you will see an allen screw. This screw holds the chuck in place on...
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix loose door handles?
Look at the decorative cover that rests against the door. There should be a slot on the underside for a flathead screwdriver or...
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix the agitator on a Kitchen Aid washing machine so that will not draw clothes downward?
Most washing machines will first wash the clothes/rinse (as you know) and then when drying they should stick to the side of the...
Popularity: 82 • Tools: Recategorize
What should be the thickness of a concrete sidewalk?
It depends on the size of the sections, but generally, no less than 4 inches.
Popularity: 81 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you divert water FROM under a house?
Never divert water under a structure unless the plan is approved by a licensed engineer! Water should be diverted away from,...
Popularity: 81 • Tools: Recategorize
What should be done if a home has a radon level of 4.3?
That's just barely over the limit. However the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L is NOT a safe level. The death rate the EPA uses,...
Popularity: 80 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove wallpaper?
Another method is to use a Steam Wallpaper Stripper, basically this is an oversized kettle that directs steam at the wallpaper...
Popularity: 79 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the proper height for a wall mounted toilet paper holder?
20 inches from the ground
Popularity: 72 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the worst case scenario if you're about to close on a foreclosure with water stains and mold on the garage ceiling and a bathroom is above the garage on this house built in 1968?
I would think the bathroom has leaked....alot of pipes to a bath, could be any of them. At least you know, now you can fix the...
Popularity: 64 • Tools: Recategorize
What is auxiliary heat?
Usually a backup heating unit. For instance in a heat pump when the temperature drops below the temperature where the heat pump...
Popularity: 63 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the current cost of home construction per square foot in North Carolina?
To find the cost you can contact local companies directly or use a website that I like to use myself, www.contractwars.com good...
Popularity: 61 • Tools: Recategorize
On average how much would it cost to furnish a house with three bedrooms and two baths?
THAT DEPENDS ON YOUR STYLE OF DECORATION AND HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE TO SPEND. SOME PEOPLE GO TOP DOLLAR ON EVERYTHING AND SPEND...
Popularity: 57 • Tools: Recategorize
What are some type of small mud looking particles in one spot on your ceiling in an eating area if you recently completed some construction and this is an interior wall?
Just a guess here but if it's anywhere near the stove it's probably grease from hamburgers or bacon. Try washing them off and see...
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
Why do you bring bread salt and wine to a new home?
It's an old tradition with roots in Russia, Judaism, Christianity, and many Eastern European cultures. Many people probably know...
Popularity: 54 • Tools: Recategorize
How does Kelly Moore paint compare to Benjamin Moore Paint?
About 30% more of your money!Benjamin-Moore is a international company that sell through 'dealers' around the world. Kelly-Moore...
Popularity: 52 • Tools: Recategorize
Why would a home heater be blowing cold air?
Only the fan is working, there is no gas burning (gas heater) or the electric heating element is not working(electric heater)...
Popularity: 51 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost per square foot to remodel a house?
Popularity: 47 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you drill a well for water?
There are generally two types of water wells. The first is the shallow dug well, usually completed by hand, or with the use of...
Popularity: 46 • Tools: Recategorize
What should you do if you have insects in your home especially around the window that are so small when you press your finger on one it just looks like a gray smudge?
Call the exterminator. To get rid of them yourself, you can use "Hot Shot" bug bomb spray cans. It is great stuff, very...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you open an indoor fireplace flue damper?
There are many kinds of dampers, depending upon how old the house is and the choice by the masons. Many dampers have a hinge on...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
What is a House Pocket Window?
I belive what you describe is also called a barn sash. That being where they are most often used. One window sash, a sash being...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it illegal to make home repairs without the home owner's permission?
It is not illegal, just ill advised if it is substantial work. The problem is that your definition of substantial will likely be...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get rid of wall lizards?
Buy a spud pistol and shoot them. This is the best way. I am going to do this myself. Shooting at them annoys them and this puts...
Popularity: 42 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a house be made of toothpicks?
No. A real, dependable house could not be made out of toothpicks. Rain could seep right through them, and a wind storm would...
Popularity: 42 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you sell fill dirt?
check local papers for top soil for sale to find out price to ask. then put sign in yard or on local bulletin board and sit back...
Popularity: 42 • Tools: Recategorize
How long can you store cement without using it?
Portland cement can be stored indefinitely provided it is not exposed to moisture. Most cement bags have a thin plastic lining...
Popularity: 41 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find an easily removable window covering for a high window that brings in a lot of sun during the day but which you want to have open in the evening?
Your best bet is a "roll up blind" and it comes in the type such as venetien blinds and also bamboo. When you don't want the sun...
Popularity: 40 • Tools: Recategorize
When and why did builders stop using hardwood floors and install plywood instead?
late 50's early 60's depending on where you live. Cost is the biggest factor. Both in material and labor. Much faster and...
Popularity: 40 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you keep ice from building up in gutters and downspouts?
Although I now live in Arizona, I remember that we used to heat the gutters and roof edges with electrical wiring that you could...
Popularity: 39 • Tools: Recategorize
How many cups are in a pound of powder concrete?
To answer this question we must first differentiate between concrete and cement. Concrete is the finished product when cement is...
Popularity: 39 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to install a toilet a shower and sink in your shop which already has a concrete floor and the main drain is 50 feet away?
Your biggest concern is the toilet which automatically requires a minimum drop below floor level, and then at least a sixteenth...
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you renovate your kitchen inexpensively?
An idea for interior décor of your kitchen can add to the enthusiasm of cooking. Think about many ideas, which can excel the...
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to sonorize a basement ceiling to obtain optimal sound proofing?
insulate between floors then call your local bldg supply store and tell them you need the proper metal sound isolating channels...
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
Why does an icemaker make hollow ice cubes?
your harvest time on the ice dump id det incorrectly or you have a clogged water filter. Probably the latter.
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
How high should you mount a shower curtain rod?
The height at which a shower curtain rail or rod is mounted is determined by the following: headroom. Check that users of the...
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
If muriatic acid seeped under a wall in a garage crawl space and the space was then sealed with Rustoleum paint could it be the source of a terrible odor on inside wall of the house and is it fixable?
Sounds like the muriatic acid didn't have the fresh air needed for it to evaporate. The papers I've read suggest neutralizing it...
Popularity: 37 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove carpeting?
Carpet is almost always held down around the edges with nailed down tac strips. You just grab an edge somewhere and tear it up...
Popularity: 37 • Tools: Recategorize
What is wainscoting?
Wainscoting (or wainscotting) is defined as decorative paneling placed beneath a chair rail or wainscot cap.
Popularity: 37 • Tools: Recategorize
Will replacing a deck that is in bad repair increase the value of the home?
Yes, but the question is By how much? There is no doubt that an old, worn deck detracts from the "showablity" and resale value...
Popularity: 36 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find out what the angle is on a corner base sink cabinet if you are replacing the bottom shelf that has rotted out from water?
fold a piece of paper to fit within the angle. remove the paper and overlay on a protractor and read the angle. cem fold a...
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the cost for a washer and dryer hookup installed?
The place you buy if from may do it for free, if new, or charge a small fee of $50-100.oo or less. If you hire a handy man that...
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
What type of adhesive will bond ceramic tile to a domestic brick coal fire surround?
Just go to your local hardware store and tell them your problem and they'll select a good bonding material for you.
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you build a kid fort?
What I did was buy 12 8-foot 2x4's, a lot of 8-foot 2x3's (2x3's are less expensive), a ton of 4-inch nails(about 5 boxes), and...
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
How many shingles come in a bundle?
I'm looking for the exact answer, but I believe it's 26. There are usually 3 bundles in a square (100 square feet) so this would...
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the effects of broken families on children?
I found one that is very useful here: http://www.myeexpert.com/areasofexpertise.php?id=246 "Causes: See: Free download; Why...
Popularity: 35 • Tools: Recategorize
What are a hammer and chisel used for?
A wood chisel is a cutting tool, used to shape wood. It is important for making mortice and tenon joints, a key component in...
Popularity: 34 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove dried mastic sealant from glass?
spray it with WD-40 and then wipe it off.
Popularity: 34 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does a residential elevator cost?
There will be a fixed cost for a given mechanical system (motor, controls, etc), plus an incremental cost for the height of the...
Popularity: 34 • Tools: Recategorize
