Today's Homeowner Podcast: Recent Episodes
Danny Lipford
Need to know how to fix a leaky faucet, stop a squeak or paint your porch? No project or renovation job is too small for National Home Improvement Expert, Danny Lipford, and seasoned contractor and author, Joe Truini. Danny and Joe host the Today's Homeowner Podcast each week — sharing the latest tips and practical advice to help you have the best–looking house on the block. If you are looking for REAL solutions for REAL homeowners, the Today's Homeowner Podcast is the place for you.
In this special podcast, Danny and special guest Kellie Lindenmoyer share 7 tips to keep you and your home warm without breaking the bank. Sponsored by American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
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Got a project that requires digging in the yard but don’t know where those buried utilities are located? Here's how to find out where they are and avoid a huge mess.
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It's Keep Your Cool Week at Today's Homeowner! In this special podcast, Danny and Chelsea share 7 tips to keep you and your home cool without breaking the bank. Sponsored by American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
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White caps may look nice on a mountaintop, but not so much on your house. Find out how to disguise unsightly pipes on your roof with this simple trick!
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Did you know there are some houses that NEED to have holes in the side? Find out why brick homes need a few holes in the right place.
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Every kid on earth has heard these words from a parent: "Were you born in a barn?! Close the door! " Listen to this tip for simple way to keep the outdoors outside where it belongs.
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We all want our lawns to be lush and green, but in many places water is in short supply. Listen to learn about watering without wasting.
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Want flawless flooring? Whatever you do, remember to keep it on the level! Listen to learn how important it is to start out on an even plane.
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What does your home’s appearance say about you? Here are some simple, budget-friendly ways to improve your curb appeal.
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One of the most dreaded Saturday chores is cleaning out the garage! Here are some ways to make the job easier and the space more useful!
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Is your patio or deck simply too hot to enjoy this time of year? Listen for an easy, inexpensive way to create shade for an outdoor space.
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Do you discover other yard chores that need to be done as you push the mower around your lawn? Here are some clever ways to multi-task while you mow.
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Does the thought of trying to do any work on your roof fill you with dread? Here are tips to make the chore safer.
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Do your rocking chairs leave ugly scratch marks on your hardwood floors? Here's a simple way to solve that problem!
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Do your water bills go crazy when the weather warms up? Here's how to keep your landscape watered without breaking the bank.
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Does it seem like the sprinklers in your lawn don't reach as far as they used to? Here's the cause and an easy solution.
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Are gnats invading your backyard? Listen for ways to keep them at bay!
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A large construction or remodeling project is like a giant jigsaw puzzle that doesn’t always come together as planned. Follow these tips to prevent small hiccups from becoming major issues down the line.
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They may be cute and fun to watch, but they can also spell disaster for your home. Here are tips for controlling squirrels.
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If the winter wasn’t kind to your deck, you may be nervous about all the traffic on it during the upcoming summer months. Here are quick tips to get your deck ready for those guests.
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Warmer weather means that your lawn-mowing chores are ramping up. Listen for some ways to get your mower ready to work!
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With summer on the way, your grill will be getting a workout. But is it ready for all that activity? Listen for some pointers to make sure it is.
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As the weather warms up, we all spend more time outside. Listen to learn how to make those meals you eat outside a lot easier to endure.
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Do you hate painting windows as much as I do? Here's a trick that takes the misery out of this chore.
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Are gnats ruining your backyard parties? Listen to learn some ways to keep them away!
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Sweaty windows, peeling wallpaper and musty odors are all symptoms of a poorly ventilated home. Listen to this tip for a crash course on house ventilation.
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Sprucing up your home with a coat of paint is an easy upgrade, but what can you do about a bland concrete porch or patio? Listen for an easy concrete upgrade that isn’t just another pretty face!
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Have you thought about putting sunscreen on a wooden fence? Listen to learn why sunblock for your fence is so important!
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For many people, spring cleaning means breaking out the pressure washer! But this tool's blast is too strong for some things. Listen to learn where not to use one.
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If you like potted plants in your home, don’t forget the peanuts! Listen for a simple tip to keep your potted plants healthy.
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Do you find it hard to mask oddly-shaped items when you're painting? Listen to learn about an easy way to solve that problem.
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Hear our tips for leveling the ground for an aboveground pool, how to cool off a hot garage and more.
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Listen to hear what lawn care mistakes to avoid, how to repair ruts and small holes in your yard, how to remove rust stains in a tub and more.
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Spring is a great time for house painting because you need warm weather to apply paint, but it's not hot enough yet to make it miserable. Listen to learn a trick to simplify paint projects.
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Hear how to fix squeaking hardwood floors, our flooring recommendation for high-traffic areas, a fix for cracked grout and more.
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Tune in to hear how staging your home can help it sell faster, pointers for picking out a furnace air filter and more.
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Looking for a low-cost way to make your home more environmentally friendly? Here's an inexpensive, water-conserving upgrade idea.
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Looking for a backyard project this spring that you can get the kids involved with? Here's how to 'take a step' in the right direction.
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Our planet is a pretty precious commodity, so we need to treat it right. Here's one of my favorite ways to save energy AND be kind to the earth.
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Water is a vital resource of life. But sometimes, it’s nothing but an unsightly blemish on your wall or ceiling! Here's my secret for a foolproof cover-up.
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Pollution from ground runoff is a growing problem in our country. Here's how you, as a homeowner, can help reduce it.
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Hear how to install tongue-and-groove boards over a drywall ceiling, deal with peeling deck stain, clean a composite deck and more.
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Hear how to build a paver retaining wall, deal with weeds in your yard and more.
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A rocking chair can be relaxing no matter what time of the day. But there’s one seat in the house you don’t want to rock. Here are tips to put an end to rocking toilets.
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One topic that should never go out of style is recycling. Here's why it’s important and how you can help.
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Looking for a way to water the garden without ever turning on the faucet? Here's a fun project that will save water and money too.
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Tired of doing the same job over and over again? Here's a permanent fix for one of those everyday annoyances around the house.
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As the weather warms up are you itching to get to work on your yard? Here are tips for fertilizing your lawn.
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Hear what glue you need on hand for easy repairs, how to build a sound-blocking fence, and more.
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Hear tips for cleaning soot after a house fire, how to keep cats out of a garden, ways to update your curb appeal on a budget, and more.
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Do you ever get frustrated removing those stickers from new tools or appliances? Here's how to easily do it without making a mess.
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As spring yard work begins, you’ll probably have gasoline stored somewhere around your house – maybe improperly. Here's how to store it safely.
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For most of us, the worst of the cold weather has passed. Here's an easy way to make an unused fireplace a bit more attractive.
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Much of spring cleaning is about removing stale odors that have been trapped inside all winter. Here are tips for getting rid of those smells without making the house smell like a chemical factory.
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Do your lawn and flower beds fight over real estate? Here's a simple, inexpensive way to separate the two.
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Sometimes the solution to a household problem comes from the most unlikely source. Case in point: here are some unique uses for dryer sheets!
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It’s the wettest time of the year in many areas of the country, and homeowners need to make sure all that water is headed the right way. Here are some quick tips about drainage around your home.
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Most people would agree to practice an eco-friendly approach to living as long as it doesn’t break the bank. Here's a green idea that costs next to nothing.
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If someone in your house has allergies or asthma, you know how dust affects them, even when you clean frequently. Here's a solution to some of those concerns.
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Learn which way the paper facing on insulation should face in a crawl space, a trick to keep weed killer from spraying onto healthy plants, a solution for phantom flushing, and more.
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Hear options for adding a backsplash without using grout, how to extend outlets on a tile backsplash so they're flush with the tile and more.
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There’s nothing more aggravating than a table or chair that wobbles when you use it. Here's a simple solution for those shakes and wobbles.
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As the weather warms up, we all want to open up the windows and let in the fresh air. But before you do, here's what you should know about window safety.
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If you're washing machine is made to wash, why would you wash it? Here's why this is actually very important!
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Do your stained wood cabinets look dated? Here's a simple way to bring them into this century.
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Hear some creative uses for sawdust, how to mount a TV on a stone fireplace, what to do if cold air is infiltrating your range hood vent and more.
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Hear tips for building a raised garden bed, how to determine the best deck height on your mower and more.
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When the choices come down to saving water or saving money, why not do both? Here's a hot idea that could mean cool savings in your wallet.
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Realtor Sandy Frost gives invaluable advice on how to navigate the real estate market and make informed decisions.
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Do the tub and shower surround in your bathroom need an update? Listen to learn about properly planning for a new one.
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By the time we start planting, we have often lost the patience necessary to do the job neatly. Here's what you should know about making do-it-yourself seed tapes.
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Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for valuable tips and advice on how to tackle your spring home to-do list.
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Does your home have those bumpy, textured, popcorn ceilings? Here's what to consider if you want smooth ceilings.
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Have you been sweeping things under the rug all winter? Here's a spring cleaning trick that's sure to help!
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Do you find that working on outdoor projects is hard on your lawn? Here are some ways to protect the grass while you're working.
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Does the finish of your paint projects disappoint you? Here's how to make sure you get the finish you want.
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Spring's almost here and soon it will be mowing season. Follow these tips to ensure your lawn mower is ready to get the job done this year.
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Nothing looks better than a well-kept lawn. Here's how to make yours the best one on the block this season.
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Are you planning to update your kitchen or bathroom with a new faucet? Here's what you should know about finding the most durable faucet for your home.
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Hear what simple upgrades can help sell your home faster, why post anchors are crucial for outdoor columns and more.
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Hear why charcoal venting systems by themselves aren't so great, about a tough material to protect your home during a hurricane, how much spacing you should leave between deck boards and more.
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These days it seems almost everyone is watching their pennies to try and make ends meet. Here's a simple way to update your home without spending much money.
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A little bit of paper can make a world of difference. Listen to learn why some insulation has a paper face and when & how you should use it.
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The screen on a faucet aerator traps all kinds of debris, from rust particles to calcium deposits. Here's what you should know about cleaning out that gunk.
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If you could make your home feel warmer this winter without actually raising the thermostat you would, wouldn’t you? Well, here's how to do just that.
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You know that terrible feeling you have when a clogged toilet is about to overflow and you don’t know how to stop it? Here's how to avoid a flood.
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Nothing traps your home in the seventies like shag carpeting or dark wood paneling. Here's how to get rid of the retro look in your family room.
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In the wintertime, it’s nearly impossible to keep your floors from getting tracked up with snow. Here are tips to protect your floors from what comes with the snow — namely, ice melt compound residue.
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With a nation of baby boomers approaching retirement, universal home design takes on a new importance. Here's what it means for you.
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Trying to decide if you should take on a project around your home? Here's what to consider before you dive in.
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Is the water pressure in your home too low or too high? Here's how to determine if you have a problem — and how to fix it!
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Hear our advice for installing self-sticking flooring tiles over linoleum, an easy way to prevent moss and mildew from growing on a roof, and more.
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Hear the secret to long-lasting stone and brickwork, how to improve your DIY skills, one reason why your water heater pipes are rusting, and more.
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During the long months of winter, we take more notice of our indoor air quality. Here's why the paint on the walls in your home affects this.
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Did you know your home can have good condensation and bad condensation? Here are some solutions for the negative side of all that sweating on your windows!
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Clothes dryers are one of those modern conveniences that can easily be taken for granted, but don’t let warm air meant for your clothes heat up the wrong things. Here are some important dryer safety tips.
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How do you cope when you have a four-legged family member that seems to shed more hair than it keeps? Here are some easy ways to keep the fur from flying.
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Hear how to a repair crack in a ceiling, why a self-lighting pilot on a furnace won't work, and more.
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Hear why older wiring can be bad for LED lighting, what's causing a banging noise in an HVAC unit, what to consider before installing a walk-in bathtub and more.
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Storage space is always at a premium in the kitchen, so how do you create more without adding any cabinets? Here's how to maximize the cabinet space you have.
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Does your kitchen counter look like the discount table at an electronics store? Here's how to corral the charger chaos in your home!
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Do you feel like you're dancing with doors when you move clothes from the washer to the dryer in your laundry room? Here's a solution.
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Hear how to keep a paintbrush’s ferrule clean, the best option for building an addition, and how to keep wallpaper from curling.
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Listen to learn what cleaning products you should never mix, how to remove stains from stone tile, paint ceramic tile and more.
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Join expert David Walton as he takes you on a journey to discover new techniques, tips and tricks to add color and character to any space.
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Do your shelves look a little too do-it-yourselfer? Here are some ways to make them look more sturdy and attractive.
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Have you ever had to put the brakes on a project because it was simply too cold to paint? Listen to learn about some ways to work around the cold.
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Is your garage too full of junk to park the car inside? Here are tips to maximize the space for storage AND your cars.
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Are you sprucing up the inside while it’s cold outside? Here's a trick to take some of the hassle out of painting doors.
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Common sense tells us that the chill of winter means you should close off every possible opening to protect your home from the cold. But there are some doors that should stay open. Listen here for details.
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Hear what causes window condensation and how to prevent it, why you shouldn't close your foundation vent fans to keep your house warmer, and more.
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Hear our advice on converting a carport into a living space, our suggestion for a portable paint container that's easy to hold, Joe's recipe for a vinyl plank floor revitalizer, and more.
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Don't wait until it's too late! This is what you need to do today to prepare your home and family for severe weather.
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With all the extra time we spend inside our homes during the winter, we often discover repairs we‘ve missed. Listen to learn how to take care of a water-stained ceiling.
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Worried about taking a tumble on that slippery wood deck? Listen to learn about the right steps to take to avoid a mis-step.
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Sealing our homes for energy efficiency is usually a good thing but it can cause problems if we don’t manage it well. Listen to learn about watching out for mold while you’re saving energy.
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A faulty water heater can be as dangerous as a ticking bomb in your home. Listen to learn about checking the temperature pressure relief valve.
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Our homes are filled with electronic gadgets that make our lives easier, but sometimes they need a little help from us. Listen to learn about selecting a surge suppressor to protect your home electronics.
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Learn what trends are hot in kitchen remodeling, how to prevent internal frost on windows, the difference between refacing and refinishing cabinets and more.
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Hear the secret to removing vinyl wallpaper, tips for staining a pressure-treated wood fence, and more.
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Do you find yourself buying new nails or screws every time you start a project? Here's an easy way to keep up with those fasteners so you can find them.
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Even though it’s a new year, you may be facing an old problem that could be costing you a lot of money. Listen to learn how important it is to get your home's "ducts in a row."
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January usually brings us the coldest weather of the season and, for many homes, frozen pipes. Listen to learn about how to avoid frozen pipes.
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Is your bathroom a sticky, stinky mess? Listen to learn how proper bathroom ventilation can cure this problem.
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Hear how much money you can save by installing luxury vinyl tile yourself, what to do about thermal expansion gaps in crown molding and more.
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Listen to learn the easy way to remove acorns from your yard, why a glass cooktop can shatter, what you need to do to cover terracotta tile and more.
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When you walk into your bathroom, do you feel like the floor is never clean, even though you scrub and mop it every week? Here are some simple methods for cleaning grout lines.
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Picture this: You're in the middle of a project and you reach for the glue — but it takes forever to squeeze it out. So, what can you do? Here's a simple way to solve this problem.
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Indoor painting is among the most popular projects for homeowners to tackle themselves. Here are some ways to make it easier and more successful.
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Let's face it: Whether it was a gift for the holidays or a purchase you made yourself, ready-to-assemble furniture can be tedious to put together! Here's a way to speed up the process.
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Listen to learn the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, how to repair rotten soffit, how to keep snow from getting into ridge vents and more.
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Hear how to keep an old paint color from showing through, what to do about peeling paint on a bathtub and more.
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Arborist Billy Allen offers his expert tips on planting and pruning trees and shrubs.
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Do you ever find yourself with a mess you just don't know how to clean up? I'll tell you about a solution that's probably already in your house.
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Does it seem like your garage floor is dirtier than the outside? I'll share some simple ways to keep it cleaner!
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If you're looking for an inside project this winter, I have a great way to improve the appearance of any room! Listen to learn about scraping a textured popcorn ceiling.
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Do you find more insects and other pests sneaking into your house this time of year? Listen to learn about a way to stop the migration!
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In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year.
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In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year.
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With Christmas behind us, it won’t be long until you get rid of that tree. But you don't have to throw it away — listen to learn about Christmas trees' many uses after the holidays.
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One of the most common causes of injury this time of year is ice. Listen to learn about dealing with the slippery stuff!
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Organizing kitchen cabinets is a challenge for lots of homeowners. Listen to learn a solution that's quick, simple and inexpensive.
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If you find yourself with one or more unused rooms, think twice before closing the door! Listen to learn the myths and facts about closing off rooms to save energy.
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In this special Christmas episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year, as well as sharing some of our holiday traditions and memories.
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In this special Christmas episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year, as well as sharing some of our holiday traditions and memories.
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In this special Ask Danny podcast, Danny talks about some simple home maintenance tasks to do during the downtime of the holidays.
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Everyone is concerned about air pollution, but sometimes we overlook a source we can easily control. Here's how to reduce your wood-burning fireplace's impact on the environment.
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Here's a common problem: You drop a hammer on your hardware floor while hanging a picture. But what's the solution? Listen to learn how to deal with that dent!
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Finishing your home's basement is a great way to economically add living space. Listen for tips to start this process the right way.
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Sometimes, the simplest chores can become the most difficult ones! Here's a quick fix to keep a simple chore — hanging pictures — simple.
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Learn how long to wait to paint pressure-treated wood, how to remove rust stains from vinyl flooring and more.
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Hear the perks of having a whole-house generator from Rick True, president of Batchelor's Service in Mobile, Ala., and expert in whole-house generator installation.
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For many people, the holidays include trips to see family and friends in other places. Listen for tips to keep your home secure while you're out of town.
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Do you hate polishing silverware? Listen to learn an easy way to do the job without ANY elbow grease!
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Before Santa Claus takes a trip down your chimney, make sure he won't arrive in a smokey mess! Listen to learn an easy way to clean soot from your fireplace surround.
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Holiday decorating is in full swing! Listen to learn how to keep your home safe — and bright — while you make it festive!
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Is the expense of updating your home's door hardware getting out of hand? Listen to learn a simple way to cut costs!
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Hear a caller’s Simple Solution suggestion, how to replace two small windows with a large one, and more.
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Hear how to install laminate flooring around a door jamb, repair cracks in plaster and more.
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Master plumber Artie McGowan is back to provide answers to more common plumbing problems, like dripping faucets, long waits for hot water and more.
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During the winter, staying warm is probably one of your top priorities. Here's how to prevent the passage of unwanted house guests who have the same priority in mind!
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A cozy fire can really set the mood, but don’t let that mood turn sour! Here's what you should know about fireplace fuel.
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Some home repairs seem like they never end! Listen to learn about getting to the root of the problem to keep it from coming back.
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You may never see the greatest threat to your health inside your home. Listen to learn how to protect your family from carbon monoxide.
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It's easy to lose hand tools if they lack a proper home. Storing them in drawers, like the ones in commercial tool cabinets, is an excellent way to keep tools neatly organized, but you need to take these steps to really protect them.
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We’re featuring some of the best segments that have aired over the past year on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
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We’re featuring some of the best segments that have aired over the past year on the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
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Hear Joe Truini’s tool hacks that will completely change the way you work in your garage workshop.
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Mixing and matching materials transforms any home's exterior design. Learn more in this podcast with Westlake Royal Building Products.
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Hear how to fix chipped paint on cabinets, remove paint from outdoor plastic furniture, keep a door from swinging open, and more.
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'Can I tile over tile?' 'Can you install vinyl plank flooring over asphalt?' — hear the answers to these questions and more.
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In this episode, Josh Hembree, a third-generation heating specialist, answers some of the most-asked questions we get about heating your home.
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Listen to hear some fall front porch decorating tips, what's causing dust to be blown through a furnace, and more.
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Listen to hear our space heater safety tips, advice for preventing slips on ice, how to fill in a gravel pothole, and more.
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Cold weather has a habit of shutting down any outside entertainment. However, you can keep the outdoor party going with a fire pit!
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In this episode of "The Ask Danny Podcast," Danny takes a break from giving home improvement advice and information to honor his Uncle Rex O'Dell, a World War II veteran who just turned 100.
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As we lock ourselves indoors for the upcoming cold months, we're also locking in excess moisture. Here's how to prevent any damage by properly ventilating your home.
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Here's how to organize your kitchen cabinets with items made for the office!
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Which do you hate more: raking leaves or bagging them up? Here's an easy way to reduce the hassle of leaf collection.
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Using a blower to remove leaves from gutters is a quick way to eliminate clogs. Here's how to increase the air pressure so you don't have to keep moving the ladder.
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A workshop can never have too many clamps. Here's how you can make them do their job better.
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Hear how to remove paint from a brick fireplace, our thoughts on the best way to build a chicken coop, how to stop rot on wood posts and more.
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Learn where the best place is to install a vent on a first-floor bathroom, our thoughts on whole-house water filters and more.
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Electrical contractor Jeremy Moore gives a crash course on what you need to know about your home’s electrical work.
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How can you get glue inside a tight crack? The answer is in your medicine cabinet!
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Touching up paint for holiday guests? Here's how to prevent drips from ruining surfaces.
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Here's how to keep your bathroom trash can out of sight but still easy to access.
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Finding room for a worktable in a garage or basement can be a challenge. Here's a folding solution that saves space and is easier to work on.
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Got cracked concrete? Here's why you need to repair cracked concrete before winter arrives.
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Scott Gardner, creative director for Today's Homeowner TV, joins me to look back on 25 years of producing the show.
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Here's the Simple Solution for preventing drywall joint compound from drying up in between jobs.
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This time of the year, lots of people are adding insulation to their homes. Here are some tips for making this project go smoothly.
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Filling small gaps and cracks with caulk stops drafts in your home, but what do you do with larger ones? Listen to learn the answer.
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Here's how to tell if a project can be done by yourself or if you should call a professional.
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Listen to hear how to fill in scratches on a wood floor, relevel a brick walkway, and more.
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Listen to learn how to fix peeling paint, drill into tile, correct gaps in bamboo floors and more.
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Before the weather gets too cold, you may want to take stock of your home's energy efficiency. Here's how to do an energy audit.
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A portable generator can be a big help in a power outage, but you have to use it safely. Follow these tips.
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Joe Truini's Top 5 Bathroom Simple Solutions are all about maintaining a functional and squeaky-clean lavatory.
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With colder weather approaching, people are looking for ways to stop every draft in their homes. Here's one spot you might not have thought about.
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Sometimes, the hardest part of a project is removing the stuff you want to replace. Here's a solution for removing stubborn adhesives.
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The laundry room is one of the most-used spaces in a home. Here's how to get the most out of your laundry organization.
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Listen to hear tips for staging your home to sell, learn about gable fans and more.
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As winter gets closer, more people are looking for ways to reduce utility bills. Here's one you may not have considered.
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Listen to learn about antimicrobial grout, removing artillery fungus, and more.
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Canister vacuums can contribute to the scattering of dust and allergens in your home. Consider this type to ease your allergies.
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Soon, it'll be too cold to open your windows for some fresh air. Here's what to do to improve your indoor air quality now.
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If you're looking for an excuse not to paint, the weather just might provide you with one. Follow these temperature guidelines when painting outside.
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Now's the time to shield your deck against winter damage and snow. Here's how to do it.
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Sanding is important for any wood project, but it can be difficult to get into those tight spaces. Here's a simple way to get it done!
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Listen for an easy way to cut insulation, how to remove metal dust from a painted door and more.
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Hear underlayment options for vinyl plank flooring, a tip for insulating around recessed lights, and more.
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October is National Fire Prevention Month, so this week, Capt. Dwight Smith and Steven Millhouse with Mobile Fire-Rescue share their top fire safety tips for homeowners.
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Most projects require some type of glue at one point. Listen to learn which one to use and when.
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If you haven't already, you'll soon be putting your mower away for the winter. Do this to prevent start-up problems when spring rolls around.
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Now's the time of year when yard work shifts from mowing to raking. Here's a tip for picking them up quickly.
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In this special Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking all about stone wool insulation with Dan Edelman, ROCKWOOL’s National Business Development Manager.
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Worried about roasting your lawn when you build a fire in your backyard fire pit? Here's how to build a fire-resistant surround!
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Baseboards are a paint to paint because they're narrow and surrounded by other surfaces you don't want to paint. Here's a simple way to paint baseboards cleanly.
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Learn which remodeling projects get the most bang for your buck, what could be causing a nail polish remover odor in a home, how to clean red cedar siding and more.
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Hear our special technique to degrease kitchen cabinets, our thoughts on mixing and matching insulation, and more.
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Can find every electrical circuit in your circuit breaker panel? Here's the easy way to find the one you need.
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Michelle Tennant, vice president of Product Management in the Erie Insurance Personal Lines division, answer some of the most-asked questions about home insurance.
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Michelle Tennant, vice president of Product Management in the Erie Insurance Personal Lines division, answer some of the most-asked questions about home insurance.
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Can find every electrical circuit in your circuit breaker panel? Here's the easy way to find the one you need.
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There are more ways than ever to get that look of a wood floor in your home. Here are three main options to choose from.
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Cleaning windows is never fun, and it's especially difficult do on second-story ones. Here's the quick and easy way to do it.
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In Hour 1, learn the reason why toilet water is low, the best temperature for outside painting and more.
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In Hour 2, hear what might be causing mold on a deck and how to get rid of it, plus tips for autumn irrigation.
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If you've ever tried to enlarge a hole that was drilled with a hole saw, you know it's a pain. Here's an easy solution.
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The No. 1 cause of water heater failure is sediment build-up. Here's how to remove it and extend the tank's life.
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Today’s Homeowner Radio Show co-host Joe Truini offers his Top 5 Simple Solutions for fall.
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Tap water can be overwhelmed with contaminants, including pesticides and some pharmaceuticals. Here's what you can do to get better-quality water.
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Our 4 Seasons of Homeownership checklists are a great way to stay on top of your home maintenance projects.
The fall list is now available, with help from our friends at The Home Depot, for must-do chores to keep your house clean and comfortable.
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Everyone likes a clean kitchen, but this appliance often gets ignored. Listen to learn how to clean it.
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Cuts and tears can ruin the look of vinyl flooring. Here's an easy way you can repair it yourself!
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If you're hanging a heavy item on your wall, you'll need the solid backing of a stud. Here's how to find them.
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Clamps are a huge help for lots of projects, but only if they reach as far as you need them to. Here's the easy way to extend them.
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This week, Jim Peterson with ConcreteNetwork.com answers some of your most-asked questions about concrete.
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Changing out tub hardware is a great way to give your bathroom an updated look, but a faucet that's been in place for years can be difficult to remove by hand. Here's the easy way to remove it.
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Levels and squares make sure work runs straight and true, but what happens when they aren't true? Here's how to test them.
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No matter how good you are with hammer, eventually you'll have to pull a nail or two. Here's the easy way to remove a stubborn nail.
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In Hour 1, learn how to repair drywall cracks, eliminate funky front-loading washer odor and more.
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A rug that slips around on the floor is annoying at best and dangerous at its worst. Here's how to keep it in place.
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In Hour 2, hear how to get rid of goathead weed stickers, open a window that's painted shut and more.
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This week, we’re talking about chimneys and fireplaces with Mitchell Lovell, a second-generation certified chimney sweep with Coastal Chimney Sweeps.
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Water is a necessity of life, but too much of it can be troublesome. Here's how to keep it out of your basement.
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You might have a slow-leaking toilet and not realize it. Here's how to test it to see if you're wasting water (and money!).
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Wondering how long the stuff you buy for your home will last? I'll break down the numbers on common items.
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Not sure whether to entertain guests inside or outside? Here's how to do both!
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Is your outdoor living space bland and boring? Here are some ways to enhance it with a focal point.
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Painting expert Brian Santos, a.k.a. "The Wall Wizard," shares his advice on how to paint just about anything like a pro. Listen to his tips for spray painting, painting fences and kitchen cabinets and more.
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Painting expert Brian Santos, a.k.a. "The Wall Wizard," shares his advice on how to paint just about anything like a pro. Listen to his tips for spray painting, painting fences and kitchen cabinets and more.
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Do you dread raking leaves? Here's an easy way to get it done faster.
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Do you dread raking leaves? Here's an easy way to get it done faster.
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Constantly fighting against a sagging gate? Here's an easy solution.
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Are your downspouts causing more problems than they're correcting? Here's how to better control where the water goes.
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Are your downspouts causing more problems than they're correcting? Here's how to better control where the water goes.
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This task on your home maintenance to-do list often gets overlooked, but it's the most noticeable.
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This task on your home maintenance to-do list often gets overlooked, but it's the most noticeable.
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Is your siding starting to show signs of wear and tear? Here's how to solve this problem for good!
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In Hour 1, we talk about sealing out smoke odor from a neighbor, screening in a pool and more.
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In Hour 2, hear our tips for picking pressure-treated wood, fixing a crack in a concrete slab, and landscape lighting.
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It may be the 21st century, but your home may be in need of an update using this ancient material.
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In this week’s Ask Danny, learn about the history of barndominums with Marc Ingram, and find out if this trendy home style is right for you.
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Ever feel like you need more hands when putting a project together? Here's a tip for easier assembly.
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Ever feel like you need more hands when putting a project together? Here's a tip for easier assembly.
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Get the most out of your tool storage space with this tip.
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Is the fear of drywall dust clouds keeping you from starting a renovation project? Here's a way to sand drywall with less mess.
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In Hour 1, listen to learn about fire concerns with open floor plans, fixing a sticky vinyl floor and more.
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In Hour 2, hear how to prevent laminate floors from buckling, remove floor-to-ceiling mirrors, get rid of moles and more.
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Just like you need sunscreen in the summer, your deck needs some extra protection from the sun. Here's what you can do.
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In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m chatting with Lydia Crowder, a.k.a Drywall Shorty, about patching holes, texture and more.
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Your windows may be making your home hotter. Here's what you can do to keep your cool inside.
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Want to save as much as 10 percent on your utility bill? This is what you need.
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Are the edges of your laminate kitchen countertop peeling off? Try this easy fix.
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In Hour 2, learn how to paint unfinished cabinets yourself, when to paint walls in a new house and more.
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Going on vacation? Here's how to keep your plants alive and well while you're away.
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In Hour 1, we share a listener's tip on how to track down rats in an attic, offer solutions for an invasive ground cover and more.
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In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” Schannon Yodice, also known as “That Tile Chick” on Instagram, has all the answers to your tile questions.
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Are cracks in your asphalt driveway starting to look like a road map? Here's how to get it back in shape.
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Scrambling to find a bucket every time it rains? Here's how to put a stop to a leaky roof.
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Are loose nails a stepping hazard on your deck? Use this to drive them down, so they stay put!
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After a rainstorm, your door mat can become useless if it soaks up water. Plus, the constant moisture can lead to wood rot and termites. Here's how to solve this damp dilemma.
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Laying tile is physically demanding. Here are a few tips for an easier installation.
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Hear our suggestions for matching wood posts to vinyl, cleaning old wallpaper, and more.
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Learn how to prevent wood rot in a shower window, remove sediment from water, and more.
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Unless you have an irrigation system, you've probably gotten your share of showers while trying to position movable sprinklers. Here are some tricks to stay dry.
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In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” lawn and landscape expert Sid Sexton is back to tell us how to plant shrubs and give some advice on pruning crape myrtles.
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Is your lawn showing the strain of the summer heat? Here's how to protect it.
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Has the summer taken a toll on your deck? Here are some tips to get it in shape before fall.
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Change up the look of your outdoor space with this cost-effective concrete floor update.
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Weeds taking over your yard? Here's what to do to make weeds disappear on their own.
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In Hour 1 of the Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast, we're offering solutions for fixing patchy grass, advice on installing a new window and more.
Listen to Hour 2 to learn how to remove rust from a steel roof, keep squirrels away from bird feeders and more.
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In Hour 2 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Show Podcast, learn how to remove rust from a steel roof, keep squirrels away from bird feeders and more.
Listen to Hour 1 for solutions for fixing patchy grass, advice on installing a new window and more.
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Green mold and mildew growing around your home? Here's the formula to get rid of it!
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In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m talking with Josh Hembree, the third-generation air conditioning and heating professional and owner of Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning in Mobile, Ala.
Learn why your A/C isn't cooling as it should, how to find leaks in ductwork, what's a mini-split ductless A/C and what's done when a technician services your A/C.
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Sunlight exposure takes a toll on your home's exterior. Here's how to minimize the damage.
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Want to keep your outdoor party going after dark? Follow these maintenance tips to extend the life of landscape lighting.
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Want to keep your outdoor party going after dark? Follow these maintenance tips to extend the life of landscape lighting.
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Need to paint your home's exterior? Only do so under these weather conditions.
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In Hour 2 of Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, we talk about the pros and cons of peel-and-stick wallpaper, the best paint for hardwood floors and more.
Listen to Hour 1 to learn how to remove rusty bolts from concrete, get the most out of kitchen cabinet space and more.
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Sink your teeth into these cooking tips that'll keep you cool and save you some money!
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In Hour 1 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, learn how to remove rusty bolts from concrete, get the most out of kitchen cabinet space and more.
Listen to Hour 2 for the pros and cons of peel-and-stick wallpaper, the best paint for hardwood floors and more.
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Storing gas for your outdoor power equipment? Never keep it in these two spots! Here's how to store it safely.
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In Episode 4 of “Ask Danny,” Danny chats with his longtime friend and drywall expert Mark Rutherford — “The Drywall Guru.”
Listen to learn how to fix a nail pop, repair drywall puckering, and reduce a dusty mess when sanding.
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Even if you have a lock on your storage shed, thieves can still remove the door. Listen to learn how to add extra security.
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Adding an A/C? Size matters! Listen to learn how to determine how big, or small, your A/C should be.
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Tile adds some pizazz to a bland concrete porch. Just be sure to pick the right material! Listen to learn what type of tile you need.
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In Hour 1 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, should you put new shingles over old ones? Plus, how to unclog a stubborn sink once and for all.
Listen to Hour 2 to learn how to remove tile from drywall and insert a window into a door.
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In Hour 2 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, learn how to remove tile from drywall and insert a window into a door.
Listen to Hour 1 to learn how to unclog a stubborn sink once and for all. Plus, should you put new shingles over old ones?
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Listen to learn how this children's toy can be used to remove unwanted water anywhere!
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In Episode 3 of “Ask Danny,” painting expert Tracey Amadio shares her tips and tricks for getting the perfect paint job.
Listen to learn what determines a paint's price, how to choose a color, what's the best temperature for exterior painting and how to paint plastic.
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Patio or driveway looking a little worse for the wear? Do this to make it look brand new!
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Here's how to keep your pets safe during the dog days of summer.
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Get the most out of your garage space with these storage tips.
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Don't have A/C? Here's how to stay cool for just pennies on the dollar.
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Concrete products have evolved over the years and now you can use them for more than just driveways and patios.
In this special-edition Today's Homeowner Podcast, Danny speaks with Allison Hunt, social media director and marketing project manager for the Quikrete Companies, the event's sponsor.
Listen to learn about Quikrete’s innovative products and the many projects you can create.
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In Hour 1 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, we're giving warning signs of a home improvement scam. Plus, we're tackling some common home projects, solving a garage door mystery and more!
Listen to Hour 2 to learn how to install tile without mortar, clean soot from a fireplace and more.
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Long summer showers making your water bill skyrocket? Install a low-flow showerhead! Do this test to see if you need one.
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In Hour 2 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, learn how to install tile without mortar, clean soot from a fireplace and more.
Listen to Hour 1 for warning signs of a home improvement scam. Plus, we're tackling some common home projects, solving a garage door mystery and more!
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Constantly replacing putty knives? Here's how to keep them clean so you can reuse them.
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In Episode 2 of “Ask Danny,” metal roofing expert Todd Miller.
Each week, I chat with an industry friend to tackle your home improvement questions. We’ll share pro tips and practical advice to help you succeed! Plus, there's always a unique or funny story along the way.
I first met Todd Miller in 2020 while shooting an episode of Today's Homeowner TV. We worked together to install a metal roof on a storm-damaged home in Cut Off, La.
About Todd Miller
Todd Miller is president of Isaiah Industries, a manufacturer of residential metal roofing.
With 40 years of industry experience, Todd has worked with property owners and contractors on projects worldwide.
In addition to roofing, he is often sought after for his expertise with condensation and ventilation.
Todd also has an educational website at Ask Todd Miller as well as a podcast, Construction Disruption.
Listen to "Ask Danny" for insider tips and information about installation, energy efficiency and style options.
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Create a home that's customized to your needs. Listen to learn how universal design can make your home more functional.
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Save water (and money!) while watering your lawn. Here's how to get the most out of your irrigation.
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Poor attic ventilation can increase the temperature in your living spaces. Here's how to keep hot air out so your home stays cool this summer.
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In Hour 1 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, Today's Homeowner TV heads to L.A.! Plus, an exciting announcement about our new podcast. Also, hear about drainage options for container pots and how to attach wood railing to brick.
Listen to Hour 2 for to learn how to paint dark wood paneling, remove wax from laminate flooring and more.
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In Hour 2 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast, learn how to paint dark wood paneling, remove wax from laminate flooring and more.
Listen to Hour 1 of the Today's Homeowner Radio Podcast to hear about an exciting trip to L.A., plus an announcement about our new podcast. Also, drainage options for container pots and how to attach wood railing to brick.
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Lawn and garden tools taking over your garage? Store them in a lean-to shed! Listen to learn how.
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Welcome to the first episode of Today’s Homeowner’s new podcast, “Ask Danny.”
Each week, I chat with an industry friend to tackle your home improvement questions. We’ll share pro tips and practical advice to help you succeed! Plus, there's always a unique or funny story along the way.
Today we are talking about lawn care and sodding, with Sid Sexton. Sid is the founder of Sexton Lawn & Landscape in Daphne, Ala., and is licensed in turf and ornament spraying, landscape design, and setting of landscape plants.
About Sid Sexton
As the founder of Sexton Lawn & Landscape, Sid is a down-to-earth, honest businessman with a love for lawn care, landscape design, and delivering the best products to his clients.
Starting at age 16, Sid spent his summers working for a local landscape company and the local country club and golf course in his hometown of Muskogee, Okla.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in horticulture, Sid joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Hawaii, where he met his future wife, Jourdan.
He was honorably discharged after two years and began working as an account manager for a landscape company. In January 2004, he founded Sexton Lawn & Landscape.
Sid is licensed in turf and ornament spraying, landscape design, and setting of landscape plants. He is also a Certified Landscape Professional and continues his education through workshops, online courses and other events several times throughout the year.
Listen to “Ask Danny” for his advice on controlling weeds, lawn aeration, prepping for sod, and mowing tips. Plus, hear about Sid’s encounter with the elusive ground pearl.
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Are your outside surfaces looking dingy and dirty? Here are 3 tips to get that satisfying feeling of a clean patio or driveway.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you take a deep breath, are you sure you’re breathing in fresh air? Here are a few ideas for keeping a clean A/C unit this summer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many homeowners are tackling do-it-yourself flooring these days. A popular option is tile but if your slab is not level it could come back to haunt you. Here are a few tips on how to keep it level while flooring.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you ever discover other yard chores that need to be done as you push the mower around your lawn? Here are a few ideas to make your mowing experience more efficient.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nobody likes to do it, but the whole family benefits from a clean garage. Here are a few fun ways to keep everyone involved.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Freshly painted concrete looks great and easy to clean, but not long after it starts to blister or bubble. Listen to this week's podcast to learn how to remove it.
Also on this episode:
- Preventing Weeds From Growing Through a Paver Patio
- Sealing a Wood Deck
- 4 Seasons of Home Ownership Summer Checklist
Best New Product
Get the same power as gas minus all the noise with Ryobi's Whisper Walk electric push mower.
Simple Solutions
Improvised Lawn Sprinkler — The next time you need to water newly planted grass seed, trees, flowers or shrubs, and you don’t have a sprinkler, you have a few options.
You can go out and buy one, borrow one from a neighbor, or you can make one from an empty soda jug.
- Drill three or four 1/8-inch-diameter holes in the side of a plastic, two-liter soda bottle.
- Wrap some Teflon tape around the bottle treads and then screw on a female-to-female hose connector.
- Attach a garden hose to the hose connector, place the sprinkler in the yard with the holes facing up, and turn on the water
Rescuing Used Rubber Gloves — Before discarding used latex gloves, snip off any fingers that aren’t too badly damaged or dirty, and use them as slip-on fingertip protectors when spreading glue, smoothing caulk or spraying paint.
Question of the Week
Q: My wife and I are building a new home. I was planning to use spray foam insulation, but after calling several termite-bonding companies, I was surprised that most were hesitant to cover homes with spray foam. Some flatly refused coverage. Why is that, and what other options do I have?
A. Listen to this week's podcast for the answer!
If you want to improve the look of your home’s interior, updating the flooring is a great place to start. Here are some great tips on how to do that without breaking the bank!
Dealing with wasps and bees can be risky. Here's how to keep them away and what to do if you do get stung.
Replacing a damaged window screen is easier than you think. All you need are these three tools.
Home maintenance is a year-round event, but some tasks just make more sense to do in the summer. Listen to learn all about the top summer home maintenance projects!
10 Summer Home Must-Do List
- Change AC & Heating System Filters
- Flush Out AC Drain Line
- Check for Loose Railings or Damage on Wooden Decks
- Inspect Fencing & Gates for Damage
- Clean & Inspect Outdoor Grill
- Clean Outdoor Furniture
- Have Chimney Inspected & Cleaned
- Scrape Loose Paint from Siding & Trim
- Clean Windows
- Pull Weeds & Add Mulch
If you have a brick home you should see several gaps in the mortar about every six to eight feet around the bottom. These are intentional and here's why.
Calcium can build up along pool coping like on a glass shower door. Listen to this week's podcast to learn how clean it and prevent it from coming back.
Also on this episode:
- Banishing Weeds on a Brick Paver Patio
- How to Keep Concrete from Sweating
- Screening in a Single Patio Door
- Fixing Chips on Painted Cabinets
Best New Product
Samsung's new Smart Washer learns your laundry routine and washes clothes faster than ever!
Simple Solutions
Hanging Colander Planter — Make a unique hanging planter out of a metal colander!
- Start by drilling three holes evenly spaced around the rim of the colander.
- Next, spray paint the colander to match the house trim.
- Then, hang it with three 16-inch chains and S-hooks.
- Line the colander with landscaping fabric or coffee filters before adding soil and plants.
Tub-Stain Remover — This recipe is great for removing stains from tubs, sinks and toilets.
- Mix equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste.
- Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Let sit for a half-hour, then rinse with water.
Other Products Mentioned
- Daich Coatings TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer
- DRYLOK Natural Look Clear Concrete Sealer
- BEHR PREMIUM Gray Granite Grip Decorative Flat Interior/Exterior Concrete Floor Coating
- Trisodium phosphate
- ZEP Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover
Are dry, brown spots popping up in your yard? Your lawnmower could be the culprit! Do this to keep your yard looking sharp.
Mowing the grass makes your yard look nice, but are you unknowingly harming it? Here are a few steps to follow to have healthier, happier grass.
We all want our lawns to be lush in green, but in many places, water is in short supply. Here are some tips for making your irrigation system more efficient and less wasteful.
Are your pets itching for some relief from fleas? Here are a few simple solutions to help you and your pets relax and enjoy summer a little bit easier.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. What does your home’s appearance say about you? Check out these simple ideas to upgrade your home's look without breaking the bank!
A pergola roof protects you from pop-up storms, so you can extend your time outdoors. Learn how to install one on this week's podcast!
Also in this episode:
- Solution for Cracks in a Sloped Vaulted Ceiling
- Cleaning a Popcorn Ceiling
- Recipe for Removing Oxidation on Vinyl Siding
- Keeping a Metal Roof Clean
Best New Product
Whether you want to protect your lawn from pets digging or create a space for them to roam, Lifeproof Premium Pet Turf has you covered.
Simple Solutions
Leveling Wood Patio Furniture — Start by boring a 3/8-inch diameter hole into the bottom of each table or bench leg.
Then, use a hammer to tap a T-nut into each hole.
Thread a hex-head machine bolt into each T-nut.
The bolts lift the bench off the patio to prevent rot, and they are adjustable to ensure the bench is level.
Clean-Cut Bolts — Here’s how to shorten a machine bolt — threaded rod or carriage bolt — without messing up the threads.
First, thread two hex nuts onto the bolt, then make the cut using a hacksaw or jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade.
Then, spin off the nuts, one at a time, using a wrench if necessary.
When the nuts come off the end of the bolt, they’ll re-cut and straighten out any threads that were damaged by the saw, making it easy to thread the nut back on.
Question of the Week
Q. I just bought my first house and I’m about to install some engineered wood flooring.
According to the installation instructions, the last row of flooring must not be less than half the width of the planks. (The planks are five inches wide.) But the instructions don’t tell you how to determine the width of the last row.
Can you please tell me how to figure that out?
Listen to this week's podcast for the answer!
Other Products Mentioned
- Armor All Original Protectant
- Vinyl Renu Vinyl Siding Restorer
- Wet and Forget
A simple coat of paint isn’t enough to hide water stains. Do this so they’re gone for good!
Have you thought about updating the look of your home by painting the bricks? Be sure to follow this helpful tip before you choose your paint!
Have you ever tried to drill through ceramic tile and have had the drill bit "walk" all over the tile? Here is how to stop it.
Do your kids (or spouse) constantly leave the door open and let the A/C out? You might be just as guilty of running up the A/C bill. Keep all of your A/C in with this helpful tip.
Repointing is the process of renewing the pointing, or external mortar joints, in masonry construction. Learn more about it in this week's podcast!
Best New Product
LG's new convection oven with air fry capability saves on counter space and can cook for a crowd.
Simple Solutions
Epsom Salt in the Garden — Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which is rich in minerals that plants need.
By adding Epsom salt to your garden, the plants will absorb much more nutrients from the soil and fertilizer.
Here are three ways to grow healthy plants with Epsom salt:
1) Plants in the nightshade family — tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes — need magnesium to produce greater yields and more flavorful fruits and vegetables. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt around the base of your plants. Or, mix the salt with a gallon of water and water the plants with the mixture. Repeat every two weeks.
2) Is your lawn looking dull? Add three pounds of Epsom salt for every 1,250 square feet of grass and then water your lawn.
3) Want robust roses? Sprinkle Epsom salt at the time of planting and when the flowers are in bloom. The salt encourages the rose bushes to produce larger flowers with deeper colors.
Storing Garden Tools — Here’s an easy and effective way to store long-handled garden tools in a shed or garage:
- Drill a pilot hole in an overhead joist and twist in a screw hook.
- Then, drill a pilot hole in every end of the tool’s handle, and twist in a screw eye.
Now you can simply suspend the tools from the overhead hooks.
Question of the Week
"I live in north Georgia where the soil is comprised almost entirely of red clay, so it’s nearly impossible to grow flowers and vegetables in my gardens. I tried tilling the soil and using fertilizers, but nothing seems to grow, except weeds. Do you have any suggestions?"
Learn the answer in this week's podcast!
Other Products Mentioned
- Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer
When building an outdoor structure like a gazebo, arbor, or pergola, be sure to follow these 3 tips to ensure you build it the right way.
Does your yard irrigation system seem to not reach as far as it used to? Try this helpful tip to maximize your water output!
Gnats are a real problem this time of year. Are you doing everything you can to keep them away? Here are a few tips on how to conquer your gnat problem!
A wood deck is a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon, but that wood takes a beating from the weather, so from time to time it needs a little TLC. Rain, snow and the beating sun not only make a deck dirty, they can also break down the wood fibers. And changes in temperature make the wood continually expand and contract, leading to cracks. What it needs is a little protection, in the form of a deck sealer or stain/sealer combination. Before you apply it though, you’ll need to clean the wood with stiff scrub brush and some detergent. If you have access to a pressure washer that speeds the job up, but be careful not to gouge the wood. When the deck is dry you can apply the sealer with a roller or pump up garden sprayer and then work it into the gaps and cracks with a paint brush.
Your dishwasher deals with some yucky stuff day in and day out. So, it's a good idea to clean, deodorize and sanitize it occasionally. Here's how.
Want to display your patriotism, team pride, or personality? Fly a flag on the front of your home! But first, you’ll need to install a flag holder.
If you live in a house with wood siding, it’s pretty straightforward to do. But what about stucco homes? Listen to this week's podcast to learn how.
Also on this episode:
- Painting Over Wallpaper
- Advice on Venting a Hot Garage
- Removing a Bathroom Mirror
- Solar Panel Options
Best New Product
ReVent has created its first smart speaker fan — a bathroom exhaust fan with dual microphone technology and Bluetooth connection.
Simple Solutions
Framing Square Stop Block — A power miter saw is ideally suited for making accurate repetitive cuts to all the same exact length.
All you need to do is position a stop block at the desired distance from the saw blade and then clamp it to the saw’s fence. The only drawback is that miter saws have relatively short fences, so you can only make repetitive cuts that are 8 to 10 inches long.
Here’s how to use a framing square to extend the repetitive-cutting capacity of the saw.
Use two spring clamps or short bar clamps to secure the framing square to the saw’s fence.
Position the square with its narrow tongue facing down.
Extend the square out to the length of the desired cut and clamp it to the saw fence. With this technique, you can make repetitive cuts ranging from about 16 to 23 inches long.
Once the square is clamped in place, carefully slide the board up against the square’s tongue and make the cut. Repeat to make repetitive cuts of all the same exact length.
Rain Gutter Planters — Use a plastic rain gutter to make an attractive planter for deck and porch railings.
Cut them about 3 feet long, slipped on the mounting brackets and end caps, and drilled 1/4-inch holes in the bottom for drainage.
Then, fasten them directly to the railing with a couple of decking screws.
Line the bottom with landscaping fabric before adding soil and flowering plants.
Question of the Week
Last summer, we had one of the longest droughts on record, and our lawn got burnt to a crisp. What can we do to help our lawn survive this summer?
Listen to this week's podcast for the answer.
Other Products Mentioned
- Zinsser DIF Gel Wallpaper Stripper Spray
- Husky PVC Cable Saw
If your home has wooden steps on a porch or deck, you know it only takes a little rain for them to become slippery and dangerous. Regular cleaning helps, but try this trick for a more permanent solution.
If the weeds are taking over your lawn, it may be because the lawn isn't healthy enough to compete with them. Here are some ways to give it a fighting chance.
Changing weather conditions can punish a wood deck. To keep guests from getting splinters in their hands or tripping over loose nails this summer, do this.
Have you ever noticed the different colors of spray nozzles available for pressure washers? Knowing those colors will help you choose the right tip for the right job.
Homeowners have plenty of options to create their backyard paradise. A traditional concrete patio or wooden deck is simple and functional, or you can show off your style with something like a brick paver patio.
But styles and trends change as the years go by, and nothing lasts forever.
That's the concern for Vic, who lives in a 1970s home in Hickory, North Carolina.
He says, "I have an aging brick paver patio, roughly 9 feet by 20 feet — there are some loose bricks and separating brick posts. It appears pavers are laid on a solid concrete base that is raised and brick-faced."
Vic wants to expand the area's footprint for decking, but he's not keen on jackhammering all the current building materials and starting over again.
So, he wonders, "Can I, or should I, remove the pavers to the concrete base and use that to build a composite deck? The paver removal would allow for stepdown relief at the slider."
Listen to the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Also in this episode:
- Tips for Filling in Mortises on Interior Doors
- Covering Asbestos Above Basement DuctWork
- Pro Tips on Replacing Asphalt Shingles with Metal Roofing
Best New Product The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System revolutionizes how you store your tools and equipment, and the Ryobi Link Rolling Tool Box lets you take that storage technology on the go.
Simple Solutions Ice-Cream Cone Seed Starters—Starting plants from seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump start on summer planting.
But, instead of using small plastic pots, try making seed starters out of flat-bottom wafer ice cream cones.
Just fill the cones with potting soil, poke a hole in the soil with a pencil and drop in the seeds. Cover the seeds with soil and place the cones in an aluminum baking pan. Mist the soil in each cone with water and place them in a sunny window.
Once the seeds have sprouted and the weather is consistently warm enough, plant the seedling—ice-cream cone and all—right into your garden. The cones are biodegradable and will decompose into the garden soil within a week or so.
Watch: DIY Seed Starter Made of Ice Cream Cones
Add Accent Lighting to Kitchen—Here’s how to add subtle accent lighting in your kitchen, without having to call an electrician.
For a nice, warm glow, place two strands of LED battery-powered lights on top of the kitchen cabinets, one near the wall and one closer to the front edge of the cabinets.
And if you get the lights with a built-in six-hour timer, the lights will automatically turn on each afternoon and off each evening.
Watch: The Easy Way to Add LED Accent Lighting
Question of the Week Q: I’m installing a new mailbox and want to set the post in the hole and then pour concrete around it. How deep and wide should I dig the hole?
Also, I was planning to mix the concrete with water and then pour it into the hole. However, my neighbor said that I can just dump in the dry concrete mix and then add water.
Is that right? How does the concrete harden if it’s not mixed with water?
Skip to 32:35 for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Ryobi Link Modular Storage * Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
Squirrels can be entertaining and they always seem to be the first in line at the bird feeders. But these furry little entertainers are NOT that friendly when it comes to your home. Squirrels are often responsible for damaged wood around your house where they chew through to gain access into the attic. They even chew up lead roofing pipes just to sharpen their teeth. And if they ever DO get into your attic, they create nests, leave smelly messes and can even chew wiring and create a potential fire hazard. Professional pest control is your best option for removing the squirrels, but you can lessen their desire to get inside by creating a separate feeding area away from your home and stock it with two of their favorite snacks --- peanut butter and sunflower seeds. You’re happy...they’re happy...and you save your home from damage
When you spend the time and effort to make your house look good on the outside, you don’t want something like a dull, gray patio to take away from its beauty. Making concrete complement your home is easy. First, clean the concrete thoroughly. You can use specialized concrete cleaners or use a pressure washer to remove any trace of dirt, mold and mildew. Next, apply a coat of concrete stain. This stain can be a solid color or translucent. I personally like the translucent style so any features of the concrete can still show through. Once the stain is dry, add a little pizazz by applying a coat of high-gloss masonry sealer. Not only will it look great, but you get the added benefit of the stain and sealer protecting the concrete.
Because they sit idle all winter, lawn mowers are often neglected tools. But taking care of a few maintenance chores early in the year will ensure that your mower works well for you all summer. First, check the air filter. If it's the paper type replace it. The foam type can be washed with soap and water. When it dries condition it with a drop or two of motor oil. Speaking of oil... check it! If it's darker than the color of tea ... change it. It's probably a good idea to change the spark plug too, for more reliable starts. Next... sharpen the blade. You can do this with a hand file, a bench grinder, or even a belt sander. If the blade is too worn... replace it.
Many of the cleaners we use for our bathrooms use bleach and other harsh chemicals to disinfect and cut through soap scum but this chore doesn’t have to be an assault on your sinuses. You can make a great cleaner that will disinfect and deodorize by simply mixing a one-to-one solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Once clean and dry, coat the shower door with one of the many water repellant formulas available designed for car windshields. This treatment creates a barrier between the water and the glass so water droplets run off quickly. That means dirt and soap scum roll right off and water droplets never get a chance to calcify on the surface, so all you need to clean the glass is a soft cloth and water.
Even great paint won’t stay on a house long if the surface isn’t properly prepared before it’s applied. So, a little extra work up front will save lots of work later. Paint won’t stick well on a dirty surface, so the first order of business is cleaning. Tri Sodium Phosphate mixed with water makes a great cleaner for painted surfaces, but be sure you rinse it well with a garden hose or a pressure washer. Any paint that’s bubbled or cracked needs to go, so some sanding and scraping may be necessary. If you expose the bare wood you’ll want to apply a coat exterior primer over those areas so the topcoat will stick properly. Finally, apply some quality latex caulk to all the gaps or cracks and once it dries, you’re ready to paint.….
A dryer vent booster fan on a roof vent can save you money and time when doing laundry. Listen to this week's podcast to hear how.
Also on this episode:
Fixing a gap in concrete,
Removing wrinkles from carpet,
Brightening up a dark wood den,
Setting a fence post,
Best New Product
The Defiant Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled outdoor smart plug gives you the same wireless control you have with indoor smart devices.
Simple Solutions
Safe, Effective Way to Block Out Pests — Here’s an effective way to seal up holes around your home to ensure no pests crawl in.
First, stuff some stainless steel wool into the holes.
Then, spray in some expanding foam sealant. Instead of using regular expanding foam sealant, use pest-blocking foam that’s specially made to deter rodents and other critters. The foam contains capsaicin, which is the active compound that makes hot peppers spicy.
Now, if a pest manages to chew through the foam, it’ll hit the steel wool, which will act as an extra barrier.
Tip for Cleaning Shower Walls and Doors — Whether they are made of porcelain, acrylic, ceramic tile or glass, shower walls and doors are notoriously difficult to keep clean. But here’s how to effectively clean any shower:
Fill a soap-dispensing dish scrubber with half grease-cutting dish detergent and half white vinegar.
Then, simply scrub the surface to remove soap scum, caked-on dirt and water spots.
And, we recently heard from a listener that suggested using a glass-cooktop cleanser to clean glass shower doors.
Question of the Week
Q: I converted my two-car garage into a family room, and I want to install vinyl plank flooring over the concrete slab. The problem is that the slab is very wavy and uneven. What’s the best way to level the surface for the new vinyl flooring?
Listen to the podcast for the answer!
Other Products Mentioned
Sikaflex 10.1 oz. Crack Flex Concrete Sealant,
Knee kicker,
Fantech Dryer Booster Fan System,
DryerJack Vent Hood,
Custom Building Products Level Quick RS,
LevelQuik Advanced Acrylic Primer
Everyone knows you need sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The same principle applies to a wooden fence; but instead of burning, the wood will turn gray, warp, crack or cup. The solution begins with a thorough cleaning. Use a detergent made especially for fences or decks and a pressure washer to remove the dirt, algae and mold that are causing it to discolor. It’s important that you don’t allow the cleaner to dry on the wood. Rinse it off within 15 minutes and be careful not to use too much water pressure. Wood should be washed with pressure between 500 and 800 PSI to prevent damage. Once the fence is clean, you’ll want to stain or seal the wood to help protect it from the sun’s UV rays. An oil stain is the best choice to really penetrate and protect your fence for years to come.
Almost every home has special trim work outside. From brick moulding around doors and windows, boards that outline the eaves, or exterior crown moulding ….this trim has a way of adding definition and style to a home. But, because these are wood pieces on the outside, they’re constantly under the barrage of Mother Nature. Both weather conditions and insects can deteriorate trim before you know it. When it’s time to replace that trim, consider using cellular PVC instead of wood. Cellular PVC looks just like wood, comes in a smooth or a wood grain finish, and it will never rot, warp or be attacked by insects. It will cost about 20% more than a wood product, but you will NEVER have to replace it again.
The difficult things about painting a door when it’s vertical are the drips and runs that always happen. If you take the door down and paint it horizontally, you solve that problem but that means you have to wait for one side of the door to dry before you can paint the other. The solution is a simple one. Drive two 3-inch screws into the bottom of the door near each edge leaving about two inches exposed. Then drive one 3 inch screw into the top of the door at the centerleaving the same amount exposed. Rest the exposed part of these screws on a sawhorse at either end of the door. When you finish painting one side you can lift the door by the two screws on the bottom and pivot it on the single screw at the top to continue painting the other side.
We aren’t the only ones who get more active in warmer weather, so it’s no surprise when the ants go marching one-by-one across your kitchen countertop. You grab the ant spray, give them a blast or two and wind up throwing away food and cleaning up a toxic, smelly mess of insect spray. If that sounds familiar,there’s good news because there are safer methods that you'll love using to get rid of these pests. Mix up a little soapy water in a spray bottle and spritz it along their trail. To keep them out of your pet’s food, set their food dish in a pie-pan of soapy water. And instead of poison powders and toxic sprays, try chili powder to create an insect barrier. Inside or out, it's safe, inexpensive and non-toxic. This summer, wage a safe, non-toxic war on the ants with weapons that blast them and not you.
Everyone knows you need sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The same principle applies to a wooden fence; but instead of burning, the wood will turn gray, warp, crack or cup. The solution begins with a thorough cleaning. Use a detergent made especially for fences or decks and a pressure washer to remove the dirt, algae and mold that are causing it to discolor. It’s important that you don’t allow the cleaner to dry on the wood. Rinse it off within 15 minutes and be careful not to use too much water pressure. Wood should be washed with pressure between 500 and 800 PSI to prevent damage. Once the fence is clean, you’ll want to stain or seal the wood to help protect it from the sun’s UV rays. An oil stain is the best choice to really penetrate and protect your fence for years to come.
Every Spring the hood of my truck turns yellow for several weeks because the pollen in the air is so thick. That's no fun for folks with hay fever and allergies but it also makes a mess of porches, patios and decks. The problem is that the pollen is so fine that sweeping or dusting only stirs it up to land somewhere else. The only answer is to wash it away. First, move all the furniture, planters and accessories off the patio or deck surface and mix up some mild detergent in a bucket of water. Rinse the surface and then gently scrub the floors, shutters, columns and railings with a soft bristled brush.... I like the kind that will thread onto a broom handle. Then rinse it all again and repeat the process with the furniture.
Not all drywall is created equal. Different areas of your home require different types of drywall.
In this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we're talking with Matt Gallagher, the Product Manager of Gypsum Systems, and breaking down the best types of drywall for each area of your home.
Window screens seem to be a magnet for dust, dirt and cobwebs, but because they are also somewhat fragile, cleaning them can be a pain. The best way to do the job is to submerge them in soapy water. But how? Well, a child’s pool will work for smaller screens but for larger ones you can build your own pool. Nail four 2x4s together, each about 6 feet long, on a flat, level surface to create a square. Over the square you’ll drape a piece of plastic that overlaps each edge by about a foot. Add some water and detergent and you have a window screen bathtub. Let the screens soak for a while before you scrub them with a soft bristled brush or a broom. Follow that with a good rinse and your screens are ready to go.
Lawn plug aerators are a great tool to get your yard looking its best. But before you start giving your lawn some breathing room, make sure your sprinklers won’t get damaged. Listen to this week’s podcast to learn how.
Also on this episode:
Repairing a Drywall Nail Pop, Getting Rid of Squirrels in an Attic, Solving Low Water Pressure in a Bathroom
Best New Product
This DeWalt Compact Impact Driver makes working in cramped spaces easy!
Simple Solutions
Fast Fix for Stripped Screw Holes — Here’s a quick and clever way to fix a stripped screw hole using a cable tie (a.k.a.: zip-tie).
First, remove the screw from the stripped hole, then snip off the end of a cable tie, which is smooth. For this tip, you need to use the ridged part of the cable tie.
Press the snipped end of the cable tie into the hole until it bottoms out.
Then, cut the cable tie to length, matching the depth of the screw hole. Put the piece of cable tie into the stripped screw hole, then drive in the screw.
The ridges in the cable tie give the screw something to bite into, securely holding the screw in place.
Homemade furniture polish — Make an affordable, nontoxic furniture polish by mixing 1 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/8 cup of lemon juice.
Pour the solution into a plant mister and spray it onto wood surfaces. Rub in circles with a dry cotton cloth to remove dust, dirt and grime.
Then, use a second cloth to polish the surface in straight lines parallel with the direction of the wood grain.
Remove scratches by rubbing with walnut.
Question of the Week
I’m installing a new mailbox. How deep and wide should I dig the hole, and how do I mix the concrete for it? Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned
Moss Out! Moss Killer Lawn Granules, Scotts MossEx, Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix, Sika Fence Post Mix
Before you fire up the grill this summer, be sure it’s clean. Not just to impress your guests, but to keep it safe. Grease build-up in a grill leads to those nasty flare-ups that are dangerous and can ruin a good steak. On a gas grill, that means first cleaning the drip pan and the shields over the burners. For a charcoal model emptying the old ashes will usually do the trick. As it starts heating up, scrub the grates with a wire brush to remove the excess grease. If you don’t have a grill brush, use a crumpled up piece of aluminum foil. To cut the grease on the outside of a stainless steel grill, you’ll want to use a cleaner designed specifically for that surface. Now, get that grill clean and enjoy the warm weather.
Are you ready to take your Spring cleaning to a new level? We will tell you about a cleaning chore you have never tackled, but you probably should!
Are you planning to do some building to make your backyard better? Join us for some tips for backyard building!
Are your backyard parties being ruined by gnats? Join us for some tips on how to keep them away!
Crazy snow and ice storms, monster hurricanes, golf ball-sized hail, extreme heat and torrential downpours. Homeowners everywhere face unique climate challenges.
In this special Today’s Homeowner podcast, I'm talking with Renee Ramey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. We're setting the record straight on how metal roofs hold up in extreme weather.
We’ll answer these frequently asked questions:
- ‘Will a Metal Roof Easily Blow Away in High Winds?’
- ‘Won’t Hail Damage Metal Roofs More Easily Than Shingle Roofs?’
- ‘Does Snow Easily Slide Off a Metal Roof?’
- ‘Won’t a Metal Roof Make My Home Hot?’
The Metal Roofing Alliance is a nonprofit trade association that helps homeowners make educated roofing decisions and connects them with expert metal roofing professionals.
If you're ready to upgrade to a metal roof, or just want more questions answered when it comes to a metal roof, check out metalroofing.com.
Paint and varnish can go bad or dry up even in a tightly sealed can because there’s always some air trapped inside the can. So, a half full paint can... is also half full of air. And that air causes the paint to dry and form a skin on its surface.
Next time you seal a partial can try this: Carefully push a layer of plastic wrap down onto the surface of the paint and press the edges of the plastic wrap against the sides of the can.... making sure there’s no air trapped beneath the plastic. The plastic will keep the air in the can from contacting the paint and prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the paint. Next time you open the can... toss the plastic wrap and get painting.
Whether you call it kitchen soffit or furr down, here’s what you need to consider before removing it.
Also on this episode:
- Retiling a Bathroom Floor
- Resurfacing a Basement
- Killing Mold Under a House
Best New Product
The Hampton Smart Fan not only lets you control the breeze but lighting as well!
Simple Solutions
Keyhole slot tip — Many electrical products, such as power strips, wall-hung telephones, and modem-routers, have keyhole mounting slots on the back to attaching to a wall.
However, lining up the mounting screws with the slots is no easy feat. Try this trick next time:
Make a photocopy of the back of the device (at 100 percent) then simply hold the photocopy in place to mark screw-hole locations with an awl or nail set.
Partially drive in the screws at the marks and then slide on the device. Perfect fit, every time!
Leather Conditioning Tip — Heat leather shoe with a blow dryer, then hand rub on mink oil or leather conditioning cream.
The oil/cream liquefies the instant it hits the heated surface, which helps drive it deep into the leather grain.
Heat the shoe in sections: toe, left side, right side, rear, etc.
This tip can also be used to condition leather gloves, boots, hats, and belts.
Alternately, rather than using a blow dryer, heat the shoes on the dashboard of a car on hot, sunny summer day.
Question of the Week
Q: Should I re-face or paint the kitchen cabinets in my 1980s home?
Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products Mentioned
- Quikrete Bonding Adhesive
- Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer
Caulk not only improves the appearance of a paint job, it also seals out moisture and drafts.
But sometimes caulk joints fail because the crack they cover is too wide. If a gap is more than a quarter inch wide you'll want to first fill the void with a product called “backer rod.” This material is essentially a roll of foam rubber rope that's available in several diameters. You force the rod into the gap with a putty knife and push it down just below the surface. Then apply the caulk on top of the backer rod to completely seal the gap.
A rain barrel is a great tool to replace that water usage because it allows you to harvest rainfall to water the landscape.
Start with a sturdy 32 gallon plastic garbage can. Drill a hole near the bottom to install a spigot so you can attach a garden hose to it later. You’ll need rubber washers on the inside and outside to seal it. Next cut a hole in the top for water to enter from a downspout. A strainer basket installed here will keep out the unwanted leaves and twigs.
It’s also a good idea to use something like zip ties to seal the lid on so children can’t fall in. When the barrel is full…hook up the hose and you’re watering…free of charge.
One of the challenges for people who like to garden is finding space to store their tools. Particularly long handled tools like rakes, hoes and shovels.
Try this. Buy several threaded eye hooks and several “J “ hooks at the hardware store. Screw the eye hooks into the ends of the tool handles and screw the “J” hooks into the ceiling joists in your garage, basement or storage shed. Arrange the hooks so they are out of the way but accessible. And if you have lots of tools you can even hang up to three tools from each hook.
Toilets account for a quarter of the water used in the average home. Older toilets use up to five gallons of water per flush, three times that of newer models.
But, if you’ve priced the new water saving toilets you know you‘ll have to spend several hundred dollars to replace each toilet in your home.
The solution may be a simple conversion kit. It replaces the inner workings and handle of an existing toilet and converts it into a dual flush unit. These kits cost about thirty dollars each, so converting the whole house is more feasible and the whole process usually takes less than 15 minutes, and you can do it all yourself.
It was a common practice to use materials that contained asbestos in them in home construction prior to the mid-to-late 1970’s. There are very specific guidelines for asbestos removal, however, according to the EPA, it is also perfectly safe to encapsulate the asbestos.
For flooring, this means you can install directly over the old material as long as you don’t disturb it. Ceramic or porcelain tile, stone or a floating floor of any type would qualify. By encapsulating the asbestos without disturbing it, you have effectively removed any hazard.
You can also pour a floor leveling compound on top of the old material in case the floor has dips and divots. The key to safety is simply not to disturb it.
Johanna Carr from Maryland wants to add an attached garage to her home. A stacked stone-block retaining wall runs along the side of her house, and she’s wondering if she can build a new wall up against it. Listen to learn the solution!
Also on this episode:
- Organizing a Garage
- Painting Tile and Grout
- Repairing a Crack in a Driveway
- Venting a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Smoothing a Concrete Curb
Best New Product
Samsung's 4-Door Flex Zone Refrigerator lets you choose: More fridge or more freezer space?
Simple Solutions
Fertilizing Hard-to-Reach Plants — Fertilizing thick shrubs, bushes or other dense plants can be difficult because you can’t easily reach the base of the plant. Here’s how to simplify that chore.
- Take a length of 2-inch diameter PVC pipe and cut it to 5 feet long.
- Trim one end to 45 degrees, and square-cut the other end.
- Now, stand close to the plant and slide the square-cut end down to the base of the plant.
- Pour the fertilizer down the pipe through the 45-degree end; the angle-cut end creates a larger, easy-pour opening.
- The pipe can also be used to water thick, dense plants.
4 Flowerbox Tips — Here are four ways to keep plants in your flowerbox or window box healthy and happy.
- First, be sure to drill 3/8-inch diameter drainage holes in the box bottom so the soil doesn’t stay soggy. Space the holes about eight inches apart.
- To stop the soil from washing through the drainage holes, cover the box bottom with an inch of gravel. Or, if you’re concerned about the added weight of the gravel, line the bottom with empty 12-ounce water bottles instead.
- Plant a variety of flowering species of different colors. Put flowing vines in front, short plants in the middle and tall plants toward the rear to create an attractive tiered presentation.
- At the end of the season, remove the boxes, empty out the soil and store the boxes indoors until next spring.
Question of the Week
I want to put pavers on top of my existing concrete patio, but our patio is only 8-by-10 feet. Is it best to pour another concrete slab beside the existing patio, and then lay pavers across both the old and new concrete sections?
Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products Mentioned
- Quikrete Concrete Repair
- Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer
Replacing a faulty water heater is both expensive and aggravating, but you can extend the life of your water heater life by draining the tank and flushing away sediment at least once a year.
Here's all you do: For electric heaters, turn off the power at the breaker box… for gas units, turn the fuel control to the pilot setting.
Next, turn off the cold-water inlet valve and attach a garden hose to the outlet valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose outside on a downhill slant, then, open the valve to start the draining process. To get the water flowing out of the hose properly, you also have to flip open the pressure release valve near the top of the tank to break the vacuum inside…
Once the hot water drains, open the cold-water valve to rinse out the tank and then reverse the process to restore normal operation.
Solar water heating systems are a great way to reduce energy use and save money on utility bills.
These systems allow you to take advantage of the sun’s natural heat and transfer it to the water in your home.
Solar water heating systems won’t provide all the hot water you need, unless you live in an extreme southern climate, but for most folks, they can take care of about fifty to eighty percent of your needs.
When you realize that water heating is the number 2 energy user in your home, solar heating makes a big difference. And even though these systems use some energy, the cost to operate them is only about 10 percent of a conventional system.
Whether it’s a burst pipe or a roof leak, you wind up with an ugly water stain on the wall or ceiling. While there are some good stain-blocking paints on the market, they don’t always work as well as you think. As the coat of paint dries, the water stain begins to bleed through again.
The solution is to encapsulate the stain with an impenetrable barrier. My weapon of choice is a white shellac-based primer. The aggressive nature of the pigmented shellac locks the water stain in without ever having to worry about it bleeding through.
Just make sure the source of the water stain has been resolved and the stain is completely dry before applying the shellac primer.
Once the primer is dry, apply your choice of topcoat and the stain is forgotten history.
Kids love to help with home improvement projects, but it’s often a challenge finding something that will catch their attention and suit their skills. So try this one on for size.
Make your own customized stepping stones for a pathway or garden decoration. First you’ll need a form, and the top 2 or 3 inches of an old five gallon bucket works great. Once you cut it smoothly away from the rest of the bucket you’re ready to mix up some ordinary bagged concrete. When it’s thoroughly mixed pour it into the form scraping off the excess flush with the top of the form. As the concrete sets up the kids can decorate it with hand prints, polished stones or do some custom engraving with a stick.
When it’s dry you have a stepping stone and a family keepsake.
Lots of homeowners dream of using that extra space in the basement for a game room, a home theater or entertaining space… but it’s important to correct any moisture issues first.
In other words, stop the leaks before you make improvements.
You can tell if moisture is coming into the basement by taping a piece of clear plastic to the wall or floor and watching for a few days. The amount of fog or condensation will tell you what’s getting in.
Even if there isn’t a big problem it’s a good idea to seal those masonry walls and floor with a waterproofing material. Many formulas do several jobs at once, so you can buy one product to serve as waterproofing, primer coat and topcoat. Some even include additives to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on their surfaces.
If replacing an ugly bathtub isn’t in your budget, try painting it with a do-it-yourself refinishing kit. The prep work might be grueling, but the payoff is worth it! Listen to this week's podcast for more details.
Also on this episode:
- Fixing Front Porch Cracks
- Changing Brick Color
- Painting Dark Wood Paneling
- What to Ask When Contracting a House Painter
Best New Product
Gorilla Ladders 18-foot MPXA Aluminum Multi-Position Ladder is four in one!
Simple Solutions
Easy Organizer for Garden Tools — Most people store their lawn and garden tools in the garage by simply standing them up and leaning them in the corner. There’s nothing particularly wrong with this except that it’s a little messy and makes it hard to get a tool out. You have to go through a bunch of tools, and sometimes, they fall over.
Here’s a super simple solution to that problem that only requires three concrete blocks. All you need to do is stack up the blocks wherever you want to store your tools. What you end up with is two deep compartments for storing long-handled tools.
The blocks are heavy enough that you don’t have to worry about them falling over, no matter how many tools you put in there.
If you don’t have enough headroom, you can use two blocks so you can lift the tools out. This will give you a neat place where your tools are out of the way and easily accessible, and you don’t have to worry about them falling over.
Garden Coffee Break — Use leftover tea leaves and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias and even blueberries.
A light sprinkling of about one-quarter of an inch applied once a month will keep the pH of the soil on the slightly acidic side.
Question of the Week
Q: The wood vertical 4x4 posts on my deck are starting to rot at the bottom where they go down into the concrete. Is there a way to repair the posts or must I replace them entirely?
Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer
- Romabio Paints
- Rust-Oleum Tile and Tub Refinishing Kit
When the screws that hold a door hinge in place get loose, you notice it pretty quickly. The door rattles and doesn’t close the way it should….so you break out a screwdriver and fix the problem…you think. But because these screws are holding the weight of the door they’re under a lot of tension, and it’s not uncommon for them to wallow out the wood they’re driven into until they won’t stay tight.
Try this! Remove the screw completely and squirt a little wood glue into the hole. Then insert a wooden toothpick or two. When they hit the bottom you can snap them off flush.
Now, when you re-insert the screw, it will have something to bite into as you drive it in place….and you’ll have one less chore on your to-do list.
When the screws that hold a door hinge in place get loose, you notice it pretty quickly. The door rattles and doesn’t close the way it should….so you break out a screwdriver and fix the problem…you think. But because these screws are holding the weight of the door they’re under a lot of tension, and it’s not uncommon for them to wallow out the wood they’re driven into until they won’t stay tight.
Try this! Remove the screw completely and squirt a little wood glue into the hole. Then insert a wooden toothpick or two. When they hit the bottom you can snap them off flush.
Now, when you re-insert the screw, it will have something to bite into as you drive it in place….and you’ll have one less chore on your to-do list.
Kitchen remodeling is still one of the most popular home improvement projects, and it’s also one of the most expensive. You may not be able to afford to start from scratch, but there are several low-cost changes you can make to breathe new life into your kitchen without breaking the bank.
If you’re willing to provide the elbow grease, a fresh coat of paint makes a world of difference. For a little jazz, paint the top cabinets a different, but complimentary color to the bottom.
New door and drawer hardware creates a noticeable accent and the variety of knobs and pulls available can fit almost any budget.
Don’t forget about the inside of the cabinets. Roll-out trays, organizers and even new shelf liners can make a huge impact.
Removing unwanted and unpleasant odors in your house doesn’t mean you have to spray harsh chemicals everywhere …you just have to go to the source.
If you have carpet AND pets, chances are you’ve got some unwanted odors under foot. Here’s a simple solution. Sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet and then lightly mist it with water. Then scrub the carpet vigorously with a stiff scrub brush to work the baking soda down into the fibers. Once it’s dry, vacuum it well and the odors are gone.
You can also attack smells throughout the house by adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the air filter for your heating and cooling system. All the air in the house will be treated several times an hour.
Do you ever get frustrated removing those stickers from new tools or appliances?
Take an electric heat gun, set it to “low,” and use it to warm up the sticker. Within just a few seconds, the heat will soften the adhesive and you’ll be able to peel off the sticker. (If you don’t own a heat gun, try using a blow dryer.)
For stickers larger than, say a legal-size envelope, it’s best to direct the heat at one corner of the sticker, and then peel it away just a bit, being careful not to tear the sticker. Then, aim the heat gun behind the peeled-up corner, wait a few seconds, then gently tug on the sticker using pliers, if necessary, to protect your hands from the hot air.
Continue to simultaneously apply heat and pull on the sticker until it peels off in one piece. If there’s any sticky residue left behind, remove it with a white cloth dampened with mineral spirits or acetone.
Now this technique works great on all metal and wood surfaces, and even some hard plastics. But be careful because the intense heat can melt plastic and blister wood finishes. For items like plastic that may be melted by the use of extreme heat, use a solvent like mineral spirits instead.
Gasoline is one of the most flammable – and dangerous - liquids around. Its vapors are completely invisible, very heavy, and can travel from room to room without anyone knowing. That's why you should never store gasoline in your basement or inside your home.
Always keep gasoline cool, completely sealed in an approved safety container and out of reach of children.
A garage will work, but a lockable, outside storage building is even better.
Approved containers should already be labeled “Gasoline,” but if you also store a Gasoline-Oil mixture, which some lawn and garden tools require, you should note that on the can with a permanent marker.
Small window air conditioner units overall are more efficient than they were a decade ago, but you want to take these things into account before you buy one. Listen to this week’s podcast to learn what to look for.
Also on this episode:
- Repairing Cracks in Stucco
- Recreating This Accent Wall
- Replacing a Whole House Generator
- Advice on Range Hood Exhaust
Best New Product
Complete your smart home and take control of your water quality with this water softener.
Simple Solutions
Quick and Easy Grout Cleaner — There are plenty of specialty products on the market that are specifically made for cleaning dirty, grungy tile grout. But you might just have something in your home right now that works just as well: toilet bowl cleaner.
That’s right — the same squeeze bottle of cleanser used to clean toilets does an excellent job of cleaning tile grout. Just squirt a bead of liquid toilet bowl cleaner along the grout joint, wait a few minutes and then wipe off with a scouring sponge.
Wall Protector — When prying off baseboard molding, it’s often necessary to pry against the wall. However, if you’re not careful, it’s very easy for the pry bar will dent or bust through the drywall.
Prevent this by placing a 1-by-4, 1-by-6 or even a 2-by-4 between the pry bar and wall. And be sure to cut the board about 24 inches long so it spans two studs.
The board will not only protect the wall, but it’ll also act as a fulcrum, making it easier to pry off the molding.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Quikrete Stucco Repair Sealant
When you sit down on a toilet, the last thing you want is to rock from side-to-side.
In many cases, a simple plastic wedge placed under the toilet, followed by a bead of caulk around the base where the toilet meets the floor will solve the problem.
Sometimes, it’s just a loose toilet bolt that needs to be tightened.
But, if the bolt is spinning in place, try this: Remove the nut and washer on the bolt and carefully inject either an epoxy glue or a construction adhesive onto the base of the bolt. Don’t get any adhesive on the threads of the bolt. Allow this adhesive to dry overnight, then replace the washer and nut and tighten it up to eliminate the rocking.
While a home’s crawl space can be home to a vast amount of spiders, bugs and other kinds of undesirable guests, it can also be an unwelcome source of moisture.
As ground moisture migrates upward, it can become trapped underneath the house leading to possible structural damage. I’ve even seen it begin to buckle hardwood floors inside.
Putting a simple barrier of plastic on the ground is the best prevention measure you can take. Use a thicker plastic sheet with a thickness of 6-mils and cut it into manageable pieces. Get a helper and be prepared for about an hour’s worth of crawling. But, once the plastic is in place and covering the entire crawlspace, moisture worries will be at a minimum.
Water is one of the single biggest enemies to a home - especially water produced from rain or melting snow.
Poor drainage around a home will cause soil to erode or swell around the foundation. Either situation can cause problems and create cracks over windows and doors. Plus an excess of moisture around and beneath a house will also threaten siding and framing members under the house, causing them to rot and deteriorate.
You can prevent this by installing roof gutters and downspouts and keeping them clean. Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation or into drainage pipes carrying water away from the house, and any soil or concrete surrounding the home should always slope away from the foundation to minimize damage.
The time to start feeding the grass is early in the spring so that it will be really healthy by the time it gets really hot.
First, consider using an organic fertilizer to boost growth rather than a chemical mix. These products reduce the possibility of “burning” the grass and they don't have to be watered after application.
Regardless of the product you use, you can end up with “stripes” across the lawn if you don't make careful passes with the fertilizer applicator.
Try laying out markers at each end of the yard which are spaced at about the width of your spreader. This will help you keep track of what you've covered so you can be sure each pass overlaps the previous one by a little bit.
Finding the right way to border flower beds to keep the lawn from encroaching on them is a common problem.
The challenge is finding something flexible, effective and easy to work with... that doesn't cost a fortune.
Try recycling leftover paver blocks. If you don't have any around the house you can usually buy them secondhand in the classifieds for a few cents on the dollar.
You simply dig a shallow trench around the bed... about half the depth of the paver... and set the blocks on edge in it. Then pack the dirt back in on either side to hold the paver in position.
You can make straight lines or curves and depending on the variety of the pavers you can create some interesting patterns too.
John Oozoonian is installing some outdoor flooring for a friend. He wants to know the best way to lay down porcelain tile on a concrete porch and walkway. Listen to learn how.
Also on this episode:
- Danny’s Soil Mixture Recommendation for Raised Beds
- Cleaning a Long Dryer Vent
- Daich’s Tracsafe Anti-Slip Color Coat
- Installing Cable Deck Railing on a Pond Deck
- Chelsea’s Review of Her Favorite Paint Sprayer
Best New Product
This portable flooring saw will save you back-and-forth trips to the wood saw table.
Simple Solutions
Trimming Hard-to-Reach Branches — A pair of loppers is the perfect tool to trim tree branches, especially branches you can easily reach. But what happens when you want to trim a branch that’s 10 or 12 feet in the air? You can’t easily reach it with the loppers, but you can extend the handles with a PVC pipe.
Go out and buy a 10-foot-long PVC pipe and cut it in half. Then simply take the handles of the lopper and slip them inside the pipe. I used a 1¼-inch diameter pipe and it fits perfectly. Now, with five feet of extra reach, you can easily trim high branches without using a ladder.
Clean and Disinfect Cutting Boards — Cut a lemon in half crosswise, then sprinkle coarse salt onto the cutting board. Use the cut side of the lemon to scrub the salt into the cutting board. Scrub for 2 – 3 minutes, adding more salt, if necessary. Wipe the board clean and let it dry overnight.
If it’s a wooden cutting board, treat it with food-grade mineral oil (not vegetable oil) or cutting-board oil made specifically for wood.
Question of the Week
After applying the grout on my kitchen tile, it turned out to be a different color than what was on the bag. Can I stain or paint it to get the color I want?
Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control
- RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
- VersaBond White Fortified Thinset Mortar
- Deflecto Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
- Feeney CableRail System
- TracSafe Anti-Slip Color Coat by Daich Coatings
- Aqua Mix Grout Colorant
- Aqua Mix Sulfamic Acid Crystals
- Polyblend Grout Renew
Spring is a great time for outdoor projects, but often the process of building a pergola or pathway causes damage to the lawn the project is intended to help you enjoy.
All the traffic from feet and wheelbarrows beats the grass down and piles of dirt from post holes smother it. So plan to protect it.
Before you dig holes for posts or planting... lay out a tarp to pile the dirt on. It makes backfilling easier and won't leave a muddy mess on the lawn.
Before you begin moving pavers or gravel across the lawn with the wheelbarrow... lay down several sheets of thin plywood to create a path that will protect the grass for the duration of the project. If that takes days, move the plywood each night to let the grass breathe.
Since your mower’s been sitting idle for the last few months, it will need a little attention before you fire it up this Spring.
First, remove the spark plug wire before you check the blade for sharpness and balance. If the blade is dull, remove and sharpen it. A dull blade will simply tear the grass instead of making a clean cut, and THAT can lead to lawn disease.
Clean the mower housing inside and out and lubricate all moving parts, including the wheels.
Then, make sure to install a new spark plug and fill the tank with fresh gasoline. Gas that has been sitting in a container a few months will potentially gum up the motor.
Finally, remember to think safety when you start the mower up and take on the lawn this year.
Choosing the right type of paint can be just as important as picking a color.
One problem every home encounters is exposure to sunlight. UV rays will cause paint to fade, chalk and lose its original tint. Latex paint tends to resist these effects better than oil-based paints.
Another enemy of outside wood is moisture. Wood exposed to wet conditions will expand and contract causing some paints to crack and flake. A breathable latex paint allows moisture to vaporize and escape before it can damage the wood fibers.
Temperature change is another factor to consider because drastic changes will cause wooden surfaces and siding to expand and contract. Here again, acrylic latex is an ideal choice because it is slightly elastic, so it can deal with the stress of seasonal climate change without blistering or cracking.
#DIY #HomeImprovement #Painting #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Homeowner
The old adage “you get what you pay for'' is never truer than when shopping for faucets.
No matter what style you’re looking for, I advise homeowners to always choose faucets with valve bodies made of brass rather than plastic. Making that choice will increase the overall durability of the faucet and it never hurts to buy a recognized brand name with an extensive warranty.
I also suggest buying washerless faucets, which have one piece cartridges…. that eliminates the most likely cause of leaks and reduces maintenance chores down the road.
The previous owners of Rhonda Marko’s stucco home in Naples, Fla., loved climbing jasmine growing around the front door. Rhonda, however, isn’t a big fan of the venturing vines.
She’s carefully removed the vines, but some small pieces are left behind. Now, she’s wondering how to eliminate them once and for all. Listen to learn how to get rid of them.
Also on this episode:
- A caller’s tip for fending off squirrels
- Ridding a yard of rodents
- What to do about cracked caulk
Best New Product
Stylishly store your essentials in plain sight with this easy-to-install hook and rail rack
Simple Solutions
DIY Soil Test — Each year, it’s important to test the pH value of the soil in your garden and lawn to make sure it’s not too acidic or too alkaline. You can buy a soil test kit or make your own with baking soda, white vinegar and water.
Start by adding a little soil to a clean container, then pour in a half-cup of vinegar. If it starts to fizz and bubble, then the soil is alkaline and you must add sulfur. If there’s no reaction, take a second clean container, add some soil, pour in half a cup of water and mix well.
Then, add half a cup of baking soda. If it starts to fizz, then the soil is acidic and you must amend it with pulverized lime. If there’s no reaction after conducting both tests, then the soil has a neutral pH and there’s no need to add any amendments.
Question of the Week
Q: How can I create a balanced tile pattern around my kitchen peninsula?
Listen to this week’s podcast for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Daich Coatings
- Titebond DuraMaster
Here’s A Better Way to Roll Up a Rug
People usually roll a rug from end to end, causing it to bend and crack in the middle. Not only does this make the rug awkward to carry, it could also damage the back of the rug.
A better technique is to roll the rug diagonally, from corner to corner. The weight is distributed more in the middle, making it less likely to bend and easier to carry.
Next time you’re trying to un-dimple carpet, try this.
Take a damp rag and place over the dimple, then use a steam iron on its “Cotton” setting and lightly press it over the spot, making sure to inject plenty of steam. It may take two or three passes, but the steam will help revive the compressed carpet fibers. You can also go to the opposite end of the spectrum and rub a piece of ice on the spot then use a metal spoon to re-fluff the fibers.
Afterwards, run the vacuum cleaner over the area for a fresh new look.
Here’s how to make a simple, effective dusting wand from a wire coat hanger and cotton sock.
Hold the hanger by the hook and with your other hand grab the center of the long horizontal wire at the bottom of the hanger. Pull the wire to elongate the hanger, until it somewhat resembles a diamond shape.
Then Stretch a cotton sock over the elongated hanger, spray both sides of the sock with dusting spray, and now you’ve got the perfect tool for dusting along crown molding and ceiling-fan blades, under furniture and other tight spaces.
And when the sock gets dirty, just pull it off, toss it in the laundry and grab another clean sock.
Need a door that doesn’t take up a lot of space?
A bi-fold door consists of two panels that are connected with leaf hinges. Because of this fact they take up half the space when they’re opened and they’re relatively easy to install.
Top mounting hardware fits into a guide track screwed to the head jamb and the hardware at the bottom fits into a small pivot bracket screwed to the floor. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you how to properly locate this guide track and pivot bracket…..
Then it’s simply a matter of installing the guiding roller and the top and bottom pivot studs on the doors, using the predrilled holes.
The top guide and pivot stud will go in place first so you can swing the bottom of the door into position and drop the bottom pivot stud into the pivot bracket, completing the installation.
How to repair damaged, nonstructural wood molding or trim on your home by filling the damaged area with automotive body filler, or Bondo as it's known.
Eventually, every home will have some damaged wood. Perhaps it’s a porch column with a little water damage, or a door jamb that had an ill-timed meeting with a piece of furniture being moved.
For minor damage that isn’t a structural issue, one of the best repair solutions is to fill the gap with automobile body filler. While normally used to repair dents and dings in a car, it makes a great filler for any wood surface that is painted.
The two-part epoxy bonds quickly to the damaged wood surface…it hardens within minutes…and once cured, it can be sanded smooth, primed and painted.
Automobile body filler should only be used for cosmetic repairs, but the beauty of the product is that the damage that was once an eyesore is now completely invisible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPp8W2-Bt_w
Eliminating Ants Inside Your Home. As warmer weather approaches, you may see signs of ants invading your home searching for some sweet treats. Often it seems like no matter how many times you spray insecticide, the ants are back within days.
It’s no real secret that ants are attracted to sugar. Here’s a secret ingredient to add to some sugar that will eliminate those pesky invaders.
Go to your local store and in the laundry aisle, pick up a box of borax. Mix one part borax to three parts powdered sugar and leave in shallow pans where you see ant trails. Resist the urge to kill them, because the ants will swarm to the bait, unable to distinguish the sugar from the borax. They’ll take the bait back to their colony to share and soon, those ants will be no more!
The squirrels around Cathy Rieger’s Thomasville, Ga., home are relentlessly chewing on her Hardie Board siding. They’ve already gnawed down to the porous part of the siding, and now she’s looking for a solution to keep the tree rats from wreaking further destruction.
We break down her options for keeping these pesky critters away.
Also on this episode
- Installing a Curbless Shower
- Fixing a Jammed Jalousie Window
- Cooling Solutions for a Mobile Home
Best New Product
Lifeproof with Petproof Technology Barx I carpet is tough on pet stains, soft on bare feet.
Simple Solutions
Reciprocating Saw Tree Trimming — Next time you need to trim a tree branch, try using a reciprocating saw fitted with a pruning blade. The aggressive-cutting blade is about 9 in. long and has only five teeth per inch to quickly slice through branches.
In The Aisles of Home Depot
The Home Depot is hiring 100,000 part-time and full-time store associates this spring. They're also hiring for positions, including drivers, at select distribution center locations to replenish store inventory, help pick and ship orders.
All experience levels are welcome and flexible schedules are available.
The Home Depot offers a wide range of health and personal benefits, including tuition reimbursement, company performance-based cash bonus program, discounts on cell phones, paid parental leave, 401(k) savings plan with company match and discount company stock purchase program.
The company's new accelerated hiring process means applicants could get an offer within one day of applying for a job. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply online at www.careers.homedepot.com.
Other Products Mentioned
- Squirrel Stopper Animal Repellent
- Squirrel Mace
- Alino Shower Kits
- Custom Building Products RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
Spring is here, and with warmer weather comes a different set of home chores you need to take on to keep your home in tip-top shape.
10 Spring Home Must-Do List
- Service Your HVAC System
- Clear Away Leaves from A/C
- Clean Gutters and Roof
- Clear Debris From Roof
- Clean and Repair Window Screens
- Clean Dryer Exhaust Pipe
- Lubricate Hinges
- Sharpen Garden Tools
- Prepare Garden Beds
- Reverse Ceiling Fans
Listen for more chores that go the extra mile!
Keeping up with the latest styles in your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg…sometimes it just requires some elbow grease.
Lately, the new style in ceiling fans and light fixtures is a flat bronze or black color instead of the polished brass we saw several years ago. If your fan or light fixture is working fine, why replace it when you can simply paint it.
Take it down and remove the glass or wood components first before you rough up the polished surfaces with some fine steel wool. You’ll also want to cover any electrical parts with masking tape before painting it. Then a couple of good coats of a quality spray paint should do the trick to transform the old to the new.
One of your best Homeowner investment dollars is spent on upgrading your insulation, but make sure you’re using the right kind.
Insulation in rolls, called batts, comes in two varieties: Faced and Unfaced. What this means is it either does or does not have a kraft paper on one side.
Faced insulation - the type WITH paper - is typically used in first-time applications, such as in walls, ceilings, floors and in crawl spaces. Any time you use a faced insulation, the paper needs to be facing TOWARD the living space, so in an attic the paper faces downward and in a crawl space, it faces upward.
Unfaced insulation – the type WITHOUT paper – is what you would use if you are adding insulation to your attic or to place between floors when living space is above and below. Unfaced is also your best choice for adding soundproofing to interior walls.
As the weather warms up we all want to open up the windows and let in the fresh air.
Opening your windows makes a house feel great and smell better, but you can make your home safer for your children by keeping furniture, including cribs and dressers, or anything else children can climb on, away from windows.
Window screens are designed to keep insects out, not keep children in. They can’t support the weight of a child.
If you have Double Hung windows, open them from the top - not the bottom - to maximize air flow and minimize a child’s access.
Many window companies also offer ventilation locks that allow the window to be partially opened from the bottom for fresh air, while remaining securely locked to prevent accidents.
It’s also important that your windows are not painted or nailed shut. You have to be able to open them to escape in case of an emergency.
How To Clean Your Washing Machine:
Front-loading washing machines have watertight, airtight doors that seal with a rubber gasket. That rubber seal traps moisture in the machine and also provides the perfect nooks and crannies for mold and mildew to grow.
Clean Gasket:
Use an old towel to wipe around and underneath the door gaskets and the inside of the door on front-loading washers. Ideally, you should do this after every cycle, but at the very least it needs a periodic wipe down to remove any water or mildew trapped in the folds.
Clean Dispensers:
Remove the detergent dispensers and give them a good scrubbing. If they don’t come out, clean them as best you can, using a bottle or pipe cleaner to reach back into the crevices.
Air It Out:
If possible, leave the door of the front-load washer cracked open to allow it to dry thoroughly between cycles.
Use Bleach:
About once every three months run an empty wash cycle with one cup of bleach on the longest, hottest water setting (or a tub-cleaning cycle, if you have it).
A good tube of caulk is not cheap — so how do you keep it fresh once you cut the tip off? All you need is a modified plastic tube.
Just take some tubing that’s 5/8-inch diameter by half-inch inside-diameter. Then use a pair of snips to cut a section of tubing that’s 4 or 5 inches long.
Next, heat one end of the plastic tube with an electric heat gun. You’ll need to heat it until it’s nice and soft — almost melted.
Then set the heated tube in a vise and clamp it pretty tightly to melt that end together. You should wait approximately 20 or 30 seconds before you take it out of the vise.
Before using your makeshift caulk cap, test it by blowing into the open end. You’ll want to make sure it has an airtight seal.
So, now all you need to do is get the open tube of the caulk, slip on the modified plastic tube and press it on. It only has to go on maybe a half-inch or so.
And now, next time you need to use this tube of caulk, just pop it off and get to work!
Bay windows vs. bow windows: A lot of folks wonder about the difference, and which is right for their home.
That’s the case for Erica from Huntington, Calif. She’s wanting to remodel a large flat picture window in her living room to either a bay window or a bow window. Erica asks, “Do you know any reason why we should choose one over the other?”
In this week’s Podcast Question of the Week, we’ll break down the differences.
Also on this episode:
- Removing a Stone Fireplace Mantel
- Thoughts on Porcelain Flooring Planks
- Attaching Exterior Front Door Trim
- Ridding a Pool Deck of Mold and Mildew
- Repair or Replace Aluminum Windows
- Getting Rid of Roof Moss
Best New Product
The Kohler Sous faucet brings the convenience and performance of a professional faucet to your home kitchen.
Simple Solutions
Fast Fix for Sagging Gutter — If you notice that a section of rain gutter is sagging, chances are the spike that holds the gutter in place has pulled free from the fascia board. The solution is to use pliers to pull out the spike, and then replace it with a long structural screw. And, if possible, always drive the screw through the fascia and into the end of a rafter tail.
Paint Color Reminder — This home-decorating tip was submitted by a listener, Betty Dodson. Whenever you paint a room, save two or three extra paint chips of that color, and put them in your wallet, purse or car’s glove compartment. Then, when shopping for new curtains, towels, rugs, or other room accessories, you can pull out the paint chips to help you select accessories that best complement the room paint.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
- Envirosafe Algae Mildew Cleaner
- Quikrete Concrete and Masonry Waterproofing Sealer
- MOSS OUT! for Roofs and Walks
- Wet and Forget Xtreme Reach
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, so saving money there makes a real difference. On-Demand hot water systems will start saving money right away, since you only heat water AS YOU NEED IT, in some cases, up to 40% savings each month.
These compact units are mounted on the wall, taking up only a fraction of space as the large tank models.
Tankless heaters deliver a continuous supply of water at a consistent temperature, so you never have to worry about it running out.
Many tankless gas water heaters have also earned the Energy Star seal of approval, making them an environmentally friendly choice for an appliance.
And one final benefit of the tankless water heater is that they have a life expectancy of 20 years, about twice as long as traditional tank models.
Creating a new tile tub surround is not as difficult as you might think, but there are some important points to consider.
Instead of hanging tile on the old existing drywall, you should replace it with cement backer board of equal thickness.
Then all the seams between the pieces of backer board and the existing drywall should be taped with fiberglass mesh tape and coated with thinset adhesive to prevent cracking.
Once that’s dry, the seams should again be coated with a waterproofing compound to keep moisture out of the walls.
When you start setting the tiles, remember to work from a level line …don’t just trust that the tub ledge is level.
Your wall tiles should also overlap the seam between backer board and drywall slightly so no one sees the transition.
Here's How To Make Sure Cuts Are Nice And Clean.
Any time you use a miter saw to cut wood, there is a chance the backside will splinter. The problem is worse if the blade is dull and that means lots of extra sanding to get a smooth finish.
To avoid this try using painters tape.
Stick a piece of painters tape on the backside of the board directly under the area that you’ll be making the cut. The tape will hold the wood fibers in place as the blade enters the board, so when you remove it, you’ll have a nice clean splinter free cut.
The Quick and Easy answer for a wobbly table leg is a shim.
A shim is a little wedge of wood, metal, or plastic that can be used to fill in different sized gaps because of its tapered shape. Even though they’re thin they must be able to carry some weight without breaking.
For minor, lightweight adjustments wood shims will work but the plastic or composite ones because won’t split and they can carry plenty of weight.
Try this trick: Slide the shim under the short leg until the wobble is gone and mark the top of the shim around the edge of the leg. If you cut out that profile from the shim before you attach it to the bottom of the leg, it won’t be visible when the furniture is back upright.
Laminate flooring is a cost-friendly way to update the look of your floors, but when installing it, you have to take into account the space it needs against baseboards.
This type of flooring floats on top of the floor’s surface, so over time, it will expand and contract with changes in temperatures. Before installing it, you need to leave a quarter-inch gap between the floorboards and the wall.
Normally in a remodeling situation, you don’t have the opportunity to put laminating flooring down before installing baseboards because you’re just removing the floor and utilizing the same baseboards.
You don’t have to remove baseboards to install laminate flooring. All you need to do is...
For more information, listen to this segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast. (Skip to 21:22)
Also on this episode:
- Best Base for a Plastic Shed
- Get Granite Countertops with the Sticker Shock
- A Caller's Trick for Painting Doors
Steps for removing a Textured Popcorn Ceiling:
If the texture was applied before 1970, have it tested for asbestos first. If the texture doesn’t contain asbestos, you can proceed with removal.
- Cover all the walls and floor with plastic sheeting.
- Mix hot water with a little fabric softener in a pump up sprayer.
- Wet down a section of the ceiling with the sprayer.
- Allow the solution to soak in and loosen the texture.
- Use a drywall knife or a special scraper that collects the texture in a plastic bag, such as the Homax Ceiling Texture Scraper (available at The Home Depot), to scrape the texture off the ceiling.
- After the ceiling has dried, repair any damaged or uneven areas with drywall joint compound.
- Allow the joint compound to dry, then sand the ceiling smooth.
- Prime and paint the ceiling using latex paint.
Painting is one of the most popular DIY projects for homeowners, and while it seems simple enough, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Clean interior surfaces with a damp cloth, and use a mild detergent to remove any grease or stains. To kill mildew, use a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. A pressure washer works great for cleaning the outside of your house.
Allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly before painting.
The screen on a faucet aerator traps all kinds of debris, from rust particles to calcium deposits, gradually cutting down the flow of water to a dribble. Fortunately, the solution is an easy one.
First, unscrew the aerator. If you can’t loosen it by hand… wrap it with masking tape to protect the surface and use a pair of pliers to get a solid grip.
Once it’s off, soak it in white vinegar for an hour or two to dissolve the gunk…give it a good rinse … and screw it back in place.
Do your stained wood cabinets look dated?
Stained wood cabinets were really popular in the 80’s and 90’s, but today people prefer more matte finishes so updating those old cabinets is as easy as taking the shine away.
Start by removing the doors, drawers and all of the hardware. Then, wipe down the finish of the wood with liquid sandpaper to degloss it and remove all the dirt and grease. Once the surface is dry, apply a coat of spray-on polyurethane in a matte or satin finish to give the cabinets a more modern look. While you're at it you can change the hardware to an antique bronze or a satin black to complete the look.
Finding the perfect stopping point isn't easy. Too far and you can't get around the car. Not far enough and you can't close the garage door.
Here's a trick to try.
With the car parked perfectly, attach two eye hooks to the ceiling directly above the windshield. Tie a rope to one and where it meets the windshield thread it through a tennis ball with a hole drilled in it. Tie a knot below the ball and take the rope back up through the other eye hook. Now tie the rope off to the top of the garage door. When the door is up, the ball drops down to mark your parking spot. When the door goes down the ball goes up and out of the way.
Crawl space moisture control is a constant worry for people living in high-humidity areas.
Moisture in your crawl space can lead to bigger home problems, like warped floorboards and mold, so it’s important to keep it under control.
Sometimes natural groundwater migrates up into your home, and other times there’s a drainage issue you might not be aware of that could be contributing to your crawl space moisture.
Flowerbeds and other landscaping can end up damming rainwater and routing it under the house.
Next time it’s raining, put on your rain gear and look around to see where that water is going when it comes off the roof or through your downspouts on your gutters.
Encourage the water to move away from the house by redirecting your downspouts.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn more about this topic.
Also on this episode:
- Swapping Tub and Shower Locations
- Soil Combinations for Flower Gardens
- Dealing with Condensation in a Tiny Home
- Reducing Dust When Sawing Concrete
Best New Product
The O-Cedar Easywring Rinse Clean Microfiber Spin Mop ensures no shortage of clean water.
Simple Solutions Filing System for Owner’s Manual — Here’s a quick, efficient way to organize owner’s manuals for all your tools. Rather than storing all the manuals in one box or drawer, place each one in a zip-lock plastic bag. Then, clip together the individual bags with a binder clip and hang them a nail above your workbench. You can even organize each group of bags into separate categories, such as portable power tools, hand tools and accessories, stationary machinery, and lawn and garden tools. The bags keep the manuals clean and you can easily see through the bags to find the manual you’re looking for.
Fast Furniture Assembly — Assembling kit furniture often requires the use of a hex-key wrench, also known as an Allen wrench, which is painfully slow. Here’s how to speed up the process: Secure the hex-key wrench in a vise and cut off the shorter end of the wrench with a hacksaw or grinder. Then, chuck the long straight section into a cordless drill. Adjust the drill’s torque setting to the lowest number, and drive in the fasteners in mere seconds.
Question of the Week Q: We just bought a 1,200-square-foot condo that was built in 2010. It has popcorn ceilings throughout, which are in perfectly good shape. I don’t really mind the popcorn, but my wife hates it. Can I remove the popcorn myself or should I hire a contractor?
Listen for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned * National Gypsum Gold Bond Sound Break XP Wall Board * Homax Ceiling Texture Scraper for Popcorn Ceiling Removal * Armstrong Popcorn Ceiling covering products * Black Kow Compost * Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix * Hilti brand concrete saws
A cool head and quick action can avoid disaster with a clogged toilet if you know what to do.
We’ve all had that moment of anxiety when a toilet is about to overflow and you feel helpless to stop it… You question your decision to flush it twice when the first one didn't do the job and you realize it was a mistake as water reaches the rim.
Remove the tank lid and look for the hinged, rubber flush valve at the bottom. It is suspended by a chain from a rod connected to the flush handle. Simply close the valve by hand to stop water from entering the bowl.
Practice this when there isn’t an emergency and then you'll know just what to do the next time an overflow is imminent.
Don’t Panic! You Don’t Have To Spend A Bundle To Update The Look of Old Wood Paneling.
You Can Paint Or Wallpaper Over Your Old Paneling With The Right Preparation.
First, Wipe It Down With A Deglosser Like Liquid Sandpaper. If You Want To Fill The Grooves Use Spackle Or Joint Compound And Lightly Sand Afterward.
Next Coat It With A Stain Blocking Primer Sealer. If You Plan To Paint, You Might Want To Tint The Primer Toward The Color You’ve Selected. If You Choose Wallpaper, Apply A Lining Or Blocking Paper First.
Checking Your Home’s Water Pressure is Quick and Easy.
When water pressure is very low, faucets may trickle and some appliances, like water heaters and ice makers, don’t function properly. When it’s very high, you might hear pipes bang… or in extreme cases…lines can burst and flood your home.
Water coming into your home is measured in pounds per square inch and usually ranges from 35 to 100 PSI. The happy medium is somewhere between 40 and 50 PSI.
The solution for these ills is a global valve which regulates water pressure and allows you to adjust them to acceptable levels.
First check the water pressure with a gauge that screws onto an outside faucet, these are available at most hardware centers. If the pressure isn’t acceptable, then it might be worth talking to a plumber about installing a global-valve.
Good condensation VS Bad condensation.
If condensation forms on the outside of your window, that’s a good thing. It means the window is doing its job. But if condensation forms on the inside, you have a problem. It usually means outside air is somehow migrating inside or humidity levels inside are just too high.
To help combat this moisture, seal any gaps and cracks surrounding the insulated window using a good quality acrylic latex caulk. Be sure to use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens. And, if needed, use a dehumidifier to lower indoor humidity. The ideal range you want inside is between 35% and 50%.
Every year, tens of thousands of homes are damaged by fire started by a clothes dryer. In most cases, it’s because the dryer has not been properly cleaned.
Always clean the lint screen before or after each load of clothes. Replace plastic or foil accordion-style ducting with rigid metal duct work. Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct and venting every other year. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter. Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Install a smoke detector in or near your laundry room. And, finally, never let a dryer run when you are not at home or while you sleep.
Brick wall insulation can be costly to install. If your brick home feels drafty, there are some ways to remedy the cold before jumping into installing extra insulation.
Mary from Colorado Springs says her brick home doesn't heat evenly and questions if insulation was even installed in the 1957 home.
We doubt insulation was not put in place when the home was first built, but as always in home improvement, you never know what kinds of “improving” the person before you did.
Listen to The Today's Homeowner Podcast for a simple way to check for insulation behind brick walls, along with tips to install brick wall insulation and how to check your home's envelope for air leaks.
Simple Solutions Finding a Stud Without a Stud Finder — When hanging or mounting objects to a wall, it’s best to drive the nail or screw into a wall stud. But how do you know exactly where the studs are?
You could purchase an electronic stud finder, but they’re not very reliable. Here’s a simple way to locate studs, using items you probably already have on hand.
First, get a small magnet and tape it to a length of string. Then, hold the end of the string and slide the magnet along the wall about four feet above the floor.
When the magnet passes over a nail or screw, it’ll stick in place, indicating the location of a stud.
Paint Color Reminder — Here’s a clever way to remember wall paint colors: Write the paint’s brand and color on a piece of paper and then stick it to the back of the light-switch cover plate in the room.
Then, when it’s time to repaint, just remove the cover plate to discover which paint to buy.
You can also ask the associate at the paint department to print out an extra sticker with all the paint’s information.
Question of the Week Q: I have a paver driveway that’s made up of six-by-nine-inch concrete pavers. I want to reseal and re-sand it, but the gaps between the pavers are very small, only about 1/16- to 1/8-inch wide. I’d like to use polymeric sand but heard that it’s only good for joints measuring a quarter inch or larger. We get pretty heavy rain here in north Florida, and I’d like to prevent the sand from being washed out.
Listen for our answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Daich Coatings * Quikrete PowerLoc Jointing Sand * Fluidmaster Toilet Repair Kits
If the paint is in good condition and has been painted over, it usually doesn’t pose a problem.
But if the paint is peeling or has been disturbed by scraping, sanding, or burning, it can pose significant health risks to people and pets, especially young children.
The best way to know for sure is to test it yourself with a lead test kit that’s available from your local home center. The instructions will show you how to use it and interpret the results to determine if lead is present.
To remove pet hair trapped in carpeting, attach an old mop handle to a window squeegee, and use the rubber blade to rake up the pet hair.
Also try Using disposable rubber gloves to wipe pet fur off upholstered furniture.
Build a simple shelf from one by eight or one by ten pine. First, cut a long horizontal piece, slightly shorter than the width of the cabinet. Then cut two vertical legs to attach to either end. Now, slide the shelf into the cabinet and make a mark on it where it butts up against the p-trap and/or the drainpipe. Finally, use a jigsaw to notch the shelf so it fits around the plumbing.
By adding another level to this cabinet you’ve effectively doubled it’s storage capacity.
Create A "Charging Garage" For Your Smart Devices, Using A Bread Box.
Take The Breadbox, And Start By Drilling Two Holes In The Back—They’re Both One And A Half Inches Diameter. One Near The Bottom For The Plug That Goes To The Power Strip, And The Second Hole Is To Let Hot Air Vent Out Of The Back Of The Box.
Then use a Velcro Strip to Adhere The Power Strip To The Bottom Of The Box. That’s Just To Keep The Power Strip From Shifting Around.
And Now You Have A Convenient Place To Plug In All Of Your Devices — Anything You Can Fit In Here, You Can Charge Up, You Just Plug Directly Into The Power Strip.
The condenser coils on a refrigerator remove heat from inside the unit; and if they get dusty and dirty, it can cost up to $100 more a year to run your fridge!
The coil is located either on the bottom behind the kickplate, or on the back of the refrigerator.
To clean refrigerator coils, turn off the power to the fridge, then vacuum the coils using a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to remove the lint and dust.
Painting old metal window frames that are rusted and stuck with decades-old glaze is not for the faint of heart, but can be done.
Mary from Magnolia Springs, Ala., lives in her grandparents’ 1941 home and needs advice on painting the metal cranking windows in the home.
Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn how to remove old glaze, apply fresh glaze, and prime and paint the frames.
Simple Solutions Sawhorse Saddle — To prevent sawhorses from scratching up finished pieces, such as a painted door or cabinet, try covering the sawhorses with pool noodles. Use a serrated bread knife to cut a pool noodle about an inch longer than the horizontal rail on each sawhorse. Next, cut a slit along the length of the noodles with a utility knife. Then, slip one pool noodle onto the rail of each sawhorse. The soft pool noodle grips on tightly and will protect workpieces from dings, dents and scratches. And when you’re done, simply pop off the pool noodles and you’re back to a pair of standard wooden sawhorses.
Tarp Tie-Down — To prevent plastic tarps from being blown away, try this trick: Fill a few one-liter plastic bottles with sand or water, then tie one bottle to each corner of the tarp, and one or two in between on larger tarps. The weighted bottles will hold the tarp securely place.
Question of the Week Q: How is a hybrid water heater different from a regular water heater?
A: A hybrid water heater is an electric water heater equipped with a heat pump. The pump captures heat from room air and transfers it to the cold water entering the water heater. This system makes it so the water heater element doesn't have to work as hard and, therefore, uses less energy.
Take A Pair Of Scissors and Snip The End Off A Plastic Drinking Straw giving it A Sharp Angle,Then Pinch the angled end So It Forms A Little Spout.
Then just Slide It Along The Joint To Scoop Up Almost All Of The Excess Glue.
With Most Of That Glue collected, Wipe away the remainder with a clean damp rag, And It’s Ready To Be Finished With Your Stain.
Rather than carrying around a notepad or forgetting your measurements before you get to the saw, try this: Peel off the stick-on decal from the side of the tape measure, then clean off any sticky adhesive with solvent or Goo-Gone.
Next, roughen up the surface by scrubbing it with 120-grit sandpaper; that’ll give the pencil something to bite into.
Now you’ve got a convenient place to write down the dimensions. And after making the cut, you can easily erase the measurement, and you’re ready for the next measurement.
All you need to paint quickly and efficiently is a paintbrush and a foam trim roller.
The trim roller’s great for putting paint onto the molding, then we’ll use the brush to smooth it out.
The trim roller can fill in all the crevices and you don’t have to worry about the paint being on a little too thick in sections or even looking a little sloppy.
Get the paint loaded on, then come back with the brush. Get out the imperfections and spread the paint so it’s nice and smooth.
Watering is important for all plants, but some need additional water delivered slowly over time to ensure healthy growth. Here’s an easy way to create a small, buried cistern out of a plastic water bottle to give your plants additional water.
Think about it: The kitchen floor is usually three or four inches lower than the space inside the sink cabinet. Moreover, the hard edge at the bottom of the cabinet box always hits you right in the middle of the back or on your neck. Ouch! This is a great way to ease the transition from inside the cabinet down to the floor.
Converting your bathtub into a tub shower combo is easier than you may think.
You'll need to make the waterline vertical so it can supply water to a showerhead. You’ll also need to install a diverter valve on the waterspout in the tub.
Skip to 17:36 for an overview of converting your bathtub into a tub shower combo.
Also in this episode:
- Insulation Basics
- Hot Patch Drywall Repair
- Tips for Increasing Humidity
- Easy Sidewalk Installation
- Cleaning a Glass Shower Door
Simple Solutions Nylon String Pipe Cutter — As improbable as it sounds, you can cut PVC pipe with nothing more than a length of nylon mason’s line.
Here’s how:
- First, tie a wooden stick to each end of the line to create two handles.
- Loop the line under the pipe and pull up on the handles so the line is tight against the underside of the pipe.
- Now, pull up on the handles with alternating hands to “saw” through the pipe.
This works because friction caused by the nylon line against the pipe actually melts the plastic. It’s important to keep the line moving at all times, otherwise, the melted plastic will harden, trapping the line.
Wall Protector — Installing casings around a window or door often requires drilling pilot holes into the miter joints prior to driving in the finishing nails. However, because of the close proximity to the wall, the spinning drill chuck can easily mar the wall. Prevent this by holding a thin sheet of cardboard against the wall. And leave the cardboard in place when nailing to protect the wall from the hammerhead.
Question of the Week Q: My wife would like to change two standard doorway openings into curved archways. I’m pretty handy, but I don’t have any idea how to even start. Must I cut out the existing wall frame, and how can I create the curve along the top of the doorway opening?
Listen to the podcast for the answer!
Other Products and Links Mentioned * CurveMakers Arch Kits
You can paint almost anything with spray paint, but it’s particularly useful for painting small fasteners, screws, hooks, and pieces of hardware that would be difficult to paint any other way.
Are you looking for projects to do inside until the weather warms up? Listen to learn about things to consider if taking on a refinishing project in your garage, basement or workshop while the weather is still cold outside.
Listen for simple additions to give your homemade shelves a more professional look and add more support to eliminate sagging.
Most Laundry rooms can be small and cluttered with doors, which always creates a terrible workflow for transferring and folding loads of clothes. Here’s a solution to save a lot of space and solve your Door Dancing problem.
Did you know that 35 percent of all heat loss occurs through the walls and through gaps, in and around windows and doors? Listen for ways to Add insulation and seal air leaks, which can help you save up to $200 per year on your home’s annual energy bills and keep you more comfortable.
Common sense tells us that the chill of winter means you should close off every possible opening to protect your home from the cold. Listen to learn why I believe there are some doors that should stay open.
Installation of vinyl floor over ceramic tile is an inexpensive way to hide old, worn-out tiles.
That's the case for Vicky in Kentucky. Her half-century-old house's vinyl flooring is a dreary gray color. She can’t afford to rip up the tile, and she’s worried that installing more tile over the ceramic will raise the threshold and become a tripping hazard.
The installation of vinyl over a ceramic tile floor can be intimidating, but it's actually simple.
Listen to The Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more information!
Also in this episode:
- Using Kitchen Cabinets for Garage Storage
- Fixing Cracks in Crown Molding
- Combatting Condensation on Windows
- The Basics of Blown-In Insulation
Question of the Week Q: What are some tips for installing crown molding and cutting the angles for corners?
A: Most importantly, you’ll need a power miter saw. The easiest way is to place the crown molding upside down in the miter saw at a 45-degree angle. Miter cut the outside corners and cope-cut the inside corners. Use scarf joints when joining two lengths of molding together.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * SimplePrep Pre-Mixed Floor Patch * Owens Corning ThermaFiber Insulation
Water Stains On A Ceiling Are Usually Caused By Roof Or Plumbing Leaks. Listen And Follow These Steps For The Proper Method Of Repairing Your Water Stained Ceiling.
First, make a solution of two tablespoons of Spic and Span detergent in one gallon of warm water, and scrub the area with a cloth or sponge. Then rinse it with one-half cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. This will help neutralize the detergent, preventing it from attracting dirt. Finally, blot the area with a dry towel.
A faulty water heater can be as dangerous as a ticking bomb in your home. Listen to learn about safely checking the temperature pressure relief valve.
Is your TV or computer plugged directly into the wall? If so, an occasional power surge could damage its sensitive parts. Listen to learn about the proper protection for your high-priced home electronics.
If you live in an area with frequent winter storms and don’t have a steep roof, it’s crucial to have a snow rake.
This tool has a wide blade attached to a long pole to remove snow from the edges of your roofline.
The poles and blades come in varying lengths, so you can buy what works best for your roof’s size and height.
In this podcast, learn:
- Why Built-Up Snow is a Hazard
- How to Use a Snow Rake
Also on this episode:
- Tips to fix gaps on the ends of plank flooring
- How to set a ceiling fan during the winter
Are you tired of buying new screws every time you start a project? Here's how you can create a simple storage solution specifically for fasteners.
Sealing our homes for energy efficiency is designed to be a good thing, but it can cause problems if we don’t manage it well.
Listen to learn about watching out for mold while you’re saving energy.
Worried about taking a tumble on that slippery wood deck? Listen to learn about the right steps to take to avoid a mis-step.
Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Dispose. Listen for ways to finally cut through the clutter and get organized.
The distinct smell of rotten eggs is always unpleasant, but when the stench comes from running water, it’s a cause for concern.
Gary recently installed a new gas water heater; his water source is a well. Since then, the water has smelled like rotten eggs.
Now, he's wondering what caused the smell, and what he can do about it.
The stench's origin is not the water itself. Instead, it boils down to these two things.
Listen to the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Also in this episode, we discuss:
- The best place to install a ceiling fan in a large room
- Tips for blocking train noises
- Sealing off recessed lights to save energy
- Removing white haze from shower tiles
- How to get rid of fuzzy mold inside toilets
When you walk into your bathroom, do you feel like the floor is never clean, even though you scrub and mop it every week? Listen to learn about some simple methods for cleaning grout lines.
The solution to slow squeezing glue is storing the bottle upside down. Listen to find out how to do that and more ideas for having your glue ready right when you need it.
https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-dispense-wood-glue-the-easy-way/
Indoor painting is popular this time of year. If you’re not cleaning your paint roller after every use the paint will cake up on the roller frame. Here are a couple of tips to simplify the use and clean up of paint rollers for your next project.
If you’ve assembled furniture, you know it’s challenging to tighten all the fasteners with an L-shaped hex key, or Allen, wrench. Listen to learn how to power those inefficient wrenches with a drill.
If you burn wood in a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, you’re constantly looking for kindling. Here's a safer way to chop kindling using just a piece of scrap wood and a screw.
A cracked wall isn't just unsightly; it could cause much bigger problems down the line.
Just like a crack in your car windshield, cracks in drywall will continue to spread if you don’t fix the problem once you spot it.
That's why Allen from Virginia contacted us. He wants to know the right way to fix it.
Listen to learn what to do (and what not to do), along with these tips:
- An easy way to remove wallpaper
- What to do if you want to remove a wall
- Calculating how many feet of lumber are in a log
- Lightening a concrete driveway once it’s been tinted
- Filling in countersunk screws on a wooden deck
You probably already know that WD-40 is great for stopping squeaks and loosening rusted parts, but it also has many other household uses!
Removing the texture, sometimes called popcorn, from a ceiling is a fairly simple process, but one that can be very messy. Listen to learn about what to consider if you want smooth ceilings.
Insects, Rodents and Pests Often Look For Somewhere Warm To Retreat When It’s Cold Outside And That Somewhere Could Be Inside Your Home. Listen for Tips To Prevent Pests From Getting Inside.
Does It Seem Like Your Garage Floor Is Dirtier Than The Outside? Listen To Learn About Some Simple Ways To Keep It Cleaner.
Workshops come in all shapes and sizes, from a separate room to a corner of the garage. Here are some easy ideas to allow you to get even more storage space while keeping it organized.
Nothing’s more frustrating than running the water and waiting what seems like forever for it to heat up.
Not only is it a waste of your time, but it’s also a waste of your money if you don't use all that cold water.
Christine, from Michigan, wants to speed up the time it takes for the hot water to come out of her faucet.
“I’m amazed how much water I seem to waste turning on my kitchen or bathroom faucets waiting for hot water to come out,” she said.
Listen for the solutions, along with more home improvement tips, on this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast.
Organizing kitchen cabinets is a big challenge for lots of homeowners. Listen to learn about a solution that's quick, simple and inexpensive.
Keep the balance in your home and in your heating and cooling system. Listen to this tip to find out why it's important to leave all the rooms open in your house, and not close off unused rooms.
Insect pests often look for somewhere warm to retreat when it’s cold outside and that somewhere could be inside your home.
Protect hand tools that you store in drawers by lining the inside of the drawer with scraps of carpet or carpet samples, which you can get free at any carpeting store. Cut the carpet to fit inside the drawer, then spray it with silicone lubricant. The carpet will keep the tools from rolling around as much, and the silicone will deter rust.
Condensation on windows causes more than unsightly wet glass. It can lead to bigger problems. That’s why Marvin, from Alabama, needs help.
“Our double-pane 20-year-old windows produce lots of moisture every time the outside temperature drops below 45 degrees,” he says. “The moisture then drips down on the wooden windowsill.”
Marvin says the water seems to be mostly on the very bottoms of the windows, and his wife wipes it off with a rag each morning to prevent rot on the windowsill.
This couple has a humidity issue. When the outside temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside humidity should be between 25% and 40%. You can measure humidity with a simple battery-operated hygrometer that costs less than $20.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you need to do something about it. In this case, that could mean running the heating system more often to mitigate the humidity issue.
If you’re seeing condensation at the bottom of the window’s upper and lower sashes, air could be leaking in. So, make sure the weatherstripping is doing its job, or add new weatherstripping.
And don’t forget to use your range hood in the kitchen and bathroom vent fans to keep the humidity down.
Finally, you can always purchase a dehumidifier to counter the problem.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn more about this issue and other home maintenance chores.
Lots of homeowners dream of using that extra space in the basement for a game room, a home theater, or entertaining space; but it’s important to correct any moisture issues first. In other words, stop the leaks before you make improvements.
Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can be the greatest health threat inside of your home. Here's what you can do to make sure you and your family are safe.
If you’ve got silver or silver-plated items, sooner or later you’ll have to deal with tarnished surfaces. Here’s a tip for removing tarnish from silver.
The 4 Seasons of Homeownership is Today’s Homeowner’s exclusive guide to easy home maintenance.
We break down the most important chores into simple task lists for the spring, summer, fall and winter.
Listen to this special episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast for winter chores you can't ignore, sponsored by The Home Depot.
When you leave home don’t advertise to thieves that you’re away. Burglars look for dark houses that stay that way, so use these tips to give the illusion that your vacant home is fully occupied.
Banana plants thrive in tropical climates, developing long leaves and reaching full size in just a few weeks, according to Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension.
These plants — often called trees — are actually herbs that grow from a succulent, not wood, stem, according to PBS News Hour. Their luxurious appearance enhances any patio or swimming pool, making them popular with homeowners.
“We have an in-ground pool in our backyard where we have lived for 30 years,” David, a North Carolina resident, says. “I planted banana trees that are hearty in cold weather and really enjoy them; one even bloomed and had little bananas.”
However, his banana plants are just 7 feet from the pool and he wonders if these picturesque plants pose a hidden threat.
Listen to the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
In this episode, we also cover these topics:
- Whether to install gutters on a house with a metal roof.
- Whether you should wire a ceiling fan to a light switch or hire a pro
When changing the hardware in your home from brass to brushed nickel, you can remove the finish on plated brass door hinges to give them the look of brushed nickel without having to buy new hinges. Here’s how.
If you have a dented Hardwood floorboard, you could replace it, but it would involve a lot of work to match the stain and finish. Instead, try this trick!
Before Santa Claus makes a trip down your chimney, make sure he isn’t going to arrive to a smokey mess. Listen to learn about an easy way to clean the soot from your fireplace surround.
Whether you’re looking for supplemental heat or maybe a touch of romance to your evening, a roaring fire is definitely a great choice. But if you burn the wrong type of wood, your best intentions will quickly go up in smoke.
Using a humidifier to raise the indoor humidity level in your home to between 30% and 50% can make your house feel warmer inside during cold, winter weather without raising the thermostat or increasing your heating bills.
Listen to this special episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn about Cync's wide array of smart home innovations to make your home safe and secure.
Hanging a #picture frame on the wall seems like an easy chore, but leveling the picture can be difficult. Here's how to hang a picture without any trouble — using just a dinner fork. #diy #decor
This week on the Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking about how to locate the power source of an outdoor outlet.
"I have an outdoor outlet that has recently stopped working," a fan says. "I've replaced the outlet and it still doesn't work, I'm not sure if it's on its own circuit. How do I find where the power is sourced from?"
If you have a live Christmas tree, you already know how important it is to keep it watered regularly. To keep from having to stoop down and pour water into the tree stand every week, try this!
The winter chill makes everyone want to stay warm — including mice, rats and squirrels. Listen to learn how to prevent these pests from infiltrating your home.
Everyone's concerned about air pollution, but they also can overlook a source that's easily controlled. Listen for tips to reduce your wood-burning fireplace's impact on the environment.
Do you have a vacation home or property that needs to settle down for the winter? Listen to learn essential steps for winterizing a vacant home.
Decorating your home for the holidays is always fun but make sure you're doing it safely. Listen to our tips to prevent any unwanted damages or injuries!
This week on the Today's Homeowner Podcast, we tell you how to remove a tub drain when the crossbars are corroded.
"The tub doesn't have the crossbars on it to use the proper tool to remove the drain," a fan says. "It's all corroded so how do I get it out so I can replace it?"
This time of year, Christmas lights can run up your electric bill. Here are our tips to reduce it while still staying festive!
Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to save money on your energy bill, but what type is the best for your home? Listen to these tips to find out!
Moving furniture can be harsh on your floors and your back. Here are our tips to easily move furniture without scratching up floors or breaking your back!
With cold temperatures here, you don't want that cold seeping into your home. Here are our tips to keep the cold out and save money on your energy bill!
When the cold temperature forces you inside, it's a perfect time to start a fire in the fireplace. But before you do, make sure it's safe to use with our tips!
With colder temperatures around the corner, exposed pipes could lead to an unwanted visit from your plumber. Here are our tips to prevent that!
When touching up paint, it's easy to miss corners and small spaces. Here are our tips so you don't miss a blemish!
This week on the Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking about what to do when a homeowner's plumbing fittings are causing leaks. Listen here to find out our tips to fix this homeowner's problem!
The holidays are right around the corner — that means it's time for decorating your home! Here are our tips to create a festive holiday wreath for this holiday season.
Rusty handrails can reduce your curb appeal, especially during the holidays. Here are our tips to make them look brand new!
This week on the Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking about how to fix a fan's pine cabinets. Listen to our solutions to fix this homeowner's problem!
As the temperature begins to drop a warm shower is the perfect way to heat up. But your hot water heater may have trouble keeping up. Here are our tips to make sure it stays working efficiently!
Is your home ready for cold temperatures? If not, listen to our checklist so the cold stays out of your home!
With the temperature beginning to drop, many homeowners look to space heaters to give their homes added warmth. Here are our safety tips when using one!
Let's be honest, your house will probably look like a mess after Thanksgiving. Here are our tips to make cleaning up a breeze!
Collecting fallen leaves can be back-breaking work even though it's a fairly simple task. Here are our tips to make this task go a little faster.
In this weeks Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking with Randy Schreiber, Founder and CEO of Gutterbrush. We discuss what Gutterbrush is and the importance of gutter guards on your home!
Did you know that your old single-pane windows can lose you money on your energy bill? There is a temporary solution with our tips to keep your home energy efficient!
Are the colder temperatures forcing you inside? Don't let the cold keep you from enjoying your backyard — here are our tips!
Did you know excess moisture is easier to infiltrate your home than you thought? Here are our 3 steps to keep excess moisture out!
Storage is an essential part of any kitchen — specifically for clunkier items. Here are our tips to organize your kitchen cabinets with at-home items!
In this special episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast, I'm talking with Brittany Lapidus, Product Manager at Shurtape Technologies, LLC. We're talking about some of Duck Brand's fantastic products to tighten the envelope of your home and keep the cold out!
This week on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking about how to fix a failing covered deck — specifically, one with a damaged end beam.
“One of the end beams that supports my covered deck may be rotting,” a fan says. “What’s the best way to fix the problem: replace that one beam or replace all the beams?”
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer to that along with more home improvement tips. Here are other topics featured in this episode:
- Tiling a kitchen includes laying cement backerboard over a plywood subfloor. You may know that you must cover the joints between the sheets with tape, but we’re sharing more tricks of the trade for a successful installation.
- Learn the best, easiest way to remove grass if you want to replace it with pavers
- Chelsea talks about the latest episode of Checking In With Chelsea, which focuses on installing faux brick panels.
When working with a woodworking project it's not uncommon for it to split into some areas — even the tiniest of cracks. Here's how to get your wood glue in the smallest nooks and crannies!
While touching up areas in your home, you want to avoid any spills or splatters of paint. Here are our tips to avoid this headache!
Cleaning gutters is no homeowner's favorite chore. But it is necessary to ensure water is moved away from your home. Here are our tips to do this quickly!
As the temperature is starting to get colder, it's the perfect time to light your fireplace. Before you do, it's important to have it inspected!
Fall is a great time to check your roof for damage so you don't have to worry about repairs or replacing it. Listen to these tips to ensure your roof is in good condition!
Filling gaps around your windows and doors is essential to ensure no air is leaving your home, but it's only as efficient in some cracks. Here are tips to ensure all of your cracks are covered!
Are the soffits on your house bowing downward and not sure if they can be repaired or they need to be replaced? We tell you on this week's episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast!
What type of glue you use for a project does in fact matter. Listen to these tips to decide what type to use and when to use it!
Homeowners want as much storage space as possible for their laundry room. Here are some easy ways to utilize that space!
If you have an older home, you might want to check if there is lead paint on your walls. Here's how with these tips!
Adding insulation to your home is a big expense for homeowners and is DIY friendly but can be troublesome to work with. Here are our tips to make this process a little easier.
In this special podcast, I'm talking with Renee Ramey the Executive Director of Metal Roofing Alliance. We talk about the 10 most talked-about myths when it comes to metal roofing. Listen to this podcast for more information!
Stubborn adhesives can make your demo job tougher. Learn how to easily get rid of these adhesives with our tips!
Every homeowner wants to save as much money as they can when it comes to home improvement. In this week's Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking about 10 home improvement projects that give you the best ROI!
As a homeowner, you want to make sure your home is air-tight and the weather stays out. Here are our tips to make sure your attic is well insulated!
Sanding is an important part of any woodworking project. Here are some tips to sand in the toughest of spaces.
Before the weather gets too cold, you may want to check your home's energy efficiency. Here's how with some tips!
When handling any kind of power tool you always want to be careful to prevent injury. Here are our tips to keep yourself safe!
Having to replace water damaged drywall is not an easy fix. Always make sure to test it before deciding if it needs to be replaced. We tell you how on this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
An accurate measuring tape keeps your home improvement projects run smoothly. Here are some tips to maintain a tape measure to keep your projects precise!
Drywall compounds and similar products have a tendency to dry out between jobs. Here are some tips to prevent that!
It's always important to plan ahead in case of a pipe burst or other sudden expense in your home. Here are some tips to help prepare your home for the worst!
In this special podcast episode, we're talking to my daughter, Chelsea Lipford Wolf, about her newly renovated living room. Listen to hear all about the projects we tackled to Chelsea's living room!
Improving your home's indoor air quality doesn't have to be a major expense. Find out affordable ways to have cleaner air in your home with these tips!
Cleaning gutters isn't everyone's favorite chore by scooping debris out by hand. But there's an easier and faster way to do this by listening to these tips!
Are you getting ready to put your mower away for the upcoming winter weather? Here's how to prepare your mower for its winter nap!
Wanting to paint your fiberglass shower but don't know the best product to use? We tell you this and more on this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
It's that time of year where raking leaves is part of your yard routine. Here's an easy way to gather them with these tips!
Now is the best time to prepare your deck for cold temperatures while the weather is still mild. Here's how with these tips!
Did you know that one of the most ignored parts of your home is the chimney? Listen to these tips to learn why having it routinely maintained is important for your home.
You always want your home working efficiently and your water heater is no exception! Listen to these tips to make sure it's operating at its best.
Bath Fitter makes your tub or shower look brand new with no mess in the installation process. Find out more on this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Once the weather cools, it's easy to forget about your lawn's health. Here are our tips to maintain your lawn this fall!
With cold temperatures approaching, the last thing you want is to feel the cold on your tile floor. Here are our tips to solve that!
Slick concrete can be a safety hazard. Here is a safe, non-slip solution to this problem!
Wanting to enjoy the outside air but can't because your windows won't open? Now they can open with ease with these tips!
Area rugs can make any space feel complete. But they can be dangerous if they start to slide when you walk on them. Here's how to prevent slipping and sliding with these tips!
Do you have stubborn nails that need removing? Here are some easy fixes with these tips!
Are you converting your basement into a bedroom? You may need to put in egress windows. And we tell you why in this week's Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Cleaning your range hood regularly can improve its efficiency. Learn more with these tips!
In this special Today's Homeowner podcast, we talk about 10 must-do home improvement projects to take on this fall! Listen to learn more.
Cleaning the windows of your second-story home can be troublesome, but it doesn't have to be. Listen to our tips for an easy solution!
Make your water heater more efficient by draining it of sediment at least once a year. Here's how with these tips!
In this special podcast, we talk with Chelsea Lipford Wolf about transforming her mid-century home into a home that is both smart and energy-efficient!
Determining if a wall is load-bearing can be difficult if you don't know what to look for. Find out more on this week's Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Enlarging holes with a hole saw can be troublesome because the center bit of the arbor eliminates the guide. Here are some tips to remove this headache!
Is your brand new paint job littered with lint and fuzz from paint rollers? Listen to these tips to eliminate that problem!
Did you know that the tap water in your home could be filled with contaminants? Listen to these tips to make sure your drinking water is pure.
Undergoing a project that needs clamping but it's not large enough to reach? Most clamps can be extended, listen to these tips to learn how!
Hanging a heavier item on your walls but can't find the studs to do so? Listen to these tips for the easy way to find them!
Low water pressure can increase your shower time and be frustrating. We have the solution for you on this week's Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Did you know there's a trick when changing receptacles in your breaker box? Listen to these tips to find out what that trick is!
When choosing a kitchen countertop, you'll want something that's durable. Here are our tips!
Are you wanting to update your bathtub's hardware but having trouble with your existing threaded tub faucet? Here's a simple fix with these tips!
Did you know that masonry surfaces are naturally porous and most often cause moisture problems in basements? These tips will help get rid of unwanted moisture in your home!
Are you wasting water from a leaky toilet and not aware of it? Waste no more with these tips to save you money on your water bill!
How long something around your home lasts impacts your purchasing decision. Listen to these tips for more clarification!
Looking to replace the windows in your home? Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast where we tell you what the best fit for your home would be!
Creating a focal point in your yard can completely transform the overall look. Listen to these tips on ways you can do that!
Are you struggling to decide whether to entertain inside or outside during comfortable fall weather? Here's a simple way to combine the two!
Cleaning rust stains can be burdensome and harmful with acidic cleaners. Listen to our tips for a natural and clean way to remove them!
Are weeds in your yard ruining your curb appeal? Here's a fix with this surprising weed killer!
Pocket doors can be burdensome as they develop habits that make them tough to use. Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast where we have solutions for you!
Repairing your sprinkler system but waiting for the water to evaporate? Wait no more with these tips!
Are you shopping for a new air conditioning unit? Before purchasing, be sure to check the unit's efficiency with these tips!
Did you know that if downspouts aren't directed far away enough from your home it can cause damage to your home? Listen to these tips to prevent this problem!
Are you hearing loud noises whenever the water is turned on or off in your home? Here's the source and the solution to your problem!
Cracks in concrete can cause problems for you further down the line. Here's why it is important to fill them and a simple way to do so!
Does your interior project require the use of drywall? Listen to these tips to prevent dust from coating your home!
Is your garage circulating hot air and in need of proper ventilation? Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast for a solution!
As the temperature continues to rise, it's important to keep your body temperature down. Listen to these tips to protect yourself when working in the heat!
Want to stain or seal your deck? Here's how to clean and prep it for maximum protection from ultraviolet rays.
Solar heat gain is a big contributor to the inside temperature of your home. Learn how to reduce the heat with these tips!
Did you know you can save up to 10% on your cooling bill with the flip of a switch? Learn how with these tips!
Are the corners of your plastic laminate countertops about to break off? Don't wait for that to happen—here's a simple fix.
Does your hot water release an unpleasant odor every time you turn it on? Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast where solve this problem for you!
It's inevitable—tIme and seasonal changes lead to cracks in your asphalt driveway. And these eyesores cause bigger problems down the line. Listen to these tips to fix the issue before it's too late!
If severe weather damages your roof, you may not have to replace the whole thing. Listen for tips to replace damaged shingles at a fraction of the cost!
It happens like clockwork. When the temperature changes, deck nails become loose. Here's how to fix this problem!
Want to cover up a beaten-down path in your yard? Here's how to install a leveled stepping stone pathway.
We have a special podcast episode for Chelsea's Ranch Revival! We're talking through Chelsea's newly renovated hall bathroom. Listen to this special podcast for an inside look at Chelsea's hall bathroom renovation!
A wet doormat can lead to a rotted wooden landing or porch and attract termites. Listen to these tips to keep your home safe from damage.
Are the hinges of your shower door loose and need some tightening up? Listen to this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner podcast for a solution!
Laying ceramic tile yourself is affordable but challenging. Here are some ways to simplify it.
Constantly moving sprinklers to keep your lawn healthy? Listen to these tips to get the most irrigation without the guesswork!
Has the summer heat put wear and tear on your deck? Listen to these tips for what to do about it!
Is your yard showing the effects of the sun? Listen to our tips to prevent stress and keep it healthy!
Before you can install or even purchase a new A/C, you need to determine what size you need. Listen to these tips to make that process a little easier!
Do you have holes in your yard and you're not sure how they got there? Listen to this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast for an easy way to fix this!
Did you know that growth like moss or algae can compromise your roof's lifespan? Listen to these tips on how to elongate it!
Did you know there's a right and wrong time for painting your home? Listen to these tips to find out!
The right lighting can improve any deck or patio's appearance. Listen to these tips for simple ways to light up your outdoor spaces!
Is the summer heat getting to your attic? Listen to these tips to ensure your attic is properly ventilated!
Did you know that the most water usage from an individual comes from showering? Listen to these tips on how to reduce your water usage with a showerhead!
Do you have a battery acid stain on your concrete? Listen to this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast where we tell you how to remove this blemish, and much more!
Did you know there's a technique when painting the outside of your home? Listen to these tips to find out more!
No one wants to see mold on any surface of their home. Listen to our tips to remove it quickly and efficiently!
In this special Today's Homeowner Podcast, Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf talk about how Chelsea revived her mid-century home's exterior.
Her projects included installing new landscaping and sod, giving the gable a facelift, repairing the roof, installing new JELD-WEN windows, painting the exterior, building new garage doors, and installing a new front door.
Listen to the podcast to learn secrets about the project and pro tips if you tackle these makeovers!
Concrete will crack over time. Listen to our tips to make it look like it's just been poured!
Are mosquitos ruining your summer nights? Listen to these tips to reduce your pest problem.
Conversation pits are past their prime — that would have been the 1950s through the '70s, to be specific.
But many homeowners have one and want to do something about it without selling their home.
Listen to this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn what to do about this dated, hazardous eyesore, along with advice on many more topics!
Are you overwatering your plants? Listen to our tips to decrease water usage for your lawn or garden.
Is the summer heat getting to your pet? Listen to our tips to ensure your pet is protected from the dog days of summer!
Want to spruce up your concrete porch? Listen to our tips on how tile can boost your curb appeal!
Are you having trouble with thieves breaking into your storage shed? Listen for a simple way to burglar-proof your outbuilding!
In this special episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast, Darcy Lee, with American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning, shares tips to keep your HVAC in top shape.
Are you trying to clear a clog but there's water you have to remove first? Listen to this easy solution!
How do you keep your drain clear of debris on your flat-roof home? Find out about that, and much more, on this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Will your home stand the test of time and each stage of your life? Here's what you should know about designing with the future in mind.
Is your AC on the fritz, or you don't have central air? Listen to these tips to create your own AC!
Are you looking to create something special for your backyard? Listen to these tips for focal point features!
The sun's ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on your home's interior, fading the carpet and upholstery. Here's a quick tip to protect these items.
Do you have clutter overrunning your garage? Try these tips to keep your garage organized.
What's the best process and paint to use for your metal door? Find out in this week's episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Is your dirty putty knife preventing you from getting the job done? Listen to our tips to get a clean blade!
Do you have a bee or wasp problem at your home? Listen to our tips on how to treat bee and wasp stings as well as removing the nest.
Want a beautiful, lush lawn? Listen to find out how to properly mow your lawn so it stays looking great!
Creating a pathway from the front porch of your home to the driveway can boost curb appeal. But what material fits your home? Find out in this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
In this special episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, Danny talks with Jill Waage, Editor-in-Chief of "Traditional Home" at Better Homes & Gardens, about The Kuppersmith Project and current design trends.
Want to keep cool this summer without having a sky-high utility bill? Listen for tips on how to reduce your AC usage while still staying comfortable!
Want to improve your home's curb appeal on a budget? Listen to learn inexpensive ways to spruce up your house's exterior!
Plan to do a lot of gardening? A little sun is good for you but too much sun can cause problems. Listen for tips on how to protect yourself from the sun's rays!
If it's time to replace your window screens but you're not sure how to do it, follow these easy tips!
Want to give your brick house a new look? One of the easiest ways is to paint it! Listen to learn tips for professional results.
Our 4 Seasons of Homeownership checklists are a great way to stay on top of your projects without doing too much at one time. Listen for summer tips, sponsored by The Home Depot.
Replacing your HVAC system is a big investment for homeowners. But first, there are many questions that come with the process.
For instance, what size system does your home need?
Don Hembree, of Hembree Heating & AC, sat down with us to talk about the best steps for a homeowner to take when purchasing a new heating and cooling system.
Listen to this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn more.
Use your garage space to its full potential — from cleaning to storage! Listen to these tips for more information.
In this special episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast, I'm talking to Trevor Stromquist, Sales Manager at 3M, about products that can make moving out less stressful. Get ready to get organized!
Installing a grab bar in your shower, but having trouble drilling through the ceramic tile? Listen to find out how to keep your drill bit from slipping!
Having colorful tile can make any space pop - whether indoors or outdoors - but after an extensive amount of time, the color can fade. Learn how to bring your tile back to life and !isten to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Does your home improvement project require digging up your yard? There might be more lines and pipes under the surface than you think. Listen to find out more!
Do you ever discover other outdoor chores to tackle while you are mowing the lawn? Listen to find out a way to complete all your chores at once!
Colorful tile can bring a room together but can fade after an extensive period of time.
Listen to Today's Homeowner podcast to learn how to bring your tile back to life and more home improvement tips!
Did you know there is a right and wrong way for your ceiling fan blades to rotate? Listen to learn more about that!
Are gaps under your door bringing unwanted heat or pests into your home? Listen to find out what door seals can do for you!
Not sure how to paint your textured ceilings? Listen to learn how, and even which supplies to use!
Unwanted critters ruining your leisure time? Listen to learn how to get rid of those summertime pests!
Want to spruce up your home this summer? Listen to this special Today's Homeowner Podcast where we discuss summer home improvements with Kit Selzer, Senior Remodeling & Projects Editor at "Better Homes & Gardens!"
Thinking about building a gazebo, arbor or pergola? Listen to learn the basics on how to do it the right way.
Lumber prices have been the talk of the home improvement world for several months now. What we do know is that prices are coming down… a little bit.
Listen to our podcast to learn more about this issue, and get lots of home improvement tips!
Are you planning to add some outdoor living space this summer with pavers? Listen to learn some paver project pointers so you'll be well on your way to a backyard paradise!
White caps look good on mountaintops, but not on your house! Listen to learn how to disguise unsightly pipes and vents.
Do your water bills go wild when the weather warms up? Listen to learn how to keep your landscape watered without breaking the bank.
When it comes to windows, there are certain "no-no"s to remember. Listen to learn the do's and don'ts!
Sweaty windows, peeling wallpaper and musty odors are all signs of a poorly ventilated home. Listen to learn some easy ventilation tips.
Having a lush, thick, green lawn requires watering it from time to time — but that can also lead to outrageous water bills.
So, managing that bill becomes a priority for most homeowners.
Listen to this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast for tips on how to do that, along with advice for many more home improvements!
Outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity all over the country. Here are ideas to start creating your own outdoor kitchen.
If you have kids, you probably spend a lot of time reminding them to turn the light off when they leave a room. Listen to learn why you'll never have to remind them again!
Are you ready to take your spring cleaning to the next level? Listen to learn about a cleaning chore you've never tackled but probably should!
Have you ever thought about putting sunscreen on a wooden fence? Listen to learn why sunblock is so important for your fence.
[1:33]: How to prevent the underside of a countertop from flaking
[7:30]: To seal or not to seal a fence with pressure-treated wood
[12:47]: Home Depot Best New Product: Americana Configurable Hose Stand System
[15:38]: What to do when a new shower head has no water pressure
[22:49]: Danny and Joe talk with Engineer-Producer Dennis about his recent home improvement project
[29:53]: Simple Solution: Easy way to clean rust from tools
[30:38] Question of the Week: Shouldn’t flooring gaps for expansion be done at the ends where they would be hidden under the baseboard?
Joe, from Washington State, recently went from a shower with one head, to an eight-spray shower panel.
In addition, he added a steam room. And now, there’s very little water pressure.
He should know — the rest of the house has 85 psi water pressure. (Normally, a home’s water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi.) But the new shower panel has absolutely no water pressure.
Listen to learn what Joe should do, along with many more home improvement tips!
No one wants to walk into the kitchen and find a parade of ants having celebration on the countertop. Listen to learn about raining on that parade.
Spring is here, and if you haven’t gotten that spring cleaning done yet, it’s overdue. One of the chores that sometimes gets overlooked is cleaning your window screens. Listen to learn an easy way to get the job done.
Ever take a good look at the trim around the outside of your home? It’s the type of detail work that really makes a house stand out. Listen to learn how you can keep that trim looking good no matter what.
Tired of inhaling harsh chemicals while you’re cleaning? If you dread chores like cleaning the bathroom because of those chemical smells, then listen to learn a solution.
In this special Today's Homeowner Podcast, Danny talks with Michael Enderlin, regional sales manager at The BILCO Company.
- [0:26] The benefits of developing the basement into a living space
- [2:19] Adding natural light to the basement
- [2:56] Sealing the walls to create a dry living space
- [3:46] Window and door code requirements for emergency egress
- [4:36] The powder-coat finish – available in six colors – on BILCO doors
- [6:09] History of The BILCO Company
- [7:10] A variety of styles of escape wells to choose from
- [10:19] How the addition of a BILCO door transforms the basement and adds the security of an emergency exit
- [10:59] The importance of using a contractor who has experience installing BILCO doors
Wooden decking that has rotted or deteriorated over time will need to be replaced. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for advice on that and many more home improvement tips!
- [1:35] Cost-effective way to level a backyard and add a retaining wall
- [6:37] All about Bilco basement doors and window wells
- [8:28] The best products to strip vinyl and paint a metal door
- [11:41] Exmark Backyard Life Tip: Deck Maintenance
- [14:57] How to fix a toilet that won’t shut off after flushing
- [17:07] Tips for replacing the boards on an old wood deck
- [21:30] Home Depot Best New Product: Winix D480 True Hepa Air Purifier
- [24:01] Simple Solution: How to make a bio-degradable seed starter from an ice cream cone
- [25:59] Question of the Week: What are the best replacement options for an old concrete septic tank?
Warmer weather means that your lawn mowing chores are ramping up. Listen to learn about some ways to get your mower ready to work.
The warmer weather seems to make us want to spruce up the outside of homes, and one of the best ways to do that is a fresh coat of paint. Listen to learn how to prep for a paint job that lasts as long as it should.
Does the pollen in the air this time of year make your outdoor living space a mess? Listen to learn about some simple ways to wash it away.
For many, Spring Cleaning means breaking out the pressure washer. Listen to learn about where and where not to use one.
If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little dull and grimy, it’s time to get steamed up. Listen to learn how you can turn your microwave into a powerful cleaning tool.
Do you really need someone to clean and service your HVAC? That's what our listener, Thomas, is wondering after receiving junk mail from HVAC companies.
The push for ductwork service has noticeably increased over the past several years.
Here's what we have to say about it.
Are you looking for a new grill to fire up this summer? Listen to learn how to find the right grill for you.
Do you find it hard to mask odd shaped items when you're painting? Listen to learn about an easy way to solve that problem.
Do the weeds in your yard green up faster than the lawn? Listen to learn about some ways to deal with weed worries.
Do you hate painting windows as much as I do? Listen to learn about a trick that takes the misery out of this chore.
If the winter wasn’t kind to your deck, you may be nervous about all the traffic on it during the upcoming summer months. Listen to learn how to get your deck ready for those guests.
What do you do if you walk into your garage, and the ceiling appears to be falling?
That’s the situation Deborah is facing in Michigan.
Deborah had a roof inspection done, and no damage was found on the roof. Now, she wants to know why her ceiling might be falling and how she can repair it.
- [1:54] What to do about a falling garage ceiling
- [6:09] Home Depot BNP – Wyze Outdoor Surveillance Camera with Base Station
- [7:22] Tips for repairing a desilvering mirror
- [11:38] Exmark Backyard Life Tip
- [14:30] How to remove mildew and mold from a canvas awning
- [17:51] Installing a circulating pump for a water heater
- [20:34] Ways to prevent water from collecting in your yard
- [25:43] We have a brand-new sub-section on TodaysHomeowner.com brought to you by the Metal Roofing Alliance
- [26:54] Simple Solution – Using a shop-vac to find and pick up small parts that fall on the floor
- [29:08] Question of the Week: Is there a way to permanently fix stress cracks around a skylight?
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Water is a vital resource of life, but sometimes, it’s nothing but an unsightly blemish! Listen to learn the secret for a foolproof cover-up.
Looking for a way to water the garden without ever turning on the faucet? Listen to learn about a fun project that will save water and money too.
A rocking chair can be relaxing no matter what time of the day. But, there’s one seat in the house you don’t want to rock. Listen for some tips to put an end to rocking toilets.
Do you ever get frustrated removing those stickers from new tools or appliances? Listen to learn how to get them off the easy way.
Much of Spring cleaning is about removing the stale odors that have been trapped inside all winter. Listen to learn about getting out smells without making the house smell like a chemical factory.
Many people with an above-ground pool want to add decking to enhance this recreational area, but they're not sure which type of decking to choose: composite or wood.
That's just the question that Mark in Michigan faces.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our thoughts on that and many more home improvement tips!
As spring yard work begins, you’ll probably have gasoline stored somewhere around your house... maybe improperly. Listen to learn about how to store gasoline safely.
One topic that should NEVER go out of style is recycling. Listen to learn about why it’s important and how you can help.
Pollution from ground runoff is a growing problem in our country. Listen to learn about how you, as a homeowner, can help reduce it.
If you have a crawlspace under your house, take a peek underneath, and you’ll see all kinds of things. Listen to learn about eliminating one crawlspace feature you CAN’T see.
Did you know you can keep an eye on your house whether you’re across the street or across the country? Listen to learn about putting your home on speed dial.
- [1:30] How to hide central air wiring and pipes
- [9:09] Home Depot Best New Product: Leviton 15 Amp Decora Type A and C USB Charger Tamper-Resistant Outlet
- [10:47] Creating a dry patio area under a wood deck
- [15:56] What can cause granite to crack
- [21:24] Affordable way to make a functional and attractive outdoor kitchen
- [22:49] Solved: Can you re-coat the white coating on an old cast-iron sink?
- [25:45] What to do about stained concrete
- [28:35] Question of the Week: Which flooring option is best for a high moisture level?
Gene in Iowa has a vintage cast-iron sink that’s showing its age. He wants to keep it, but first, he’s wondering whether he can refinish the sink to make it look new again.
We always prefer to restore items, rather than throw them away. While refinishing a bathtub is a big project to tackle, sinks are more manageable.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more on this topic and other home improvement tips!
Finishing a basement is a great way to add living space economically. Listen to learn about getting started the right way.
The #1 cause of water heater failure is sediment buildup in the tank. Listen to learn about how to remove that sediment.
When you want to take a stroll around the yard, the only thing moving should be your feet. Listen to learn about keeping your paver walkway in one place.
Out of sight, out of mind…but what happens if the thing out of sight is hazardous to your health? Listen to find out what you can do if you discover asbestos in your flooring.
As the weather warms up, many of you are planning to spend more time in the garden. Listen to learn about a simple way to create your own compost bin at home.
If drywall gets wet, do you always have to replace it? That's what Janine, a fan, asks.
Her toilet and bathtub backed up and flooded three rooms. She said it looks like the water line is just at 6 inches on the drywall...but there's more to the story.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
For many people, working on the lawn and garden is a favorite activity during this time of year. Listen to learn about a simple solution for storing your lawn and garden tools.
Spring is here, and for many of you, that means Spring Cleaning. Listen to learn about an easy way to handle a cleaning chore you may be avoiding.
As the weather warms up, some people are starting to think about painting projects. Listen to learn about an important aspect of paint preparation.
Does your stepping stone path feel more like a teeter totter than a stable walkway? Listen to learn about an easy way to level those stepping stones.
Don't you hate it when you get ready to re-use a can of paint, and it's dried up? Listen to learn about a way to preserve your stored paint.
A lot of people think of replacing an old neglected front door, but then they run into a lot of questions that make them second-guess doing so.
Nina from Kentucky is dealing with this right now. Her westward-facing wooden door — original to her 1970s home — gets a lot of heat and sap oozes from it. But appearance and function aren't the only things she has to worry about, and it's time to replace this door.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
As the weather warms up, are you itching to get to work on your yard? Listen to learn about some tips for fertilizing your lawn.
Do your lawn and flower beds fight over real estate? Listen to learn about a simple, inexpensive way to separate the two.
Do you ever wonder how to deal with those bare spots in the lawn? Listen to learn about a small space seeding solution.
There’s nothing that looks better than a well-kept lawn. Listen to learn about how to make yours the best one on the block this season.
Spring's almost here, and soon, it will be mowing season. Listen to learn about making sure your mower is ready to get the job done this year.
If you're thinking of buying a home, do some investigating first. Listen to learn about the value of a home inspection.
When you're pruning limbs, do you find that the one you really need to trim is just outside your reach? Here's a simple way to solve that problem.
Have you ever been in the middle of a project inside the house and realized that the one tool you needed was out in the garage or basement? Listen for the solution!
Remodeling a room or series of rooms is never easy — it helps to have assistance and make an informed decision.
That’s what Karen in Indiana needs. She’s remodeling her kitchen / family room combination and she wants a budget-conscious, dog-friendly floor.
This is easy from two guys who both have hardwood floors and can attest: hardwood holds up. Ceramic or porcelain tiles also are durable, but you’ll need to apply grout, and that means much more maintenance.
Vinyl plank flooring, which goes down nicely over a wood subfloor, has come down in price, it’s do-it-yourself friendly, and it’s hard for dogs to damage.
But if you did damage one plank, just pull it up and put another one down — the flooring isn’t tongue-and-groove, and it doesn’t get much more user-friendly than that!
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Don't you love finding another use for a common household item? Here are some interesting new uses for coffee filters.
Have you been sweeping things under the rug all winter? This spring cleaning trick is sure to help!
These spring chores will help your home run effectively and efficiently. Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn about them! Sponsored by The Home Depot.
- [1:58] Servicing A/C and heating systems
- [2:57] Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- [4:04] Cleaning and lubricating windows
- [6:24] Clearing lint from the dryer exhaust pipe
- [7:00] Lubricating door locks
- [9:28] Garden tool maintenance
- [10:08] Preparing flower beds
- [10:54] Adjusting ceiling fans
- [12:16] Pressure washing
- [12:57] Adding insulation
- [13:36] Organizing closets and decluttering
- [14:05] Dusting lampshades and ceiling fans
- [14:27] Renting an aerator for your yard
- [16:00] The importance of flipping your mattress
- [16:45] Inspecting your mailbox
- [17:20] Taking care of your indoor plants
- [18:07] Testing your sump pump
Wondering about the best way to remove built-up mold, mildew and hard water from shower doors, tracks and shower floor tiles?
First, consider the source of these issues. Many old-fashioned shower doors have deep tracks where water can sit and clog up the weep holes. This creates the perfect condition for mold and mildew to grow.
The best way to remove mold and mildew is to start by cleaning your shower. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for this and more home improvement tips!
These days it seems almost everyone is watching their pennies to try and make ends meet. Listen to learn about a simple way to update your home without spending much money.
If you’ve ever done a little rearranging of furniture, you know it can leave a bad impression. Listen to learn about a couple of good solutions to unwanted carpet dimples.
As the weather warms up, we all want to open up the windows and let in the fresh air. Listen to learn all about window safety.
As spring rolls around, you’ll find yourself involved in more projects around the house. Listen to learn about preventing back injury while you’re moving heavy loads.
Does dusting in hard-to-reach places put a cramp in your spring cleaning? Listen to learn about a trick to simplify your dusting chores.
Mineral spirits are a chemical compound often used as a paint thinner and solvent.
They are commonly used to clean tools and machine parts. Because they tend to be less flammable and less toxic, artists favor mineral spirits over turpentine.
They also are effective in removing adhesive residue from subfloors you may want to revive.
We’ll talk about how to do that, and much more, on this episode of The Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
- [1:27] How to remove mineral spirits from hardwood floors
- [9:48] Tips and tricks for limewashing brick exterior
- [14:27] Home Depot Best New Product: Emco 400 Series Universal Self-Storing Aluminum Storm Door
- [15:21] Tips for painting cabinets
- [18:14] What to do about a tripping circuit breaker
- [24:55] Simple Solution: Using a bungee cord as a tool holder
- [27:44] Question of the Week: What to do about a sweating carport
Is the tub and shower surround in your bathroom in need of some help? Listen to learn about a plan for a new one.
It may sound far-fetched, but damaged wood around your home has something in common with automobile repair. Listen to learn about one of the best repair tools you should have around your home.
Caulk tubes are almost never empty when the job is complete. Listen to learn about a great way to seal that tube, so you can use it later.
Ever wonder how there can be so many different kinds of paint? Listen to learn about choosing the right one for your painting chores.
A little bit of paper can make a world of difference. Listen to learn why some insulation has a paper face and when and how you should use it.
You may have heard about a service called Aeroseal, which is designed to cover cracks and gaps in your heating and cooling system's ductwork. But does it really work?
That's what Evelyn, in Washington, is wondering. She recently learned that her air ducts have dust, and an HVAC professional suggested trying this product.
Ductwork maintenance is an ongoing issue for homeowners. On average, 20 to 30 percent of the air in the average home leaks from the ducts. That means air is not reaching the rooms it's supposed to reach, which isn't very energy efficient.
Usually, air ducts are insulated but the joints aren't sealed. Take a look at your ductwork; you might be surprised to see insulation being blown away. All joints should be sealed with mastic or tape.
Aeroseal is one way to deal with cracks and gaps in your HVAC ductwork. But does it really work? Here are our thoughts, along with much more, on The Today's Homeowner Podcast.
The screen on a faucet aerator traps all kinds of debris, from rust particles to calcium deposits. Listen to learn about cleaning out that gunk.
Does the finish of your paint projects disappoint you? Listen to learn how to make sure you get the finish you want.
Need a door that doesn’t take up a lot of space? Listen to learn about how a bi-fold door might just solve your problem.
A spoonful of sugar may be a great way to attract ants, but it can also be their downfall. Listen to learn about a secret formula that uses a favorite ant snack to get rid of them for good.
Does your home have those bumpy, textured, popcorn ceilings? Listen to learn about what to consider if you want smooth ceilings.
Dean, from South Carolina, has a house with a concrete patio and a brick inlay. The mortar is aging, and he needs to remove it and match colors. He isn’t sure how to tackle this repair, so he’s asking us for some advice.
Learn the fix, and much more, on this episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast.
- [1:15] How to equalize the temperatures in your home
- [5:04] Tips for matching grout color
- [8:18] Home Depot Best New Product: Pergo Southern Grey Oak Laminate 4-in-1 Molding
- [9:52] A listener shares the importance of taking care of appliances
- [13:50] How to create a smoother transition for your threshold
- [16:27] Use these tools when removing wallpaper
- [21:09] Tips for replacing tile over a fiberglass form base
- [25:58] Simple Solution: How to convert a banquet table into a portable workbench
- [27:31] Question of the Week: What you should know about gas fireplaces, and how to properly maintain them
Simple Solutions Banquet Table Workbench—Folding tables are great to have when extra people visit for dinner. However, once they’re beaten up and past their prime, they’re no longer appropriate for family gatherings. But you can repurpose an old, beat-up banquet table by transforming it into a workbench for your shop or garage.
Folding tables are about 29 inches tall, which is fine for sitting, but uncomfortable for working while standing up. Here’s how to raise the table height: Cut four 1-inch-diameter PVC pipes to about 12 inches long. Slip one pipe over each metal leg and cover the end with a plastic cap. You can secure the cap with PVC glue, but it’s not really necessary.
Now, you have a table that has a comfortable working height of 36 inches.
Paintbrush Cleaning Tip—To clean stubborn paint from paintbrushes, soak the bristles in hot white vinegar, then rinse with warm, soapy water. And when soaking paintbrushes, don’t simply stand them up in a can; the bristles will get permanently bent out of shape.
Instead, drill a small hole through the handle, and pass a short-length wire hanger through the hole. Now, set the wire across the top of the can, suspending the bristles above the bottom of the can.
Question of the Week Q: I have never owned a home with a gas fireplace before, and I know very little about them. I have recently noticed my ceramic logs are turning black where the flame touches them.
Is this normal? Also, should I have someone come out to do a yearly service on it like I would for my HVAC system?
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Custom Building Products Grout Colorant * EZ-ACCESS Transition Mat * Paper Tiger * DIF
A lot of homeowners notice grout separating from the wall between the tile backsplash and their countertop. And they’re left wondering how to fix that separation: with grout or caulk under the tiles.
We'll talk about that, and much more, on this episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast.
- [1:33] What to know when painting an old house
- [8:56] Tips for re-grouting in the kitchen
- [13:03] Home Depot Best New Product – Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
- [14:52] Can you re-stain or paint hardwood flooring?
- [20:28] Which insulation is better: open cell or closed cell?
- [28:28] Simple Solution: How to cut vinyl siding or thin plastic with a circular saw
- [30:38] Question of the Week: How do you take masonry paint off a cement block foundation and replace it with surface bonding cement?
Simple Solutions Clean Cuts in Vinyl Siding—Next time you cut vinyl siding with a circular saw or other thin plastic, try this trick: Put the saw blade on backward, so its teeth are facing back toward you. Now, when you cut the siding, the blade will produce a clean, chip-free edge.
Spot Cleaning Tip—Remove stubborn stains from upholstery and carpeting by making a spot cleaner from oxygen bleach powder (such as OxiClean). Put one tablespoon of oxygen bleach in one cup of hot water. Stir well until the oxygen bleach powder is completely dissolved. Dip a toothbrush into the spot cleaner and scrub the stain. Repeat, keeping the area wet for at least five minutes. Blot dry with paper towels and let dry.
Question of the Week Q: I have an outside cement block foundation, and I had put masonry paint on it. Now, I want to take the paint off and replace it with a surface bonding cement. Any suggestions as to the easiest way to take the masonry paint off and then put the surface bonding cement on?
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Home Depot * Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Icicles on your roof can be a hazard and cause leaks in your home. Learn about that, and much more, on this episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast.
Nothing traps your home in the seventies like shag carpeting or dark wood paneling. Listen to learn how to get rid of the retro look in your family room.
You know that terrible feeling you have when a clogged toilet is about to overflow and you don’t know how to stop it? Listen to learn about what to do to avoid a flood.
Did you know your home can have good condensation and bad condensation? Listen to learn about some solutions for the negative side of sweating.
Clothes dryers are one of those modern conveniences that can easily be taken for granted, but don’t let that warm air meant for your clothes heat up the wrong things. Listen to learn about some dryer safety tips.
In the winter time it’s nearly impossible to keep your floors from getting tracked up with snow. Listen to learn about protecting your floors from what comes with the snow.
Do you hate the sound of a slamming door as much as I do? Listen to learn about adjusting your storm doors to close smoothly this winter.
Is the “cold crunch” of winter putting the squeeze on your utility bills? Listen to learn about some simple ways to save.
Storage space is always at a premium in the kitchen, so how do you create more without adding any cabinets? Listen to learn about maximizing the cabinet space you have.
This time of year we spend so much time inside that we become more aware of what’s going on in our houses. Listen to learn about what to do if one of those things is a lingering odor.
Does your kitchen counter look like the discount table at an electronics store? Listen to learn about corralling the charger chaos in your home.
Everyone enjoys a fireplace during the winter, but safety has to be a priority. Listen to learn about keeping your fireplace or wood stove properly maintained this winter.
We’re just over a month into the new year, and lots of us have already broken many of our New Year’s resolutions. Listen to learn about following through on those plans to improve your home.
How do you cope when you have a four legged family member that seems to shed more hair than it keeps? Listen to learn about some easy ways to keep the fur from flying.
Do you know what your AC IQ is? Listen to learn about playing it smart with your household electrical appliances.
Are you one of the fortunate few who can actually park their car in the garage? Listen to learn about some ideas to make getting the car in and out easier.
Powdery white stains on your retaining wall are likely caused by efflorescence. As concrete cures, moisture slowly migrates to the surface of the block where it evaporates into the air.
Water brings dissolved salts and minerals from within the concrete mixture. As the water evaporates, those minerals are left on the surface of your block, giving it a whitish, hazy, or streaky stain.
Here are some tips for dealing with efflorescence, along with much more, on the Today's Homeowner Podcast!
Are glue stains ruining the finish on your woodworking projects? Listen to learn about a better way to remove more glue.
Do you ever forget your measurements before you get to the saw to cut material? Listen to learn about a simple way to keep track of them.
Are plumbing repairs under your kitchen sink a pain in the neck? Listen to learn about a way to make this chore easier and more comfortable.
Have you ever ended up killing your potted plants when you were trying to save them? Listen to learn about a way to avoid doing more harm than good.
Are you looking for projects to do inside until the weather warms up? Listen to learn about things to consider if refinishing furniture is on your list this winter.
Depending on your water’s quality, and your view, a water softener is a bit of a luxury. But for some homeowners, it’s a necessity that provides peace of mind.
You can live with hard water and deal with any problems as they arise, and many people do, or you can purchase a water softener that treats the water and reduces the amounts of calcium and magnesium.
But that also means purchasing the heavy bags of salt pellets for the water softening system, and that's an issue that Laurie in Michigan faces — where to install the system so she doesn't have to lug those salt pellets more than she needs to.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer to that, and more home improvement tips!
You say you’ve locked out Old Man Winter, but you’ve also locked in stale air. Listen to learn about an easy trick to freshen up the entire house.
With all the extra inside time during the winter, we often discover repairs we‘ve missed. Listen to learn how to take care of that water stained ceiling.
January usually brings us the coldest weather of the season and for many, frozen pipes. Listen to learn about how to avoid frozen pipes.
Has Spot been leaving his own spots on your carpets or rugs? Listen to learn about getting pet stains out of carpets or flooring.
A faulty water heater can be as dangerous as a ticking bomb in your home. Listen to learn about the checking the temperature pressure relief valve.
If you have wooden floors, at some point, you'll have scratches and scuffs and want nothing more than to rejuvenate them.
The causes are predictable — someone moves furniture without protective padding under the legs, high heels create holes, and pets' claws leave their marks — and the result is unsightly.
That's the situation that Jack, in Illinois, faces. His engineered hardwood flooring has lots of wear-and-tear, and he's used wood pencils, stain markers, putty, and sometimes polyurethane to keep it looking its best.
The repairs look great, at first, but they don't last very long. He's looking for best practices and lasting results.
If you're in the same situation, listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast for tips about what to do.
Our homes are filled with electronic gadgets that make our lives easier, but sometimes they need a little help from us. Listen to learn about selecting a surge suppressor to protect your home electronics.
When it’s cold outside, nothing feels better under foot than a soft warm carpet. Listen to learn about some ways to spare the budget when you’re buying new carpet.
Sealing our homes for energy efficiency is designed to be a good thing, but it can cause problems if we don’t manage it well. Listen to learn about watching out for mold while you’re saving energy.
Worried about taking a tumble on that slippery wood deck? Listen to learn about the right steps to take to avoid a mis-step.
For many people, a new year brings resolutions, but don’t let that resolve get buried in last year’s clutter. Listen to learn about a fresh start to the new year.
Touching up varnish isn’t easy. So, when it flakes and makes furniture look unsightly, that’s a problem.
You may be able to lightly sand the area and apply a new coat, but old varnish sometimes yellows, and the new varnish simply can’t match up.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer, along with more home improvement tips!
- [1:30]: Tips for venting bathrooms to the outside
- [6:01]: How to make a dumb-waiter with a garage door opener
- [7:39]: Tips for removing wallpaper
- [12:49]: Best New Product: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
- [16:07]: The projects Danny is working on at his house
- [18:46]: Tips for making laminate countertops look like granite
- [20:10]: Simple Solution: Extension Cord Safety Tips
- [23:08]: Question of the Week: What to do about flaking varnish
Simple Solutions Quick Trick for Deodorizing Bathroom Sinks — Bathroom sinks often become clogged with soap scum and hair, which then produces a funky odor. Here’s how to re-freshen and deodorize the sink.
Start by dumping one-third cup of baking soda in the sink drain. Next, take one full cup of white vinegar and pour it down the drain. When it hits the baking soda, it’ll start to fizz.
Wait for a few minutes for the fizzing to calm down, then follow up with a full kettle of boiling water. This will, in combination with the vinegar and the baking soda, cut through anything that might be clogging up the sink.
Repeat this treatment once a month to keep the sink smelling sweet and flowing freely. And if you need to use a plunger to clear a clog, plug up the overflow hole on the side of the sink.
Extension Cord Safety Tip — Here’s an important safety tip to remember next time you use an extension cord: Always unplug the cord from the electrical outlet before winding it up.
That’s important because if the cord has a short or is damaged in any way, you can receive a potentially lethal electrical shock.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Daich Coatings * Home Depot * Ryobi
Common sense tells us that the chill of winter means you should close off every possible opening to protect your home from the cold. Listen to learn why I believe there are some doors that should stay open.
Do you find yourself buying new nails or screws every time you start a project? Listen to learn about an easy way to keep up with those fasteners so you can find them.
Even though it’s a new year, you may be facing an old problem that could be costing you a lot of money. Listen to learn about how important it is to get your DUCTS in a row.
When you walk into your bathroom, do you feel like the floor is never clean, even though you scrub and mop it every week? Listen to learn about some simple methods for cleaning grout lines.
You're in the middle of a project and you reach for the glue, but it takes forever to squeeze it out. Listen to learn about a simple way to solve this problem.
Having enough storage space is important, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, that’s a problem. A motion sensor ceiling light might be the solution.
Arthur in Wisconsin has a couple of closets and a pantry without any lights. He’s using a flashlight to find things, but that’s just a fast fix. He wants a permanent solution.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn about Arthur's options, along with many more home improvement tips!
Indoor painting is among the most popular projects for homeowners to tackle themselves, especially at this time of the year. Listen to learn about some ways to make it easier and more successful.
Whether it was gift from the holidays or a purchase you made yourself, assembling furniture can be tedious. Listen to learn about a way to speed up the process.
Do you wish you had paid more attention in Boy Scouts when it's time light a fire? Listen to learn about a simple way to get one started.
Do you ever find yourself with a mess you just don't know how to clean up? Listen to learn about a solution that's probably already in your house.
Does it seem like your garage floor is dirtier than the outside? Listen to learn about some simple ways to keep it cleaner.
Does it seem like the stuff stored in your workshop space keeps you from actually doing work? Listen to learn about some ways to solve that problem.
With the Christmas behind us, it won’t be long until you get rid of that tree. Listen to learn about different ways you can do this.
Sometimes the simplest chores can become the most difficult ones. Listen to learn about a quick fix to keep a simple chore simple.
Organizing kitchen cabinets is a big challenge for lots of homeowners. Listen to learn about a solution that's quick, simple and inexpensive.
As the winter chill sets in, it’s probably one of your top priorities to stay warm. Listen to learn about some unwanted house guests who have the same priority in mind.
I know good cabinets — and which ones shouldn’t be in people’s homes. Everything in Cabinets To Go’s showrooms is quality, and the people who work there make you feel comfortable and at ease during a major room renovation.
And let’s face it, that’s not an easy process, especially if you try to tackle it on your own.
Years ago, you would visit a cabinet store and then would inch forward in creating your dream kitchen or bathroom. But then you’d have to drive across town to the countertop store, inch forward, and then move on to the flooring shop. Just planning the trips could be an ordeal.
That’s not the case at Cabinets To Go, a one-stop shop where you can find it all — the cabinets, countertops, backsplash and flooring — along with someone who is knowledgeable and can guide you through that process.
That means from the design to the installation.
Listen to this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn more about Cabinets To Go!
Black mold is a common problem in homes with regular exposure to moisture, particularly bathrooms. But there is something you can do about it.
Tim, a Today’s Homeowner Podcast listener, is dealing with this issue after converting a half-bath laundry room to a full bathroom.
He doesn’t regret the decision to convert the laundry room, but there is one unfortunate side effect. The ceiling now has black mold, and he thinks it’s coming from the shower steam. That probably means one of two things: First, the drywall isn’t moisture-resistant, which should be the case for any bathroom. Otherwise, there’s just not enough ventilation to cover the space. In either case, we have the solution. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for that and many more home improvement tips! * [1:28] Tips for replacing a window with a door
- [6:37] What to do about stained, cracking grout
- [12:41] Best New Product: Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Compact ½-inch Drill/Driver Kit
- [14:38] Replacing hinged, swinging doors with sliding barn doors
- [19:44] Replacing a ceramic kitchen sink under a granite countertop
- [21:58] What to do about stains from dog urine
- [23:19] Simple Solution: How to make furniture polish from ingredients you have in your pantry
- [25:32] Question of the Week: Tips to prevent black mold in a bathroom
It’s Christmas day, and many of you are busy preparing for the rest of the day’s activities. I’d like to share my recipe for a Merry Christmas.
Tomorrow is Christmas day, and for many, that means you’ll soon be assembling lots of tools, games and sporting equipment. Listen to learn about putting together a Christmas survival kit.
Some home repairs seem like they never end. Listen to learn about getting to the root of the problem to keep it from coming back.
If you find yourself with one or more unused rooms in your house, think twice before closing the door! Listen to learn about the myths and facts about closing off rooms in order to save energy.
Do you have a vacation home or property that needs to settle down for a long winter’s nap? Listen to learn about some essential steps for winterizing a vacant home.
For many of us the holidays include trips to see family and friends in other places. Listen to learn about keeping your home secure while gone.
You drop a hammer on your hardware floor while hanging a picture...what do you do? Listen to learn about dealing with that dent.
Do you ever spend time looking for a tool in the garage only to find it covered with rust? Listen to learn about a simple fix.
Do you have a vacation home or property that needs to settle down for a long winter’s nap? Listen to learn about some essential steps for winterizing a vacant home.
Before Santa Claus makes a trip down your chimney, make sure he isn’t going to arrive to a smokey mess. Listen to learn about an easy way to clean the soot from your fireplace surround.
Cast iron sinks are popular because they’re durable, stylish and can last a lifetime. But for all their strengths, they can crack, chip and show wear and tear over time.
That’s the situation that Bruce in Iowa faces. He and his wife are in the process of buying a new home and they have some old cast-iron sinks.
They’d like to include these heirlooms in the new house, but they’re not sure if refinishing them is a do-it-yourself friendly job. We love the idea of saving an old sink. But placing an old sink in a new house isn’t much of an upgrade, despite the sentimental value. So, Bruce is right to consider refinishing them. Listen to this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn about his options, along with many more home improvement tips.
Finishing a basement is a great way to add living space economically. Listen to learn about getting started the right way.
Is the expense of updating your home's door hardware getting out of hand? Listen to learn about a simple way to cut the costs.
Everyone is concerned about air pollution, but sometimes we overlook a source we can easily control. Listen to learn about reducing the impact of your wood burning fireplace on the environment.
As the weather gets colder, we all spend more and more time inside. Listen to learn about making sure the air inside your home is safe to breathe.
Tired of those cold winter drafts putting the chill on your house? Listen to learn about a strategy to stop them in their tracks.
Many homeowners pull up their carpet when they have hardwood or tile floors beneath it. The project is easy until you get to the carpet tack strip, and the adhesive underneath it.
That’s the situation John faces.
He and his son decided to pull up wall-to-wall carpeting that was covering beautiful tile floors.
They removed the carpeting and pried up the carpet tack strip lining the room’s perimeter. Then they were shocked to find residue from contact cement that held the tack strip to the tile.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for what to do about that, along with more home improvement tips!
Holiday decorating is in full swing by now for many of you. Listen to learn about making sure you keep your home safe while you make it festive.
If you’re like me, you prefer the look and aroma of a live Christmas tree, but you also know how quickly they can dry out. Listen to learn about a simple way to keep your tree watered.
By now, I’m sure many of you are already enjoying the sight and smell of a real Christmas tree in your home. Listen to learn about keeping it safe this holiday season.
During the holiday season I love to look at the lights. Listen to learn about putting them up the right way.
For many people, the week of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Holiday decorating. Listen to learn about doing a door wreath right.
Over the upcoming holidays, a lot of cooking goes on in kitchens across America, so no one wants any distractions. Listen to learn about making sure your kitchen sink is ready for the holidays.
People often ask me when they should make the final payment to a contractor for work done on their homes. Listen to learn about some guidelines you can follow.
As the mornings get colder, we begin to appreciate a nice hot shower more and more. Listen to learn about keeping the hot water flowing without killing the utility bills.
When it really gets frigid outside, people will do almost anything to stay warm. Listen to learn about using space heaters safely.
When it’s cold outside nothing beats a warm fire inside. Listen to learn about making sure your chimney is safe this season.
In this special Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're discussing drywall with Jay Watt. He's the Director of Marketing for National Gypsum and serves as a member of the Association of Walls and Ceilings Industry and The Gypsum Association.
This podcast is sponsored by National Gypsum, a private manufacturing company that produces drywall gypsum boards.
Their products include Purple XP, which includes interior finishing products, cement boards and roof boards, as well as a variety of products that protect against mildew, mold and moisture.
We'll talk about the origin of National Gypsum, whether plaster is still used today, the Purple XP line of drywall, and how the company gives back to the community.
Painted hardwood floors have a certain charm and simplicity. But that’s only when they look great — when they have scuffs and stains, it’s another story.
That’s the situation Keith, from Maine, faces.
He has 100-year-old painted floors that are badly scuffed up. He tried cleaning a 5-square-foot area with a Magic Eraser. It did a pretty good job, but the problem is he has 400 square feet of flooring to cover, and using the same effort would take a lot of elbow grease.
We have suggestions for what he can do instead to revive those painted hardwood floors.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, folks are touching up things inside the house before the family and friends arrive next week. Listen to learn about tips for keeping the interior painting chaos to a minimum.
Looking for a project to take on this weekend? Listen to learn about sealing that garage floor.
Cold weather and old windows just don’t get along too well. Listen to learn about how you can make those old windows more energy efficient for the winter.
Is your kitchen ready for holiday entertaining? Listen to learn about giving your old laminate countertops a new life.
Tired of scratching the floor every time you move the couch? Listen to learn about furniture moving that’s easy on the floors and your back.
What's popular in interior design constantly changes. In this special-edition Today's Homeowner Podcast, we're talking with Alex Hughes, Cabinets To Go's marketing director, to learn about 2020 kitchen trends.
Major home renovations like flooring installations don’t come cheap — that’s why homeowners expect perfection. So, what do you do when a newly installed floating wood floor starts creaking?
That’s the situation Jo, from Mobile, Alabama, faces. A company recently installed flooring in her master bedroom. Once the installation was complete, she noticed creaks.
The contractor told Jo the creaking will continue because it’s a floating wood floor, as opposed to hardwood that’s traditionally nailed on. But she’s wondering if there’s anything to do about it.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our advice and more home improvement tips!
- [1:48] The best options for deadbolts and how to install them
- [5:50] How to securely install a fan
- [9:53] When and how to replace barriers
- [11:05] The most efficient way to remove tile
- [13:49] Best New Product: DeWalt Flexvolt Advantage Circular Saw
- [14:55] How to deal with damage from a magic eraser
- [19:36] What to know before using mold-removing products
- [24:26] All About Daich Coatings’ SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit
- [26:11] Simple Solution: Using a 1×4 as a brace when prying molding from drywall
- [27:45] Question of the Week: Is there a way to fix creaky wood floors?
Simple Solutions Wall Protector — When prying moldings off a wall, such as baseboard, chair rail or window or door casing, slip a short piece of 1×4 behind the pry bar to act as a fulcrum and to protect the wall from damage.
If the moldings are particularly difficult to pry off, cut the 1×4 long enough to span two wall studs as extra protection against crushing the drywall.
Secret Slot — Replacing a faulty lockset on an interior door is a simple enough job: Slide off the knob and unscrew the locket.
The problem is that there’s no obvious way to remove the knob to access the screws.
Here’s the secret: Look closely at the shank of the lockset on the interior side of the door; that’s the locking side of the knob. You’ll see a tiny slot or hole.
Push the tip of a narrow-blade screwdriver or nail set into the slot or hole, then tug on the knob and it’ll slide right off.
Pry off the round decorative plate, called the rose, to expose the screws that hold the lockset to the door.
Question of the Week Is there a way to fix a creaky floating wood floor?
Unfortunately, after engineered wood floors are installed, there is not much that can be done about creaks. Your best option is to wait and see if the creaking goes away after settling and acclimating to the house.
When installing floors in the future, a floating wood floor should be put down over a thin rubber underlayment.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings
Home Depot
Hunter Fans
Kilz
Now’s the time to spruce up your home’s entry for the holidays before the weather gets too cold. Listen to learn about renewing rusted handrails.
The temperatures will be dropping steadily over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a maintenance tip that could save you a lot of hassles and an expensive visit from your plumber.
In many parts of the country, it’s still not too late to put your garden to bed for the winter. Listen to learn about what you should do now to prepare for a green spring.
Which do you hate more, raking leaves or bagging them up? Listen to learn about an easy way to reduce some of the hassle of leaf collection.
Don't you just love removing leaves from the roof and gutters this time of year? Listen to learn about a cut down on the work of this necessary chore.
More people than ever are improving their outdoor living spaces — and it's never been easier to do it yourself.
Want to create a concrete countertop? There's a mix for that! Setting fence posts? There's something for that, too! Could your patio use a facelift? Don't rip it out because, yes, there's a mix for that as well!
In this special edition Today's Homeowner Podcast, Danny speaks with guest Frank Owens, vice president of marketing for Quikrete. Learn which type of concrete you need for most projects. And you'll learn about an exciting product in development at the company.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for expert advice and pro tips!
- [0:00] Meet Frank Owens, vice president of Marketing for Quikrete
- [1:18] The origins of Quikrete in Columbus, Ohio
- [4:14] Danny and Frank talk about Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer, which recently was re-formulated and re-launched
- [7:31] Danny praises Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete in the Red Bag
- [9:28] What you should know about Quikrete Concrete Repair Caulk and Advanced Polymer Crack Sealant
- [10:50] Concrete countertops? Yes, and there’s a mix for that!
- [13:15] Laying block with Quikrete Mortar Mix, and Danny’s new favorite: dry-stacking block and using QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement
- [15:13] Coming soon from Quikrete: 3D Printed Concrete
- [17:03] Check out Quikrete’s video library, which has more than 80 million views!
If you want the look of hardwood flooring, you can purchase stylish, low-maintenance vinyl planks.
But there will be tradeoffs, and that’s when you have to weigh the pros and cons to decide on the best option for your home.
That’s the situation Lisa in Illinois faces. She had vinyl plank flooring installed in her basement, and she loves the look — not to mention that it’s scratch-resistant and waterproof.
On the main floor, she has 17-year-old hardwood floors — and they look their age. They’re dented, scratched and worn. She wonders whether to sand, stain and refinish them or simply replace them with vinyl planks.
Lisa is leaning toward the vinyl planks, but her husband wants to keep the hardwood flooring. Meanwhile, a real estate agent told her hardwood floors are her best bet for resale value.
This is a house divided, and now, she wants us to share our thoughts.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our recommendation and more home improvement tips!
- [1:21] The best option for filling grout lines: caulking or grout?
- [6:14] How to keep your lawn alive through the winter
- [8:26] Chelsea shares how she put together a clothes rack for her kids using only glue
- [12:25] Hardwood floors or vinyl plank flooring?
- [17:05] Best New Product: Custom Building Products’ SimpleGrout
- [18:22] How to easily scrape your popcorn ceiling
- [21:22] How do you fix a sliding glass door?
- [23:52] Simple Solution: How to make a cap that REALLY works to preserve left-over caulk
- [26:33] Question of the Week: How can you clean solid oak cabinets without removing the finish?
Simple Solutions Caulk Saver — Tubes of caulk and sealant are not cheap, so how do you keep them fresh once you snip off the tips?
Twist-on caps are available at the home center, but most of them don’t work very well. I’ve found it’s much easier to grab some plastic tubing and make one myself.
Just take some tubing that’s 5/8-inch diameter by half-inch inside-diameter. Then use a pair of snips to cut a section of tubing that’s 4 or 5 inches long.
Next, heat one end of the plastic tube with an electric heat gun. You’ll need to heat it until it’s nice and soft — almost melted.
Then set the heated tube in a viseand clamp it pretty tightly to melt that end together. You should wait approximately 20 or 30 seconds before you take it out of the vise.
Before using your makeshift caulk cap, test it by blowing into the open end. You’ll want to make sure it has an airtight seal.
So, now all you need to do is get the open tube of caulk, slip on the modified plastic tube and press it on. It only has to go on maybe a half-inch or so.
And now, next time you need to use this tube of caulk, just pop it off and get to work!
Watch: How to Save Opened Caulk with a Plastic Tube
Sledgehammer Helper — It can be frustrating when you try to nail together boards that aren’t solidly supported, such as when nailing pickets to a fence rail or trim to a thin lattice panel. The board tends to bounce away each time the nail is struck.
The solution is to use a sledgehammer — not to hit the nail, but to serve as an anvil of sorts. Hold the head of the sledgehammer against the back of the board, then hammer in the nail. The heavy head of the sledge will absorb the hammer blows and prevent the boards from moving.
Question of the Week Q: How do you fix a sliding glass door that gets stuck a lot?
A: Do not use a multi-purpose lubricant, like WD-40, to lubricate the track. Instead, use a dry silicon sealant spray. Pulling off the door will allow you to inspect the track, and you should use a vacuum cleaner to clear debris around the roller.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Titebond * Checking In With Chelsea
Do you ever find it difficult to get the glue where you need it to make a repair? Listen to learn about a simple fix for that situation.
Leading up to the holidays, people get busy touching up scuffed paint around the house. Listen to learn about a way to avoid making a bigger mess.
Finding a spot for the trash can in the bathroom is always a challenge. Listen to learn about a simple fix for this situation.
I don't think a workshop can ever have too many clamps. Listen to learn about a way to make those clamps do their job better.
More people than ever are tackling home improvement projects, but you need the right tool for the job to get the best results. That includes adhesives, caulks and sealants.
In this special edition of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking with Mark Schroeder, vice president of marketing for Franklin Adhesives.
We’ll share some pro tips for using wood glue, talk about Titebond’s newest product, DuraMaster, and I’ll make my case for using construction adhesive (and lots of it!)
- [1:01] The history of Franklin Adhesives, a great American company
- [4:06] DIY-ers want to use what the pros use
- [5:46] Introducing Titebond Quick & Thick Muti-Surface Glue
- [8:17] Pro tips for using wood glue
- [10:36] Learn about Mark’s community service project with Voicecorps —reading for the visually impaired
- [11:48] All about Titebond adhesives, sealants and caulks
- [15:44] Danny makes his case for using lots of construction adhesive, even using it to repair his boot while at a job site!
- [17:58] For vertical applications, TiteGrab lives up to its name.
Often times, finding room for a work table in the garage or basement is a challenge. Listen to learn about a cool folding solution.
Have you ever wondered, “Can you paint vinyl siding?” It’s a reasonable question because people usually think of vinyl siding as low maintenance. But “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance!”
Oftentimes, people want to change the look of vinyl siding because it’s faded or they’re just sick of the color. That’s the situation that Richard, from South Dakota, faces. Not long ago, he had vinyl siding installed on his home, but he isn’t happy with the color, and he wants a custom look.
The good news is, you can paint just about everything, including vinyl siding. But first, you need to prep the surface.
Learn more about that, and much more, on this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast.
- [ 1:11] What to do with old composite decking and how to enlarge a landing
- [5:02] How to make a tub and shower safer for senior citizens
- [ 6:35] Can you use wood studs when raising a floor?
- [9:58] How to set up the post on a new mailbox
- [12:28] Best New Product – Werner LeanSafe 3-in-1 Ladder
- [13:46] Can you paint vinyl siding, and what is the best way to do so?
- [22:12] Simple Solution: How to keep your dog from getting under a gate
- [25:27] How do you repair delamination on plastics? Wood casing on a front door?
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[18:47] Question of the Week: How to get rid of odors in a washing machine
Simple Solutions Dog-Deterrent Gate — Dogs are notorious for digging escape routes under gates, so here’s a way to deter even the most determined pooch: First, dig a shallow trench across the gate opening from post to post.
Then, set into the trench a pressure-treated 4×4 or 4×6, creating a wood-timber threshold. Secure the threshold by toe-screwing into the posts on either end. Now, with the timber in place, the dog will no longer be able to claw dirt out from under the gate. Watch How to Keep Dogs from Digging Under a Fence Gate for more information.
Leveling Slopes — Here’s how to use a level to establish the proper slope or pitch of a drainpipe, porch floor, rain gutter, or anything else that must be angled down slightly to drain away water.
First, determine the desired pitch, then tape a woodblock to one end of the level to represent the desired amount of pitch. For example, let’s say you’re using a 4-foot level to install a drainpipe that must slope ¼ inch per foot. Tape to the level a 1-inch-thick woodblock, which represents ¼-inch of slope per foot over 4 feet. Set the level on the pipe with the taped-wood block end on the low side of the pipe. Now, adjust the pipe until the level reads level, resulting in a pipe that slopes ¼ inch per foot.
Question of the Week Q: We bought a new front-loading washing machine last year, and about four months ago it developed a strong moldy odor. I’ve scrubbed the tub with bleach, but that only helps for a short while. Any idea how to get rid of the smell?
A: A common suggestion is to leave the door cracked so mold and mildew won’t build up inside a front-loading washing machine. But if you do that, bugs, pets and small children can easily enter the machine, and you don’t want that. A door plunge latch is a better option. It keeps the door open just an inch or two so the machine can air out, but prevents pets and children from entering the machine.
In addition, open the door and regularly clean the gasket. Use hot soapy water diluted with some vinegar. Or you can use a special cleaning agent like Affresh, or a mold and mildew cleaner from the home center.
Finally, if you have a laundry room, and you have small children, lock that door to keep the kids out!
That way, you can protect them from harmful chemicals and possible entry into the machines.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Affresh — Washing Machine Cleaner * The Home Depot * Trex Transcend Composite Decking Board
With colder weather approaching, people are looking for ways to stop every draft they can in their homes. Listen to learn about one problem you would never think about.
Exercise and eating right are two ways to practice healthy living, but would you believe you can also be healthy by vacuuming? Listen to learn about a healthy way to suck it up.
If you’ve been putting off dealing with that cracked concrete, now may be the time to give it some attention. Listen to learn about why you want to get it done before winter arrives.
We’re talking with Tim Castille, Cabinets To Go’s top design consultant and Indianapolis store manager.
Cabinets To Go has been around since 2008. It started as a single store in Miami; now it has over 75 stores nationwide.
Tim’s favorite part of the job is the personal attention each showroom visitor receives. Customers are greeted upon entry and they’re guided through the process of creating their dream kitchen.
The first step is to measure your kitchen. You can do it yourself, get a contractor to do it, or have a Cabinets To Go contractor do it.
Next, take some photographs of the existing kitchen and bring the room’s measurements to the showroom. Once you’ve worked with a design consultant on the look you want for the remodel, an installer will visit your home and verify that the choices will fit in the room.
So, rest assured, the cabinets you ordered will fit, and there won’t be any unpleasant surprises!
No showroom in your area? No problem! You can work with Cabinets To Go’s virtual showroom. Just email your kitchen’s measurements and plans to a design consultant. They’ll reply with some images, plans and a quote for the project.
Then, you can arrange to pick up the order at the showroom, or have it delivered to your home.
The entire process, from start to finish, may take about 30 to 45 days.
Best of all, Cabinets To Go works with pros and do-it-yourselfers alike. So, you can install the flooring and sink, for instance, and let their installers take care of the rest, or you can have them install everything. The business is flexible to meet your needs, and your budget.
The kitchen cabinets themselves also are more efficient than others on the market, which may not make the best use of space. Cabinets To Go offers accessories such as cutlery storage, wastebasket drawers and under-cabinet wine glass storage.
They also have features such as soft-close hinges, full-wood drawer boxes that don’t sag in the middle, and the latest on-trend colors.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn more about how to bring a whole lot of ‘wow’ for a whole lot less with Cabinets To Go.
- [0:00] Danny introduces us to Tim Castille, Cabinets To Go’s top design consultant and Indianapolis store manager
- [ 0:45] The history of Cabinets To Go
- [3:31] The process of a homeowner thinking about a new kitchen and the first steps they should take.
- [6:30] What to bring when you’re visiting a showroom
- [11:02] All kinds of accessories are available to make cabinets more efficient.
- [14:33] More about the design services offered at cabinetstogo.com
Links Mentioned Cabinets To Go
As winter gets closer, more people are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills. Listen to learn about some options you may not have considered.
Sanding is an important part of almost any project using wood. Listen to learn about a simple way to get it done in a tight space.
Even if your windows are still open now, it won’t be long until you close them up for winter. Listen to learn about improving your indoor air quality.
We’re spending more time at home these days, and ventilation couldn’t be more important!
In this special podcast, Dave Jones, from Broan-NuTone, shares the three ways to properly ventilate your home and introduce clean air.
3 Ways to Bring Clean Air into Your Home There are three ways to ventilate your home:
• Exhaust ventilation: These fans remove moist air and let fresh air enter the room
• Supply fans: These systems continuously provide fresh, filtered air inside the home
• Balanced air system: An energy recovery ventilator brings in clean, filtered outdoor air to replace stale indoor air exhausted from the home
Remember, air must go outside — not just into the attic. The ventilation system, whichever you choose, should go all the way to the outside, whether it’s through the roof or a wall.
Listen to the podcast to learn more about proper home ventilation!
- [1:16] Danny recalls his trip to the Broan factory
- [3:28] Tips for choosing a bathroom exhaust fan
- [5:27] Like to sing in the shower? The Broan-NuTone Sensonic Speaker Ventilation fan is just what you need.
- [9:07] How Broan-NuTone’s SurfaceShield, powered by Vital Vio, prevents mold and bacteria from growing in your room
- [12:03] People are putting ventilation fans in more than just bathrooms and kitchens
- [13:24] The latest kitchen trend: replace over-the-range microwaves with an efficient range hood
- [16:36] Danny and Dave talk about whole-house ventilation
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Broan * NuTone
Before the weather gets too cold, you may want to take stock of your home’s energy efficiency. Listen to learn about doing an energy audit.
A lot of people receive fliers in the mail for free solar panels and a deal that seems too good to be true.
That’s the situation for Ross in Maryland, who says, “In an effort to cut our electric bill, I’m thinking about getting solar-powered panels installed on our home’s roof.
“I’ve received fliers in the mail from companies offering free solar-powered systems, including parts and labor. I assume it’s not truly free, so what’s the catch? You can obtain solar energy systems two ways. The first is solar leasing, where you do get the system at no charge, but through a power purchase agreement, you pay for the electricity that it produces. While you’re using a clean energy source, you’re not getting free electricity, which is often the draw for people who purchase solar panels. The upside is that energy you purchase from the company usually costs less than dealing with an electric company. The other way to receive a solar energy system is through outright ownership. You pay for the system — which usually costs thousands of dollars, depending on your home’s size — and you maintain. Here, you get the best of both worlds: you enjoy a clean energy source along with no monthly electric bill. So, consider your options, your household budget and choose the system that’s right for you. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [1:11] Revisiting a roof cleaning with oxalic acid
- [06:53] What you should know about solar-powered panels
- [8:17] Tips for chimneys with structural issues
- [11:44] Tips for tiling a shower wall that has a window
- [13:29] Can floor and shower tiles be painted?
- [18:08] Best New Product: Daltile QuicTile
- [20:05] What’s the best single-room air purifier on the market?
- [24:20] Simple Solutions: The importance of exercising your valves
- [27:20] Question of the Week: Following a bathroom remodel, there are leaks. Now what?
Simple Solutions Exercising Plumbing Valves — Every home’s plumbing system has shut-off valves for stopping the flow of water for maintenance reasons or in case of an emergency.
And everyone in the house should know where these valves are located, including near the water meter, under sinks and behind toilets. However, it’s important to “exercise” these valves by opening and closing them at least once a year to ensure they’re operating properly.
Neglected valves have a tendency to seize up and become inoperable, making it impossible to shut off the water in an emergency.
Treating Treated Lumber — Everyone knows that pressure-treated lumber is designed for building outdoor projects, particularly any wood parts that get buried in the ground or come in contact with the ground. However, you might not realize that pressure-treating chemicals don’t soak all the way to the center of most boards or posts.
That’s why it important to always treat the cut ends with a wood preservative.
After every cut, brush on a liberal coating — or two — of wood preservative, such as Wood Life Copper Coat or AnchorSeal 2 End Grain Sealer.
The tape measure is probably one of the most important items in your toolbox. Listen to learn how to take care of the tape so it takes care of you.
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding that bucket of joint compound you need has dried up between jobs. Listen to learn how to prevent that problem.
Before too long, you’ll be thinking about building the first fire of the season in your fireplace. Listen to learn how you can be sure that it’s safe.
It’s that time of the year when yardwork shifts from mowing to raking. Listen to learn about a great way to pick up all those leaves!
Sometimes, the hardest part of a project is removing the stuff you want to replace. Listen to learn about a solution for removing stubborn adhesives.
Cherry wood cabinets give any kitchen a rich, warm glow, but over time, they can dull in appearance.
That’s the issue for Dan in Alaska, who cleans his cabinets with a hot sponge, just like we recommend, but worries that they’ve lost their luster.
If you have the same concern, listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for this and more home improvement tips!
- [1:09] What to do when a toilet won’t clear waste
- [5:52] How to reduce noise from an AC unit
- [10:22] Home Depot Best New Product: DeWalt Trimmer / Blower Combo Kit
- [16:47] What is the purpose of an uncoupling membrane — and is it worth the extra cost?
- [19:02] How to clean cherry wood cabinets and make them beautiful once again?
- [25:01] Simple Solution: How using a plane before you sand lessens the time spent sanding
- [28:34] Question of the Week: Which is better for insulation: paper side up to flooring or down?
Simple Solutions Cut Sanding Time with Block Plane — It’s often necessary to remove the sharp edges of boards by sanding them by hand or with an electric orbital sander.
But you can save a considerable amount of time — and create much less dust — by first knocking off the sharp edges with a block plane.
Set the plane for a shallow depth of cut and run it over each edge two or three times. That’ll cut your sanding time in half, and as a bonus, you’ll save on sandpaper, too.
Easy-Saw Sole Plate — When building a wall out of 2x4s or 2x6s, it’s common practice to frame the wall flat on the floor and to run the sole plate at the bottom of the wall full length, right across any doorway openings. That way, the wall stays nice and straight.
However, before standing up the framed wall, cut halfway through the underside of the bottom plate at each side of the doorway rough openings. Then, after the wall is erected and secured in place, removing the sole plate from the doorway openings is easy because you only need to saw through about 3/4 inches of wood. Question of the Week Q: “I’m wanting to install R-25 insulation under my floor in a vented crawl space. Which is better: paper side up to flooring or down?”
A: When you’re installing insulation, you have a 50-50 chance, and so many people do this wrong! Always have craft paper facing toward the heated and cooled area. In this case, the paper would be up and you would use tension wires to keep the insulation in place. No stapling is necessary; just squeeze the insulation between those wires.
Better yet, mineral wool insulation has no facing, so you can put it up any way you want, and you can hold it in place with chicken wires.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Home Depot * Ridgid Toilet Auger * Schluter Ditra Uncoupling Membrane
If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be putting away your mower for the winter. Listen to learn how to winterize it.
One of the questions people ask me all the time is “should I try to do this myself?” Listen to learn how you can tell.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to shield your deck against the damage of winter snow and cold. Listen to learn how to protect your deck for the coming winter.
If you’ve got a spare room or an unused garage and like to stay fit, it’s tempting to convert that into a place for exercise. But what’s the best home gym flooring?
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer to that and more home improvement tips!
If you’ve been putting off dealing with that cracked concrete, now may be the time. Listen to learn why you want to get it done before winter arrives.
No one really wants to be working outside when the weather gets cold, but did you know some jobs shouldn’t be done below a certain temperature? Listen to learn about when it’s too cold to paint.
The changing colors of fall also mean falling leaves and overflowing gutters won’t be far behind. Listen to learn some do-it-yourself gutter cleaning solutions.
This time of year, lots of people are adding insulation to their homes. Listen for some tips to make this chore go a little more smoothly!
A portable generator can be a big help in a power outage, but you have to use it safely. Listen to learn some important generator safety tips!
Filling gaps and cracks around your home is a great way to stop drafts for the coming winter. Listen to learn about what to do with the really big ones.
You know the importance of being prepared for a major disaster, but are you ready for those minor emergencies? Listen to learn about how to plan ahead!
Are you ready for fall weather? In this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking with Kellie Lindenmoyer, Gas Furnace Product Manager at American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for cold weather, along with tips to save on your heating bills.
Prepare for Fall Weather Make sure that your furnace or heat pump is ready to work when the first cold snap hits. So, before harsh fall and winter weather arrive, check your thermostat.
To do that, just set it to heat mode, and make sure hot air actually comes out of the vents. If your heating works, great! But if you don’t feel warm air, it’s time to call a professional technician. Most dealers offer annual maintenance plans to ensure your indoor and outdoor units work throughout the year. This extends your system’s life and ensures you won’t end up in the cold without heat.
Each checkup may cost $100 or so, but it’s a good investment. Think about it: You get oil changes and tire rotations because you want to keep your vehicle running and in top condition. It’s no different for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. So, don’t take your HVAC system for granted and wait until the system breaks to get professional service. Let a technician inspect your burners and make sure they’re in top shape for fall and winter weather.
While that professional maintenance may cost $100 here and there, it could save you the thousands of dollars it costs to prematurely replace the system.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency HVAC systems purchased before 2006 usually have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio that’s significantly lower than today’s industry standards. In fact, some of today’s heat pumps can save you 60 percent on heating bills, whereas an older model may save you just 10 percent. That’s not too encouraging when you realize how much you’ll use that system during chilly fall and winter weather.
A heat pump is an energy-efficient option to bring warm air from outside your home to inside your home using refrigerant. It can deliver both warm and cool air, and operates best when temperatures are above freezing levels. Furnaces, on the other hand, burn natural gas or liquid propane to deliver heating.
But you can get the best of both worlds: A heat pump and furnace can be paired to create a dual-fuel or hybrid system. You can optimize the system to run on a heat pump when it’s above 30 degrees Fahrenheit and when it falls below that threshold, you get the benefit of a furnace! Perfect for chilly fall and winter weather.
But not all HVAC systems are created equal. Some are louder than others, and some operate on full blast, reach the desired temperature and immediately cut off — meaning you can expect a lot of warm and cold cycles in your home.
American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning’s AccuComfort Platinum 20 Heat Pump has variable speeds that provide even heating throughout the home. And American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning’s Gold 824 Control is a smart thermostat that programs your temperatures and makes adjustments whether you’re at home or anywhere with internet access.
How many times have you left the house and realized you forgot to turn the thermostat down and it will run all day? Having a smart thermostat eliminates that problem, and it’s a great way to optimize energy savings during fall and winter weather.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Sometimes, when the sun shines just right, you can see the rays stream through a window. And you can see all kinds of particles floating in the air. Those are the kinds of allergens that you should remove to improve your indoor air quality. But not just any air filter will do. Pleated and reusable filters are a better option than typical grocery store filters. They remove more particles, which is great for your health, and they last longer, which is great for your wallet.
Either way, regular maintenance is necessary, so replace the filter regularly, as advised. The last thing you want are clogged filters that strain your heating system, especially during fall and winter weather.
Listen to this special podcast to learn more about efficient ways to heat your home!
- [0:20] What homeowners should do to prepare for winter
- [1:48] The advantages of having an annual heating maintenance plan
- [6:36] Understanding the difference between heat pumps and furnaces
- [9:38] What Danny loves about his American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning system
- [11:33] Why programmable thermostats save energy and money
- [14:47] How American Standard’s AccuClean Whole-Home Air Cleaner improves indoor air quality
Do you feel like your garage or workshop is drowning in sawdust? Listen to learn about a simple way to solve that issue.
Climbing plants add character and interest to a plain arbor, pergola or trellis. But one thing you don’t want hanging around is poison ivy.
Spotting it is easy, thanks to definitive leaves with three leaflets, not to mention the itchy, painful rash that follows after you touch it.
This plant has a bad reputation, no doubt, and it’s understandable why people often ask questions like, “How do you kill poison ivy? What helps with poison ivy?” Homeowners like Susan in New Hampshire want this stuff gone — it’s that simple. But they’re just not sure how to go about removing this pest of a plant from their yard. In this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, Joe Truini comes to the rescue, with five methods that Susan can try to remove poison ivy.
- [1:20] Can you just paint over wallpaper?
- [6:52] Chelsea talks about remodeling her 1959 ranch-style house, and creating a screen for her outside A/C unit.
- [12:37] How to remove mold and mildew from vinyl porch posts
- [19:32] The best way to get rid of poison ivy — permanently
- [23:53] Simple Solution: 5 Tips for Planting Trees
- [26:14] Question of the Week: “What is causing the intermittent working of the garage door opener?”
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Simple Solutions Foolproof Tree-Planting — You wouldn’t think there’d be much to know about planting a tree, right? Dig a hole, drop in the tree (branches pointing up), shovel the dirt back in, then go have a beer. What’s to know? As it turns out, there’s much more to it.
Here are five tips for planting any tree:
- The two most common mistakes are digging the hole too narrow and too deep. The hole must be two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball. And the depth of the hole should equal the distance from the bottom of the root ball up to the root flare, minus 2 inches. (The root flare is the point where the tree trunk spreads out to form the roots.) It’s crucial not to bury the root flare because it’ll severely stunt the tree’s growth.
- After digging the hole, sprinkle a handful of super-phosphate into the bottom of the hole. Super-phosphate is phosphate rock that’s been treated with acid and it’ll give the newly forming root system a healthy head start.
- Set the tree into the hole, then remove all twine and burlap from around the root ball. Use a small three-tine cultivator to scratch up the surface of the root ball. That’ll loosen up the compacted dirt and expose thousands of tiny roots.
- Next, add some super-phosphate and 3-4-3 fertilizer to the dirt removed from the hole. Use a rake to thoroughly mix up the dirt, then shovel it back into the hole.
- Shovel dirt around the entire root ball, but don’t stomp down the dirt; compacted soil doesn’t absorb water very well. Now, saturate the exposed dirt around the tree with a garden hose, then add 2 to 3 inches of bark mulch. Continue to water the tree every day for the next six to eight weeks.
Quick Tip for Cleaning Tarnished Brass — Brass is prized for its durability, corrosion-resistance and beauty. But over time, brass hardware, hinges, faucets and light fixtures can become blackened with tarnish. Here’s how to restore them to shiny, new condition.
First, many solid-brass pieces are protected by a coating of lacquer. Strip off the lacquer by scrubbing the brass with a cloth soaked with acetone or lacquer remover.
Then clean the brass piece by soaking it in hot, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to remove any caked-on dirt. Rinse well and then dry it with a clean cloth.
To clean away tarnish, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl. Add two teaspoons of baking soda and mix to form a thick poultice. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the cleaning solution onto the tarnished brass. Force the solution into small holes and crevices with a cotton swab.
Wait 10 minutes, then rinse with water and dry the piece. If there’s still some residual tarnish, repeat the poultice treatment.
Once the tarnish is gone, coat the piece with mineral oil and then buff with a clean microfiber cloth. And to deter the brass from tarnishing again, repeat the oil and buffing process every six months.
Question of the Week Q: “When pushing the remote control on my Raynor garage door opener, the light will come on the opener, but the motor intermittently comes on to move the door.
“What do you think is causing the intermittent working of the garage door opener?”
A: Your garage door may be experiencing radio frequency interference. Security lights, ham radios and even other nearby garage door openers could trigger this.
If your remote control only works when it’s close to the motor, such as a few feet, there’s probably some radio frequency interference.
Otherwise, this garage door opener may have a failing motor, the remote control may have failing batteries, or you may need to reprogram the garage door to a different frequency.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate * OxiClean Stain Remover * RMR Instant Mold Stain Remover
Cleaning windows is never any fun, but it’s especially difficult on second-story windows. Listen to learn about a quick and easy solution to this problem!
Removing a threaded tub faucet can be tricky if you can’t loosen it by hand. Listen to learn about an easy way to get this job done.
You’ve heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” But it’s more appropriate to say, you are what you drink. Listen to learn about healthy living with pure water.
In this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking gardening with Joe Lamp’l, AKA Joe Gardener. He’s the host of the Emmy Award-winning “Growing a Greener World” series on PBS and runs joegardener.com.
This podcast is sponsored by Exmark, which knows you want to worry less about lawn maintenance and focus on enjoying that lawn, so they’ve created the website Backyard Life. Check it out to learn how you can maximize your outdoor lifestyle.
Why You Should Teach Kids to Garden Now, more than ever, is a great time for kids to be outside, as opposed to being glued to a TV screen or mobile device. Planting a seed and watching its transformation in just a couple of days is a wonderful learning experience.
When kids plant a seed and watch its progress, they quickly learn that a tomato doesn’t just come from the grocery store. It comes from a plant that they can help grow and, eventually, enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Those lessons carry through adulthood, when many people often decide to grow their own fruit and vegetables to live a more self-sufficient, sustainable and economical lifestyle.
What You Should Grow in the Fall Fall is here, and if you’re looking to grow something, Joe says there are plenty of options.
The “Growing a Greener World” host recommends planting leafy crops. While fruits require full sun, and a lot of it, a fall garden is much more forgiving, and that means there are many more garden-to-table options.
Some of Joe’s favorite things to grow in the fall are lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale, peas, collards, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and garlic.
The Importance of Testing Soil and Composting But before you head to the garden center to purchase seeds, first take a soil test. The results will tell you not just the nutrients you will need to improve the soil, but also what you don’t need to add.
For instance, people often think of fertilizer as a good thing, but Joe says there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing.’ A soil test’s results will take the guesswork out of gardening and provide the information you need for optimal growth.
Once you have that information, you can continue toward a greener lifestyle. Composting is one way to amend and improve soil with poor drainage, the “Growing a Greener World” host says.
To Mulch or Not to Mulch Mulch adds a protective blanket over exposed soil; this keeps the good soil intact, so Joe is a huge fan of mulch, and he recommends keeping it year-round.
While it’s true that insects spend much of their time in mulch for the winter, just about 3 percent of those hiding insects are pests. So, the rest are beneficial or neutral, which means you don’t have to worry about providing shelter for harmful insects.
Joe clears up another gardening myth as well, which suggests fall is a good time to prune or trim trees. When you prune, you’re stimulating the tree and activating new growth, but that’s exactly what you don’t want to do coming into the cold season.
The “Growing a Greener World” host says it’s best to resist the urge to do this work in the fall, and wait for full dormancy, around mid-winter or early spring.
Listen to the podcast for more tips from Joe Lamp’l.
- [1:23] Danny shares memories of his introduction to gardening as a child
- [3:41] Danny tells Joe Lamp’l about the raised garden beds that he and his wife, Sharon, built at their new home
- [6:53] Danny professes his love of spinach
- [7:14] The guys discuss the importance of soil analysis
- [12:28] Danny asks, “Should mulch be used in a vegetable garden?”
- [15:06] Is fall the best time of year to prune shrubs and trees?
To make sure their work runs straight and true, people use levels and squares. But what happens when your levels and squares aren’t true? Listen to learn how to get squared away and back on the level!
Are squirrels attacking your bird feeder or getting into your chimney or attic? Listen to learn about a humane way to solve this fuzzy-tailed problem.
Have you ever wondered about those long, straight cracks on concrete sidewalks or slabs? Well, wonder no more. Contraction, or control, joints in concrete have an important purpose.
Here’s a crash course on control joints, including why you need them, how to create them, and what to do if your concrete slab lacks the proper support.
About Control Joints in Concrete Extreme temperature changes cause building materials to expand and contract, and concrete is no exception. This shifting can cause hairline cracks to form on the concrete’s surface.
In addition, concrete mix shrinks as its water content evaporates, and this can lead to structural and aesthetic issues if you don’t create ‘planned cracks.’ Cracks are inevitable, and most people want to have a say in their location, or have greater ‘control’ of the situation. Creating control joints in concrete to take stress from the slab doesn’t just preserve the slab’s appearance; this also prolongs its life. Otherwise, elements such as stormwater can enter the cracks, enlarge them, erode underlying soil and weaken the structure. How to Create Control Joints in Concrete You can create control joints in concrete while pouring the concrete, or you can wait until the slab has cured just enough so it won’t chip when you cut into it. Grooving tools made of bronze or heavy-gauge stainless steel are used for scoring freshly poured concrete, and cost just $25 to $35. Or you can saw cured concrete. A good rule of thumb is to space control joints about two to three times, in feet, the size of the slab’s thickness, in inches. For instance, plan control joints every 12 to 18 feet for a 6-inch slab.
In addition to those intervals, you also need to cut control joints at a specific depth — about 25 percent of the slab’s depth. So, for the same 6-inch slab, the joints should be 1.5 inches deep.
What If There Are No Control Joints? Your concrete slab should have a control joint to protect the slab’s appearance and prolong its life. But if it doesn’t, that could cause all kinds of problems.
That’s the situation Genee, of Kansas, is experiencing. The contractor enlarged a concrete patio with poor results, she says.
For this job, creating control joints in the concrete was, of course, necessary, to prevent hairline cracks. But because the contractor added to the patio, an expansion joint between the two slabs would have prevented sinking in that area. The situation is now an unsightly mess, and she’s wondering what to do about it.
We’ll talk about that, and much more, on this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
- [1:09] Which nails you need to attach new wood trim — and how to not split or dent the wood
- [5:54] Tips to remove old cigarette smells from once-smoky rooms
- [10:46] What to do when Hardie Board siding chips or cracks
- [12:20] Best New Product: Professional-Duty Waterproof Storage Container from Husky
- [13:22] How to remove rust stains from asphalt shingles
- [16:50] Simple Solution: White nail polish as a necessary part of every workshop…? Yes!
- [19:36] What to do when your cast-iron weathervane freezes
- [24:02] Question of the Week: “What is the best solution for an ugly concrete patio?”
Simple Solutions Easy Tool Identifier — There aren’t many reasons to use nail polish in your workshop, but here’s one. Many tools come with markings that are virtually impossible to read. Wire strippers have little gauge numbers, squares have numbers and graduations that are hard to read, and sockets are some of the worst offenders.
Well, here’s a tip that eliminates having to strain to see vital information on your tools. We’re going to highlight these numbers and graduations with white nail polish!
Shake the nail polish to ensure it’s mixed well. Then simply brush it onto the tool. Don’t worry if it’s a little sloppy; most will be wiped off later.
Coat the entire area on and around the numbers. Wait a few minutes, then take a damp cloth and wipe away the excess nail polish, leaving the white polish in the recessed areas. Easy Drip Irrigation — Here’s how to create a simple drip irrigation system out of an empty 2-liter soda bottle: First, drill some 1/16-inch-diameter holes through the sides and bottom of the bottle. These might seem like tiny holes, but you want the water to seep out slowly. Next, dig a hole in the garden, near a shrub — or even a large potted plant — and bury the bottle, leaving just an inch or so of the top sticking out. Twist off the bottle’s cap and fill it with water using a hose or funnel and water jug. You can also add fertilizer to the water, if you’d like.
Then twist the cap back on and spread mulch over the area. Check the bottle in three or four days, and refill, if necessary. Question of the Week Q: “What is the best solution for an ugly concrete patio? A concrete pad was poured when the house was built. We had this enlarged with poor results. The contractor never came back to score it [for a control joint] and now it has cracked all over and even sunk a bit at the cold joint.
We are considering staining in a marbled tone of brown since it would blend well with the cedar house. We also looked at an epoxy coating or Quikrete resurfacing. With it being in full sun, it seems like there are negatives to all options.”
A: The additional patio wasn’t properly poured or supported, and it’s caused quite a headache for this homeowner. One option is to frame a wood deck over the whole thing. Then you can install composite decking over that.
Fun fact: You actually can glue composite decking to a concrete slab, if it’s in good condition, and the best part is there’s low maintenance — no stripping, staining or painting — compared to a wood deck.
Clamps are a huge help for lots of projects, but only if they reach as far as you need them to. Listen to learn about an easy way to extend a clamp.
Once colder weather arrives, nobody wants to get on the roof, even for minor repairs. Listen to learn some ways to simplify those chores!
We’re talking with Joe Levans, the vice president of Store Operations at Cabinets To Go, on this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
So many homeowners tell us that choosing cabinets is challenging. After all, they take up so much space in the kitchen, so it’s a big decision.
Cabinets To Go serves as a one-stop-shop solution, making the process much easier.
- [00:22] The challenge of choosing cabinets, and how Cabinets To Go can help
- [01:00] About Cabinets To Go’s history
- [01:38] What frustrates homeowners shopping for cabinets
- [03:26] What defines a quality home
- [04:21] About the different levels of cabinet quality
- [05:47] The different accessories available for cabinets
- [08:27] The benefit of visiting a Cabinets To Go showroom
- [08:49] Where you should start with a kitchen remodel
- [09:38] A place for inspiration and the latest trends
- [11:42] The benefit of having a design professional on-site
Cabinets To Go: Solutions for Every Room Cabinets are the most versatile furniture in the house. Some people use them for kitchens and baths, but they’re also installed in bars and basements, along with mudrooms and pantries. There are even fireplace surrounds with built-in cabinets.
And it’s easy to completely transform a room when you have one store that provides the cabinets, countertops, flooring, sinks and other accessories that make a house a home.
In fact, Cabinets To Go solves a common problem: driving one place to purchase the cabinets, and then having to travel from store to store to find other elements that match them. That’s no longer necessary!
Cabinets To Go customers have a range of options of door styles and finishes, backsplashes, knobs and pulls to match any home’s style.
Trends and Storage Solutions If you haven’t shopped for cabinets before, you might not realize all the options that are available and make your home not just practical, but also functional.
These include soft-close hinges, roll-out-trays, two-drawer cabinets and spice racks. When you can put a little money into something that saves space and makes your home operate smoothly, that’s a great investment.
And if you’re not aware of the latest trends, it helps to have a design professional fill you in on what’s hot, what’s not, and guide you through the process.
Visiting the Cabinets To Go showroom is an unmatched experience. Customers can see these accessories, touch them and determine what will work best for their space.
Planning Your Dream Kitchen Creating a dream kitchen is a significant endeavor for most people, but it becomes much easier when you take it step by step.
First, measure your kitchen or have a professional installer from Cabinets To Go tackle the job. Knowing the room’s dimensions lets designers know the space they have to work with, so they can make the best recommendations.
Once you visit the showroom, inspiration takes over! Enjoy the latest accent colors and check out trends you may not have considered. These include two-toned kitchen cabinets and islands with a pop of color that’s different from the cabinets.
It helps to not just have inspiration, but also an expert on hand to guide you. So many homeowners want to be adventurous with a remodel, but aren’t sure their choices would look good in their space.
With someone guiding the process, it makes everything much easier, so your room can look that much more special. And you can be confident in the remodel.
Thinking of selling your house? You may want to take a good, hard look at the outside of your home. Listen to learn more about curb appeal and how it affects your sale.
The No. 1 cause of water-heater failure is sediment buildup in the tank. Listen to learn how to remove that sediment.
Kitchen flooring is installed all kinds of ways, depending on the home’s age and whether the room is new or renovated. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with before considering floor replacement.
That’s just what Mary, in Iowa, is doing.
“When we redid our kitchen, the floors were laid first, then cabinets over them,” she says. “Is there any way to change the flooring without tearing out the cabinets?”
Floor replacement — specifically, whether it’s even possible in this case — is one of the top questions we receive.
Well, Mary and anyone else in this situation will be happy to know that yes, in most cases, there is a way to update that flooring without making major changes to your kitchen.
We’ll talk about that, and much more, during this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast!
- [1:16] How to clean popcorn ceiling around AC vents
- [3:21] Garden statues have broken — how to put them back together again
- [4:22] The best way to repair holes from a sagging towel rod
- [6:24] How to fill cracks in plaster walls
- [8:44] Simple Solution: How to convert a 5-gallon bucket into a cutting tool
- [11:55] Best New Product: Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Spray Paint
- [12:54] Danny and Joe discuss uses for the Best New Product and Danny talks about his community project for the University of South Alabama
- [15:21] What to do when dryer lint blows onto the grass
- [16:53] Thoughts on painting vintage Marlite
- [19:24] Help for an ongoing sinkhole
- [23:15] Question of the Week: How to change flooring without tearing out cabinets
Simple Solutions Scrap Bucket for Cut-offs — Here’s how to convert a plastic 5-gallon bucket into a convenient cutting station. Start by using a jigsaw to cut two shallow V-shaped notches into the top lip of the bucket, one directly across from the other.
Then, rotate the bucket 90 degrees and cut two shallow rectangular notches, each about 1 inch deep and 3½ inches wide. Again, position the notches across from one another.
Now when making cuts, you can use the V notches to securely hold round pipes and wooden dowels, and the rectangular notches for cutting flat boards up to 3½ inches wide.
Duvet Cover Trick — Here’s an easy way to place a down comforter inside a duvet cover:
- Turn the duvet cover inside out and spread it out on the bed with the open end of the cover at the foot of the bed.
- Lay the comforter on top of the duvet cover.
- Starting at the headboard, grab the duvet cover and comforter and roll them all the way down to the foot of the bed.
- Open up the duvet cover and stuff in the comforter; what you’re doing is basically turning the roll inside out.
- Now unroll the duvet cover and the comforter will be inside.
Watch: How to Put a Comforter Inside a Duvet Cover
Question of the Week Q: “When we redid our kitchen, the floors were laid first, then cabinets over them. Is there any way to change the flooring without tearing out the cabinets?”
A: Floor replacement is possible, but it depends on the floor. You can score ceramic tiles, for instance, right at the kickboard and break them out of there. Your cabinets will still be sitting on top of the old flooring, but you would place your new flooring around them.
For vinyl floor, you may be able to leave it where it is and lay new flooring on top.
Listen to the show for more thoughts on this topic!
Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Heartland Natural Energy-Saving Dryer Vent Enclosure
- Magic Eraser
- Plaster Weld
- Strap Toggle
Watch that first step! In fact, watch all of them. Listen to learn about an easy fix for slippery concrete.
A large surface makes a big impression, especially in the kitchen. Listen for a crash course on countertops — and learn what you shouldn’t solely base your decision on when shopping for one.
With colder temperatures around the corner, many of you are already dreading those icy walks across the bathroom tile each morning. Listen to learn about a way to solve that problem.
If you’re hanging a mirror or shelves, you’ll need more support than drywall can offer by itself. Listen to learn how to easily find your wall’s studs.
If you've ever tried to enlarge a hole that was drilled with a hole saw, you know it's a pain. Listen for the solution!
Recessed lighting is a stylish solution for the kitchen, living room or anywhere else that needs additional light. But after installation, you’ll need the best insulation to prevent air leaks in the attic.
Most overhead lights are installed below the ceiling line, but recessed lights are installed in the ceiling’s hollow opening. The result is a miniature spotlight that accents the room.
While recessed lighting enhances the home’s design and ambiance, it also raises concerns. If you have 20 of these canister lights — 20 sizable holes in the ceiling — how much air is escaping the living space and entering the attic? The answer isn’t obvious, but you’ll know it’s happening from your **energy bill**. That’s why your recessed lighting needs the best insulation. Scroll down for how we have tackled this problem, and listen to this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more on this issue and many others.
- [2:18] Joe talks about the new Broan SurfaceShield Bath Vent Fan
- [4:29] How to prevent condensation from building up on A/C vents in the ceiling
- [6:07] Best New Product: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. Chainsaw
- [7:28] The proper way to take care of black mold and dispose of it
- [8:52] Tips for repairing walls after tearing out wallpaper
- [10:51] What to do when one portion of a slab is poured incorrectly
- [14:58] Around the Yard segment sponsored by Pavestone
- [16:20] How to stain the concrete countertop on an outdoor kitchen
- [19:19] Tips for repainting a garage floor
- [20:59] What to do about a sagging bulletin board
- [22:22] Simple Solution: How to neatly paint a window without using masking tape
- [24:26] Question of the Week: What is the best insulation method to seal recessed lights and prevent energy loss?
Simple Solutions Faster Window Painting—When painting a window sash, don’t bother masking off the glass. Simply allow the paint to spread about ¼ inch onto the glass pane. That’ll create an airtight seal between the pane and wood sash.
Once the paint dries, remove the excess by holding a 6- or 8-inch-wide drywall knife against the sash. Then guide a razor scraper along the glass and against the drywall knife to remove the excess paint.
Quicker Insulation Cutter—The quickest way to make cut fiberglass insulation is to use a utility knife that has snap-off blades. Simply extend the blade out 3 or 4 inches, then compress the insulation with a straight board and slice through the insulation in one pass.
Question of the Week Q: “I have 15 recessed lights throughout my home. I know there is a lot of energy loss through these lights. What is the best insulation method to seal the lights and prevent energy loss?”
A: First, change to LEDs if you haven’t already. This will reduce the amount of heat generated by the lights. Then, enter the attic, pull the insulation back and caulk around where the recessed can penetrates the drywall.
You also can create 1-by-1-by-1 baskets from hardware cloth, pull the insulation back, and set each basket on top of the drywall, encasing the can. Then cover it with insulation.
Other Products Mentioned Broan SurfaceShield
Have you ever painted a wall only to find bits of lint and fuzz all over the fresh paint? Listen for a simple way to eliminate that problem.
A rug that slips around on the floor is annoying at best and dangerous at its worst. Listen to learn how to make those rugs stay put.
Water is one of the necessities of life, but that doesn’t mean it should appear wherever it wants to. Listen to learn about waterproofing a basement.
No matter how good you are with a hammer, eventually, you're going to have to pull a nail or two. Listen for some easy ways to pull stubborn nails.
Ever wonder how long the stuff you buy for your home will last? We’ll talk about the numbers and why they’re important.
The look of a wood floor adds lots of character to a home, but what’s the best way to get it? Listen to learn more about your options.
We often receive this type of question: Can I place one type of flooring over another? In many cases, you can, which means you won’t have to worry about removing adhesive on the concrete or wood subfloor.
That’s one topic we’re tackling in this Today’s Homeowner Podcast — specifically, what to do when you want to install ceramic tiles over vinyl flooring.
In this case, the vinyl flooring is stuck directly to the concrete slab, and the homeowner wonders whether there is an easy option for pulling up the vinyl floors.
The good news? If the adhesive between the concrete and vinyl flooring is holding strong and you just a few rough spots, you can add floor patch compound over the vinyl to smooth out the surface, and then install ceramic tiles on top. Just make sure that directions on the thinset mortar you use for installing the tiles state it will adhere well to the vinyl floor.
Scraping off adhesive from concrete is not fun; it takes a lot of time and, in many cases, you just don’t have to do it.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [2:26] Danny and Joe talk about how to prepare for a power outage
- [7:01] The surface of concrete steps’ treads and risers is too rough to walk on barefoot — learn how to smooth out rough concrete
- [10:04] Best New Product: Wyze Smart Home Starter Bundle
- [11:37] How to solve an odor problem in the attic.
- [15:55] How to fill cracks in the driveway
- [17:11] How to remove adhesive from concrete surfaces
- [20:50] How to scrape hardened grout off tiles
- [26:41] Simple Solution: 5 ways to properly install posts
- [28:59] Question of the Week: The solution for resurfacing a spalling garage floor
Simple Solutions Third-Hand Bench Clamp — Here’s how to use metal shelf brackets to hold woodworking parts steady as you’re assembling them:
First, stand the workpiece on the edge of the workbench. Next, set a metal bracket on the workbench and slide it up against the workpiece.
Now, take one spring clamp and clamp the bracket to the workbench. Then grab another spring clamp and clamp the vertical leg of the bracket to the workpiece. The metal bracket will hold the workpiece in place and prevent it from shifting out of position or flopping over.
If necessary, you can clamp in place a second metal shelf bracket, when working with larger workpieces.
The other thing is that if you’re assembling several workpieces, you can screw down the bracket to the workbench to permanently lock it in place. Then, you only need to use one spring clamp. Watch Video
Creating Sturdy Handrails — When installing handrail posts for a deck or porch, it’s important to set the wooden post in concrete. Here are five tips to ensure the post stays rock solid for years:
• Dig the post hole at least three times wider than the post. So, for a 4-by-4 post, which measures 3½ inches square, dig the hole about 11 inches wide.
• To anchor the post to the concrete, drive three 3-inch-long decking screws at an angle into the lower section of the post. That way, if the post shrinks, it’ll still be locked onto the concrete footing.
• Pour concrete all around the post, but keep it about 3 inches below grade, meaning the surrounding ground.
• Use a margin trowel or putty knife to smooth out and slope the top of the concrete away from the post.
• Finally, use two diagonal braces to hold the post perfectly plumb until the concrete hardens.
Question of the Week Q: “I have a 30-year-old garage floor that is finished smooth (not broomed). It is in pretty good shape, but much of the surface looks like the surface of the moon —many craters. None of these craters are deeper than 1/8 inch.
“I’m looking for a product that can be spread (preferably with a squeegee) over the surface to repair it.”
A: Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is the perfect product for this job. You just apply it over spalling surfaces with a squeegee.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * BEHR elastomeric coatings * Custom Building Products * Home Depot * Kilz Over Armor * Quikrete Crack Seal * Schluter-Ditra uncoupling membrane * Shutter-Mounted Exhaust Fans * Supplyhouse.com
A slow-leaking toilet doesn’t make much noise, but it wastes hundreds of gallons of water a year. Here’s how to easily take care of that leak.
Every house has a few creaks and groans, but you shouldn’t have noises that sound like a woodpecker on steroids! Here’s how to stop water hammering.
It may be the 21st century, but your home may be in need of an ancient upgrade. Listen to learn a lesson straight from the history books that could save your home from disaster.
Think your to-do list is long enough? Listen to learn about a maintenance chore you may not have on your list yet, but you should.
Some grout products say “stain-resistant,” others say “sanded” or not, and all the different technologies can become confusing for the average do-it-yourselfer. Especially if you just want one thing: a grout that doesn’t stain.
Jennifer from Missouri faces this very situation and wants to know what she can do before renovating her bathroom. She doesn’t want to deal with stained grout this time around.
We recommend applying Fusion Pro from Custom Building Products. It comes premixed, which means the consistency is perfect and you can apply it right out of the bucket.
This grout is stain-proof all on its own and it’s available in 40 colors to match any style home. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [2:38] Danny and Joe discuss a recently taped TV episode, a community service project in Marianna, Florida, Danny’s hometown.
- [10:58] Best New Product: Zevo Flying Insect Trap Starter Kit.
- [12:26] “You talk about [Leviton electrical outlets] a lot … so how do I pick out one from so many?”
- [16:38] I have an old 1880s home in Wiggins, Mississippi, that we have renovated and added on to. There are oval ornamental vents around the house, but none on the addition … Do I need to install a vent with an exhaust fan that measures humidity and turns on or off based on how high or low the humidity level is?”
- [22:40] “We’re renovating our bathroom and I want to avoid grout stains like we had in the old one. Can you help?”
- [24:38] Simple Solutions: Four tips for safely using an air compressor
- [27:04] Question of the Week: “I had a tile man show up, lay moisture barrier, then backer board, then tape the seams with duct tape! I never heard this as an industry standard. Do I trust this guy to continue tile work for me?”
Simple Solutions Air Compressor Tips — Here are four tips to keep in mind when using a portable electric air compressor:
1) First, always wear safety goggles and hearing protection when running the compressor. Place compressor in adjacent room, if possible.
2) Compressors vibrate quite a bit when running, so set them on the floor and on top of a soft mat of some sort, such as a folded blanket or quilted moving pad.
3) And all that vibration can over time loosen nuts, bolts and screws, so periodically check the compressor and tighten any loose fasteners.
4) Compressed air often contains moisture that collects inside the compressor’s storage tank. It’s important to drain the tank after each use to prevent rust and corrosion. Unplug the compressor, then open the valve on the bottom of the tank. The air pressure in the tank will blow out the moisture.
Accurately Cutting Plywood Parts—When building plywood drawers, cabinets and boxes, it’s important to know that plywood is typically slightly thinner than its nominal thickness.
For example, ¾-inch-thick plywood actually measures slightly less than 11/16 inches thick. So, if you’re building a 10-inch-wide box and cut the two sides to 8½ inches, the box would only be about 9 13/16 inches wide, not 10 inches.
To avoid this, simply clamp together two pieces of the plywood. Lay a ruler across the parts with the 10-inch graduation aligned with the edge of the clamped-together plywood.
Now, simply read the dimension on the opposite edge. That’s the length of the side pieces.
Question of the Week Q: “I had a tile man show up, lay moisture barrier, then backer board, then tape the seams with duct tape!”
“He said it sealed the seams, but before he could lay any tile most of the tape came loose and was hanging in many places. I began questioning his knowledge of tile prep.
“After questioning other tile setters, I learned many tile setters use duct tape. I never heard this as an industry standard. Do I trust this guy to continue tile work for me?”
—Quentin Dudoe
A: Duct tape is not recommended for this application; instead, use fiberglass mesh tape. Get a damp cloth and wipe down the project area, let dry and then apply. Then, go over it with thinset mortar.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Alumi-Guard * Custom Building Products: Fusion Pro * Home Depot * UnderAire Crawl Space Ventilator * Understanding AFCI and GFCI Outlets: What You Should Know
When the summer sun beats down on your windows, the extra heat can put a strain on your home cooling system, and your budget. Listen to learn how to keep your cool.
Are you tired of dragging those sprinklers around the yard during the heat of summer? Listen to learn about installing your own irrigation system.
An important floor you may not always think about is the one for your car. Listen to learn about sealing your garage floor so it always looks good.
Few things will make a concrete driveway or patio look worse than rust stains. Listen to learn all about cleaning up concrete.
Is the siding on your home starting to show signs of wear and tear? Listen to learn how to solve this problem for good.
A water heater is a necessity in any home. You need hot water to wash clothes, dishes, and of course to bathe and shower. But what do you do when the appliance stops working?
That’s what happened to Keith in Ocala, Florida, who said, “A couple of months ago, our electric water heater stopped making hot water, but several hours later, it started working again and was fine for more than a week.”
Then, something puzzling happened. “Now it has stopped making hot water altogether,” Keith says. “What could be wrong, and can I fix it myself?” An electric water heater — which a lot of people call a hot water heater — can malfunction for all kinds of reasons. For instance, check the **circuit breaker** to make sure it hasn’t tripped. Then, check the emergency cutoff switch near the appliance’s thermostat. Press it back in, if it’s popped out, to reset functionality.
Next, check the appliance’s heating element to make sure it hasn’t burned out. To do that, cut off power to the water heater, unscrew the access panel to expose the end of the heating element. Then, use a continuity tester on each terminal to make sure the heating element is working. (Listen to the podcast for more details on this process.)
If the water heater’s heating element needs replacement, then it’s time to call in an electrician or plumber.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [1:57] “We removed carpeting in our house and found the oak floor we had hoped for. The flooring is covered with a compound. I’m not sure if it’s a leveling or adhesive. Can you help?”
- [7:21] Best New Product: DeWalt ATOMIC 20-Volt MAX Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw
- [9:04] Danny and Joe discuss lawn care and attacking weeds.
- [11:02] “I converted a small grassy area into a decorative patio with bricks and large pavers filled in between with loose small river stone. Over the years the area accumulated silt in the river stone and weeds started to grow. Is there an outdoor material that I would be able to pour into the current patio stone design that would bond the river stone in between the larger stone?”
- [14:15] “I have a deck at the New Jersey Shore, right near the water, and we have stainless steel nails which were put down and they became rusty. Is there anything I can do to clear up the rust?”
- [16:21] “I want to put stone in my front flowerbed and I was wondering, should I put mulch or a material blocker under it first before I put the stone on it, to help keep the weeds out, or just put the stone in and then spray it every year if I get weeds?”
- [17:13] “We’re having a lot of air conditioning hot spots on our second level. Wanting to know what you think about duct booster fans and what you would recommend for one.”
- [18:54] “My family and I are moving into a new house in a few weeks. One of the things I want to do is seal the garage floor before we move in all of our stuff. Our last house had a stained garage floor, but it started peeling where we parked the cars. What can I do differently to prevent that from happening this time?”
- [22:15] “A couple of months ago, our electric water heater stopped making hot water, but several hours later, it started working again and was fine for more than a week. But now it has stopped making hot water altogether. What could be wrong, and can I fix it myself?”
- [24:31] Simple Solution: Four ways to keep window-box plants happy and healthy
- [26:14] Question of the Week: “We had a leak in our family room a few weeks ago. The roof was repaired, and I decided to Kilz the watermark before painting. I used the water-based Kilz Premium Primer/Sealer/Stainblocker, and waited a day before painting with flat ceiling paint. The water stain is gone, but all I see is a shiny area where I put the Kilz. What can I do to fix the shine?”
Simple Solutions 4 Flowerbox Tips: Here are four ways to keep plants in your flowerbox or window box healthy and happy:
• Drill 3/8-inch-diameter drainage holes in the box bottom so the soil doesn’t stay soggy. Space the holes about 8 inches apart.
• To stop soil from washing through the drainage holes, cover the box bottom with an inch of gravel. Or, if you’re concerned about the added weight of the gravel, line the bottom with empty 12-ounce water bottles instead.
• Plant a variety of flowering species of different colors: put flowing vines in front, short plants in the middle and tall plants toward the rear to create an attractive tiered presentation.
• At the end of the season, remove the boxes, empty the soil, and store the boxes indoors until next spring.
White-Ring Remover — When a damp glass is left for too long on a table, it’ll often leave behind a white ring. In some cases, the ring will disappear on its own within 24 hours, as the surface dries out.
However, if the ring doesn’t disappear, try this: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Then, use your fingers or soft cloth to rub the solution into the table, working in the direction of the wood grain.
Dry the table with paper towels. If any of the white ring remains, repeat the process.
Question of the Week Q: “We had a leak in our family room a few weeks ago. The roof was repaired and I decided to Kilz the watermark before painting. I used the water-based Kilz Premium Primer / Sealer / Stainblocker, and waited a day before painting with flat ceiling paint.
The water stain mark is gone, but all I see is a shiny area where I put the Kilz.
I have painted it three times now. What can I do to fix the shine?”
A: We’re not sure why a stainblocker with a flat finish would appear shiny, especially under three coats of flat ceiling paint. But if you repaired the ceiling with joint compound, sometimes that has a sheen to it. What may be shining through is that repaired area.
You may need to repaint the whole ceiling, and maybe try an eggshell or semi-gloss finish. Test this solution in one spot and see if it helps! If it does, then paint the whole ceiling.
In addition, try a middle-of-the-road or premium paint, because sometimes the cheapest one is cheap for a reason.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Daich Coatings * Klean Strip
Are your downspouts causing more problems than they’re correcting? Listen to learn how to control where that water goes.
Do you ever feel like you need more hands when you’re putting a project together? Listen to learn about an easy way to simplify assembly.
We’re fast approaching the hottest days of the summer. Listen to learn how to stay safe as the mercury rises.
Is the fear of drywall dust clouds keeping you from starting a renovation project? Listen to learn about a way to sand drywall with less mess.
The blistering sun of summer can wreak havoc on your wood deck, so now is the perfect time of year to shield your deck against those harmful UV rays. Listen for tips on how to protect your deck.
Folks who want to update older homes often consider window replacements. That’s no surprise since many older windows aren’t as strong — and certainly aren’t as attractive — as newer ones.
But when you have windows that are old, ugly and inefficient, what can you do about them? It’s sometimes hard to know where to start.
Pella windows are among the best in the industry, and they’re easily retrofitted on older homes. You just need to give the company the window openings’ exact measurements and they’ll get to work.
Andersen is another good company, as is Jeld-Wen windows. You can’t go wrong with any of these top brands, but some are better than others when it comes to retrofit situations.
On that note, Andersen has a special plan for window replacements — Renewal by Andersen. That’s one way to go, and most of the windows would be wood with aluminum cladding. They also have fiberglass windows.
But vinyl replacement windows are increasingly popular. Many of them are reinforced with steel and have a lot of features you’ll want, such as energy efficiency.
If you want to spend a little extra money, go with the top brands. But you should also consider vinyl for window replacements.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [2:13] “I live in an older home that still has paneling in most of the rooms. What do you recommend: cover it or remove it?”
- [9:23] “Our 40-year-old brick home has several spots where the mortar has cracked and fallen out. Is there an easy way to mix my own mortar and get it into those joints without making a huge mess?”
- [10:58] “We have a mid-’60s home with old traditional lateral sliding windows and they’re not very efficient. We were considering [replacing them] with Pella … but we’re wondering if you have any recommendations.”
- [14:34] “We have hardwood floors that are a little dirty and scratched, but otherwise in decent shape. However, the original topcoat finish is worn in spots. Is there a way to refinish the floors without sanding them down to bare wood?”
- [17:22] Best New Product: Aqua-Seal Tape from Nashua Tape
- [18:47] TH Radio Engineer Dennis talks about his current project of replacing fence boards — but he doesn’t want to use treated wood
- [21:28] “I have a question about cleaning my walls. We have a wood furnace and wood stove, so I know they need washing. What’s the best thing to use?”
- [23:33] “I have a question about a water heater in a home. We installed a brand new one, and for some reason, it doesn’t seem to be making the water hot. Help!”
- [25:19] Around the Yard, sponsored by Pavestone: Dealing with weeds — start with a soil test
- [27:49] Simple Solution: How to keep a door from closing on its own
- [29:05] Question of the Week: “I have a large front porch and it’s a concrete slab. It has a large crack down the middle, and on one end it has sunk about 5 inches, so when it rains, I have a pond I have to walk through. How can this be fixed?”
Question of the Week Q: “I have a large front porch and it's a concrete slab. It has a large crack down the middle and on one end it has sunk about 5 inches, so when it rains, I have a pond I have to walk through. How can this be fixed?”
A: Since the slab has fallen 5 inches, there’s a significant settlement issue. Hire a foundation expert to jack up the slab. Some use high-density foam; others use hydraulic jacks.
First, find out what that would cost. If it’s too much for your budget, it may be better to hire someone to remove the slab and pour a new one.
Get a pro out there — just make sure the job is done right so it never has to be done again.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Champion Windows * Home Depot * Quikrete.com * Quikrete Mortar Repair * Rejuvenate Hardwood Floor Cleaners * Renewal by Andersen * Window World
When it’s vacation time, you make plenty of plans. But do you plan for your plants? Listen to learn how to help your plants survive your summer vacation.
Are the cracks in your asphalt driveway starting to look like a roadmap? Listen to learn how to get that drive back in shape.
Do you find yourself looking for a bucket every time it rains? Listen to learn how to put a stop to a leaky roof!
If you have a wood deck, you know the pain of stubbing your toe on a nail that's popped up. Listen to learn about an easy solution to that problem!
If you've tried to create a stepping stone pathway, you know leveling them can be a challenge. Listen to learn about a way to simplify the process.
Whether you live in a slope house or have unlevel floors due to an improperly built home that unexpectedly slopes, all kinds of problems can arise.
For instance, what do you do if the concrete patio was never properly sloped away from the foundation, or you start to notice condensation in a half-exposed basement due to the slope of the land?
And if you can place a 2-by-4 on your floor and part of it is level but the other part rises inches off the ground, you’ve definitely got a problem!
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and more home improvement tips!
[1:58] 67-year-old great-grandmother gains confidence to replace a toilet after watching Today’s Homeowner
[4:07] Chelsea talks about the August episode of Checking in with Chelsea — installing and sealing butcher-block countertops
[9:04] Best New Product: Dewalt 3000 Lumen 20-Volt Max Tripod
[11:09] “I need to repair a concrete patio. It was never properly sloped away from the foundation … I am considering using Rapid set Cement All or Rapid set Concrete mix. Your thoughts?”
[17:02] “We have a shaded back patio where we love to have coffee each morning, but it’s always covered in mildew … but when we clean it, it seems to come right back. How can we prevent that?”
[18:32] “Our house was built seven years ago and our basement is half-exposed due to the slope of the land it was built on. We have been noticing condensation behind the plastic and possible mold on the 2-by-4s. Thoughts on next steps?”
[25:06] Simple Solution: How to make a trash can from a collapsible laundry hamper
[26:49] DaiHard 100 Kits from Daich Coatings feature an Industrial Strength Epoxy Floor Coating that hides anything on the surface with just one coat
[29:24] Question of the Week: “I am replacing the carpeted floor on a cement floor with vinyl planks … Since the floor is uneven, what is the best way to transition the floor to accommodate the new flooring?”
Simple Solutions Pop-Up Trash Can — The next time you need an extra trash can, use a collapsible laundry hamper, which you can buy for as little as $10. This is the type that looks like a giant spring wrapped in fabric.
Line the hamper with a plastic garbage bag and when you’re done, just pull out the bag and collapse the hamper. It takes up almost no space and is ideal for backyard cookouts and parties, or to take on the road while camping or picnicking at the park.
It’s also perfect for collecting used wrapping paper on Christmas morning and at birthday parties and baby showers. (A 15-inch-diameter by 26-inch-tall hamper takes a 30-gallon bag)
Affordable Eraser Cleaners — Magic Erasers are great for safely cleaning all sorts of surfaces around the house, including kitchen cabinets, bath fixtures, painted walls, furniture, and all types of flooring.
However, brand name erasers are pretty expensive, but you can save a significant amount of money by buying generic melamine foam sponges.
A nine-pack of Mr. Clean Erasers costs about $8, which seems reasonable until you consider that you can buy 50 generic-brand erasers for $13. One such brand is On My Clean, or go to: SpongeOulet.com
Question of the Week Q: “I am replacing the carpeted floor on a cement floor with vinyl planks to an addition on a lower half of a split level. Since the floor is uneven due to an addition, what is the best way to transition the floor to accommodate the new flooring I want to install?”
A: First, remove the carpet, which will leave quite a bit of glue residue. Then get an aggressive grinding wheel from the rental center. That will remove the glue. Then add self-leveling compound to fix the slope so luxury vinyl tile will be easily installed on it.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot
Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Surfacer
Rapid Set Cement All
Wet and Forget
Woodcraft
Laying your own ceramic tile helps make bath and kitchen remodels affordable, but it does have challenges. Listen to learn some ways to simplify it!
Wet doormats can do more harm than good, and they will LITERALLY wear out your welcome. Listen to learn a way to solve this damp dilemma.
Unless you have an irrigation system, you've probably had your share of showers while trying to position a sprinkler. Listen to learn how to position sprinklers for maximum coverage.
If, for some reason, you find yourself without air conditioning, you can still find some cool relief with a simple fan. Listen to learn how to add a chill to the air at only pennies on the dollar!
The “Dog Days of Summer” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good time to be a dog. Listen to learn how to help your pets keep their cool.
Ever wonder just how dull this world would be without color? Listen to learn how one color in particular has a nasty habit of showing up uninvited: mildew.
If you’ve got a home, you’ll have problems sooner or later. For instance, a cultured marble sink gets a large brown stain. Where did it come from? Who knows — life happens.
That’s the issue Mike in Illinois faces. He sees the stain, but doesn’t know how it got there, and no one is ’fessing up. Now, he wonders: Can you sand the stain out?
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
[1:50] Danny and Joe talk landscaping
[5:38] The problems with using mothballs to repel snakes, rodents and raccoons
[8:08] Joe revisits a Simple Solution for reading the fine print on product labels
[14:28] Best New Product: Zevo Instant Action Aerosol Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket and Stinging Insect Killer [15:32] “When my kitchen sink drains, it gurgles. Is this something I can fix myself or do I have to call a plumber?” [18:25] “I have a cultured marble sink in my bathroom that has a large brown stain in it. I heard you can sand stains out of cultured marble. Is that true?”
[22:36] Danny and Joe talk about Bar Keeper’s Friend as a way to clean a boat
[24:23] “I got polyurethane on the wood siding of my house. Is there any way to remove it without damaging the siding?”
[26:13] Simple Solution: How to safely and easily move heavy objects across the floor
[27:53] Question of the Week: “What product might work best to kill cockroaches?”
Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Loose Knobs — When a wooden cabinet-door knob or drawer pull becomes loose, and you can no longer tighten its screw, chances are the hole is stripped. Here’s a quick remedy: Remove the screw and knob, dip two or three flat wooden toothpicks in glue and force them into the stripped hole on the back of the knob. Trim off the excess toothpick and screw the knob back in place.
Easy Slider — Here’s how to safely and easily move heavy objects across the floor and downstairs: Set the object on top of an old blanket or quilted moving pad. Then, simply pull on the leading edge of the blanket to slide the object across the floor. Lift up on the blanket slightly to slide over raised transitions and thresholds. When you come to a staircase, back down the stairs, using one hand to hold the blanket and the other to steady the object to prevent it from free-sliding down the staircase. Slowly back down the stairs one step at a time, allowing the object to glide over the steps.
Question of the Week Q: What product might work best to kill cockroaches? I’d rather not use any chemicals unless absolutely necessary.
A: First, eliminate why they’re there. Seal the envelope of the house. Then, remove water and food sources. Wipe down countertops before you go to sleep, and make sure everything is nice and dry. Use roach-killing baits, which come in discs, or use glue traps.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
Bar Keeper’s Friend
Home Depot
Ever thought about creating your own private retreat? Listen to learn a simple way to turn your backyard into an oasis.
We love the feel of the summer sun, but its heat and ultraviolet rays can really punish our homes. Listen to learn about protecting your home from the sun.
Are you looking for an excuse not to start painting the house this weekend?
Stay tuned and we’ll talk about whether the weather is right for it or not.
If your home has a ridge vent and gable vents, but no soffit vents, should you cover the gable vents?
Yes. You’ll want to install soffit vents and close those gable vents. Otherwise, gable vents can alter the airflow around the ridge vent. This is especially a problem when the wind blows parallel to the ridge. This can reverse the airflow, pulling air, rain and snow through the ridge vent.
So, once you install soffit vents, close the gable vents. Soffit vents and ridge vents provide optimal attic ventilation.
Now, what should you do next? You can leave the gable vents in place and cover them with plywood from the inside, making them ineffective. Or you can replace them with decorative, non-venting gable vents made of plastic. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
[2:39] “I’ve read online that I should cover the gable vents because it could ‘short-circuit’ the soffit-ridge vent system. Looking for a trusted opinion on this matter.”
[7:31] Best New Product: Apollo PEX Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge
[9:27] “Is there any way to cover wall tile that goes halfway up our bathroom wall instead of taking it out?”
[14:10] “I have some cracks in my concrete driveway. I repaired these about four years ago. The repairs did well for a couple of years, now the same crack lines are back. Help!”
[23:36] Simple Solution: Joe’s formula for a safe, non-toxic mosquito repellant
[25:30] Question of the Week: “I had the bright idea of cleaning my ceiling in the kitchen, because I had grease accumulation from years of cooking. Now I have a white spot where I cleaned. Help!”
Simple Solutions Natural Bug Repellent — Here’s a nontoxic way to repel mosquitoes:
- Place two sprigs of rosemary in a mason jar
- Fill the jar 3/4 full with water
- Add 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, then swirl the oil into the water
- Place one slice each of lemon and lime into the jar
- Add more water if needed to raise the level to full
- Place a floating tea light candle on top
- Set the jar outside, and light the candle
- Replace tea lights as needed and discard the fruit and liquid after three days
Dust Catcher Tip — When you need to drill just one or two holes in a wall, try this trick to catch the dust: Slightly dampen about 4 to 6 inches along the edge of a single sheet of newspaper or paper towel. Then, stick the damp paper to the wall. Raise the bottom (dry) half of the sheet to create a trough, and drill the hole. The dust will fall into the paper.
Question of the Week Q: “I had the bright idea of cleaning my ceiling in the kitchen, because I had grease accumulation from years of cooking. Now I have a white spot where I cleaned. Help!”
A: Lay some plastic drop cloths on the floor and then clean the rest of the ceiling with a citrus degreaser and trisodium phosphate, or TSP. Then, evaluate whether the ceiling looks like one solid color. If the color doesn’t look consistent, either paint it or have it painted.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot
Metal Roofing Alliance
Do you have a concrete porch that needs a little pizazz? Listen to learn about tiling over concrete and the right material to go underfoot.
Ever wonder how there can be so many different kinds of paint? Listen to learn about choosing the right one for your summer painting chores.
The right lighting can improve the appearance of any area, including a deck or patio. Listen to learn simple ways to light up your outdoor spaces.
I bet if you could reduce the water you use for irrigation and still keep a healthy lawn, you would. Listen to learn how to get the most from your irrigation system.
It’s one of the hardest surfaces around your home, but it could still use a little help. Here’s an easy-to-do project to spruce up your concrete!
Self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic has driven up demand for building materials as more and more homeowners tackle do-it-yourself projects.
But there are the projects you plan to work on, and then there are those that surprise you and you’re not sure what to do about them.
Maybe you suddenly took a good look at your concrete steps and noticed they’re worn and chipped. You know that fixing them doesn’t require replacing all of the concrete, but you’re also not certain about the best solution.
Or self-isolation has you spending more time on the porch swing, and you noticed how worse it looks for the wear after constant exposure to the sun. But, how to restore it is a mystery.
Perhaps you’re ready to paint or stain a project, but you want to do it right this time and need to know about the kinds of additives you’ll need. (There are some that prevent mildew, insects and even brush strokes from compromising the project.)
If you’re thinking of one of these projects during self-isolation, we’ve got expert advice to make it successful.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and more home improvement tips!
[2:22] ‘My porch swing has been exposed to the hot afternoon sun. I need to refinish it, but which varnish should I use?’
[6:13] ‘How do you replace expansion joints in a driveway?’
[9:43] Discussing paint and stain additives such as mildewcides, insecticides and brush-stroke eliminators
[13:46] ‘I have a sulfur smell in the water heater. What can I do about it?’
[15:25] ‘What can I do to remove scuff marks on my composite kitchen floor?’
[16:48] How to cut the bottoms off mason jars for crafting
[18:08] Best New Products: Samsung High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
[19:54] ‘The rubber backing from my throw rugs is stuck to the ceramic tile floor — how can I remove it?’
[21:33] ‘What is the best product to clean the outside of the gutters?’
[24:21] ‘The wood siding on my home is dirty and turning green. What’s the best cleanser to use to wash my siding?’
[26:10] ‘My concrete steps have some chunks and chips missing. What can I do about them?’
[28:44] Simple Solution: A great way to store driver bits using a fishing accessory
[30:32] Question of the Week: ‘How can I keep squirrels off my bird feeders?’
Simple Solutions Gravel Entry — Traffic in and out of a shed will often trample down and wear out the ground near the entrance. As a result, the area will become sunken, and turn into a soggy, muddy mess after a rainstorm.
To prevent further erosion, make a simple landing pad out of a few 2x4s and some gravel. Build a rectangular frame out of pressure-treated 2x4s and set it on the ground in front of the entrance.
Use a shovel to cut down into the ground around the outside of the frame. Move the frame out of the way and dig out about 3 inches of dirt.
Line the bottom of the excavated hole with landscaping fabric, then set the frame into place and fill it with gravel. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper or long 4x4.
Finally, add more gravel to completely fill the 2x4 frame.
Storage for Driver Bits — Keep all your screw-driving bits neatly organized with a plastic container intended for fishing tackle.
These clear containers are surprisingly durable, have hinged lids that snap closed, and feature customizable dividers for separating bits by type and size.
And the containers are super-affordable: one that’s about 2 x 9 x 14 inches costs $12 and can be divided into as many as 28 compartments.
Question of the Week Q: Evelyn in Michigan asks, “How can I keep the squirrels off my bird feeders?”
A: Buy a squirrel-proof bird feeder, particularly one with a wire baffle that surrounds the outside, preventing squirrels’ entry. Some bird-feeders also have squirrel-proof doors that close upon detecting a squirrel’s weight.
Other Products and Links Mentioned 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate
Flood Foetrol
Goo Gone
Goof Off
Havahart Critter Ridder
Home Depot
Quikrete.com
Quikrete Polymer Modified Structural Repair
Sikaflex - 1c SL
Simple Solutions
Sunnyside Products: M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment
TotalBoat
TotalBoat – Lust Marine Varnish
WD-40
WetandForget.com
Wet and Forget Xtreme Reach Hose End
If you’re making improvements to your home, you may want to consider implementing an idea called universal design in your plan. Listen to learn how to make your home more accessible.
Poor attic ventilation is a big problem in many homes. Listen to learn why attic ventilation is so important.
Sometimes, even the simplest plumbing chores require some water removal. Listen to learn an easy way to create some simple suction.
There’s plenty of yard work to go around this time of year, so you probably have gasoline stored somewhere around your house — maybe improperly. Listen to learn how to store gas safely.
Looking for a unique idea for an outdoor container garden? Listen to learn a step-by-step plan you can follow.
From barbecues to pool parties, it can be a lot of fun to entertain outdoors. Listen to learn about keeping the party going after the sun goes down.
American Standard HVAC is no stranger to the air conditioner business.
It’s been around for well over 100 years and has a line of heating and cooling systems that includes split, package and commercial systems. It also has a range of air filters and humidifiers.
These products don’t just ensure you’ll stay comfortable in your home; they also ensure the indoor air you breathe in will be cleaner so that you and your family can stay healthy.
Listen to this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn about American Standard HVAC products along with some tips about purchasing an AC system and maintaining it through the years.
We’ll talk about these AC systems’ energy efficiency, how variable-speed technology isn’t just cool but also quiet, and we’ll talk about the importance of choosing the right-size American Standard HVAC system for your home.
[0:28] Mark Woodruff, product manager, introduces American Standard
[1:20] What you should know about variable-speed systems
[3:54] The importance of sizing your heating and cooling system
[7:19] What you should know about air conditioner filters
[10:04] Smart thermostats: Much more than controlling air
[13:43] Finding the ‘sweet spot’ of SEER ratings
[16:32] Improving your home’s indoor air quality
Not all vinyl windows are created equal. Companies making them during the economic recession of 2008 and the following years manufactured some notoriously substandard windows.
But that doesn’t mean they’re all bad.
Joe Truini suggests six things to look for when shopping for vinyl windows. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for those and more home improvement tips!
[1:53] Around the Yard: Ways to reduce heat stress on your lawn during the hot, dry summer
[4:40] What you should check right now in your attic
[6:38] Checking in with Chelsea’s latest project: building a planter using cedar
[10:33] Best New Product: PPG’s Interior General-Purpose, Zero VOC Primer
[12:44] ‘We may replace our windows with vinyl. Is there a way to research a brand we may not have heard of but is used by a professional installer?
[18:59] ‘How can we cover a 1½-inch gap under the wood door that leads from our kitchen out to the porch?
[22:20] Simple Solution: An easy and efficient way to sand the edges of rough boards
[23:42] ‘All the paint is off my barn and I was thinking probably an oil-based stain would be better than paint. What do you think?’
[24:49] ‘I’ve got brick with phosphorescence on it. Is there a way to get that white chalky coating off of my brick?’
[26:11] ‘I’m considering buying another property; however, I witnessed moisture on the walls. Help!’
[29:25] Question of the Week: ‘My chimney is separating from my house! What can I do?’
Around the Yard This time of the summer, things are getting pretty hot wherever you live. We often talk about protecting ourselves from the heat, and that's important, but it's also important to think about protecting your lawn from the heat.
Heat is one of the biggest stresses for a lawn, so do what you can to reduce the stress. Watering is a no-brainer. When it's hot, you get thirsty, and so does your lawn.
If you walk across the grass and it sounds crunchy or stays bent down, it needs water. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Speaking of walking on the grass, that's another thing that causes it stress. So, when it's really hot and dry, limit foot traffic as much as possible.
While fertilizers help feed the lawn, that push to create new growth also causes stress, so hold off on that until the weather cools a little.
Finally, when you cut the lawn, be sure you only remove the top third of the grass blades. You guessed it — removing more causes stress.
Plus, taller grass plants develop deeper roots, and that makes them more drought-tolerant during the hot, dry summer.
This Around the Yard segment brought to you by Pavestone.
Simple Solutions Time-Saving Sanding — When using a portable power sander to smooth the edges of boards, you can save a lot of time by sanding several boards at the same time, a technique known as gang sanding.
Clamp together the boards, making sure the edges are flush and even. Then sand all the edges simultaneously, which not only saves time, but also makes it easy to sand the narrow edges because the sander is supported by a wider surface.
Rake Screed — Next time you need to smooth out a bed of sand or soil for a garden or patio, save some time and trouble by making a screed from a common garden rake.
Start by getting a 3-foot length of perforated metal strapping, two 2-inch-long machine screws, with washers and wing nuts, and a 4-foot-long pine 1-by-4.
Attach the metal strapping to the 1-by-4 using the machine screws, then slip the tines of the rake behind the strapping.
Tighten the wing nuts to securely hold the 1-by-4 to the rake. Now, use the rake to pull and smooth the sand or soil.
It’s also handy for smoothing gravel, bark mulch, compost, and even freshly poured concrete.
Question of the Week Q: Eileen in Maryland says, “I have a 40-year-old rancher with a basement. The chimney, which was put in after the house was built, is separating from the house and I’m not sure what to do.
“I have had various workers come out to look at it and all have given different advice. The chimney, at one time, was used for a wood stove in the basement that hasn’t been used in years.
“Should I:
- Have it repaired
- Tear it down
- Or rebuild it?”
A: This chimney is no longer in use, and it’s a major hazard. So hire a contractor and pull it down.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Andersen Windows
Home Depot
Pavestone
Pella Windows and Doors
Nothing is completely clean, unless it’s clean from top to bottom, but what about the top of your house? Listen for tips about rooftop cleaning.
Trying to find ways to cut down on cooling costs during the summer can be a real challenge. Listen to learn an idea or two to tastefully lower the energy bill.
Even if you have a lock on your storage shed, it won't help if a thief simply removes the door. Listen to learn a simple way to thwart the thieves.
Has the summertime increase in showers sent your water bill through the roof?
Listen to learn how to enjoy those showers without breaking the bank.
Trying to stay cool this summer? Listen to learn how you can get the right size air conditioner for your home.
Updating a kitchen usually involves a lot of time and expense, but if you just want to refresh the room a little, there are some simple tricks to make the job manageable.
For instance, you can take years off the appearance of cabinets that look worse for the wear. We’ll tell you exactly how to clean, degrease and stain old cabinets so they look their best.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for those and many more home improvement tips!
[2:22] Tips for cleaning, degreasing and staining cabinets
[7:20] What you should know about M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment
[8:43] How to repair small cracks in a stucco wall
[12:22] ‘Help! I have a clogged A/C condensation drain…how can I unclog it — and keep it unclogged?’
[14:48] Best New Product: Dyson V8 Animal, Cord-Free Vacuum
[15:53] The multitasking dad: He works at his law office in the morning and in the afternoon he’s building a shed with his teenage son!
[18:10] How to repair rotten wood trim on a basement window
[23:48] Simple Solution: Maintaining your outside A/C unit with a condenser fin comb
[26:18] Question of Week: A block wall in the backyard is breaking down from the pressure of the hill behind it — what is the best way to reinforce the wall?
Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Bent A/C Fins — If the thin aluminum fins on your A/C unit have become crushed or bent out of shape, it’ll struggle to draw air through the condenser, greatly diminishing its cooling capacity. You can try straightening out the bent fins with a stiff-bristle toothbrush or putty knife, but here’s a quicker, better way: Buy a condenser fin comb (about $8), which has rows of tiny steel teeth. Simply pull the comb along the outside of the condenser to straighten out any bent fins.
Dust Catcher — Drilling holes into a drywall ceiling, even small holes, creates a surprising amount of dust. Here’s how to make that task a little neater: First drill through the bottom of a paper or foam cup, then hold the cup tight against the ceiling and drill the hole. The cup will catch the dust. Be sure to empty the cup before drilling any other holes.
Question of the Week Q: I have a block wall in the backyard that is breaking from the pressure of dirt from my neighbor. (Their house sits higher than mine, about the height of the wall). What would be the best way to fix it or reinforce it? Can I build another wall in front of it?
A: You could build a wall in front of the block wall, but what prevents the existing wall from breaking down and affecting the new wall? It would have a domino effect.
Instead, first, contact a structural engineer. You’ll need their help with this project. Then dig out the dirt from behind the wall and repair the wall as necessary. Finally, install drainage pipe, gravel and landscaping fabric to keep wet soil from pushing against the back of the wall.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Sunnyside Products: M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment
Elastomeric coating
RectorSeal
If you do a lot of work in your garage or workshop, the spilling of screws and nails is going to happen. Listen to learn a simple way to clean them up.
Got a project that requires digging in the yard but don’t know where those buried utilities are located? Listen to learn how to find them!
A grab bar is an easy way to stop slipping and sliding in the bathtub, but drilling a hole in ceramic tile can be pretty slippery itself. Here’s how to keep your drill bit from doing the ceramic shimmy!
We get so many phone calls and emails about decks. People are building decks, stripping them and renovating them, so that’s how we’ll kick off this week’s episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast: we’ll talk all about decks!
Learn how Chelsea’s making a big job — stripping her deck — manageable and listen for our tips to make your deck look great. Whether you want to know about the best wood for an outdoor deck, want to learn more about kiln-dried after treatment wood, or wonder how to remove paint from your deck, we’ve got it covered.
[2:01] All about designing, building, refinishing and maintaining decks
[8:27] A brick wall on a garage has come loose — can it be repaired?
[13:31] Best New Product: Bessey GearKlamp
[15:17] How to prepare and paint old, varnished pine cabinets
[20:50] ‘Paint spilled on my bricks — here’s what removed it!’
[21:43] How to remove a large stump without using a stump grinder
[28:18] Simple Solution: 5 tips for helping your lawn survive a drought
[31:02] Question of the Week: ‘Help! Both sinks back up when I run my garbage disposal!’
Simple Solutions Save Drought-Stricken Lawns — Five tips for helping any lawn survive a prolonged drought: 1.) de-thatch, 2.) aerate, 3.) mow, as necessary, 4.) don’t bag clippings, and finally 5.) avoid excess traffic (foot and equipment) on lawn.
Bulb Removal Trick — Here’s how to use duct tape to remove hard-to-reach or difficult light bulbs (like ones mounted flush in range hoods). Take an 8-inch length of duct tape and pinch it together in the middle to create a T shape with adhesive exposed on top of the horizontal surface. Use the vertical, pinched-together flap as a handle. Stick the tape to the bulb and twist, if it’s threaded. If the bulb has two lugs that fit into slots inside the socket, stick on the tape, press up, and then twist.
Question of the Week Q: When I run my garbage disposal both sinks back up — what's the problem?
A: It sounds like a clog, and you’ll need to plunge one drain while plugging up the other drain. Then switch drains. After that, remove the trap from under the sink and use a plumber’s snake to remove the clog.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Citristrip
KDAT lumber
Home Depot
Benjamin Moore Advance Cabinet Paint
Goo Gone
Metal Roofing Alliance
Whatever you do, remember to keep it on the level! Listen to learn how important (and easy) it is to start out on an even plane for flawless flooring.
Most roof leaks can be easily traced to the source, but sometimes those leaks go into stealth mode. Listen to learn about mysterious leaks at brick chimneys and a sure-fire solution.
Have you thought about updating the look of your home by painting the bricks? Listen for an easier way to do it right!
When you take a deep breath, are you sure you’re breathing in fresh air? Learn about a dirty little problem and how you can fix it.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. What does your home’s appearance say about you? Here are some simple and budget-friendly ways to improve your curb appeal.
Every homeowner needs to tackle odd jobs around the house from time to time. And eventually, as maintenance bills add up, you realize you don’t have to pay a handyman to fix some of those problems.
Think about a loose doorknob that makes you cringe — what if you didn’t have to rely on someone else to fix it? What if you could just whip out your trusty Phillips head screwdriver and have it working in 20 seconds?
Building a basic tool kit doesn’t have to be expensive — you could start with just $25 for some essential tools and add to it as the need arises. We’ll talk about the simple, must-have tools to immediately become a do-it-yourselfer. Later in the show, we’ll get more advanced, explaining the difference between a drill and an impact driver.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
[2:08] Getting rid of mosquitos — what works and what doesn’t
[10:04] ‘Help! I need a beginner’s tool kit!’
[15:44] ‘My outdoor brick planter is splitting — how can I fix it?’
[19:34] ‘My tub drains slowly. We’ve tried just about everything. What now?’
[22:01] Best New Product: Frigidaire’s Gallery Front-Control Gas Range with Air Fry
[23:52] ‘What’s the difference between a drill and an impact driver?’
[27:30] Simple Solution: Spot-treat weeds with a funnel on a pump-up sprayer
[29:11] Question of the Week: ‘Paint keeps chipping off the basement floor. What can I do about it?’
Simple Solutions Tub-Stain Remover — Mix equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain, wait a half-hour or so, then rinse with water. This is great for removing stains from tubs, sinks and toilets.
Precision Spraying — A pump-up garden sprayer is great for applying weed-killing herbicides to lawns and flowerbeds, but the wide spray pattern makes it difficult to apply the herbicide with pinpoint accuracy. Solve this problem by attaching a small plastic funnel to the end of the spray wand. That’ll control the overspray and deliver the herbicide to a smaller, more concentrated area.
Question of the Week Q: “Ten years ago, our basement was flooded a few inches deep. We ended up with some efflorescence. I removed it with a diluted 20% muriatic acid substitute. Then I scrubbed the floor with water and painted it with waterproof paint.
“The efflorescence did not come back, but the paint blistered off. I have done this a couple of times since with the same results. What am I doing wrong — or better still, what should I do?”
A: First, remove as much of the paint that’s blistering off. Then apply Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer. It actually penetrates the masonry’s pores and bonds to it.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer * Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement
We all want our lawns to be lush and green, but in many places, water is in short supply. Listen to learn how to water without waste.
The warm weather is here for a while. Listen to learn about keeping cool without multiplying your utility bill.
Are you planning to add some outdoor living space this summer with pavers? Listen to learn some paver project pointers.
Just about every kid on earth has heard these words from a parent: "Were you born in a barn?! Close the door!"
Listen to learn a simple way to keep the outdoors outside where they belong.
Did you know there are some houses that NEED to have holes in the side? Listen to learn why brick homes need a few holes in the right place.
It’s time to turn our attention toward summer home maintenance tips, and there’s no better guide for that than our Four Seasons of Home Ownership Checklist.
Summer is also a great time for backyard living, and whether you’re wondering which materials you need to install a new deck, or need to repair a deck that’s peeling and moldy, we’ve got you covered.
If you have an aggregate patio that’s become exposed over the years, and is tough underfoot, we’ve also got tips to resurface it.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
[2:00] Four Seasons of Home Ownership — Your Summer Checklist
[10:15] Solution for mildew smells in a bathroom and small holes in a tub
[15:11] ‘Which materials do I need for a new deck?’
[17:46] Best New Product: LG Instaview Door-in-Door Refrigerator
[19:21] ‘Can you install light fixtures near radiant heating?’
[21:11] ‘Which materials do I need to install underlayment over tile floors?’
[22:04] ‘My deck paint is peeling and there’s mold. What can I do?’
[23:57] Simple Solution: Safe, easy way to wash fruit and vegetables
[25:43]Question of the Week: The best way to resurface an aggregate patio
Simple Solutions Roof Runoff Remedy — The lower edge of roof shingles should extend beyond the fascia board by at least 3/4 inch. That way, when rain runs down the roof it’ll drain into the gutters.
Too often, however, the overhang falls short and water drips behind the gutters, leading to rotted fascia, peeling paint, stained siding and, in extreme cases, soil erosion and a wet basement.
To fix the problem, pick up some aluminum drip edge (drip-cap flashing). It’s typically sold in 8-foot lengths, and can be easily cut with tin snips or even poultry shears.
Slide the wide, flat flange of the flashing under the first course of roof shingles. If the edge of the flashing doesn’t extend over the gutter, pull it out slightly from under the shingles. Secure the drip edge with a few short roofing nails; just be sure to position the nails under the shingles.
Seal each nail head with a dollop of roofing cement.
Washing produce — You don't need a store-bought cleaner to remove dirt and insecticides from your fresh produce. Just mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda (or white vinegar) in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, transfer the produce to a colander, then rinse with clean water.
Question of the Week Q: I need suggestions on how to resurface a washed aggregate patio. It is uncomfortable to walk on and I’d like to change it.
Must it be removed? Pouring more concrete on top with a decorative pattern or stain would be pretty. Any ideas?
A: If you want to change the look of the patio, you can install tile over it, but that could be expensive. On the other hand, coating it with 1/8 inch of Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is easy. Most resurfacers require a primer or bonding agent.
If you want to change it up altogether, you can tile over it or install decking over it.
Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot
Baking Soda
Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Surfacer
Do your rocking chairs leave ugly scratch marks on your hardwood floors? Listen to learn a simple way to solve that problem.
Everyone knows that ceiling fans help cool you down this time of year, but which way should they turn? Listen to learn that and a few other tips to keep your home cool!
Chances are, many of you have already spent some time in the sun working in the garden or around the house. Listen to learn how to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.
If you’ve ever had a roof leak, you’re familiar with the ugly stain that’s left behind on your ceiling even after the leak is fixed. Stay tuned to learn how to take care of that stain.
This time of year, flying pests seem to bother us more than normal. Listen to learn how to deal with wasp nests and bee stings.
Is your home ready for summer? First, you’ll need to seal your home’s ‘envelope.’ Then, you’ll need to insulate your patio and set your ceiling fans to help stay cool.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and many more home improvement tips!
Simple Solutions Brass Screw Tip — Small brass screws are beautiful and decorative, but they’re also soft, so it’s easy to strip the head or snap the screw in half. To prevent these problems, try this: First, drill a pilot hole, and then drive in a steel screw that’s the same size as the brass screw. What you’re doing is essentially threading a hole in the wood to accept the brass screw. Next, back out the steel screw and drive in the brass screw.
No-Clog Spray Painting — The spray tips on spray-paint cans clog very easily, making it virtually impossible to use all the paint that’s in the can. Here’s how to avoid clogs: First, after painting, turn the can upside down and press the tip until the spray runs clear. Then, pull off the tip and drop it into a jar of mineral spirits to soak. Next time you’re ready to paint, take the spray tip out of the mineral spirits, and ream out the spray hole with the wire from a twist tie to remove any softened paint. Then place the tip back on the can and start spraying.
Question of the Week Q: “The house my wife and I own has a porch with tongue-and-groove wood for a ceiling. There is ½-inch OSB board under the tongue and groove.
How do I find the joists to hang a swing from? I tried to get in through the attic, but we have spray foam insulation under our roof deck and there is a barrier between the attic and the area above the porch…”
A: A phone app called Wall Bot looks through walls and acts like a stud finder. But ceiling joists are almost never where you need them. So, we recommend holding a 2-by-4 cleat flat against the ceiling, screwing at least two joists, and then drive the bolt through it.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Home Depot * Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete * Solar-powered exhaust fans [Amazon]
White caps may look nice on a mountaintop, but not so much on your house. Listen to learn about disguising unsightly pipes on your roof.
How low can you go? No, I’m not talking about a limbo dance, I’m talking about mowing your yard. Listen to learn the answer!
Is your patio or deck simply too hot to enjoy this time of year? Listen to learn about an easy, inexpensive way to create shade for an outdoor space.
Do you spend more time re-filling the soap dispenser on your kitchen sink than using it? Listen to learn about a cool solution.
Buying a home is most people’s biggest investment. That’s why it’s important to keep it low-maintenance and budget-friendly.
Listen to this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn about affordable solutions to humidity under a house, affordable ways to x up a rental house, and low-maintenance replacements for front porch railings.
[2:08] How to muffle a loud heat pump
[5:51] Best New Product: Nexgrill 5-burner gas grill with side burner
[6:58] Affordable solutions to humidity under a house
[11:20] UV lights in A/C systems: do they work?
[15:02] How to deal with smoking-related odors
[17:44] A creative way to block the sun from a deck
[18:51] Simple Solution: How to keep eyeglasses from fogging up while wearing a mask
[20:39] Affordable ways to x up a rental house
[22:57] Low-maintenance replacements for front porch railings
[23:43] Tips for raising a ceiling
[24:59] Tips for DIY pest control
[29:07] Question of the Week: How to keep weeds o a patio
Simple Solutions
Trex Company has low-maintenance railing options for your front porch or deck.
**No-Fog Glasses** — Here’s a simple, yet effective, way to prevent eyeglasses or safety glasses from fogging up when they’re worn with a dust mask. Coat the insides and outsides of both lenses with shaving cream. Rub the cream onto the lenses for several seconds, then rinse with cold water under a sink faucet. Dry the lenses and they should remain fog-free for several hours.
Auto-Watering Houseplants — Be sure your houseplants don’t die of thirst by making a slow-drip irrigation bottle. Take an empty 1-liter soda bottle, ll it with water, then drill a 1/8-inch hole through the cap. Turn the bottle upside down and press it neck first into the soil. Water will very slowly drip out to hydrate the plant. You can also use a wine bottle, by drilling a hole through the cork.
Watch the Video
**Question of the Week**
**Q:** We have a nice patio next to our house. Last year, we had some weeds in the paver joints. I scraped the weeds and soil out and then put poly sand on to ll the gaps. This year I am disappointed to see even more weeds. What is the best way to maintain our patio?
A: We hate to suggest using harsh chemicals, so one thing Chelsea does is pour hot tea on weeds in her driveaway. It kills them instantly and then you can easily pluck them.
There’s also a propane torch made for killing weeds. You also can sprinkle baking soda all over and wet the area.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
Home Depot
Kilz Restoration Primer
Filtrete electrostatic / charcoal filters
Sprucing up your home with a coat of paint is an easy upgrade, but what can you do about a bland concrete porch or patio? Listen to learn about an easy concrete upgrade that isn’t just another pretty face.
Spring is a great time for house painting because you need warm weather to apply paint, but it's not hot enough yet to make it miserable. Listen to learn a trick to simplify paint projects.
If you have a wood deck, you need to seal it to keep it in good shape. But how do you know when it's the right time to apply sealer? Listen to learn how putting water IN helps keep the water OUT.
We’re always looking for ways to save on resources, like water; but don’t let those savings turn your garden into a desert landscape.
Listen and learn how to quench your plants’ thirst, one drop at a time.
Spring is here, and if you haven’t gotten that spring cleaning done yet, it’s overdue. One of the chores that sometimes gets overlooked is cleaning your window screens. Listen to learn an easy way to get the job done.
If your clothes take a long time to dry, the problem may not be the dryer — it may be the venting system.
In this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we hear about a dryer that’s vented into a crawlspace where hot, moist air travels 30 feet before exiting into the yard.
Installing PVC and flexible aluminum piping didn’t solve the problem for one homeowner, probably because the piping’s travel path includes so many ups and downs, twists and turns.
This is a common problem for homeowners, and the solution — an inline booster fan — may surprise you.
- [2:06] Clothes dryer doesn’t dry clothes well — what can I do?
- [5:52] Tips to convert a dresser into a bathroom vanity
- [10:05] Best New Product: Hardy Backer Cement Board
- [11:28] Tips to evenly stain a deck
- [12:52] Tips to safely remove a bathroom mirror glued to the wall
- [14:39] Interview: Peter Daich talks about Daich Coatings’ TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer
- [19:59] Simple Solution: How to easily cut wide rolls of paper and roof-felt
- [21:44] How to get rid of unwanted grass in your garden
- [24:55] Should you seal off an old exhaust fan in a laundry room?
- [28:42] Question of the Week: How to replace a floor outlet after installing a new floor
Simple Solutions Paper-Cutting Tip — To cut a wide roll of paper with a utility knife, stand the roll on its end and unroll as much as you need. But, don’t cut down through the top edge, or the paper will flop over, making it difficult to cut a straight line. And the paper might tear.
Instead, start cutting about 2 inches down from the top edge and continue all the way down and through the bottom edge. Now cut or tear through the remaining paper at the top.
This works great for brown packing paper, builders felt, roll roofing and foam underlayment, and any other thin sheet goods that come in wide rolls.
Watch the Video
Easy-Off Lids— To keep metal, twist-on lids from sticking to cans of varnish, oil and other finishes, place a small piece of waxpaper over the threads before twisting on the lid.
The waxpaper will also create an airtight seal to keep the finish from drying out.
Question of the Week Q: We replaced our carpet with wood and our floor electrical outlet is now below the floor level. What do I need to do to bring the outlet up to the level of the wood flooring?
A: You’ll need an adjustable electrical box extension. Be careful! If you’re not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, get an electrician to install it.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Daich Coatings * Zar Interior Wood Finishing Products
No one wants to walk into the kitchen and find a parade of ants having a celebration on the countertop.
Listen to learn about some safer methods to get rid of these pests.
If the winter wasn’t kind to your deck, you may be nervous about all the traffic on it during the summer months. Listen to learn how to get your deck ready for guests.
A large construction project is like a giant jigsaw puzzle that doesn’t always come together as planned. Listen to learn how to straighten out that puzzle.
For many people, spring cleaning means breaking out the pressure washer. But water at that pressure can also do damage to building materials.
Listen to learn where and where not to use one.
Do you hate painting around the window glass? It's a tedious job, but there's a better way to do it.
Listen to learn a trick that takes the misery out of this chore.
Metal roofing’s long-term durability and low required maintenance are just a couple of reasons why many people prefer it to alternatives. But long-held misconceptions may be keeping some homeowners from giving it a try.
Listen to this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, brought to you by the Metal Roofing Alliance, for five common myths about metal roofs — debunked.
Metal roofing comes in different styles and colors to match just about any home’s architecture. (Credit: Drexel Metals)
Ever take a good look at the trim around the outside of your home?
It’s the type of detail work that really makes a house stand out. Listen to learn how you can keep that trim looking good, no matter what.
Picture this: You’ve properly prepped your weathered, pressure-treated deck so you can resurface it and hopefully extend its life.
But not long after applying this so-called deck revitalizer, you notice the deck’s surface bubbling and peeling — not a pretty sight.
A number of companies sell deck resurfacers intended to fill small cracks and provide a smooth coating, but many customers say these products have unintended results.
If your deck looks worse for the wear, listen to this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn what you can do about it. We’ve also got a lot of other home improvement tips!
Simple Solutions Long-Reach Gutter Cleaner — Here’s a quick way to clean gutters using a leaf blower. Take a 10-foot length of plastic downspout, snip one end and pinch it closed with some duct tape. Now, take the leaf blower, slip it into the opposite end of the downspout and you’re ready to blow out the debris from the gutter. In just a few seconds, you can blow out 8 to 10 feet of gutter without having to move your ladder once.
Sanitize Your Dishwasher — Clean, deodorize and sanitize you dishwasher to eliminate stains and odors. Empty the dishwasher and sprinkle one cup of baking soda onto the floor of the dishwasher. Close the door and let it soak overnight. The baking soda will absorb any funky odors. In the morning, run a wash cycle with hot water. Wait a few minutes for the bottom of the dishwasher to fill with water, then open the door and pour in two cups of white vinegar. Close the door and allow the wash cycle to finish.
Question of the Week Q: After I bought my home, the basement windows leaked. I understand now why the walls were freshly painted! Anyway, I have replaced all the windows but there is staining on the walls and floors. Is there a solution?
A: You’ll need to sand and scrape the surface and then use a quality stain blocker.
They may be cute and fun to watch, but they can also spell disaster for your home — listen to learn how to control squirrels.
Warmer weather means that your lawn mowing chores are ramping up.
Listen to learn some ways to get your mower ready to work.
Have you ever thought about putting sunscreen on a wooden fence? Listen to learn why sunblock for your fence is so important.
Besides the “flowers that bloom in May,” what else do April showers bring?
Listen to learn how to solve a safety problem that too much moisture can create.
Smoke detectors are a necessity and a code requirement. They’ve changed a lot over the years, so it’s good to get a refresher on what’s available.
You used to hear all the time how important it was to replace a smoke detector’s battery twice a year. But lithium-ion batteries changed everything — they can power these devices for up to 10 years.
You want to know another great innovation? Multi-station alarms. These wired smoke detectors have wireless companion devices that amplify alarms throughout the house. First Alert and Kidde are just two of the manufacturers, and these are perfect for larger homes, especially those with multiple levels.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [02:10] Danny and Joe talk about smoke detection innovations
- [06:43] Tips for venting fumes from cleaning products
- [08:24] Tips for replacing a poorly installed shower grab bar
- [13:41] Simple Solution: The best way to paint louvered doors and shutters
- [15:49] Carpet cleaning tips you may not know
- [20:36] Tips to remove layers of paint from wood floors
- [26:27] How to build a fire pit into a paver patio
- [29:07] Question of the Week: What causes a water hammer?
Simple Solutions Pro Tip for Painting Louvers: Painting louvered doors and shutters is no easy feat, but pro painters have a technique that works well.
First, roll on the paint without much regard for neatness; just get the paint on the louvers.
Then immediately come back with an angled sash brush and spread out the paint to an even coating.
Repeat for the backside of the louvers.
Trimming Border Tiles: When installing a tile floor (vinyl or porcelain), you usually have to trim the last row of tiles to fit against the wall.
Here’s how to accurately mark those border tiles for a perfect fit every time: Start by laying a full-size tile on top of the tile in the second-to-the-last row.
Place another full tile on top, and slide it up against the wall. Draw a pencil line along the edge of the top tile to mark the tile below; the pencil line represents the cut line.
Remove the middle tile and cut it along the line.
Question of the Week Q: “When I flush my toilet on the second floor of my townhome, I have been hearing what I’ll describe as a knocking noise. (The noise sounds like it’s in the wall behind the toilet).
“It knocks immediately following flushing and continues for 30 to 60 seconds. It started getting louder recently. Do you know what’s causing this? I don’t know who to contact to fix it. Thank you!”
A: We know what that is: the old water hammer! Water, which is under pressure, rushes through the pipes, and when there’s an abrupt stop, like when you close the water valve, the water bangs into the pipes.
That’s the sound you’re hearing, and there is a way around it. Listen to learn more!
DIY Project of the Week How to Make a Hot Patch Drywall Repair: Almost every home has a bit of damaged drywall here or there.
Whether it’s a rowdy child or a door that swung too far open, most of us will have to deal with repairing small holes in drywall at some point.
One of my favorite ways to do that is called a “hot patch,” and it’s super simple.
Watch this video for the step-by-step guide.
Other Products and Links Mentioned * Broan * First Alert * Kidde * Pavestone pavers * Quikrete Advanced Polymer Construction Adhesive * Simple Solutions * 3 Smoke Detectors and How They Work
Do you find it hard to mask odd-shaped items when you're painting? Listen to learn an easy way to solve that problem.
If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little dull and grimy, it’s time to get steamed up.
Listen to learn how you can turn your microwave into a powerful cleaning tool.
Are you looking for a new grill to fire up this summer? Here’s what you should know about charcoal and gas options.
When you're spring cleaning, do you ever clean your cleaning appliances?
Listen for tips about sanitizing your dishwasher!
Ready for some outdoor cleaning?
Well, don’t forget your colors! Coming up, a colorful interpretation of pressure washers!
The warmer weather seems to make us want to spruce up the outside of homes, and one of the best ways to do that is a fresh coat of paint.
Listen and learn how to prep for a paint job that lasts as long as it should.
Removing carpet from a stairway is one trend for homeowners who want hardwood stairs with a runner down the middle.
But there’s more than one way to do something, and the path you take — no pun intended! — is up to you.
Just make sure you what you need. If you tackle this project, you’ll want a pneumatic nailer and plenty of construction adhesive for the best results.
Listen to learn our advice for that and many other home improvements!
- [02:36] Tips for insulating an unheated garage
- [06:51] How to remove carpet from stairs and replace with hardwood treads
- [11:42] Best New Product: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
- [13:05] The best time and temperature to do exterior painting
- [16:42] Simple Solution: Sawhorse stabilizer to use when cutting 4-by-8 sheets of plywood
- [18:50] Podcast Question of the Week: Advice about the best way to ventilate an attic
Simple Solutions Slide-On BBQ Shelf: If you keep your barbecue grill on a deck, here’s an easy way to add a convenient shelf for holding platters of food, condiments and other grilling accouterments.
Cut a simple shelf from a wide board to span a section of the deck’s handrail. Make the shelf between 16 and 24 inches long.
On the underside of the shelf, screw on two pieces of narrow wood to form an L-shaped cleat. Size the notch in the cleat to fit snugly onto the back edge of the handrail.
Then just set the shelf on the railing and tap on the back edge to lock the cleat onto the railing. The shelf is nice, sturdy and offers plenty of storage space.
Watch the Video
Sawhorse Stabilizers: Cutting a full sheet of plywood on sawhorses can be a bit tricky because the sheet isn’t fully supported, so it tends to sag and slide around.
Support the sheet by adding 2-by-4 stabilizers to the sawhorses.
Cut two 1½-inch-deep by 1½-inch-wide notches in each sawhorse. Space the sawhorses 6 to 7 feet apart, then set 8-foot-long 2-by-4s on-edge into the notches.
The 2-by-4s will support the plywood along its entire length and allow you to cut it to size without sawing into the sawhorses.
Watch the Video
Question of the Week Q: “I have a four-square house and we have been here for two years. Our home inspector told us to keep the attic screen open for ventilation. Is this right or should I close it? I’m worried about the insulation getting wet.”
A: We recommend keeping the ventilation open year-round. Unless there are no louvers, and we can’t imagine that’s the case, your insulation shouldn’t get wet.
DIY Project of the Week How to Build Simple Farmhouse-Style Shutters
In recent years, rustic farmhouse-style shutters have become a popular way to add character to a home’s exterior.
If you like this style, the good news is that they’re really easy to build — without a lot of expense.
Watch this video for the step-by-step guide.
As spring yard work begins, you’ll probably have gasoline stored somewhere around your house — maybe improperly. Listen to learn how to store it safely.
Our planet is a precious commodity, so we need to treat it right. Listen to learn about one of my favorite ways to save energy AND be kind to the earth.
Much of spring cleaning is about removing the stale odors that have been trapped inside all winter. Listen to learn about getting out smells without making the house smell like a chemical factory.
Looking for a low-cost way to make your home more environmentally friendly? Listen to learn about an inexpensive, water-conserving upgrade idea.
One topic that should never go out of style is recycling. Listen to learn why it’s important, and how you can help!
Dedicating a space to crafting, woodworking and automobile repairs makes all the difference when you need to focus on a particular project.
Make your shed work for you. But garages, workshops and sheds should be in ship-shape for optimal use. And we’ll talk about how to get them that way in this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Listen to learn how Chelsea repurposed old kitchen and dining-room furniture for her workshop; how to remove efflorescence from a garage floor, and a solution for your shed’s floors.
- [00:01:53:25] Chelsea shares how she recycled kitchen cabinets for use in her workshop
- [00:07:40:13] The best flooring for enclosing a lean-to on a storage shed
- [00:12:59:01] Danny discusses the benefits of TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer
- [00:15:40:01] How to deal with efflorescence (salt) on the surface of a garage floor
- [00:18:54:15] How to extend landscape lights’ life
- [00:21:12:24] Best New Product: Ajustco barrel bolts for sagging gates
- [00:22:43:16] DIY Project of the Week: How to screen in an existing porch
- [00:26:28:29] Question of the Week: Danny and Joe advise on the best way to install a galvanized railing post on a new handrail
Question of the Week Q: “We are replacing a wrought-iron handrail. The post at the top of the handrail needs to be installed on a tiled concrete porch.
“The original railing post was core-drilled into the concrete and the tile was cut to fit and installed around the post.
“When the old railing is removed, the tile around the post will need to be removed as well and replaced.
“The new railing is galvanized. The railing company is suggesting that the post foot be mounted directly on the new tile rather than core-drilling directly into the concrete. What is the best way to install the new galvanized railing post?”
A: If you can place the post into the concrete and pour epoxy around it, that’s an easy option. Also, try using Concrete Fasteners’ Large Diameter Tapcons.
DIY Project of the Week: How to Screen in a Porch This time of year, we all want to be outside, and particularly this year when we’ve all been cooped up for weeks in quarantine.
But the warmer weather is also appealing to the bugs, so many of us find ourselves swatting mosquitos to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you want to enclose an existing porch area with a screen to get some relief, watch this video.
Out of sight, out of mind — but what happens if the thing out of sight is hazardous to your health? Here’s what you can do if you discover asbestos in your flooring.
Most people would agree to practice an eco-friendly approach to living as long as it doesn’t break the bank. Here’s a green idea that costs next to nothing: the clothesline.
Looking for a way to water the garden without ever turning on the faucet?
Stay tuned and we’ll talk about a fun project that will save water and money, too.
As the weather warms up, some people are starting to think about painting projects.
Listen to learn an important aspect of paint preparation.
Renovating a deck is one way to enhance your outdoor living. There's just one question: pressure-treated wood or composite decking? Staying at home to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading doesn't have to mean staying indoors.
There's plenty to do outside, whether it's renovating a deck, creating a container garden or sealing slippery surfaces — just watch out for black snakes!
- [2:13] Renovating a deck supported with pressure-treated wood
- [4:56] Husky’s Rugged Storage Container Protects Your Gear
- [6:05] Danny talks about moving into his new house
- [7:52] Renters don’t have to miss out on the home improvement fun
- [10:13] What you can do about slippery surfaces
- [13:19] How to repair damaged drywall with fiberglass mesh tape
- [14:48] Debunking myths about black racer and rat snakes
- [23:02] DIY Project of the Week: How to Plant in Pots
- [26:06] Question of the Week: What to Do When the Porch Swing is Crooked
Question of the Week "I'm a project supervisor building houses in Beaufort, South Carolina. I hung a swing yesterday on the porch for someone and, even though I have the same measurements from the porch beams, everything is exact, the swing seems to be hanging crooked.
"I played with the chains and cannot seem to get it to hang straight in line with the handrail or porch decking. It is like an inch-and-a-half difference from one end to the other from the handrail.
"Do you have any ideas why this is happening?"
DIY Project of the Week: Container Gardening 101 Do you lack a green thumb but desire a beautiful backyard with plants?
Growing flowers in pots is a satisfying way to brighten up your porch or yard, and it’s a great way to get started with gardening.
Here’s everything you need to know to get going:
-
- Start by covering your drainage holes (if they are large enough that soil would wash out), then fill the pot about two-thirds full of potting mix.
- Set the plants in the container and decide on your arrangement. You can do a round design (tallest plants in the center and shorter or trailing plants around the edges), or a front-facing design (tall plants in back and shorter ones in front).
- Gently remove your plants from their store-bought pots. If the plant is stuck, squeeze the pot a little to help push it out — never yank on the stem.
- Disturb the roots as little as possible, but if they are a hard-packed ball you can loosen them a little with your fingers.
- Nestle the plants in the soil, keeping an eye on the depth to make sure they will be planted at the same level they were in their original pot.
- Add soil between the plants, firming it gently with your fingers. Don’t press hard enough to break the plants.
- Make sure everything is at the same level with no roots showing.
- Move your container to its chosen spot, and water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the bottom.
- Now, step back and admire your handiwork!
Caring for Containers * + Water your container every two to three days. In the heat of summer, you may need to water it every day. + If you want to feed your plants, use an all-purpose or bloom-boosting plant food every couple of weeks according to package instructions. + As you water, remove spent blooms to encourage more blooming — a practice called deadheading. Don’t just pull off the dead petals — actually pinch off the little stem beneath the flower. + If your plants are looking spindly, pinch off the tips of the stems to stimulate them to produce more branches.
On this Week's Podcast: Wall Protection We all love our pets; they are family, after all. But given the chance, they could destroy your home. That’s why homes with fur babies could use some wall protection.
A listener just moved from a home with plaster walls, to a new home with drywall — and her dogs are still not used to this transition.
She has three German Shepards who just months ago were used to bouncing off the walls. Now, they're either going through them, leaving grime on them, or leaving behind scratch marks.
The homeowner wants to know if there is anything she can do to the walls to prevent future damage.
Also in this week’s podcast: * Water damage can be tricky because you likely don't know about it until the damage is visible. That's what happened to one homeowner who is doing everything she can to prevent her wood siding from rotting. * Ditch the gas can! We'll tell you about a battery-operated lawnmower that can out-cut gas-guzzling competitors. * One of our biggest contests is in full swing right now! Find out how you can become the winner of a brand new "Backyard Paradise." * Did you know you can fight pesky mold on every exterior surface of your home without a ladder? We'll talk about how you can fight the fungus easier and safer. * And Joe has a Simple Solution for carpet cleaning using an item from your medicine cabinet.
Question of the Week Jon from Georgia writes, "I have low water pressure in my home. Will installing a larger pipe from the meter (out by the street) to the house increase my water pressure?"
DIY Project of the week Many homeowners want to know how to get rid of patches of clover in their yards, but the elimination process can be time-consuming, and some of the herbicides contain chemicals that can damage the grass.
Instead of using a chemical-laden herbicide, here are several natural methods you can try.
It happens to almost every homeowner. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a roof leak, you wind up with an ugly water stain on the wall or ceiling. While there are some good stain-blocking paints on the market, they don’t always work as well as you think.
As the coat of paint dries, the water stain begins to bleed through again. Try this solution to encapsulate the stain with an impenetrable barrier.
Dusting is often on everyone's spring cleaning list. Don't forget moldings like baseboards because they attract dust like magnets. Try this formula to repel future dust, so you don't have to repeat this chore as often.
Paint and varnish can go bad, even in a tightly shut can. Next time you seal a partial can, try this!
You can make your water heater more efficient and extend its life by draining the tank and flushing away sediment at least once a year. Here’s all you have to do.
Be honest. When you sit down on a toilet, the last thing you want is for it to rock from side to side. In many cases, a simple plastic wedge placed under the toilet, followed by a bead of caulk around the base where the toilet meets the floor, will solve the problem.
On this Week's Podcast: Getting Over the Isolation Slump
Cabin fever is likely setting in for everyone social distancing due to the novel coronavirus. But self-quarantine time can be an unexpected opportunity for folks to start tackling projects around the house.
And it's not just adults who may be in an isolation slump — you need to plan some fun activities for kids, too!
What if we told you there was a way to entertain them using a roll of painters tape? Also in this week’s podcast:
• Learn about a product that unclogs drains without strong chemicals and odors. • Advice for removing stubborn clay stains from exterior bricks. • Professional organizer Kandy Negus talks about the importance of using self-quarantine time to organize your home. • Joe talks about a must-have cooking tool that is perfect in the workshop. Find out the multiple uses of a bamboo kabob skewer. Question of the Week
Sandra writes, "My parents' basement sustained water damage this past year. They put in a sump pump and now we need to repair the floor. "I painted the floor a few years ago with good cement paint, and now there are flaky spots that need to be fixed. "What is the best way to repair the divots and seal the cement? Do I need to strip the paint? What about the white powdery residue? Do I need to seal it, then paint it?" DIY Project of the week How to Make a Punching Bag out of Recycled Material You could never plan enough fun activities for kids, especially while everyone’s home during the COVID-19 pandemic, so try this low-cost (or no-cost) project: create and install a punching bag!
Watch the video to learn how to make a kids punching bag that’s both eco-friendly and affordable since you just need recycled materials. Anyone can do it, and it’ll provide your kids with hours of fun and exercise.
Stickers are a pain to remove anytime, but they’re especially hard to get off of raw metal like stainless steel or aluminum without leaving a sticky mess. Here's how to get rid of a sticker using some heat!
a challenge for people who like to garden is finding storage for their tools. Here is an option using "eye" and "J" hooks.
Adding compost to your soil is one of the best ways to improve your garden. Here's how to make a compost pile from a mixture of organic matter and a garbage can.
To keep your lawn mower running smoothly, it’s important to maintain it properly. These tips will get it back in shape after a long winter rest.
Choosing the right type of paint is just as important as picking the color. Exposure to sunlight and moisture can cause the paint to deteriorate. We'll tell you which paint to pick for your specific situation.
On this Week's Podcast: Defending Against the Coronavirus
This week, we talk about different cleaning and disinfecting products people can use to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. Some methods work better than others in fighting COVID-19, and then there are items that may be on your radar and don't work at all!
This comes at a time when many people are stuck at home, social distancing, to help ‘flatten the curve’ of infection. And you can avoid an extra trip to the grocery store because a lot of the things you’ll need are probably already inside your kitchen!
Also in this week’s podcast:
• We explain how long you have to vacate your home if you have spray foam insulation installed in your attic. • Learn how you can stop floors from squeaking without pulling up the carpet. • If you've got a plastic water or milk jug, you've got the perfect item for watering the garden. Joe explains in this week's Simple Solution. Question of the Week
Sandi D. writes,
"My house is built with cinder blocks. It is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Can I insulate my walls on the outside or should they be insulated inside?"
DIY Project of the week
How to Clean Your Car Using a Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer can be a great way to clean your car — as long as you’re careful not to damage the finish.
Planter boxes are a great way to dress up window sills but, wooden boxes often rot. Rather than building them out of wood, try making them out of rain gutters.
A pair of bypass loppers is the perfect tool to trim tree branches, especially branches you can easily reach.
But what happens when you want to trim a branch that’s 10 or 12 feet in the air?
You can’t easily reach it with the loppers — but you can extend the handles with a PVC pipe.
Americans use about 7 billion gallons worth of water a day in landscape irrigation. The best way to control that use is to reduce the need for watering in our lawns and gardens.
The soil in lawns can become compacted over time, resulting in weak or dying grass.
Aeration is the process of punching holes in your lawn to allow water and nutrients into the soil and grassroots.
If you’ve walked the aisles of a home center recently, you know that there are tons of choices for faucets on the market today.
And many people wonder why two different models that appear to look alike have such a very different price tag. Well, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is never truer than when shopping for faucets.
On this Week's Podcast: Landscaping 101 This week, we speak with an award-winning landscape design expert, author, and businesswoman Monique Allen.
Monique has spent 35 years as a gardener, designer, and contractor. She is the CEO, founder and creative director of The Garden Continuum, a Massachusetts-basedgardening company that works to ensure landscaping is organized, healthy and has a ‘wow’ factor that makes you want to stop and take in its beauty.
Everyone has their own preferences, and the company’s name refers to the continuum of landscape design and aesthetic, and where your preferences lie.
In addition to 35 years in the business, Monique is an accomplished business coach, industry blogger and just completed her first full-length book, "Stop Landscaping, Start Life-Scaping."
Also in this week’s podcast: How to deal with nail pops appearing in rooms that have moisture like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Hear about a great new bath ventilation fan that attacks moisture without you having to flip a switch.
Eco-friendly spring-cleaning tips that are not only great for the environment but will also save you some money.
How to remove a waxy buildup from laminate floors.
Follow Joe’s Simple Solution to learn how to get an early start with your gardening with a used soda bottle.
Question of the Week Rick writes,
"I have a 60-year-old house that has superficial cracks. I want to paint the house but I’m afraid the cracks will continue to show through. Is there anything I can do about that? I’ve seen STO or drive systems used on commercial buildings — is it something I could use over stucco?"
DIY Project of the week 4 Ways to Bring Warm Colors to a Cold Kitchen
Nothing’s more inviting than a warm, functional kitchen. But if people in your home avoid this room, a few simple changes can make the space more welcoming.
Colors stir different feelings in people, and there are many ways to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen through color.
We discuss how you can distribute seeds over your lawn evenly... using a berry container.
Don’t get serious about buying a home without hiring a professional home inspector to look into every nook and cranny of the house; including plumbing, heating, and electrical wiring—everything functional and structural.
A bifold door consists of two panels that are connected with leaf hinges. Because of this fact, they take up half the space when they’re opened, and they’re relatively easy to install.
Creating a new tile tub surround is not as difficult as you might think, but there are some important points to consider.
There’s nothing more annoying than to be working on one of those “quick-fix” projects only to realize that the tool you need is in your garage or basement workshop.
When it comes to tools, convenience is everything, so you can save time around the house by having a few basic tools stashed in a kitchen drawer where you can always get to them quickly.
On This Week's Podcast: Dog's Killing Grass
We help a homeowner with some dogs whose urine is killing the grass in the backyard.
Cathy says her two dogs are doing their "business" right off the steps of her deck. Her ground slants towards the deck, adding another issue to the dog mess.
Also in this week’s podcast:
• A strange smell in your home can be alarming. We discuss 7 household smells that could signal danger.
• Learn about a product that will give your furniture a distressed, antique look.
• Do you want to remove wallpaper? Try this formula!
• A homeowner is having a hard time finding the right paint to repair and refinish the cabinets — here are our suggestions
• Follow Joe’s Simple Solution to create a homemade disinfectant.
Question of the Week
Tom from Virginia writes, “I want to install carpet. I have laminate flooring now, and I was told the laminate had to come up before the carpet was laid. What are your thoughts on this project?”
**DIY Project of the week
How to Install a Dimmer Switch**
Replacing a standard wall switch with a dimmer switch is a great way to improve your home’s atmosphere.
Any time you use a miter saw to cut wood, there is a chance the backside will splinter. The problem is worse if the blade is dull and that means lots of extra sanding to get a smooth finish. To avoid this try using painters tape.
Save both water and money by looking into a tankless water heater. Here's why this investment will make a big difference in efficiency and in the bank.
You’ve decided you want your couch on the opposite wall now; and that tired, old easy chair is being relocated to the basement. But the dimples left in your carpet are even uglier than the chair, right?
You don’t have to live with those ghosts of furniture past. Next time you’re trying to un-dimple carpet, try this.
When a faucet has a weak or intermittent flow, the problem is often with the aerator. Aerators contain a fine wire screen that mixes water with air to provide an even flow. Over time this screen can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris, reducing the amount of water coming through. The solution is an easy one!
Eventually, every home will have some damaged wood. Perhaps it’s a porch column with a little water damage or a door jamb that had an ill-timed meeting with a piece of furniture being moved.
For minor damage that isn’t a structural issue, one of the best repair solutions is to fill the gap with automobile body filler. While normally used to repair dents and dings in a car, it makes a great filler for any wood surface that is painted.
The facts are alarming! Termites eat non-stop, causing more than 5 billion dollars in property damage each year. Some termite colonies even have up to 2 million members working together akin to ants with workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites.
On this special Today's Homeowner Podcast we spoke to termite expert Dr. Jim Fredericks. Dr. Fredericks is a board-certified Entomologist and current member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
The NPMA is a non-profit organization, established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food, and property from diseases and pests.
During this podcast, you'll hear about different types of termites, what attracts them to your home, and the red flags to look out for in your home.
On this Week's Podcast: Eco-Friendly Renovation From cars to food, people are modifying their lives to help conserve the earth's resources and support a cleaner environment.
In this podcast Danny, Joe, and Chelsea open up about some of their tricks to renovating a home, but in an eco-friendly way.
Also in this week’s podcast: • Ever think about installing a hot tub in your basement? Well, there is a lot more to think about than just how are you gonna get it down there.
• A piece of furniture that's been passed down to a listener is stubbornly not opening its drawers. What she can do to safely pry open her inherited cabinet.
• The garage floor often stains due to its porous nature. We discuss what you can do if you notice a stubborn rust stain on your garage floor.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will have you reaching for an ironing board next time you need to do any work under the kitchen sink.
Question of the Week: Donna Writes, "I am currently adding an addition to the back of my home. I recently discovered that when the masons poured the concrete slab for the foundation, they removed the Visqueen plastic vapor barrier.
So now I'm looking for suggestions to fix the problem? I live in Florida and moisture is a big problem.
Should I insist that the masons re-do the foundation or are there other solutions to guarantee I will not have a moisture and mold issue in the future?
Please help. I am so frustrated right now."
DIY Project of the week: How to clean soot from a brick fireplace surround.
As warmer weather approaches, you may see signs of ants invading your home searching for some sweet treats. Often it seems like no matter how many times you spray insecticide, the ants are back within days.
It’s no real secret that ants are attracted to sugar. Here’s a secret ingredient to add to some sugar that will eliminate those pesky invaders.
One of your best investment dollars is spent on upgrading your insulation, but make sure you’re using the right kind. Insulation in rolls, called batts, comes in two varieties: faced and unfaced.
Once spring cleaning is in full swing, you'll want to take the rugs outside for dusting. The problem with moving large rugs, they tend to break in the middle. Try this trick next time you need to move a large rug.
Opening your windows and letting fresh air in makes a house feel great, but you can make your home safer for children by keeping these items away from windows.
Most caulk tubes don't have a cap. Often you're left with a partially used tube that you'll want to keep for later. Here's how you can seal up the tube so it doesn't dry out.
On this Week's Podcast: Mysterious Moisture When there is moisture where it shouldn’t be in a home, mold and mildew quickly follow.
Homeowner Wade says he's confused about why moisture is showing up on his new roof. He says he always notices the water during warm weather.
Wade had the roof addition built with an ice and water shield added underneath and he still notices moisture around the soffit area.
Also in this week’s podcast: • A contractor gives potentially dangerous advice to a homeowner looking to remodel his bathroom. This is why you should always feel comfortable questioning a contractor.
• Need new flooring? We give you some reasons why bamboo's sustainability and style rivals hardwood and vinyl.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that deals with a diverter valve on a tub faucet. If it seems stuck, this will fix the problem.
Question of the Week Ray writes, “I have a three-bedroom one-level home. I want to put fire alarms in each room. Bedrooms, den, living room, kitchen, and dining room. Where should I place the fire detectors in these rooms? They are fire-and gas detectors.”
Whether it’s an ice storm, snowstorm, or a rolling blackout that leaves you in the dark; you need to be prepared for a loss of power. So now is the time to put together a power outage survival kit.
We’ve all had that moment of anxiety when a toilet is about to overflow and you feel helpless to stop it… You question your decision to flush it twice when the first one didn’t do the job and you realize it was a mistake as the water reaches the rim. A cool head and quick action can avoid disaster if you know what to do.
If you’ve ever had to work inside a sink cabinet, you know it can be a real pain. The kitchen floor is usually three or four inches lower than the space inside the sink cabinet. Moreover, the hard edge at the bottom of the cabinet box always hits you right in the middle of the back or on your neck. What you need is a platform, something that you can lay on to ease that transition between the floor and the sink cabinet’s hard edge. But you don’t have to go out and buy something, or even make something. And all you need to use is an ironing board.
So every time the storm door is opened it slams shut instead of gently closing like it used to? What you may not have noticed is that this all started back when you took out the screen panels you use in summer and put in the storm-door windows you use in winter? It’s simple enough but often overlooked. Here's how to get it close smoothly again.
In its natural state, natural gas is clear and odorless, which makes it incredibly dangerous because it’s difficult to detect any leaks. Before utilities pipe it into your home, they add a special heavy odor to the gas, so you can detect even small amounts of it escaping. Here’s what you do if you smell gas!
On this Week's Podcast: 7-Day De-Cluttering Challenge Organizing your home doesn't have to be stressful. Break it up throughout the week and you'll notice a big difference. Here is how you can de-clutter your home in just 7-days.
Give this challenge a try and let us know if it worked for you!
Also in this week’s podcast: • A homeowner wants to swap out her electric outdoor lamps for natural gas ones. The process isn't simple or inexpensive but it can be done.
• If you have ever finished painting and noticed the walls look like a cracked eggshell, then you likely missed this one important prepping step.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that makes woodworking and tape measure reading more efficient!
DIY Project of the Week:
How to Improve your Shelves Design
Question of the Week Deborah in Georgia writes,
“I'm in an 80's condo and want to remove the wall between my kitchen and dining room, how can I tell if the wall is load-bearing? I need countertop space!!!”
The trim or molding is the icing on the cake. But, painting these can be time-consuming. Here is a way to speed up the process.
Is your home stuck in the 70s? Shag carpet and dark wood paneling easily show age in any room. Carpet is easy enough to remove but what about the paneling? Here is an easy way to modernize those walls.
When parking a car in a garage, it can be difficult to tell where to stop the car so it clears the garage door. Here’s how to make a garage parking gauge that raises up out of the way when the garage door closes and lowers when the door opens.
Water coming into your home is measured in pounds per square inch and usually ranges between 35-100 PSI. We talk about the problems that may occur when your pressure isn't functioning properly and how to fix it.
If enjoying the fireplace is a part of your cold season, then you will want to reach out to a chimney sweep. Listen to learn why a call to this professional is so important.
On this Week's Podcast: Adding Crown Molding Around Registers When it comes to interior design, it’s all in the details. That’s why so many homeowners install crown molding as an elegant transition between the ceiling and the wall.
A listener wants to do this in his home, but there’s just one problem: a wall-mounted register for his heating and cooling system is in the way.
Also in this week’s podcast: • Foundation problems are always scary. A homeowner is concerned that a basement beam is pushing a block out, damaging the home’s exterior.
• Chelsea Lipford Wolf talks about her custom-built shoe rack that you can piece together in your closet.
Do you have noisy neighbors? We talk about special drywall that retrofits over your wall, adding some sound dampening.
• Find out what a dishwasher, Scotchgard, and Kevlar have in common.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will keep your putty knife clean after every use.
DIY Project of the Week:
Sliding interior shutters add character and privacy when needed. Learn how to build them so you can reveal or conceal a loft or room.
The result is an attractive, functional treatment for an interior cased opening.
Question of the Week Kris writes, "My daughter left an upstairs faucet on and it leaked on the main ceiling and into the basement. How do we fix the ceiling?
Only one small bubble and a large saturated wet spot. Do we need to contact the insurance [company] or fix ourselves?"
No matter how hard you try, snow will make it in your home and with it, the ice melt compound you likely put on your walkway and steps. Don't wet mop it! Instead, try this and you'll save your hardwood floors.
Most woodworkers know that glue residue prevents the stain from soaking into the wood. Here is how you can remove more glue using a plastic drinking straw.
Spray painting is a great way to coat things smoothly and evenly. But, sometimes the items you want to paint are oddly shaped, making the project difficult and messy. Here is a simple trick that will prevent you from messing up the paint.
One of the best energy-efficient features a home can have is insulated windows, but it's not uncommon to see them sweating. If you see the condensation on the outside, then the window is doing its job. However, if the condensation is on the inside, you have a problem. Here is how you can combat that negative moisture.
Does the inside of your home have an odor that won't go away? Here are a few ideas that should correct it!
On this Week's Podcast: Circuit Breaker Fixes What do you do if your circuit breaker keeps tripping? This is a big trial-and-error job unless you take our advice on how to get the job done.
Also in this week’s podcast: • A homeowner is putting together a workshop in his basement. We give him a few ideas on creating a dust collection system perfect for his future wood-working projects.
• We get a lot of questions about spray painting. Chelsea Lipford Wolf steps in to help cut through the painter's tape, so to speak. Hear what she, Danny and Joe recommend when it comes to paint sprayers.
• And, we're back from the massive International Builders’ Show and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Listen to the podcast to learn about some great new products we saw in Las Vegas.
• Joe has a 3-in-1 Simple Solution for removing a stubborn screw.
DIY Project of the Week: How to Transform a Brick Fireplace With Limewash
Applying a limewash is a quick, easy way to update a fireplace. Here's how to do it!
Question of the Week Debbie from South Carolina writes, "I put a contract on a home over the weekend that was built in 1987 that needs a lot of updating. There are true hardwood floors (I pulled the vent) in the Foyer, Living and Dining Rooms.
Overall, they are in good condition so refinishing them isn't at the top of my list. What can I apply to enhance their look? These won't be high traffic areas. Also, there is a pocket door that is sticking. What can I do to make it slide with less effort? Thank you."
Every year thousands of homes are damaged by a fire caused by a dryer. Here are a few safety tips to follow.
When vacuuming won't quite do the trick then try this option to clean up after a shedding pet.
Whether your adding molding or building a fence, it's easy to forget measurements before you get to the saw. Here is a cool trick that will make your tape measure the note pad.
If you've winterized your home and are still seeing high utility bills, you may want to consider adjusting your behavior.
On this Week's Podcast: • If you’re about to paint your kitchen cabinets, this is a must-have tool to get the job done fast and without using much space.
• You might be surprised how easy it is to knock out algae stains on your roof.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that explains how you can make a children’s seat using a milk crate.
DIY Project of the Week: How to Install a Toilet in 6 Easy Steps
Installing a toilet is pretty much the same process whether you’re replacing an old toilet or completing a new bathroom.
Question of the Week: Ryan writes, “I have a large leak in my third-floor bedroom, under my window after rain. But, there is no obvious leak, the window is dry,[and there's] no water on the wall or ceiling. What is going on and who can I call to get help?”
Whether you warm up near the fireplace or fire pit, you need kindling. This simple tip will help you safely chop away at your firewood.
Did you know that 35% of heat loss in your home happens through homes? The rest is commonly lost in the attic. Here's how you can keep your home warm and cozy in the winter.
Who doesn’t have a can of WD-40 around the house? But if you’re using it just to stop squeaks and cut through rust, you’re missing out on a lot of other good uses including cutting through everyday messes.
Here is a formula you can create yourself that will help rid pet stains from the carpet.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Saw Talk! There are dozens of sizes and styles of saws on the market. Learn when to choose which handsaw for the right project.
• Also: We help a homeowner in the middle of a shower renovation. They want to make sure it’s done right by putting up the correct material before the vinyl goes up.
• Joe has a Simple Solution to fix a loose baluster — all you need is a toothpick.
Question of the Week:
Donna writes, “I am currently building an addition to my home. The concrete finishers pouring my concrete slab for the foundation removed the plastic vapor barrier, so now I’m looking for suggestions to fix the problems. Should they fix it or is there another solution?”
Unpleasant odors and mold are caused by poor ventilation. Rid the Bathroom of harmful odors with this!
No matter what the style of the furniture is, all of those unassembled pieces that you buy on-line or in a warehouse store have one thing in common – Allen Head Fasteners. Some pieces have as many as a dozen of these fasteners to install and let’s face it that small L-shaped Allen wrench they include in the package isn’t exactly designed for speed. But it can be!
Here is how natural light will positively improve your mood and of course, your heating bills.
These days lots of hammers have steel or fiberglass handles. But for light trim work around the house, I actually prefer a good old fashioned wooden handled hammer. And it’s easier than you might think to replace a broken hammer handle, plus it will save you money.
On this Week's Podcast:
• What happens when you stain wood and it doesn't dry? What do you do when the stain gets tacky? We review the steps and procedures to perfectly stain your next project.
• Remove a water heater, gain a closet! It's a smart move but you still need to deal with the old drain hole. Here are a few ways to plug the hole.
• Joe’s Simple Solution: How you can use magazine holders to increase kitchen storage.
Question of the Week:
Marian in Rhode Island writes, “At the big-box stores, one sees air filters for a wide range of prices — $4 to $20 each.
"I have tried to find out the difference, and it appears the more expensive, the more types of particles get filtered. Is there any other difference that justifies a higher price?
"Could you also provide some direction on choosing between the disposable vs. a permanent (washable) filter?”
Many people assume they can just roll a coat of paint on a stained spot but the stain will just bleed back through. Instead, try this.
Hard water leaves its mark on shower walls and glass shower enclosures in the form of crusty little white lime deposits that can be really difficult to remove. Next time you see these stains... Try this!
This time of the year many of you will go for days or weeks at a time with the mercury never rising above freezing. That’s the kind of weather where unprotected water pipes tend to freeze and burst. Here are a few tips to protect your pipes.
Tired of a leaky toilet? It makes an irritating sound and wastes dozens of gallons of water every day. We'll tell you what the culprit could be and how to fix it.
Sometimes it's best to just let go!
In this special podcast, I spoke with organizing guru Kandy Negus.
Kandy, a professional organizer has previously lent her talents to our television show where she helped with a kitchen remodeling episode this season. We talk about why it's so important to create a clutter-free home and all the options at your disposal for getting rid of unused items.
Now that the holidays are behind us, this is the perfect time to start thinking about decluttering. After all, you've likely acquired some new stuff after Christmas and New Year's. So, take a good look around your house and see what needs some sorting out.
You can learn much more about Kandy by checking out her website orderyourspaces.com.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Have you heard about a beetle that can chew through your Pex pipes? Keep an eye out for this bug.
• Touching up paint? It could leave blemishes on your walls, even if you use the same color. Here’s how to make flawless repairs.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will help you clean your dusty shop using a wet-dry vacuum and a bicycle inner tube.
Question of the Week:
Mary Jane from California writes,
"Our house is on top of a steep slope where the gophers wreak havoc (of course), but now, after 29 years of living here, they are coming up between the cement driveway and the asphalt street!
There's no space to put the trap, and we are so frustrated with the constant battle. PLEASE HELP! Thank you very much."
This is the perfect time of year to begin organizing your home. Here are some tips that will help you cut through the clutter.
Are you tired of buying new screws every time you start a project? Here's how you can create a simple storage solution specifically for fasteners.
Grout lines on tile floors can become dirty and discolored over time. To clean either light or dark-colored grout lines, try the following methods using common household cleaners.
Indoor painting is popular this time of year. If you’re not cleaning your paint roller after every use the paint will cake up on the roller frame. But, you can store it easily using these tips.
On this Week's Podcast: • Front-loading washers often attract mold and mildew — here are a few ways you can fight back against these fungi.
• Organizing professional Kandy Negus shares tips on how to declutter your home — fast — for the New Year. • A caller wants to remove a 1960s cast iron bathtub from his home, but how in the world will he get it out? We offer a few suggestions.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will quiet down a squeaky door hinge.
Question of the Week:
Tara writes, “My dog found a hand warmer and got the black powder inside the package all over our hardwood floors. (The dog is fine, but) the black powder stained the hardwood (floors0 in two areas and also our couch.
We have washed and scrubbed the areas but the stain is still there. What would you recommend using to clean the areas?”
A faulty water heater can be extremely dangerous. Here, we talk about safely checking the temperature pressure relief valve.
Shoveling snow is hard work which when combined with the strain from the cold can cause serious health issues. Listen to learn the proper and safe way to get this task done right.
Happy New Year! Proper upkeep of your home is essential and the start of a new year is a good time to make a home checklist.
With Christmas behind us, it won't be long until you get rid of the tree but, you don't have to throw it away. There are lots of ways to re-use that Christmas tree.
Here is a simple way to keep your tool drawer organized and your tools from being damaged.
The best way to help utility bills is to make it feel warmer inside without actually having to raise the thermostat...how you ask? By increasing the heat index.
A wood-burning fireplace can be a great source of supplemental heat. but, it will emit pollutants in the air if the fire isn't built properly. Here are a few tricks to a cleaner fire.
Every year thousands of people slip on icy steps, walkways or drives. Here are several approaches to this problem.
Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can be the greatest health threat inside of your home. Here's what you can do to make sure you and your family are safe.
On this Week's Podcast:
• We help a homeowner who has a problem with water entering a basement. Here’s what he can do to limit damage to his floors and walls.
• This time of year you'll likely be reaching for firewood. We have a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your wood and fireplace this winter.
• Have a slippery concrete driveway? Here’s how you can use play sand and masonry sealer to give it some grit.
• Joe’s Simple Solution for improving water flow from your faucets.
Question of the Week:
Eric from Pennsylvania writes, "There are three wood support posts in our basement. We are in our first home and in less than 13 months they are starting to split. We have no budget and our home is over 100 years old.
We just learned we need a new septic system. can you offer an opinion on how we should proceed."
Candles are great for decorating for the holidays, but every year they're responsible for as many as 8,000 house fires. Here's how you can keep your home safe while you make it festive.
Door hardware can be pretty easy to update. Follow this simple tip and you'll be able to maintain the shiny, brushed finish that your hardware was meant to have.
Don't advertise that you are away from your home. For many, the holidays include trips to see family and friends in other places. Use these tips to give the illusion that your vacant home is fully occupied.
Lots of homeowners dream of using a basement as an extra living space, but it's important to correct any moisture issues first.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Do ultrasonic pest deterrents really work? Probably not, but our solution WILL work - every time.
• Danny's Unique way to remove ice buildup from his freezer using a shovel, tarp, and a hairdryer.
• A previous homeowner capped off your bathroom vent so it doesn’t function? No problem. Here’s how to get the vent working properly.
• Joe’s Simple Solution for screening paint chips, dust and dirt out of old paint.
Question of the Week:
Ken in Mississippi writes, "Is there a wrong way to blow in cellulose? There are some areas in my attic that are almost inaccessible and I just want to fill up as many cavities as possible.
There is plenty of ventilation but I'm not going to be able to not blow insulation over the soffits."
A warm home will often attract some unwanted four-legged guests. The three biggest culprits are mice, rats, and squirrels. Listen to learn how they're getting into your home and how to stop it.
Traditionally polishing silverware is a time consuming, smelly chore involving rubbing and buffing with strong chemicals. Silver tarnishes because of a chemical reaction with sulfur in the air so reversing that reaction is key to easy tarnish removal. Try this.
If you have a live Christmas tree, you already know how important it is to keep it watered regularly. To keep from having to stoop down and pour water into the tree stand every week, try this!
Choosing the wrong wood for a cozy fire could turn up in smoke. Here's how you can pick the right wood to create the perfect fire.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Learn how to prevent your forced-air heating and cooling system from being blocked — it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run!
• A two-story colonial house is starting to squeak — learn how to quiet down those floorboards for good.
• How to tackle a kitchen cabinet painting project step-by-step.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — two tips that will make cutting tight-fitting cope joints a breeze next time you're working with wood moldings.
Question of the Week:
Henson from Mississippi writes, "We have a white brick corner wall to the ceiling built around a small fireplace. For years we used it burning wood and then had it replaced with a gas fire log.
Our bricks are dirty and sooty. What can we do to get them clean or if we can't get them clean, can we paint them?"
Drafts in a home can come from a lot of sources but something a lot of people overlook is the door threshold. Giving it a little attention may help you stop the chill of winter.
If you have a dented floorboard, you could replace it, but it would cost a lot of work to match the stain and finish. Instead, try this trick.
A vacant home must be protected from the harsh weather, not just on the outside, but inside as well. There's a big checklist to do, but here are a few essentials.
Hanging Christmas lights with nails or staples can cause damage to your house. There's a better option. Listen to this tip before you start hanging your lights.
Hanging a picture frame on the wall seems like an easy chore, but leveling the picture can be difficult. Here's how to hang a picture without any trouble using a dinner fork.
Before you light that first fire this year you should know that a dirty, damaged, or blocked chimney can lead to a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. So, it’s important to have yours checked for your family’s safety.
It’s time to start displaying those outside holiday decorations. Yard art and twinkling lights are easy. But, when it’s time to put up the wreath on the front door, how do you hang it? Listen to find out how.
If you’re tired of looking at that old countertop… but installing new ones isn’t in the budget there might be an easier answer.
If you have old, single-pane windows, chances are you’re losing a lot of energy dollars. The best solution is installing new, insulated glass units, but that’s an expensive fix and, frankly, not in everybody’s budget. Here’s a low-cost solution.
Gutters on your home serve an important function by diverting rainwater from your roof away from the foundation of your house. Leaky or clogged gutters and downspouts can cause rainwater to run into eaves, resulting in rotten fascia or soffit boards. This tip talks about an important starting point to complete this task.
On this Week's Podcast:
• We spoke with a homeowner who uses cardboard and A LOT of tape to keep the cold outof her home. We give her a better option to stay warm, cozy and out of the crafting box.
• We talk about multiple ways to plan tile around a concrete porch with columns.
• How to get latex paint out of the carpet.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to spray paint with a lazy susan.
Question of the Week:
Mark writes, “I have small damp patches on my internal walls/bedrooms to my house. The width of the front and rear of the house is 6 meters long. If I install round 50-mm air vents to the soffit boards, do I need to do the gable soffits as well? And do I need to install roof-tile air vents as well, to stop small damp on internal bedroom walls?"
With Thanksgiving right around the corner folks are touching up things inside the house before the family and friends arrive next week. Here are some tips to keep the interior painting chaos to a minimum.
Tired of scratching the floor every time you move the couch? We have a few tips for you that will make moving furniture on your floors a breeze.
A slow draining kitchen sink will be a big problem when you’re preparing a family feast, so fix it now with these tips.
Exposed water pipes in the crawl space or other unheated areas of a home are at risk anytime the temperature drops below freezing. Try out these tips so that water will keep flowing safely through your pipes.
Here are a few simple things you can do around the house to save money on your utility bills this winter.
On this Week's Podcast: • First-time homebuyers may be excited to purchase their first home. But don’t close before you inspect these 14 things.
• We help a homeowner who is practically walking on ice. The latest addition to his home lacks any access underneath the house, causing cold air and moisture to be a nightmare. Learn how he can create a way under the home — and what he can do to make the new addition warm and cozy.
• A wood-burning stove in the basement produces a lot of heat; however, the heat is trapped inside that single room. Learn how to spread warmth around the house.
• How to sand and paint inside of your home without making a mess.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to build a shelf for your wheelbarrow.
Question of the Week: Dan writes, "I saw a few of your videos which are very helpful, but none quite match our situation. We put wainscoting (paneling) on the lower 3 feet on ½ the room but the other half has a baseboard hot water heater. Should we take the cover off and put the wainscoting up or should we start the wainscoting just above the heater?"
The combination of friends, family, and food at holiday time can leave your house looking like a war zone. And if you have carpeting… you know it takes some of the worst punishment of all. But there is hope for even the toughest stains and spills.
An awful lot of moisture can be trapped in your house. Here are three ways you can be sure mold and mildew are not a problem this winter.
Adding a fire pit to your back yard doesn't have to be complicated. Danny talks about an easier way to add warmth to your outdoor gathering.
Sealing a garage floor can be done easily with an epoxy finish. Listen to learn how you can get the job done.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Hearing the word "sinkhole" can be scary — Danny and Joe share how to repair an area that’s starting to sink.
• A homeowner has a shed with a 30-year-old coat of paint — it's time for a makeover! Here’s how she can check for rot, mold, and mildew before adding new paint.
• Do you have some cracked floor tiles? Hear several solutions on the podcast to get the floor as good as new.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — How to keep your shed burglar-proof.
Question of the Week:
Patrick from Arizona writes, “I have a stained-wood front entryway and back deck. I’m seeking a recommendation for the best material to cover steps (partially) for best foot-grip In snowy/icy conditions without harming Or deteriorating the wood beneath."
No one likes raking or bagging leaves in the fall. We've got a way to make the job much easier by modifying a trash can.
When the cooler weather rolls in, folks are going to be looking for ways to stay warm. A space heater is a good way to do that, but you need to make safety a priority.
A leaky shower door is one of those little problems that nags at you day in and day out. There are a variety of things you should look out for to keep your door sealed tight.
Clamps come in dozens of shapes and sizes to help you hold things together. That's simple enough and most do their job pretty well. But some times they do it too well. Have you ever noticed those dents or scratches that they leave in the material after you clamp something tightly? Here's the solution!
It's not uncommon to develop a crack in a spindle in the back of a chair or one of the rungs that connect the legs. If you glue the split back together before it completely separates, you can often avoid replacing the chair. But how do you get the wood glue down into such a small crack? The answer may be in your medicine cabinet.
On this Week's Podcast:
• We talk about how water can cause hardwood floors to cup — and what you can do about that situation.
• Leveling an uneven concrete slab is easy and inexpensive. So is patching and sealing concrete.
• Chelsea Lipford-Wolf shares tips for revitalizing a fireplace.
• Joe’s Simple Solution — making a picture hanging tool out of a wire clothes hanger.
Question of the Week:
Roscoe in North Carolina writes, "We have a brick home that we plan on painting off-white. What kind of paint and primer is the best, and what surface preparation is required?"
This time of year, lots of people are touching up paint inside the house. For small jobs, people often forgo drop cloths. But setting an open paint can on finished floors or counters is asking for trouble. So try this!
Happy Halloween! Here are some tips that will keep trick-or-treaters out of harm's way.
So you’ve filled in the gaps and cracks around the house to block the winter drafts and you’ve improved the attic and crawlspace insulation as best you can….but the winter utility bills are still putting you in a bind? Try this!
An accurate, smooth operating tape measure is essential to almost any home improvement project. Like any tool, a measuring tape will benefit from a little preventive maintenance to keep it working smoothly and accurately. Here's how you can take care of the tape!
Hello all,
We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!
Your home's strange noises may make it seem haunted, but there's a good explanation for each of them. Here are some creepy noises you should listen out for.
For more information check out the article below.
https://bit.ly/2JtF8i8
Happy Halloween!
Almost everyone will agree that a clean home is a healthy home. Vacuuming the floors should be a weekly chore to help keep your home on the healthy list. But not all vacuums are created equally.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Solutions for a homeowner who’s installing 500 feet ofwood fencing— hear how Danny and Joe would tackle the installation and staining.
• Trees and their roots can lead to uneven walkways. While you could replace your concrete sidewalk, we’ve got a solution that will let you keep it.
• Do you have a big yard and need to rake soil? Try mechanizing your raking! Joe explains in this week's Simple Solution.
• Tips for creating a spooky — and safe — Halloween setup for your home.
Question of the Week:
Robert in Rhode Island writes, "Earlier today, my wife, and I were in the back yard, and I noticed the end of the vinyl siding was hanging. Is there any way to secure the siding."
Most driveways and patios develop a crack or two in the concrete over the years. These can be caused by everything from tree roots and movement of the soil to freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Rather than breaking up the slab and pouring a new one, you might want to consider repairing it.
One of the best ways to save energy in your home this winter is by caulking the gaps and cracks around windows and doors. The problem is that caulk alone is only effective in narrow cracks, which are about a quarter-inch-wide or smaller because it shrinks as it dries. To give the caulk some help in larger gaps, try using a foam backer rod first.
With colder weather approaching, folks are looking for ways to prevent drafts from entering their homes. Here's one winterizing job you may have forgotten about.
The paint in houses built before 1978 may contain lead While this may not pose a significant hazard if the original paint is intact and has been painted over, it can become a health concern if the paint is peeling or being removed for renovation. You can find out if the paint in your home contains lead with a lead paint test kit.
On this Week's Podcast:
• Widening your driveway? Follow these tips to avoid headaches in the process.
• Flooding can be catastrophic. Danny and Joe discuss who to connect with if you face this type of disaster.
• Why rebar placement is important when creating a concrete porch. If you're noticing concrete crumbling at your house, try this!
• Why attaching the head of a scrub brush to a power drill can do wonders.
Question of the Week:
Lisa in South Carolina writes, “I would like to hang holiday decorations on the walls of our front porch. Our house exterior is the CertainTeed vinyl cedar shake siding. The normal vinyl siding clips will not work and we're trying to find a solution without nails or screws because the holiday decorations are removed seasonally.”
When the lights go out, a generator can be a lifesaver. But used improperly it can also be deadly.
The problem with cracked concrete is that, over time, those small cracks can turn into bigger problems. The water that fills them erodes the base beneath the slab and when the temperatures drop that water freezes and expands. The immediate solution is to fill the crack
It’s important to prepare for little disasters too so don’t wait until a pipe bursts to start looking for a plumber or wait until the power’s out to find an electrician. That’s not the time when you want to rely on the first listing you find when you open the Yellow Pages. That’s what the guys who charge big bucks for immediate service count on. You’re in a jam and they know it. Instead, plan ahead.
On this Week's Podcast: • How to refinish solid wooden doors worn down by too much sun
• Snow is a concern for folks up north, and Joe’s got a tool that makes moving the white stuff much easier.
• Want to remove particleboard glued to a concrete slab? A hammer and chisel just won’t cut it. Chelsea and Joe talk about a fast, easy way to get the job done. • How to use a garden hose to lay a curved or serpentine-shaped pathway
Question of the Week: Delbert in Kentucky writes, "I have an old log home that I rebuilt around 1980. Some of the logs are dry rotting. Do you have any helpful hints that would help me in restoring these logs?
"[They] were originally used in a log hotel in Aberdeen, Ohio and we brought them to Morningview, Kentucky in 1977. My wife and I worked and rebuilt our home and moved into the home in 1982.”
A little maintenance before you put your lawnmower away for the winter will simplify the start-up next spring.
Here are some fireplace safety tips to keep your family out of harm's way this Fall and Winter.
The temperature outside can prevent paint from binding to a surface. Listen to learn how hot or cold it has to be for you to put away the brush and roller.
On this Week's Podcast: • Have you ever heard about Vog? If you live in Hawaii or anywhere near volcanic activity than you surely have. It's volcanic air pollution and a listener is getting advice for her brother who lives on Hawaii's big island. His tools were damaged from vog, listen to learn how he can get them back in good shape.
• We tackle several questions from our hotline ranging from realigning a mailbox to creating a yoga/Tai Chi room filled with sand.
• A homeowner has a problem with his dishwasher. Sometimes floor tiling can trap the appliance in place. Here's a trick to make room and not have to knock out the tile.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will ensure your firewood stays dry through the winter months.
Question of the Week: Bill in Virginia writes,
"I've heard you discuss on podcasts, the subject of damp crawlspaces. On my most recent annual pest inspection, a higher than normal moisture level was indicated under my home, and I have been provided 2 options by crawl space contractors. 1) Replace my foundation vents with self-opening ones and add fans in the crawl space, and 2) Seal up the vents and install a dehumidifier in the crawl space. I appreciate any lessons learned/advise you might be able to provide for my decision."
Now is the time to protect your wood deck. Before you can protect it though, you need to clean it. Listen to learn about the mixture that will get the job done.
Removing vinyl baseboards and flooring can be difficult because it takes so much elbow grease to get them loose. Listen to learn how you can use a heat gun to get the job done easier.
No one likes cleaning gutters. What if you could just spray leaves out of your gutters with a hose without using a ladder? You can using this tip.
Adding insulation is a DIY friendly project. If you take it on yourself, use these tips to save yourself some hassle.
In this bonus episode, Danny talks to Jodi Marks, host of "Today’s Homeowner” TV’s Best New Products segment. Each week, Jodi shares some of the coolest new tools and gadgets you’ll find at The Home Depot. In this podcast, learn about Jodi’s construction background, her history with a fledgling HGTV Network and life growing up with a twin. Tune in for this deep dive into Jodi’s home improvement career!
Need a door that doesn't take up a bunch of space? A bi-fold door consists of two panels that are connected with leaf hinges. Because of this fact they take up half the space when they’re opened and they’re relatively easy to install.
On this Week's Podcast:
• A homeowner needs to save lumber from his grandfather's house, but he’s having trouble pulling nails without damaging the wood. Joe suggests a unique tool that may be perfect for this job.
•Have you ever had to replace a wax ring from a toilet? Danny and Joe recommend using something a little more up to date.
• A listener's garage is built into a hill and everything inside is getting damp. Learn how she can dry out the garage without constantly running a dehumidifier.
• Joe has a Simple Solution perfect for raking in the fall — here's a quick way to transport leaves away from the pile.
Question of the Week:
Andrea in Wisconsin writes, "I am remodeling my bathroom. I removed the ceramic tile from my wooden walls. I don't want to put tile up nor drywall. What can I use to cover the walls that would be great for my bathroom?"
You’ve decided you want your couch on the opposite wall now, and that tired, old easy chair is being relocated to the basement. But the dimples left in your carpet are even uglier than the chair, right? You don’t have to live with those ghosts of furniture past. Next time you’re trying to un-dimple carpet, try this.
Curb appeal is especially important when you’re putting a house on the market, because not only does it increase re-sale value, but it’s also important in “hooking” potential buyers.
You can make your water heater more efficient and extend its life by draining the tank and flushing away sediment at least once a year. Listen to find out what to do.
You just might have a toilet with a slow leak and not even know it. But that leak is costing you extra money on your water bills and wasting a valuable resource. Listen to learn how you can check your toilet.
Did you know that 72 percent of the human body is made up of water? Water also plays a vital role in our health and well-being. So, it stands to reason that the purer the water we consume, the healthier the benefits. Listen to learn about the best filtering options on the market.
On this week's podcast:
• We help a homeowner who is running granite all the way up to her 8-foot ceiling. She needs some advice when it comes to installing her range hood on that granite.
• Vines can be beautiful but they sure are invasive. Danny and Joe help a homeowner with a non-toxic mixture that will limit vines from growing on his house.
And:
• Do you have black spots on your siding? If you do you are likely dealing with a fungus. How you can get rid of it and keep it off of your home.
• Carrying carpet out of a home is never easy.. unless you follow this Simple Solution. Joe gives us you much simpler option for removing the carpet.
Question of the Week:
Madeline from Indiana writes,
"We have a crawl space that has been waterproofed. What can I do around the outside of my foundation to help it stay dry?"
When vinyl flooring is damaged the only way to repair it, without completely replacing it… is to patch it.
If your windows won’t open, it’s difficult to enjoy the mild temperatures this time of year. Listen to learn about how you can un-stick them.
Area rugs and runners make great additions to hard surface floors like wood, laminate, and tile, but when they start sliding around they can really cause problems. How you can make a non-slip rug with a tub of clear silicone caulk.
When it comes time to clean the kitchen, it’s no secret that the dishes, countertops, stove, and floors need to be on the cleaning list. But don’t forget to look up at your range hood.
Over time, concrete surfaces can start looking old, worn and dull. But a bigger concern is concrete that is slick, especially concrete steps. You can give your concrete a just-like-new finish with a textured acrylic concrete coating.
On this week's podcast:
• A homeowner's hardwood floorboards look as if they're trying to escape from the house. They're buckling in every room. This is a moisture problem, listen to learn how to fix it.
• A listener needs help sealing the envelope of their new home after being invaded by lovebugs. A few improvements he can make to keep mother nature outside.
And:
• Sprayed on ceilings are a headache to update. The key to painting them is simple... preparation. How you can prep a room to paint a sprayed ceiling like a pro.
• Joe has a simple solution that will make cleaning up after a woodworking project a cinch.
Question of the week:
Bruce in Kentucky writes,
"How did you vent the fireplace after removing the chimney and replacing the roof with a metal roof? I like the look of the metal roof."
In homes with forced-air heating, the ductwork is your lifeline to warmer air, so you want it to operate efficiently. Unfortunately many times these pipelines have leaks that cost you comfort and money, especially if they run through unheated spaces like a crawlspace, basement or attic. Listen for the proper way to inspect your system.
Changing out tub hardware is a great way to give your bathroom a new, updated look. But sometimes it's nearly impossible to remove a threaded tub faucet by hand, especially if it's been in place for years. Here is the solution.
Tile is the perfect bathroom flooring surface for a number of reasons, but in the wintertime it can be the source of some rude awakenings. The solution is radiant floor heating.
After years of use and abuse, levels aren't always level and squares aren't true… especially the cheaper models. Before you throw them away let’s check out your tools to see if you can rely on the readings they give you.
People love the look of a wood floor and today there are more ways than ever to get it. Knowing the differences between the three main options will help you make the right choice.
On this week's podcast:
• We're helping a homeowner that wants to screen in a porch. The job doesn't have to be intimidating and we'll talk about why.
• Hear from a listener who just bought a house with a painted cast iron tub. The paint is peeling and needs to be updated.
And:
• Have you ever bought a can of WD-40 and it stopped working halfway through? There's a trick to get more out of a can that will save you a trip to the home store.
• Joe has a simple solution to help drill several holes to the same depth.
Question of the week:
Rob writes, "Danny & Joe… I have @ 2 ft. of rotten fascia board in the middle of 20′ section. I also have a gutter over the entire span of the fascia. I’d like to replace the rotten section of the fascia board (I understand how to do that) without removing and re-hanging the gutter, but am trying to figure out how to cut the section of fascia board behind the gutter. Any suggestions? This project’s about 15 ft. off the ground and I’m working alone."
If you're brave enough to do your own maintenance on the roof you know it's a chore. Even if the work is simple, stabilizing yourself and your tools is a hassle but you can make it easier with these tips.
Painting lap siding is a chore because the horizontal seams make using a traditional roller difficult. Even if you are able to make it work, you have to go over the surface again with a brush to smooth out the roller's texture and coat the edge of each piece. Instead, try this.
Listen to learn how you can use a bicycle inner tube to adapt your power tools to a vacuum.
Plan to update a kitchen? Here is a brief breakdown of plastic laminate, natural stone, and solid surface countertop materials.
When you need to kill a circuit to change a light fixture it's easy enough to flip breakers until the light goes off. But changing receptacles can be more tricky. You could plug in a lamp but you'll have to make several trips back and forth to the breaker box, unless you have a helper. Instead, try this.
On this week's podcast:
• Packed down insulation isn’t going to be able to do what it’s designed to do. If you’re dealing with this problem you need to fluff it up! Find out how by using a tool from your garden shed.
• Listen to learn about an easy and inexpensive way to prevent slips and falls from a slick deck.
And:
• The price of granite has gone down but the shopping experience still can be overwhelming. We talk to expert Tony Neylon about some of the things you should consider when you’re ready to buy a new countertop.
• Joe has a simple solution that will give new life to an old wire brush.
Question of the week:
Joe from New York writes,
“I have very cheap ceramic tiling in my kitchen…a few of which have become loose and/or cracked. I would like to install laminate flooring over the existing tile and avoid having to rip up all of the tile. I am not an expert doing this and was wondering what I need to do to ensure the job is done right.”
Have you ever had fuzz from a paint roller end up on the wall? Here is a quick tip to eliminate this problem.
In this bonus episode, Danny spoke with painting expert Nick Slavik about all the tips and tricks of painting. Hear what to do and what not to do before you tackle your next painting project.
Make sure you check out Nick's work at www.nickslavick.com
On this week's podcast:
• We spoke with a listener about a DIY dumbwaiter installation video found on the Today’s Homeowner website. He is about to tackle this project himself. Danny and Joe talk about how he can get the job done.
• A listener’s shower is covered with cement backer board. He needs it to be protected from moisture and is considering using pool paint. Listen to find out what he needs to complete this project like a pro.
And:
• Can you have a garbage disposal and a septic tank? There are several different ways to look at it, Danny and Joe give their suggestions.
• Joe has a simple solution to help you hammer in nails without hurting your fingers.
Question of the week:
Brant from Iowa writes,
My daughter took a red dry erase highlighter to the bathroom and has colored on the white grout. What is the best way to remove this and hopefully have white grout again?
One of the best ways to seal a concrete garage floor is with the two-part epoxy systems you find in the home center.
Always try to remove wallpaper whenever possible, but sometimes it just isn’t feasible, whether it’s constraints in time, budget or both. Wallpaper can be painted over successfully, but there are a few things you need to do to make sure your paint job doesn’t come crashing down around you.
If you have unsightly rust stains on your concrete patio, driveway or sidewalk you know they’re not coming off with soap and water, but don’t panic…there is a solution that doesn’t call for special cleaning chemicals or tools because it’s completely safe and natural.
This tip will teach you how to kill unwanted plants growing out of the driveway using... water.
At some point, all sprinkler systems need to be repaired. This means you'll be doing a lot of work inside a wet hole in the ground.
Listen to find out which tool you likely already have in your home that will simplify this messy job.
On this week's podcast:
• Hear about a new method to kill weeds. This information surfaced after a homeowner accidentally created brown spots in her grass with bug spray.
• We help a listener who is dealing with some water stains left on a newly refurbished piece of furniture.
• A homeowner’s vinyl plank floor shrunk. Listen to hear what likely caused this problem.
And:
• Danny and Joe talk with longtime Creative Director and Producer of the Today’s Homeowner Television show, Scott Gardner. Hear about some of the obstacles the crew faced when taping the latest episode involving a recycled patio.
• Joe has a simple solution that will help you make perfectly square crosscuts with your circular saw.
Question of the week:
Jackie from Pennsylvania writes, “I have a home built in the early 60s. The interior walls are made of a fiberboard that shows seams. Currently, they are wallpaper. The walls seem to absorb moisture when its damp outside and the house smells musty. I’d love to have drywall or wood walls but unsure if it’s safe to remove this fiberboard let alone the mess and dust. Any suggestions?”
If you're shopping for a new air conditioner this summer, you need to know how to find one that will run efficiently. Listen to learn how you can gauge the air conditioners you'll find on the market.
If not directed far enough away from a home, water can cause soil erosion. Listen for a few ways to manipulate water away to a safer spot.
Listen to find out how to prevent water hammer in pipes by installing a water hammer arrester or water expansion tank in your water line.
Listen to learn how you can repair and seal cracks in a concrete slab, such as a driveway, to prevent water from seeping beneath the slab.
On this week's podcast:
• Listen for a number of tips that can help install just about anything on a ceramic or cultured marble wall.
• A homeowner has rust forming on the drain in her cast iron tub. How she can approach this problem.
And:
• What to do when you have some crumbling on the concrete around your house.
• Joe has a simple solution to help you clean off your ceiling using an item you can buy at the office store.
Question of the week:
Claire from Louisiana writes, “What is the best way to remove old construction adhesive from bricks?”
How to reduce solar heat gain in your house is by applying window film to the inside of single-pane windows and glass doors.
How to reattach loose plastic laminate edging strips using heat from a clothes iron or how to reglue the strip with contact cement.
How to fill and seal cracks in an asphalt driveway to prevent rainwater from seeping through and causing further damage.
On this week's podcast:
• We talk about necessary repairs you should consider if you have a gunite pool.
• When is it safe to stain a deck. Danny has a simple tip using a drop of water that will help answer this question.
And:
• A head-scratcher. A caller has a mystery drip of water coming from his gutter. Danny and Joe introduce him to a couple of experiments that may find the source of the problem.
• Joe has two simple solutions that will help get pet hair out of upholstered furniture.
Question of the week:
Barbara from Kansas writes, “My front entry door is installed too low. I tried putting the thinnest carpet mat in front, but it still does not clear the door. I have hardwood floors and my door is made out of wood. I’ve had this problem ever since I moved into my home in 2013. Can this be corrected and how much would it cost?”
Do you have loose nails in your deck? Listen for a simple tip to help fix any protruding nails from a wooden board.
On this week's podcast:
• We discuss how to safely remove large mirrors. It’s a very slow and meticulous process that a homeowner is about to take on in his Oklahoma home.
• A listener inherited a dingy steam shower from the home’s previous owners. Listen to hear how she can maintain the tiles inside the shower that are showing mold and discolored grout.
And:
• The troops rallied behind a listener with a hot wrought iron handrail. It’s always great to hear tips from you! The tips our listeners came up with to help a previous caller.
• Joe has a simple solution that will help you clean your grill before your next cookout!
Question of the week:
Vincent from Pennsylvania says, “What is the best way or method to vent a bathroom fan? Through the roof or wall? I have seen in PA that there is a PVC pipe through the roof and then an elbow on it. Is that venting through the roof for a fan?”
Here are a few steps you can take that will limit the amount of water your yard and garden will need.
Listen to learn what kind of weather conditions will ruin your hard work after painting.
There are several benefits to adding a water feature in a back yard. Listen to learn how this simple addition will make a big difference next time you want to relax outside
On this week's podcast:
• A listener from Michigan is honoring her mother who taught her how to sew by constructing a custom tabletop for sewing projects. However, the paint is beginning to lose its luster. Danny and Joe talk about why this may be happening and what she can do to fix it.
• A homeowner wants to add a timeless look to her kitchen island with board and batten siding. Before she gets started she wants to familiarize herself with spacing measurements between the boards.
And:
• Listen to learn a great way to terrace a yard with a slope.
• Joe has a simple solution on how to expertly spray paint small items and not have paint spray all over the place.
Question of the week:
Mary-Ann from Wisconsin writes, “How do you repair chips out of baseboards? This is from a 100yr house with a dark stain. Also, how do you remove grime from hand railing with the same dark stain? I really enjoy the show, and love taking on small repairs.”
The paint section of any home store can be overwhelming. Listen to learn how you can pick the right color paint that best fits your room.
There's an inexpensive way to cool off a room that doesn't involve blasting an air conditioner. Here's how you can get cool relief with just a simple fan.
On this week's podcast:
• We offer some suggestions on how to get extra privacy on your deck.
• A homeowner is having a problem with his air conditioner condensation line. We discuss a few HVAC maintenance tips
And:
• Danny helps a homeowner with their outdoor waterproof TV cabinet project. For a how-to video on this project click here.
• Joe has a simple solution that will have you grabbing the pool noodle next time you need to strap something to the roof or trunk of your car or truck.
Question of the week:
Mark from Texas writes,
“I am a huge fan of your show, got only was able to see it sometimes. I love that is on Prime now!
We share a privacy fence with our neighbor in the backyard. They have a dog and we have a dog that likes to run beside the fence and bark at each other. Of course, there are bare spots where our dog turns around. When it is wet, our dog tracks in the mud. What do you suggest making it look nicer and reduce the mud getting tracked in? I’m sure many homeowners deal with this problem.”
Listen to learn how you can protect the exterior and interior of your home from sun exposure.
Here's the information you'll need to make sure you pick the right air conditioner for your home.
You may have an abundance of gas around for all of your lawn equipment. Here are a few ways you can keep it stored safely.
High temperatures are dangerous for humans and pets. What you can do to still give your four-legged friend some outdoor time but in a way that will keep them safe from the heat.
On this week's podcast:
• We’re talking about widening an existing doorway and the considerations to keep in mind when tackling this type of project.
• A homeowner’s bedroom is right above a garage and it’s getting way too hot. We have a few tips on how she can keep her bedroom cool.
And:
• A caller has a bathroom with a vaulted ceiling and no exhaust. How she can get a fan inside that room.
• Joe has a simple woodworking solution that will help you remove any excess glue before it soaks in.
Question of the week:
Mark asks, “I purchased a home that had baseboard heat fed by copper water lines to the heating unit. I removed all the baseboard heaters in favor of a heat pump for cooling and heating. There are hardwood floors throughout the house. Everywhere a copper pipe came through the floor there is a hole, size varying from about an inch to three inches. How can I repair those holes? I have some of the original hardwood floorings I salvaged from another remodel project from the house I can use.”
Need to remove water clogged in a sink or toilet... Grab a water gun! Listen to learn how this children's toy will help you with this plumbing chore.
Many sheds use mounted doors. They are ideal for garden sheds or workshops but they can easily be removed. Listen to learn how you can secure your shed with this simple tip.
This bonus episode is the second part of a two-part series where Danny and Joe open up about their upbringings and what lead them to become two of the most trusted names in home improvement.
In part two of the series, Joe interviews host Danny Lipford, giving you a deep dive into his life. Learn how Danny received his training in home remodeling, his short run as a band promoter, and the transition from the construction site to the television studio.
Tune in for this exclusive take on Danny's life!
You might not realize it, but there are thousands of feet of pipes, cables and power lines buried only a few feet under your yard. Listen to find out where they are.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• Joe’s son Chris calls into the Today’s Homeowner Hotline from Moscow, Russia. Chris provides a unique perspective on how different life and home improvement is compared to American culture.
• How to repair a shed or home with rotted verticle wood siding.
And:
• What you can do to improve the look of a small concrete patio.
• Joe has a simple solution that will keep paint from splattering on furniture using something straight from a kitchen drawer.
Question of the week:
Mary asks, “I have a vinyl wood plank floor that cracks when we walk on it. Is there a remedy other than taking it up and replacing it with something else?”
One way to cool off is with a misting system. Listen to learn about some simple do-it-yourself misting systems that can be installed in under an hour.
Here's a tip straight from a roofing pro that will make working on a steeply pitched roof safer and easier.
Get the most out of mowing your yard. Listen to learn about the correct height setting for your mower.
This bonus episode is the first of a two-part series where Danny and Joe open up about their upbringings and what lead them to become two of the most trusted names in home improvement.
In part one of the series, Danny interviews his co-host Joe Truini, giving you a deep dive into his life. Discover what it was like to start a career in publishing, what Joe and Pez Candy have in common, and what lead him to his long career with Today's Homeowner.
Tune in for this exclusive take on Joe's life!
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• Landscaping done wrong! A banana tree is sitting right on top of a homeowner's septic tank. What problems may occur when plants are growing near a tank.
• Tips for painting textured ceilings.
And:
• A Listener installed a whirlpool tub back in the 80s. Now, she wants it gone! Who she needs to call to get the job done.
• Joe has a simple solution that will keep your tablecloths from blowing away during your lunch date.
Question of the week:
Kathy asks, “Can I use instant granite on bathroom countertops and a surround around a bathtub? If so, is there any certain type of sealer or caulking that I should put around the tub and sinks?”
Whatever you do, remember to keep it on the level! Hear how important it is to start out on an even plane for flawless flooring.
One of the most dreaded Saturday chores is “cleaning out the garage!” Listen to learn how you can make the job easier and create a more useful space.
A grab bar is an easy way to stop the slipping and sliding in the bathtub, but drilling a hole in the ceramic tile can be pretty slippery itself. Listen to learn how to keep your drill bit from walking all over the tile.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• A homeowner wants a bathroom by the pool but first, he needs to tackle a major obstacle… How to put a toilet in a room where there is no plumbing.
• An antique clawfoot tub has seen better days. How to brighten it up to make it look like new.
And:
• Grab those garden gloves. Listen for some great ideas from gardening enthusiast Julie Day-Jones on how to prep for the summer heat. Plus, a new versatile mulch that could save you from future landscaping work.
• Joe has a simple solution that will keep you from wasting money on paint.
Question of the week:
Pat asks, “I have a tile floor and I want to change the color of the grout. Can I cover the old grout with new grout?”
Keep the outdoors... Outside! How to preserve energy by creating a seal at the bottom of a door.
Update your home by painting brick. Listen to find out how you can get the job done easily and correctly.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• Saving Energy! It’s hot outside and there are several little things you can do around the house to stay cool and save on the cost of energy.
• There are a lot of reasons rainwater may enter the basement. Danny and Joe share how to prevent it and talk about products on the market that will keep the area dry.
And:
• A homeowner’s Recessed lighting trim is hanging off the ceiling. What he can do to fix this problem and how he can improve the light’s look.
• Joe has a 4-part simple solution that will have your dryer working more efficiently.
Question of the week:
Angela from South Carolina asks, “What’s the most cost-effective way to retrofit your home to lower your energy cost and consumption?”
Listen to learn how you can protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun when working around your garden.
When a roof leak reaches the living space of your home, the water stains the drywall where it soaks through. Many people assume that they can just roll a coat of paint over the spot and the problem is solved, but it just doesn’t work that easily because that stain will bleed back through. Listen for the proper method of repairing your water stained ceiling.
When mowing the lawn, you often need small hand tools to tackle simple chores, such as trimming a branch or digging up a weed. Here’s how to keep the tools close at hand as you’re mowing.
How to lay a paver patio in your yard, from choosing the right base material to laying and filling joints.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• We catch up with the winners of the “Win Danny and His Crew” contest. Hear from the homeowners about what it’s like hosting Danny for a few days. Plus, Danny gives another try at speaking French.
• How to keep mildew from appearing every year. There’s a foolproof way to protect the exterior of your home.
• Why there could be some issues involving tiling over existing tile.
• Joe has a Simple Solution that will have you using a six-pack carton to organize spray paint cans and glue bottles.
Podcast question of the week:
Greg from Alabama asks, “I have recently painted my laminate countertops. I started with sanding, then 2 coats of primer (bullseye 123), 4 coats of dark brown Behr interior paint and finished with 3 coats of Minwax Polyacrylic with sanding in between all coats. It’s only been 24 hours after the last coat of polyacrylic but I notice that if I’m washing my hands at the sink and get water on the counter, it creates a white circle under the water. I clean it up and it eventually disappears after it dries. Why is it doing this? Will it stop after the finish has cured?”
Wooden steps on a porch or deck can become slick and dangerous. Listen to hear about a simple trick that will permanently improve this situation.
If you’re wondering what type of grill to buy, price and convenience will influence your decision. Listen for a breakdown of charcoal and gas grills.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
- A unique recycling idea to fill in the space between brick walkways.
- Creating a more efficient ventilation system if you have two bathrooms back-to-back.
- Options to replace hardboard siding with fiber cement siding.
- Joe’s Simple Solution introduces you to a new way of hanging things up on a hollow wall.
Question of the week:
Otis from Alabama asks, “Mr.Lipford I am installing a dream line neo angle shower base what type of mortar do you recommend. Also, will 30lb roofing felt work on my wood floor under the shower base? My plumbing is already in.”
Changing weather conditions can punish a deck. The step-by-step process to updating a worn deck.
A few simple, routine maintenance tips for your lawn mower that will make it last longer, and keep it running smoothly all summer long.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• The issues accompanied by painting concrete. How to repair a damaged and chipped concrete paint job.
• Planting in the summer heat.
• How to keep butcher block countertops in tip-top shape.
• Joe has three simple solutions that will add extra space inside your garage.
Podcast question of the week:
Lou Ann from Michigan asks, “Why does my sump pump kick on every few minutes?”
Window screens become dirty over time and need to be cleaned. How to easily create a window screen bathtub that will help lift the dirt right off.
From brick molding or exterior crown molding, the trim adds style to every home. Listen to learn the advantages of cellular PVC exterior trim boards.
The key to solving construction mistakes is catching them early.
Issues you should be on the lookout for are:
-Interior and exterior paint
-Drywall cracks
-Plumbing oversights
Listen to hear some great cleaning tips for your gas or charcoal grill. It will be getting a workout over the next few months. Getting it clean will not only impress your guest but will also keep you safe.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe Discuss:
• Listen to hear a proactive way to keep deck posts from rotting and how to install them correctly.
• Vinyl stick-on tiles can be a great resource if you’re looking to redo a floor on a budget. Danny and Joe talk about how to prep a floor before installing the tiles.
• How to rid red brick from irritating calcium stains.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will have you building a mosquito trap that doesn’t include any harsh chemicals.
Podcast question of the week:
Zach from Wisconsin asks, “Can you recommend a book or any resource on building a small home? I want to build a tiny home and would like any information I can get.”
Listen to learn how you can keep squirrels away from your home by creating a separate feeding area.
While you could apply masking tape around the edges of the glass, the tape can be hard to position properly and remove. A better solution is to line the edges of the glass with strips of ordinary printer paper.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• How a homeowner can update the flakey chimney on her 60s style ranch home.
• What to use if you have concrete around your home that isn’t level.
• How to repair a dishwasher that may be flooding a kitchen.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will allow you to eliminate musty smells using an item from your laundry room.
Podcast question of the week:
Patrick from New Hampshire says, “Is it possible to paint an aluminum storm door? The reason why I ask is that the condo association where I live requires the trim color on the screen door to match the existing color which is blue. I have searched everywhere but cannot find a screen door that would meet that requirement.”
How to create your own cleaner that will disinfect and deodorize, without using any harsh chemicals.
An important step in organizing your garage is to store large tools—like rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows—so they’re easy to find when you need them but out of the way the rest of the time.
Pressure washers can be used to clean driveways, sidewalks patios, decks, siding, and fencing. But if you’re not careful, a pressure washer can damage softer surfaces like wood.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• A homeowner discovered fiber cement siding underneath vinyl siding. The steps she needs to follow to get the fiber cement siding looking like new.
• No matter the season, insulating your home should be a priority. A homeowner tells us she’s getting mixed responses about installing attic insulation. We help set the record straight.
• Just about everyone has seen black dust around door hinges. The best way to eliminate it from your home.
• Joe’s Simple Solution will allow your outdoor furniture to last a lot longer.
Podcast Question of the Week:
Ken from Nebraska says, “I have a stamped concrete deck. The plan was to reseal the surface with a commercial grade concrete sealer. After the snow melted away I noticed excessive surface spalling do you have any suggestions on how to repair the damage?”
Sagging doors are often the result of loose hinges caused by hinge screws that don’t bite into the door jamb. Here's a quick fix for this problem.
Solar water heating systems are a great way to reduce energy use and save money on utility bills.
On this week’s podcast, Danny and Joe discuss: • We delve deeper into a controversy between termite bonds and foam insulation. Hear from an expert to learn the status of this situation.
• Why you don’t need a power washer to clean off a wooden deck.
• A homeowner needs help with some corroding posts
• Joe’s simple solution will help you seed your grass without having to buy a tool.
Podcast Question of the Week: Brian says, “I have several insulated windows that are fogging in between the panes. What is happening there?”
While caulk alone can be applied to narrow cracks, gaps wider than 1/4” should be filled with foam backer rod first.
How installing a central vacuum system in your home can reduce allergy symptoms from dust.
How to make a homemade rain barrel to recycle rainwater for use in your lawn. This easy do-it-yourself project will cost less than $50.
If you have a smartphone you can monitor your home from anywhere around the world. Certain companies allow you to keep surveillance, and change the temperature with the touch of a button.
On this week’s podcast, Danny and Joe discuss;
• Enclosing a back porch to create the perfect retreat that will be usable year-round.
• How spray foam insulation impacts a homeowners chances of getting a termite bond.
• Updating brick on an old mantle
• Joe has a simple solution to help catch dust while sanding.
Podcast question of the week:
Patrick in Massachusetts says, “We’re shopping for a new entry door. I was going to buy another wood door but recently I started hearing all about fiberglass doors, what do you and Joe think?”
How installing an inexpensive toilet conversion kit can turn an older toilet into a water-saving dual flush model in no time.
How to refinish and hinge three old shutters together to make a beautiful fireplace screen for your home.
Finishing a basement is a great way to add living space in a home. Before you start, you should consider checking for any moisture. A simple way to tell if water is getting into the basement.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• A homeowner with a historic concrete home needs advice on how to paint it.
• We talk about how helpful it can be to have a raised garden bed and how to properly place it in your yard.
• A common frustration happens when using a screwdriver in such a tight spot you can’t get a hold of the screw. Joe has a simple solution that will help you get a grip in those tight spaces.
Podcast question of the week:
Mark in Pennsylvania says, “Hey Danny I was on your website looking for lawn care advice and I saw an article on dethatching grass. How important is dethatching I’m not looking for another chore to do.”
A crawlspace can become an unwanted source of moisture. What you can use to prevent moisture from gathering under your home.
On this week's podcast, Danny and Joe Discuss:
• A mother wants to surprise her daughter by transforming a spare room into a dance studio. The daughter wrote a four-page proposal for the project. How she can get started on this transformation.
• The best way to combat mold
• Joe has a simple solution that will have you using a kitchen item to organize your workshop
Podcast question of the week:
Wayne in Florida says, “I know that I can recycle cardboard in my flower beds to prevent weeds. However by doing so can it cause termites to have a warm and welcoming place?”
Performing a bit of simple, routine maintenance on your lawn mower will make it last longer and run smoother.
Are you planning on updating your kitchen with a new faucet? Learn what you need to limit leaks and maintenance chores.
On this week’s podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
- Common paint problems with painting expert Nick Slavik.
- Spring garden preps with garden enthusiast Julie Day-Jones.
- The best products to use if siding planks begin to split or fall apart.
- Joe has a simple solution that will keep your fireplace a focal point during warm weather.
Beginning March 25 on the Today's Homeowner Podcast, host Danny Lipford brings you a new, practical, 60-second home improvement tip. Need to know how to seal a garage floor, repair some rotting wood, or clean out a kitchen sink? We've got you covered! These tips, alongside our weekly podcasts, will ensure you have the best-looking home on the block.
On this week’s podcast, Danny and Joe discuss:
• A staining malfunction: A new homeowner wants her front door to stand out, but the stain isn’t soaking in. We’ll share why this is happening and what she can do about it.
• Strategies to keep humidity out of your home
• Danny’s unforgettable childhood experience
• Joe’s Simple Solution for safety gear storage with easy access
• Podcast question of the week: "Can bricks with holes be used to patch up the exterior wall of a house?"
We’re tackling a pair of painting problems: One listener’s primer remains tacky 48 hours after being applied — we’ll share her options moving forward — and another listener’s front door is showing age. He needs help picking the proper paint base. Danny and Joe break down the pros and cons of latex and oil paint. Also, a homeowner is going through a complete remodel, but he's stumped when trying to install an outlet for his new mantle and aligning his bedroom doors. Here’s what he can do to complete his home. Plus, Joe has a Simple Solution that will protect your walls when removing baseboards.
It's a snow-melting mystery: A Nebraska homeowner's roof is the only one on his block without snow. We’ll talk about what's causing the heat, where it's coming from, and how to prevent it. Plus, it's important to prepare wood before staining and installation. One homeowner tackles a project with dated, ‘70s-style wood paneling, another preps for a new deck. Learn about the few steps you must take before grabbing a nail gun. Also, Danny shares his recent travel nightmare and, Joe mixes up his cooking and gardening. Learn how you can use a muffin tin to get a head start on your spring planting.
Dirt floors, while common in crawlspaces, can present dangers — we have tips to keep water from touching your home. And: Here’s a product that transforms dated popcorn ceilings into a clean wood finish, and we share a durable, affordable option for crown molding. Plus, Joe has a simple way cyclists can get extra space inside the garage by creating a bike rack.
Pallet boards are DIY friendly and inexpensive to use — listen for some of our favorite pallet board projects! And: Living in a wallpaper nightmare? Don’t worry — you need just a few ingredients to instantly rip up that paste-up. Plus: Need a trick to paint brick? Check out these products to update your home. And learn how to use an unexpected household item to make your faucets sparkle! Special thanks to Robbie McCurdy, a member of the Today’s Homeowner community, who wrote a song about the TV show and performs it on this week’s podcast!
Home improvement expert, TV show host, and… a magician? Danny isn't pulling a rabbit out of a hat, but he does have a unique trick up his sleeve for a homeowner looking to remove a toilet. Plus, a homeowner’s septic tank system has been running strong for over 20 years. Now, it' starting to flood. Why a new code requirement may be causing the tank to clog. And, Danny and Joe talk about the benefits of using automobile Bondo for limited touch-up projects. Also, Joe has a simple solution to save you time and energy next time you paint your ceiling.
How do you get a lingering paint smell out of a room without windows? A common household item may do the trick. And, a husband wants to celebrate his wife's cookbook with new floors, but he's getting conflicting reports from contractors. The tIp that will give him the edge during negotiations. Plus, Joe has a way to work smart, not hard, when you need to remove a rug from a room.
You should never ignore mold and mildew inside a shower. When it does happen, act quickly to resolve what could become a dangerous situation. One homeowner plans to replace her old moldy shower for a modern, safer unit. Danny and Joe recommend a few stylish shower options sure to last. Plus, a listener tired of sloshing around his new backyard learns what he can do to redirect water away from his home. Also, many people are ditching their old textured ceilings. Do you plan to as well? Learn to update your ceiling giving it a new smoother surface.
We’re talking about tiny houses – their popularity and why new building codes may lead to more popping up in the future. And, one homeowner is tired of needing a step stool to reach her laundry room’s overhead cabinets. Danny and Joe share some DIY projects making this storage space more accessible. Plus, moisture inside a home turns refurbishing hardwood floors into a challenge. The $10 item that will track down the main source of this issue.
Renovating a bathroom can seem like a daunting task — especially when the project involves replacing an existing bathtub. Danny and Joe talk to one listener who is preparing to tackle this type of project for his senior citizen father. They’ll discuss how to get started and what speed bumps a homeowner can cross when doing these types of renovations. Plus, what do you do when birds are constantly pecking away at your wood-lap siding? Danny and Joe share tips to help solve this issue. Also, the unveiling of the Today's Homeowner top 10 articles of the year. Some of them are reasonable home improvement topics — others stand out like a pineapple houseplant.
Coming January 11th, America's home expert Danny Lipford is launching a new, Today's Homeowner Podcast. The podcast is hosted by Danny and co-host, Joe Truini, a seasoned contractor and accomplished author. Together, the duo provides easy to understand home improvement solutions for everyday homeowners to help their projects go smoothly. Subscribers can look forward to episodes tackling heavy-duty renovations to cosmetic updates for the home. Subscribe now in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.