Practical Solutions To Everyday DIY Challenges!
Spend-A-Little Save-A-Lot Home Improvements: Money-Saving Projects Anyone Can Do A friend of mine, Brad Staggs, recently wrote his own home improvement book. Brad Staggs has written, produced and directed feature stories for The Nashville Network and also produced and hosted features for Decorating with Style and Today at Home on HGTV. Today, Brad is seen on HGTV's HGTVPro.Com Weekly and on the syndicated Rebecca's Garden and The … [Read more...]
Basement Insulation And Vapor Barriers Dear Concord Carpenter, I'm refinishing my basement and am at the step where I start insulating the walls. The walls are 1/2 below ground, with field stone being the section underground and cinder block above ground. I framed 2x4 studs a few inches from the wall and will be using faced, fiberglass insulation. My question is: Do I need an additional plastic vapor barrier? … [Read more...]
. Correcting an Insulation And Air Leak Problem Solves Frozen Pipe Issue: I’ve worked for a client for the past six or eight years and for as long as I can remember they have had a problem with their master bathroom shower pipes freezing. One issue with this shower is its location. It is located above a garage [heated] and the water pipes ate in a corner with two cold walls and a cold roof. Frozen Pipes: Pipe freezing is a … [Read more...]
SAFETOUCH™ A Fiberglass FREE Insulation: SAFETOUCH™ Fiberglass-Free Insulation has no glass dust and no added chemicals. Just a soft, durable and healthy insulation made from the same polyester fibers used in your clothes and bedding. This innovative insulation is manufactured out of polyester and is not considered a food source for mold growth. Because of this the insulation will not harbor mold. This could be a break through … [Read more...]
Removing Ice Dams: Many people have been dealing with ice dams. The solutions to dealing with ice dams have been addressed on this site and can be accessed through searching "ice dams, insulation, air leaks, or ventilation." If your house is prone to ice dams, one of the best measures is to rake or remove the first 3' feet of snow from the roofs edge. for this to be successful this must be done right after it snows. [with in … [Read more...]
Do You Have Ice Dam Problems? If your home has a steep sloped roof, and is more than 20 years old, there is a high probability that your attic has excessive heat, leading to ice damming. I spent some time this weekend removing ice dams from my house. Here are some thoughts: What Is An Ice Dam? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. This water … [Read more...]
Adding Insulation And Air Leak Sealing Checking your house's insulation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste and save on energy bills. A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your house, reduce heating and cooling … [Read more...]
Reduce Your Heating Bills: I recently paid my heating bill. Every time I get that bill I try to think of ways to reduce it. After brainstorming for a bit I came up with a starter list. Take a peek and comment if you have anything additional to add, the links are to my past posts regarding these particular topics. Stop Fireplace Heat Loss: Add an airtight door or chimney top damper or a Fireplace-Chimney-Draftstopper-Balloon-Pillow … [Read more...]
Robert Robillard is the Editor of A Concord Carpenter, Host of the Concord Carpenter cable tv show and the Principal of Robert E. Robillard Finish Carpentry & Renovation, LLC, a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts.
He writes on all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for all aspects of home maintenance.
In his spare time he enjoys reviewing new tools and products and restoring old tools back and using them on projects: A Concord Carpenter.
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