Breaking Point: 5 Causes of Deck Collapses | Unused Paint Preservation | Mesh Makeover: New Options for Window Screens | Ep #2332

SHOW NOTES:

• Deck Safety: Avoid outdoor disasters by recognizing the 5 causes of dangerous deck collapses.
• Storing Paint: Leftover paint can be useful, but only if it’s stored properly. Find out when it’s time to can those paint cans.
• Window Screens: Let fresh air in and keep insects out with updated options for window screens.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

• Driveway and Deck Sealants: Bill wants to know if he needs to seal his new concrete driveway or his pressure-treated deck. We’ve got tips for both.
• Musty Odors: There’s a musty odor coming from the slab foundation in a home that was vacant. We advise Mary to pull up the carpet, improve the outside drainage, and start using the HVAC and a dehumidifier to clear the air.
• Fascia Board: Should Martin repair or replace a fascia board that’s separating under his porch roof? He just needs to resecure it with screws instead of nails.
• Popcorn Ceilings: Ben needs to repair damaged areas of his popcorn ceiling. We explain how to replace some of the texture and repaint the ceiling.
• HVAC Odors: There’s an odor when the air conditioning comes on. Jeff can start with duct cleaning, but should also use a good-quality HVAC filter with activated charcoal.
• Wood Playground: A pressure-treated wood playground is cracking and turning black. Erin gets tips on a product to clean the wood, using a solid stain, and safe surfaces.
• Wet Drywall: After an under-sink water filter bursts, Richard’s not sure if he needs to replace the drywall. It’s not necessary if it’s dried out and not warped.
• Converting a Tub to a Shower: Mil needs to convert a tub to a shower but can’t find a fiberglass unit that’s rated for the proper weight. Adding a mortar mix underneath the shower pan will provide a rock-solid base.
• Flood Repair: A flash flood left a foot of water in Gary’s basement. We go through the steps to get rid of the water, remove damaged items, clean the surfaces, and dry out the space before starting over.
• Painting a Fireplace: Susan would like to paint her brick fireplace but there’s tile on top of it. She should consider using a special primer and painting the tile, too.
• Restoring Old Flooring: Is it possible to restore a dingy old kitchen floor? After 20 years, it sounds like it’s time for Harry to update the floor with new materials.

 

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Sponsored in part by policygenius.com.

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