The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out what to do when your centrail air conditioning isn't reaching your bedroom. Learn about your options, such as adding more ducts, increasing the duct size and installing duct boosters. However, if this is a new system, it should be working Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to remove mold from caulk. Get tips on using a caulk softener and wiping it down with a bleach and water solution. Learn why you should use a latex caulk with a built-in mildicide instead of silicone caulk. DAP and Red Devil both make Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what's causing dust and dirt to collect around the air conditioning vents in your home, and how to solve the problem. Get tips on looking into an Aprilaire whole-house air filter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to find reputable, pre-screened contractors in your area. Get tips on going to ServiceMagic.com instead of trying DIY home improvements that you are not really comfortable doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of a gray stain on your roof shingles. Get tips on applying a bleach solution and scrubbing with a stiff brush. Also learn about copper ridge vents, a natural solution to roof moss and mildew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what kind of roofing to put on a house that experiences high winds. Get tips on buying the WeatherGuard High Wind Roofing System from Owens Corning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you shouldn't install real hardwood flooring over a concrete slab foundation. Get tips on using laminate flooring or engineered hardwood instead. Learn why you should choose commercial grade flooring for high traffic areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to rebuild a staircase. Get tips on putting down hardwood floors and partially enclosing the staircase with a wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a leaking water heater. Get tips on replacing the leaking valve or valve seat. However, if you have never cut apart plumbing before, have a plumber do the job. And if the water heater is 10 years old or older, consider replacing it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why rubber-backed mats react with linoleum to form permanent yellow stains. Get tips on buying a linoleum remnant and replacing the bathroom floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why tiny cracks on the surface of your concrete driveway are more of a cosmetic issue than a cause for concern. Get tips on sealing cracks that form around expansion joints with flowable urethane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to clean discolored brick siding. Get tips on power washing it gently so as not to blast out the old mortar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to replace a towel bar in the bathroom. Get tips on making one out of hardwood and coating it with a water-resistant finish. Or find a plastics supplier and get plexiglass or acrylic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what to do if a house you are thinking of buying has a sagging roof. Learn about tar-and-slag roofs, which typically need a lot of maintenance. Get tips on hiring a professional home inspector to assess the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repaint peeling aluminum siding. Get tips on scraping off or gently power washing the old paint, using an oil-based exterior primer and taking a paint chip to your local home center to find a matching color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how the proper ventilation system can prevent mold growth in your attic. Get tips on installing ridge and soffit vents and learn how to increase ventilation even if you have a metal roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you can't repair cracks in concrete; you can only seal them with flowable urethane caulk. This will both improve their appearance and help prevent frost heave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to get rid of spiders in your basement. Learn why natural remedies are not as effective and why you should bring in a professional to apply the right product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why waxing or polishing will not fix the scratches inside your toilet bowl. You will either have to get it professionally reglazed or replace the toilet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to deal with weeds without using herbicides like Roundup. Get tips on putting down a black meshy fabric called a weed blocker and covering it with stone or slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Found out whether Novabrik is a good alternative to masonry brick. Learn about Hardiplank, a similar low-maintenance siding product. Novabrik is not as durable as solid brick, but you won't need to maintain any mortar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should remove asbestos tile before putting siding or stucco on a house. Get tips on wetting the tile to keep the dust down and checking with your municipality about proper disposal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether a pool affects the resale value of a house. Get tips on keeping service records not only for your pool, but your heating and cooling systems as well. Also learn how to ask contractors to preserve a tree and explain their cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stop a toilet from double flushing. Get tips on replacing the flush valve and fill valve to fix the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to make over a concrete pool deck. Learn about your options, such as concrete stain, acid staining and paver bricks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices