The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out how to repair cracks in a concrete driveway. The solution is to first clean out the cracks really well and then use an epoxy patching compound to fill them in. Use either a broom or a wet/dry vacuum to get the dirt out of the cracks. Don't Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to permanently repair a crack in a textured ceiling. The solution is to pull off the texturing, put up a fiberglass mesh tape, spackle it and then retexture it. There is texture material sold in a can that you can just spray on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about countertop replacement options that are not as expensive as granite but still provide resale value. Ceramic tile is an easy way to update a laminate top. Use a product called Bondera TileMatSet, which is a tile adhesive. Peel the back off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to patch a hole in a radiator. The solution is to put an epoxy patching compound over the hole, cover it with a little piece of metal and clamp it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a chipped granite countertop. The solution is to buy an acrylic or epoxy repair kit. There is a wide variety available. You mix up the repair material, mix in a dye that is very close to the pattern that you have, and then very Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what could be causing your water to turn off completely every so often. If there is a pressure-reducing valve at the main water line where it comes into your house, you could have a situation where it's trying to adjust pressure and just Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to replace a nonstandard size door. The solution is to modify the opening of the exterior wall to take a standard-height, 80-inch door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to reglaze a porcelain bathtub. The solution is to do your research and hire a reputable contractor to reglaze the tub. They will etch it, prime it and then spray on a topcoat that should last about five years. Your other option is to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out whether it's worth the money to install a radiant barrier in your attic. The answer is that there are other things you can do that would be more effective in terms of energy efficiency. For example, most homes don't have enough insulation to Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why it is a bad idea to put ceramic tile on a wood deck; the tiles will crack unless you have a really stable subfloor, and they will be icy and dangerous in the winter. Learn why you should go for composite decking instead. Fiberon makes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should remove old shingles from your roof before you put on a new layer. If you put multiple layers of roofing on a house, the first layer adds a heat sink that can rapidly deteriorate the new layer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what could be causing your heat pump to have trouble keeping up when the temperature falls below freezing. If the emergency heat setting works when you turn it on, that means there is probably a problem with your control circuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to prevent ice dams by installing Grace Ice & Water Shield on your roof. You should also add a ridge vent, which will allow the soffit vents and ridge vent to work together to depressurize the ridge and positively pressurize the soffit so Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you are getting no airflow on the second floor, the issue is that you don't have a properly installed duct system. The solution is to hire an HVAC contractor to evaluate the situation and give you an estimate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should hire a home inspector to look at a house you are thinking of buying if it has a forced air downdraft system and registers on the floor but no ductwork underneath. Get tips on getting the issue documented because it is Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install prefinished hardwood flooring over tile. As long as the tile is adhered well, you can go right on top of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If your fireplace is producing a creosote odor, you should have your chimney inspected by a professional home inspector. Go to ASHI.org to find one. You want to make sure your chimney is very clean because creosote is dangerous and reacts with Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to solve the problem of window condensation. Get tips on reducing the humidity in your house by making sure you have good ventilation through the house and up into the attic. Learn why you should have ridge vents and soffit vents as well Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you are looking to install radiant heat in your floor and want to know the best option, you should go with a PEX floor, which is hydronic heat with crosslink polyethylene piping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out when you should close your foundation vents and when you should open them. The purpose of the vents is to keep the crawlspace as dry as possible. You should leave them open for most of the year and only close them in the winter months when Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why putting insulation between the first and second floor of your house is not the best solution for heat loss. Instead, get a whole house energy audit done to find out exactly what you need to do to save money and energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to stop water from leaking out of your deck. Learn about Dek Drain, a channel system that attaches to the joist supports of the deck. Water goes in there and drains away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to fix double hung windows that won't properly latch. Getting the windows to latch will keep out drafts and give the windows their proper seal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to silence floor squeaks under carpet. Learn how driving a nail into the floor will get rid of the squeak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what may cause an electric oven to stop working after a power outage. Learn how RepairClinic.com can help you diagnose and fix the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices