The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Learn how to clean mold from wooden shingles. Find out where to purchase Jomax house cleaner by Zinsser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what causes a bulging chimney and how to fix it. When the chimney is inside a wall, you have two different types of framing material that are going to move at different rates and speeds. To rebuild that section of the wall, break out the old Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why it's a bad idea to put a second sealer on your travertine floor after you have already sealed it with a different product. Also learn why you shouldn't put a rubber-backed mat on a vinyl floor, but it's fine on travertine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn the benefits using of expanding foam insulation in your attic. Expanding foam insulation such as Icynene can seal cavities in your attic and stop cold air from coming through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what's causing the white powder on the concrete block walls in your basement. Learn why improving the water drainage conditions around your home's foundation will solve the problem by reducing moisture. Also learn how to improve your home's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to install radiant heat in a basement floor. There are radiant heat panels available that can fit right over the hardwood floor slab. Position the insulation panels and install the radiant heat right above those. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn where to find a perforated cover for your baseboard that won't reduce the heat too much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cathedral ceilings are difficult to insulate because they are not very deep, and in many cases have exposed rafters. Learn your options for insulating cathedral ceilings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noise from a bathroom lift pump might just be the result of pipes transmitting sound, or could be a sign of something worse. Find out why it's important to investigate the cause of a noisy lift pump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to fix a gurgling kitchen sink. Learn why the noise is caused by a lack of ventilation in your plumbing system. Get tips on hiring a plumber to determine what's wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to repair a popcorn ceiling that has suffered moisture damage due to a high-hat light fixture. Learn how a high-hat light fixture can contribute to moisture damage and mold, as the moisture has nowhere to go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get tips on cleaning mildew from your home's eaves. Learn what products can help you scrub away gray mildew in your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to repair peeling ceiling paint. Learn about stripping off old paint and using a primer before applying your topcoat when repairing peeling ceiling paint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When buying a generator, there are so many options. Listen here to find out if buying a generator is the right move for your money pit needs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how to put down a plywood or luan underlayment to make a clean, dry, flat surface for tile glue to stick to. Use ring nails across the entire surface: eight on the edge and six in the middle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From gutter length to soil grading, learn which small changes can go a long way toward keeping your basement dry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why the strong musty odor in your basement is being caused by excessive moisture. Learn about several steps you can take to solve the problem, including making sure you have adequate gutters and downspouts, setting up a properly sized Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If your home has plaster walls, removing those walls may not be wise. Get options for new walls without the mess, hassle and expense of removing plaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking to enclose your outdoor deck, but hesitant to cut into existing roof? Find out tips for doing it in a permanent way so it will not leak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out the cause of low spots in asphalt driveways, and get options for leveling them out. Also, tips for slowing their progression.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Old homes have lots of plumbing woes, and usually to do with water either not coming out fast enough or too fast and leaking all over the place! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can achieve a board and batten look on your home's exterior by installing batten on top of vertical siding. Find out whether concrete siding requires additional adhesive once the batten is added. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out why you should hire an architect to design an addition to your home. Get tips on taking the architect's specifications to various contractors so you can compare their bids apples-to-apples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to replace carpeting on your home's porch. Find out how to secure your porch carpeting to ensure safety and prevent slippage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get advice for installing French doors in a bedroom. Learn about a measurement called the "rough opening" and why it's key to getting a door to fit properly. Find out why French door installation is generally not a DIY project unless you are very Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices