The Money Pit Calls & Answers

Find out when and how to fix cracked floor tiles, and when those cracks are the sign of a bigger problem - and solution.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out what it takes to turn decks and porches into proper living spaces, and get ideas for adding comfort to those spaces for year-round use -  for less.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to make sure you have enough ventilation in your attic without letting the elements in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about T1-11 siding - how it serves two purposes and cuts down the steps you need to take before adding new siding.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spray foam insulation is polyurethane-based, meaning it's tough to remove when it lands where it shouldn't.  Get advice for removing spray foam from household surfaces inside and out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn why a closed cell insulation, like spray foam, can hold up in moisture prone areas better than fiberglass batts can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When outdoor bricks crack, it's often evidence of moisture making its way into places it shouldn't.  Learn how to seal cracks in outdoor fireplace buttresses, how to keep additional water from seeping in, and what to look for to make sure the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn what to consider before adding a layer of paint to a wooden deck, and get tips on products that can help strip existing paint.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If an estimate for replacement windows doesn't include capping, it's a problem.  Learn what you should expect from manufacturer estimates, and also what to look for as you shop different makes and models.  Also get tips for deciding whether or not Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ice dams, or the collection of ice at a roof's edge, are a common wintertime occurence that cause leaks - and the need for big repairs.  Get advice for avoiding ice dams in the future.  And while ice dams cause big headaches, there is some silver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Objectivity is key in a home energy auditor, who tests homes for efficiency and lets you know where hot and cold air are escaping - or getting in.  Find out how to find an auditor that's independent, and isn't focused on selling services like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moss that grows on blacktop and cement can be stubborn.  Learn which products are effective at cleaning it off - and keeping it away.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's crucial you understand exactly how your fireplace is configured before sealing off any section.  Learn which questions to ask, and which conditions affect how the job is done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a major component of your HVAC system goes, like the compressor, learn how to determine if you should replace it, repair it or just get a whole new system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how to determine whether cracks in a hard plaster ceiling can be filled, or if the ceiling needs to be replastered - and whether you're up for the job.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a home settles, it can throw off doors, making them impossible to close and latch.  Learn how to rehang an exterior door, and the correct hardware to use for the job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are several ways to make a garage more efficient.  Learn what options exist for adding insulation to garage doors, as well as other helpful hints for keeping garages warmer in cooler months.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Find out how protecting your shingles can affect its color as it ages - including how copper can keep mildew and algae from taking root in any location.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's generally advisable to remove old flooring and paint before adding new layers.  But exceptions do exist.  Learn how to determine whether layering floor types is acceptable or not.   Plus, buyer beware: Discover the major pitfall of sheet vinyl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn affordable ways to minimize drafts when new windows aren't an option.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few options exist for fixing chemical burns and stains on Jacuzzi plastic.  Stop drain cleaners from causing damage in the future: Toss those potentially harmful chemical drain cleaners for a new drain cleaner that works more like a pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oil heat can be pricey and inefficient - but if gas isn't available, it might be your only option.  Learn what options exist for adding efficiency to your heating system, including whether pellet stoves are a realistic option for a standard-sized Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Water that's hotter than expected isn't just annoying - it can be dangerous.  Learn how to check - and control - your water heater's temperature, and never feel a scalding or freezing cold blast again with a product that keeps water temperature in Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A sink that drains slowly can mean one of several things.  Discover the steps to take to determine the cause of - and fix - the problem.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn which questions to ask before contacting a manufacturer about delaminating engineered hardwood.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices