SHOW NOTES:


Insulation: Insulating an older home can be complicated, but we’ve got info on the best way to get it done.


Indoor Gardening: When outdoor gardening season ends, you can keep things growing with an indoor container garden.


Chimney Cleaning: Before you light a fire for those chilly nights, have your chimney properly cleaned by a professional to keep things safe and warm.

Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.


Split Ductless Systems: Is there a way to compare the costs and efficiency of a split ductless system vs. a central HVAC system? Dave should start with a heat loss analysis and consider a system with smaller ducts that’s easier to install.


Carpeting: Sarah’s having a hard time scraping off old carpeting glue without damaging her subfloor. She’s better off pulling up the carpet and adding a new layer of plywood to create a smooth surface.


Permits: How can Tyler know when a permit is needed for a home project? It’s usually required for a home improvement or replacement, but not for a repair.


Asbestos: Nancy’s concerned that the ceiling tiles she wants to remove may have asbestos. It’s not likely, but there’s an easy way to get a tile sample tested for asbestos to be sure.


Bathtub Repair: Oops! After the kids dropped a can in the bathtub, it caused a crack that’s leaking. We tell Chuck about a repair kit he can use to create a fiberglass patch.


Screens: Florida winds keep blowing out sections of Pam’s screened porch. She’ll need to replace the soft vinyl screens with heavier metal screens that are sturdier and have more attachment points.


Heating: James is thinking of replacing his baseboard heat with an electric furnace. Installing a high-efficiency natural gas furnace is a better option.


Exterior Walls: An exterior retaining wall has a powdery white coating that’s spreading. Eunice learns that it’s efflorescence caused by absorbed moisture and is easy to clean off with a vinegar and water mixture.


Flooring: When laminate flooring boards start to separate, they can't be repaired. Rick will have to replace the floor instead, but has some affordable choices.

 
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.
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