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Water-based Polyurethane Over Oil-based?

Question: Is it OK to use a water-based polyurethane such as Minwax Polycrylic over an interior door surface that had previously been finished with oil-based? Minwax says it’s OK, but the lady at the home improvement store said no. Could you please break the tie? -Mary Answer: In most cases, it is OK to use [...]

Top Coat Finish Touch-Ups

QUESTION: I own a house that was built about 8 years ago. Recently, I was using alcohol to clean off some greasy spots on the oak cabinet veneer sides and solid-wood door near the stove, and apparently the alcohol was strong enough to remove some of the clear-coat top finish. I don’t understand why, because [...]

Water Leaks by Basement Foundation

QUESTION My tri-level home is about 35 years old. We have water in our basement coming from the foundation between the lower level and basement common wall, and the front basement wall. The basement wall is under a 6′x23′ cement slab across the front of the house. Whom do I contact to resolve this issue? [...]

Water Heater Turning Off Each Morning

QUESTION Recently my hot water heater started turning off each morning. I’ve been hitting the “reset” button, and it goes back on and works just fine. However, this has occurred about three times over the past week. It’s not a particularly old water heater, and we don’t use enough electricity to trip the box. What [...]

Brown Water ? Flushing the Water Heater

QUESTION Sometimes brown water comes out of the hot-water faucet. There must be sediment in the water heater. How do I drain the water heater and get rid of the brown water? ANSWER There could be sediment in the water heater, or maybe your home has older galvanized steel piping that is corroding on the [...]

Energy Efficiency Improvements ? Where to Start?

QUESTION I have some funds to do energy efficiency improvements to my old (1950?s) home, but I don?t know where to start. The home is well maintained, but has had no energy improvements. It seems that every contractor has the best product, and there are many claims about huge energy savings. The government rebates and [...]

Leaky Shower

QUESTION I have a shower stall with sectioned walls that leaks water while in use. The water comes out from the left front corner on the floor and leaves a large puddle. The shower was installed around 12 years ago. If I apply a heavy seal of silicone sealant around the shower drain seam, it [...]

Soundproofing Between the Basement and First Floor

QUESTION Can you give me any advice on soundproofing between the basement and first floor? My bedroom is directly over the furnace and water heater. I thought adding foam to the basement ceiling might work. ANSWER Most sound moves with air through openings, so you need to try and seal any air leaks. Caulk or [...]