Removing Peeling Paint from a Retaining Wall

The gals at housemade took a pressure washer to their front retaining wall which besides peeling paint is a necessary element for their plant beds. We've seen how well pressure washers clear walkways of slippery moss and other debris but they are also effective at removing peeling paint from masonry, brick, and wood siding.

  May 29, 2008 | Comments ()

Drywell Rebuild with the Help of Oakum

The folks at Chicago 2-Flat tore up a concrete slab in their backyard to discover a 100-year old drywell located just next to the house. They considered setting up rain barrels as the only gutter drained into this drywell but decided against this due to the weather and limited space in their yard.

  May 28, 2008 | Comments ()

Efflorescence: The Chalky Stuff on your Concrete

Efflorescence is a very common and somewhat mysterious ailment effecting masonry construction including brick, concrete, and mortars. It occurs when water moving through a sidewalk or other structure brings salts to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off but sometimes create more lasting stains.

  May 27, 2008 | Comments ()

Fix a Sagging Wooden Swing Gate

It's time to fix that sagging wooden gate that scrapes along the ground. Until this is remedied it will continue to mark your pathway as well as damage the bottom of your gate and place unnecessary stress on the hinges and planks.

  May 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Fix a Hole in the Ceiling

A reader sent in this photo of a hole in their kitchen ceiling which they recently patched with duct tape. Obviously the duct tape won't due and it looks like there could be further water damage around the hole.

If it's a plaster ceiling here are some steps to fix it.

  May 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Friday Fix: The Running Toilet

This week's Friday Fix is courtesy of Nathaniel from Garber's Hardware who are sponsoring this month's Klein toolbag giveaway. Onto the Fix!

So, your toilet is running. It won't stop. You tried jiggling the handle. You tried asking your toilet nicely to behave. You tried to get your landlord to send a plumber. Each effort more futile then the last. It's time to take matters into your own hands.

Although this is usually a rather simple fix, it's a good idea to be familiar with the inner workings of your toilet. It's amazing how rarely we think about the way the things we use every day (and couldn't live without) work. So, lets get to know your toilet.

  May 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Tree Decision: Keep'em or Cut'em?

We are big fans of trees being used as landscape elements to add detail or shelter to your home. But many times the tree begins to overstay it's welcome and the branches become unmanageable or the roots pull up the pathway or lead to damage to your foundation.

  May 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Repairing Damaged Baseboards

Crown, chair, and base Moldings add a touch of character and charm to any room no matter how old or new your home is. But these moldings are also not immune to the rigors of a household and often times they are subject to even more damage because they are located in high-traffic areas such as baseboards which are easily dinged by feet, furniture, and other moving objects.

  May 8, 2008 | Comments ()

Get Your Closets Back on Track

Chances are you have a closet somewhere in your apartment or house--more than one if you're lucky. After years of wear and tear or just years without renovation, you've probably also run into some "off-track" issues.

  May 7, 2008 | Comments ()

Clear a Clogged Kitchen or Bathroom Sink Drain

There's no more common household problem than clogged sink drains. One of our most popular articles is how-to replace a p-trap, but before you even look under the sink take a plunger and wet rag and try to dislodge the blockage.

  May 6, 2008 | Comments ()