SHOW NOTES:

Today, learn how to maintain your washer and dryer to prevent floods and fires, keep stink bugs out with some sweet tricks, and choose the perfect mattress upgrades for a sound sleep. Plus, we’re sharing tips to help you make your home improvement plans a reality, so join the conversation!

- Stinkbugs: Stinkbug invasions really stink, but there are ways to banish the bugs.

- Washers and Dryers: Prevent floods and fires with washer and dryer maintenance.

- Mattress Shopping: Snooze, don’t lose, with tips for buying a new mattress.

Q & A:

- Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees are eating away at Norma’s wood patio. She gets tips for professional pest control treatment and for replacing wood with composite materials.

- Siding Repair: How can Ron reattach vinyl siding that’s coming loose? It’s easy to do if he has the right tool to bend the edges so he can connect the adjoining pieces.

- Insulation: David’s old insulation is falling from the attic rafters. He should maximize the insulation in the floor joists by adding a layer of new insulation.

- Metal Roof: Sally wonders if it’s a good idea to install a metal roof. It’s a great long-lasting investment, but the ROI depends on how long you’re staying the house.

- Plumbing: When one toilet flushes, the toilet in the other bathroom drains. John needs to check the roof vent pipe to see if there’s an obstruction that’s blocking proper venting.

- Worn Decking: Is there a way to fix a worn deck without replacing it? We suggest that Joan flip the deck boards over to the other side, which probably looks like new.

- Refinishing Stairs: Should Jason apply water-based polyurethane to new wood stairs? A solvent-based polyurethane in a satin finish would hold up better to abrasion.

- Old Windows: James has condensation in the windows of his historic home. He can’t change the window casing, but he can reduce the indoor humidity with a whole house dehumidifier. 

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

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