Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to making good homes better! We're here every week, ready to take your calls and tackle your home improvement dilemmas, whether you have questions about painting, plumbing, home safety, security, your roof and gutters, electrical work, energy efficiency, or even curb appeal ideas. Coming up, we'll cover some essential topics to keep your home in top shape, including:
- Smart Summer Lawn Care Tips: Learn how to water wisely, mow like a pro, and keep your yard green without wasting time or money, making it easier than you think to win the battle against the summer heat.
- Metal Roofs: If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, find out why metal roofs aren't just for barns anymore. We’ll discuss their styles, incredible storm protection, and the surprising ways they can save you
money, energy, and maintenance for decades.
- Storm-Proofing Your Home: Get simple steps to prepare your home and yard for storms, plus how to build an emergency kit so you’re not caught off guard when the thunder rolls.
- Summer Heat Safety: We'll also cover crucial tips to keep your home cool and safe during dangerous heat waves.
- Alex from West Virginia has a question about grading the lot of his 1926 American Four Square home, which has a significant 10-foot drop. He wants to level out his front and back yards, so we recommend building a retaining wall, but emphasize the need for proper engineering due to the
project's size and scope.
- Helen from Montana was on the line with a bubbling paint question. We suggested the paint might not have adhered because the wood was too wet or the correct primer wasn't used, and advised her to contact the painter to resolve the issue.
- Kevin from Rhode Island asked about keeping his basement dry after replacing a 3-foot downspout extension with a 2-foot cement one and noticing his basement became damp. To keep his basement drier, he needs to move excess moisture away from the foundation, extending
downspouts at least 3 feet away, and consider a dehumidifier for the
- Debbie from Ontario called with a question about cracks in her concrete patio that appeared shortly after it was poured. We identified that there's no structural repair needed, so she can cosmetically seal the cracks with a suitable product.
- Doug in Florida inquired about rust stains on his concrete pool deck from patio furniture and pool ladders. We explained that the rust is likely from iron deposits in his water, and there’s likely not much he can do to stop it long-term.
- Gail from Massachusetts suspected mold in her den because it smelled after it rained. She should focus on ventilation and dehumidification, plus addressing external drainage issues like clogged gutters, downspout placement, and sloping soil around the house to reduce overall moisture.
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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