25
votes
Accepted
Why is all this exterior trim rotting and how do I fix it?
The cause is simply nature. You've got wood that's outside. It gets wet, the wet stays in the wood, the wood rots. This happens when wood is left outside in an area where water can get stuck and ...
- 25.9k
18
votes
What is this metal plug thing on my outside wall?
All-but-certainly connected to the usual over-pressure/over-temperature relief/safety valve common to boilers and water heaters.
It appears to be configured to turn the boiling-hot water and/or steam ...
- 223k
17
votes
Do my exterior GFCI outlets really need to be on their own circuit?
A private buyer's inspector can write whatever they want. Some have a reputation for being minimalistic that gets them referrals from selling agents, some have a reputation for being "tigers&...
- 43.7k
16
votes
Do you to block a unwanted 4 inch hole or reuse it for something else?
Yes, you can cover it up with plywood. However:
was made by builder for no reason
No, it was for a reason. If it was for no reason, they would have likely just covered it with regular siding. When ...
14
votes
Accepted
What type of screw is the most resistant to rust: galvanized, stainless steel, or deck screws?
The stainless steel screw will absolutely be the best screw to resist rust. Stainless steel screws are rust-resistant throughout the entire screw, not just on the surface.
The other screws are ...
- 1,482
12
votes
Accepted
Is putting a pex tube underground and then through a concrete slab OK?
Sleeve It
When running any tubing (PEX, ABS, PVC) through concrete you need to de-couple it, Even 6mil plastic suffices, but sill guard is better. A tubing sleeve (e.g. 1.5in ABS) like you propose ...
- 16k
12
votes
Accepted
What's this layer in between OSB sheathing and house wrap?
It's gypsum sheathing, and it's white (as is the Tyvek). Your camera's white balance is off. In the full-res photo you can clearly see the porous texture and paper facing. Here it is looking a little ...
- 144k
11
votes
What is this exterior electrical box and how do I cover it properly?
Looks like a 4" square box with a mud-ring for a lighting fixture (thus the 2-3/4" spacing.) So if you chisel away the stucco at the corners there will be two more screws, and a normal 4&...
- 223k
10
votes
Why is all this exterior trim rotting and how do I fix it?
Because that's what wood does, especially when exposed to regular and/or prolonged moisture. The lack of gable overhangs on the home are a factor. Even cedar and other rot-resistant species have their ...
- 144k
9
votes
Why is all this exterior trim rotting and how do I fix it?
It's hard to say for sure without pulling it apart but your pictures suggest to me that you have water getting behind the wood at that corner. The reason I think this might be the case is that you ...
- 2,100
9
votes
What is this exterior electrical box and how do I cover it properly?
If you're not interested in fiddling with stucco, you can buy 3" weatherproof covers (example) that should do the trick.
Just be sure the cover says "weatherproof" on it. There are some ...
- 25.7k
8
votes
Does dark exterior paint hold and transfer more heat to an uninsulated house?
A darker color absorbs more heat so yes it will heat the home more during the day. Your concern is valid. White is the least absorbent color and black is the most absorbent color.
- 103k
8
votes
Do my exterior GFCI outlets really need to be on their own circuit?
My first guess would be that the inspector was misinformed. It's common to have a number of GFCI protected outlets on their own circuit if the circuit is protected by a GFCI breaker in the main panel. ...
- 83.9k
8
votes
Accepted
How do I prevent exterior water from seeping into interior moulding?
Those bottom corners are the only problematic locations, right?
Referring to Page #7 of these Jeld-Wen installation Instructions which I recently followed.
You are missing the foam wedges
Go to the ...
- 16.8k
8
votes
Accepted
What could cause the drywall behind the baseboard to crumble and allow interior of wall to fill with dirt?
Drywall Crack - That is a likely the factory joint of the drywall. It cracks due to movement of the studs that can happen for a variety of reasons, including temperature, humidity changes and ...
- 195
8
votes
Accepted
What’s this small metal post sticking out of my wall?
It doesn't strike me as a functional component of the wall, as a brick tie or weep string might. I can't imagine how it would relate to the fireplace. It was probably for hanging something decorative ...
- 144k
7
votes
Accepted
How to attach a security camera to an existing box?
Many camera's like this popular Lorex model:
come with a small 2" surface mounting "Plate" that you can use if you don't have electrical box mounting. They also screw into a 1/2" weatherproof ...
- 4,230
7
votes
Will a fire pit damage my patio's ceiling?
Unless you limit usage to tiny kindling fires, this is a bad plan. Sparks are common when burning wood, and a slight breeze can put them almost anywhere. Logs burn at 600-1000 degrees F or more and ...
- 144k
7
votes
Why is all this exterior trim rotting and how do I fix it?
We require “back priming”. That means pre-paint all surfaces before the trim is installed...especially cut ends. End grain on trim sucks up moisture more than side grain.
- 23.4k
7
votes
Accepted
How to add corner trim to a shed without exterior access?
I would build the shed on rollers or skids three feet from the neighbors' walls. Finish it completely and properly, then roll or slide it into position, lever it up and slip the timbers out. A 10x10 ...
- 144k
7
votes
Looking for advice repairing granite stair tiles
Jack gave a great answer and I've upvoted it, but I'd rather see you use a polyurethane construction adhesive, which is made for a job like this, instead of a silicone caulk. I've seen silicone caulk ...
- 12.1k
7
votes
Exterior outlet from interior main breaker
There are 4 options:
GFCI with each receptacle - not recommended due to cost and especially not for outside receptacles. (But this is sometimes done in kitchens for ease of GFCI reset.)
GFCI/breaker -...
7
votes
What's this thing by my front door?
Mechanical doorbell/chime, at a guess.
Operation might rotate, might be push-pull, probably missing parts in the house by now.
- 223k
7
votes
Accepted
Should I use stainless or galvanized structural screws for a deck?
Simpson has manufactured building ties and associated anchors for decades. Don't you think they have some experience to lean on?
They are reputable and I would rely on their recommendations rather ...
- 38.6k
6
votes
Accepted
Leaky anti-siphon valve on exterior faucets
I contacted the manufacturer and once I had some part numbers and basic information, this was easy to track down. This answer should apply to most people with a similar problem. The short answer is ...
- 6,128
6
votes
What to do with broken outdoor lights that left the bulbs exposed?
Exterior light fixtures are designed so that the casing protects the electrical components inside them from the elements. Without an intact case, hail could break the bulb itself in the next storm, or ...
- 20.8k
6
votes
Accepted
Are turnbuckles required for cable railing?
When installing that way you will not be able to get maximal tension because you need some space to apply the crimps.
Also over time the cable will stretch. This means that you will need to retighten ...
- 12.8k
6
votes
Does PVC conduit penetrating an exterior wall require a box on the interior side?
You can't run Romex there at all. Romex is only rated for indoor use. Conduit outdoors is a wet location. You could use UF-B cable, which is "outdoor Romex" if you will.
Metal boxes are ...
6
votes
Running new 10/3 dryer line exterior first then inside?
You can't run standard NM cable (a.k.a., Romex) outside. That's in conduit or not, because it will get wet and it doesn't do wet.
You can either use THWN wires in conduit (which will be much easier ...
6
votes
Accepted
Use Polyurethane or Epoxy Paint Over Latex?
If you accept that your adhesion is only as good as the adhesion of the paint you don't remove, since you'll be painting over paint; yes, that will work.
If you want full benefit of (particularly) an ...
- 223k
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