6
votes
How can I mount a large TV over wall molding?
This doesn't need to be fancy or complicated. You just need standoffs that are large enough to not crush into the drywall. Simple 1x2 boards would do just fine. If that doesn't give you quite enough ...
- 129k
5
votes
How can I remove this stuck auger bit when there’s not much room?
If you can disengage the drill motor and ninety degree drive, using a pair of clamping pliers (ViseGrips™) or a suitably sized wrench to fit the end of the drill bit may provide you with sufficient ...
- 10.7k
5
votes
How can I mount a large TV over wall molding?
If you anchor it solidly into studs, you can definitely shim it.
I'd make two shims, as large as well fit in those gaps, just slightly proud of the trim. Then place a 1/2" plywood panel over it, ...
- 2,289
4
votes
Why is my neighbor's A/C causing my walls to sweat?
This plan seems to assume that water is coming through the wall from the neighbor's side to yours.
If the problem is caused by temperature-based condensation, this has no hope of working, because the ...
- 1,592
3
votes
Accepted
What’s this white stuff coming from new drywall and surrounding areas?
It is impossible to tell what exactly that powder is.
Efflorescence would be accompanied with the presence of moisture. You have not indicated any moisture was found.
Drywall work creates fine dust ...
- 25.1k
2
votes
The brick is falling away from the rest of the house, how do I fix this the right way?
Nonstructural brick like yours gets installed with a gap between it and the wall. There are little ties back in there that fix the brick parallel to the wood wall. There should be drainage for the gap ...
- 5,261
2
votes
Smoothing out a painted cinder block wall
Assuming you don't want insulation inside (perhaps you'll place that outside and get the benefit of the thermal mass of the concrete inside the insulated envelope, and not lose space?) remove the ...
- 202k
2
votes
Why is my neighbor's A/C causing my walls to sweat?
A much simpler solution here would be to add thermal insulation to minimize the heat transfer pulling your side to below the dew point.
None of what that contractor is proposing is adding thermal ...
- 11.6k
2
votes
How can I fill a gap in a cornice after removing an intersecting wall?
I'm no plasterer and neither was my dad, but he was inventive, and did this…
Get some Plasticene [children's modelling clay] & press it up against a matching section of the cornice further over. ...
- 10.5k
2
votes
Accepted
Repair Protection Covering: Rosin Paper and Masking Paper Difference
The rosin paper is a little thicker and heavier. It is sturdy enough to provide floor protection to some degree so it would be less likely to accidentally tear from incidental contact whereas the ...
- 86
2
votes
What is this white stuff on an outside pillar of the alfesco?
That's efflorescence, an indicator of water coming out of the pillar. It could be rising damp. It could could be sort sort of leak.
- 19k
2
votes
Safe to lower pony wall?
I don't believe you need to keep the wall or the post as-is. Here's why.
You have a modern engineered truss roof. Unless all the trusses bear on either a wall or a beam crossing that post, there is ...
- 129k
2
votes
Replaces switches and outlets. None of the outlets are working
I just re-read your question, and realized I didn't answer your question. I jumped right into how to fix it. (First post starts with next paragraph.) The reason why the outlets have no power is that ...
- 396
2
votes
Accepted
How do I drill into a crawlspace?
Yes, you can drill into that joist. I would not worry about your townhouse neighbor as this joist probably isn't shared with your neighbor, since it seems to be inside of the wall cavity (maybe under ...
- 6,780
2
votes
How should this wall water damage be repaired?
Looks better in the after picture in any case.
Drywall or plaster repair is a many stage process. Often you do 3 coats of mud with sanding in between before you get to priming and painting. Stains ...
- 13.5k
1
vote
Safe to lower pony wall?
Theoretically, lowering the wall could adversely impact the column (TLDR, I think that @isherwood is correct). The strength of a column is commonly governed by buckling, where lowering that pony wall'...
- 5,261
1
vote
Side of house leaking water?
White plumbing of this size is almost certainly a drain. I believe you are looking at a clean-out access. It shouldn't leak. Drains shouldn't leak. But the water could just be running down the outside ...
- 27.5k
1
vote
Waterproofing concrete wall
Tile sets well on block walls. There is not a requirement to cover with cement board, but if you feel you must, add firring strips and then the cement board.
I have used the Aquadefense on many ...
- 25.1k
1
vote
Splintering Jack stud - does it need replaced? or is there a way to mend it?
Those splinters do not affect the strength of that jack stud at all. Much worse can happen and it will still handle the load. If a moderate piece was missing or a large split was evident, that would ...
- 34.3k
1
vote
Why is my wall thicker in one area and what can I do about it?
My guess is that the house didn't originally have those openings, and the thickness is for a header to support the structure above those openings. Likely your other wall sections are based on 2x4 ...
- 3,773
1
vote
Repair Protection Covering: Rosin Paper and Masking Paper Difference
Summary: Rosin Paper is for floor covering. Masking Paper is for masking off small areas.
Rosin Paper
A light-duty floor covering (as opposed to a more costly and durable ram board type product).
The ...
- 5,429
1
vote
How can I fill a gap in a cornice after removing an intersecting wall?
I would attempt to match the profile of the cornice. Even if you only come close it'll be much less conspicuous than a corbel at a seemingly random location.
Cut a triangular block of wood to fit the ...
- 129k
1
vote
What’s this white stuff coming from new drywall and surrounding areas?
Plaster dust. If it bothers you, give the area a quick swipe with a slightly damp rag. But realistically, if you're going to paying, the paint will absorb the dust and solve this for you.
- 27.5k
1
vote
Accepted
How to Achieve a Smooth Transition on a Wall with Mesh-Reinforced Gypsum?
Fairly normal if it's fiberglass (as in mesh tape for drywall) - would be a bit odd if it's metal mesh, but it appears to be falling apart the way fiberglass tape does.
Anyway, you don't tear it down, ...
- 202k
1
vote
Smoothing out a painted cinder block wall
You don't need studs for building structure, so 1-bys would do it. Preferably two layers of 1-bys, horizontal first and then vertical on 18" centers as pseudo studs to affix drywall to; advantage ...
- 27.5k
1
vote
Accepted
How can I remove this stuck auger bit when there’s not much room?
Several options from cheap to expensive.
Block of wood and pry bar with drill in reverse if engaging like crip suggests.
Vice Grips like fred.u suggests.
Crow foot socket with short extension bar and ...
- 13.5k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible