Recent content by Soparklion

I just purchased a home that was built in the 1940s. There are multiple areas with cracks in the ceiling that seem to indicate that it was finished with drywall boards ~16 x 48" and the joints were not taped. No plaster covering either, simply jointed with drywall compound without tape. I'm...

The foundation is block. Digging to the bottom of the foundation puts the drain at or below grade of all available areas for outlet. And if I have water that low, why is the existing sump dry?

Thank you for your reply. Cost is a concern mostly that the interior French Drain guys want me to rip out the existing bathroom to have the interior drain installed and I'm not too keen on that idea. I'm fine with buying the dehumidifier. The existing sump is dry, bone dry and it appears...

I recently purchased a two story home with a pitched slate roof. There is NO soffit or other ventilation to the attic. How should I ventilate it? I plan to place a gable vent on one end with a gable fan in the other end, but I have no idea how to size them. I've heard 1 cu ft/min per...

I just purchased a moderate-size two story house in Pittsburgh, PA built in the 1940s. The home has a full basement - boundary in black in drawing. It was formerly rented, so there is no available history regarding water issues. The house sits on a lot that slopes away from the house on all...

Thanks - I do plan to sister the ceiling joists. Other sites speak difficulty drywalling such an old house due to uneven walls and recommend plaster. My plasterer's quote was actually 1/2 of the drywaller's quote - due to the reduced prework required. Should I be concerned about the house...

The Ceiling in my 120 yr old frame house is sagging - a total of 10 cm from the level of one of the chimneys. I removed the 120 yr old plaster and lathe. Is plaster or drywall more appropriate to replace the ceiling and walls? I fear that the plaster would crack with continued...

I own a 110 yr old wood frame rowhome, roughly 28' x 32'. The floor dips on both axis - most noticeably on the first floor - to the main support beam in the basement. It has some minor cracks. It deflects at the contact points with the 3 lally jacks that were installed by a previous owner...