Recent content by Rwh56

I was thinking of putting block cleats inside the sash weight space, but it would be simpler to use Bud's idea of placing horizontal boards across the window case and adjacent studs and screws into the studs and window case. This solution is giving me encouragement to replace all three...

I discovered carpenter ant damage to the framing underneath my double hung window. Ideally, I would like to replace the entire window sill plate and two of the supporting studs. How can I do this without removing the window, as the damaged studs and sill plate support the window? I could...

Placed a screw jack between studs to take some of the load when removing sections of the studs.

Thank you for those details!

I would like to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. Brook, what size, roughly, Simpson tie plates? And did you use them on both sides of the stud joint? When you braced your kitchen ceiling, was the plaster removed and the joists exposed? Did you use any lumber between the...

Another question: I imagine that the joint must be square and tight. I can make a square cut on the new lumber. How do I make a square cut on the old stud still in the wall?

I removed more of the plaster and lathe to reveal the other studs to see the extent of the damage. The studs to the left of the king and jack studs are not damaged. But they will all need to be repaired. Snoonyb, I am wondering if you could explain the use of 3/8" ply for joining the studs...

The mud room was converted into a half bath if you are wondering why there is a sink in the mudroom. Second photo shows four 2 x 4 studs. From right to left: jack stud, king stud, short stud about six inches high, then full length stud. I am glad you asked me to take pictures, because it...

I posted this on the Carpentry and Woodworking section. Not sure the best place to post this. Carpenter ants have riddled the jack and king studs in a doorway that leads from the kitchen to the small shed mudroom. This is a 1920 wood frame three story house. The jack stud is easily replaced...

Carpenter ants have riddled the jack and king studs in a doorway that leads from the kitchen to the small shed mudroom. This is a 1920 wood frame three story house. The jack stud is easily replaced, at least in theory. The ideal repair is to also completely replace the king stud. The king...

I have never been so frustrated painting a door: Old cedar paneled front door. Stripped down to the first coat. Applied latex primer without any issues. Next day applied latex semi gloss neutral Weatherbeater mistakenly believing it was white paint. Seems dry after a few hours...

I would like to replace the old valves that control the main water line inside the house. There are two, one street side of the meter, and the other house side of the meter. The house side valve has tubing that does not look like modern copper tube sweated joints. Is there anything I need to...

Thank you, NealTW for the advice. I replaced four of the six deck screws with three inch lengths of quarter inch lag screws. So, I think I am good. Thanks again. Rob

I replaced the bottom flight of stairs to my unfinished basement. I used a seven foot length of pine treated 2 x 10s as the stringers. The treads are supported by 2 x 4 blocks screwed to the inside of the stringers. I attached the blocks with six 2.5 inch decking screws. Should I have used...

I am replacing some ripped screens on my wood frame window screens. The original looks like bronze. Is bronze screen mesh significantly better than the aluminum screen material?