Recent content by strategery

I do a variation of what joecaption said. I take a bowl and put about a cup of vinegar in it. Then I put some plastic wrap tightly over it and punch several small holes in it. The flies are attracted to the vinegar and they can get in but can't get out. Works like a charm for me.

Thanks for your input. I've actually had some difficulty finding a good contractor who does complete foundation replacement using poured. Actually, the guy who bid my cmu job says that he prefers cmu over poured because you get "better bang for your buck." I actually asked him to explain that...

I didn't really notice the siding getting wet from the rain just the dirt around the foundation. I've had a few big rainstorms already since getting the new gutters and it's keeping the dirt around the foundation much more dry. I'm pretty happy with the new gutters and hopefully when it's time...

I've got some foundation/basement issues that while not immediately threatening my house, will only get worse with time and eventually will need replaced or addressed. My basement floor is in terrible shape. Replacing it with the proper thickness of a new floor will make it impossible to walk...

I bought some new seamless gutters with gutter toppers. Had first rain since installing them and they're working beautifully. I got 3 bids. Interestingly, the contractor with the best reputation ending up doing the job for a couple hundred less than the others. I'm very happy with them and...

Hi everyone. I have some questions about putting in a french drain. On the south side of my property the slope of the earth between my neighbor's house and mine is not very favorable for me. Not only are they higher, but their downspouts point towards my property. That side of the lawn tends to...

I think that study that GBR posted supports the notion that powered attic fans aren't a very good investment if you're looking to cut AC costs or try to cool the house. What about moisture issues though? Shouldn't that be the primary reason for adding a powered fan? A solar powered fan is easier...

I have shorter overhangs. Is it possible to have them extended out a little bit to capture more of the rain?

I want to put down some paper and mulch to control the weeds and for cosmetic value. I already have a damp basement which i deal with by opening windows when it's dry out (fall, early spring) and dehumidify during the summer. Will this likely contribute to the problem? I'm not sure if there's...

I have an 800 square foot house. The roof has some cosmetic issues but it still serves its purpose and probably has another 5 years before it NEEDS replaced. I would ideally like to replace the roof and the gutters at the same time, but I don't think I can afford that right now. I do need to...

There is no footing with this foundation. Terra cotta block. Walls have bowed in some. An inch to an inch and a half.

Good point, Neal. I did talk to 3 basement waterproofing companies that all specialize in the interior or "negative" side I think it's called. 2 of them will perform the work and install a sump pump. 1 of them said the floor has to be replaced with it. Also, I have talked to 3 different...

I've talked to 3 of them and they barely said anything about the outside they just told me that I need their inside French drain and sump pump. One of them also said that they won't even do that unless I replace the basement floor.

Yeah the basement is pretty damp. My dehumidifier keeps it dry at right about 50% humidity. I don't get any water on the floors but I think I would if that dehumidifier weren't keeping it dry down there. I just cleaned my gutters recently (which I do twice a year), but I may need to replace...

I don't have any waterproofing on there now but it's a 100 year old house