Roof Box Vents
Roof box vents are small metal or plastic vents placed near the top of a sloped roof. They are sometimes called static vents, turtle vents, or louvers. Their main job is to let hot air and moisture escape from the attic. Most homes have insulation in the attic, but even with insulation, heat and moisture […]
What Is A ‘Puff Back’?
A ‘puff back’ is a sudden burst of smoke, soot, fumes, or pressure from a heating system when fuel lights late. It can happen with oil, natural gas, or propane equipment. The event may sound like a pop, bang, thump, or whoosh. It means the burner did not ignite the fuel at the normal time. […]
Masonite
Masonite is a type of engineered wood product, often called “hardboard.” It was invented in the 1920s and made by pressing wood fibers together under heat and pressure until they form a dense, smooth board. The fibers are mixed with resins, wax, or oils, which help bind everything together into a solid sheet. While it […]
Why Am I Seeing Yellow Jackets Inside Of My House?
You might feel confused or even a little alarmed when you notice yellow jackets flying around inside your home. These insects are a type of wasp (although many people refer to them as a type of “bee”), and they are known for being aggressive at times, especially when they think their nest is in danger. […]
Spontaneous Combustion
Spontaneous combustion is a real thing. How do I know? Because about 20 years ago, we had a technician working on staining a number of deck boards for a client in the shop, he did not store the rags he was using properly after he was done with them, and I got awakened early the […]
Do ‘Baffles’ Baffle You?
Are you baffled about ‘baffles’? If so, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people hear the term and imagine it refers to some kind of mysterious device with a complicated purpose, but baffles are actually pretty simple, especially as we speak of them in our focus here – how they relate to home improvement. […]
What Is ‘Durock’ And What Is It Used For?
When installing tile, it is important to fasten it to a surface with a particular set of qualities that make the tile installation most likely to last for as long as possible without developing some type of an issue. The best “backer board” of this type that I have come across is a product that […]
The Best Stain To Use On Hardwood Decks
After a long and harsh New England winter, many homeowners find that their hardwood decks need attention. Decks made from dense woods like mahogany or Ipe can handle tough weather, but months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures still take a toll. Cosmetically, the wood may look faded, dry, or uneven in color once the […]
When The Snow Melts…
Living in New England, sometimes we get a winter to “remember”. Typically, these memories are not the type where we enjoy sharing how warm and sunny it was. Usually, it is the exact opposite. Constant dreariness, ice dams, snow piled 10 feet high that seems like it will still be there in July, etc. When […]
The Best Material for Inside Tile Corners (Hint: It’s Not Grout)
When you are finishing a tile job, one of the most important decisions happens at the inside corners. Many beginners (…and even some professionals!) assume grout should go everywhere between tiles, including where two tiled walls meet. But professional installers almost always choose silicone instead. That choice is not just preference. It is based on […]
