#2527 – Bite Back at Mosquitoes | Take Under-Deck Space to New Heights | Steps for Ladder Safety

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

SHOW NOTES:

Hey Money Pit fans! Get ready for another exciting episode focused on making your home safer, quieter, and more functional, especially with summer approaching. And we hope all the dads out there had a very happy Father's Day! Coming up:

- Find out the most effective ways to curb the mosquito population around your house, mainly by eliminating all sources of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

- We'll welcome Dave Kyle, CEO of Trex RainEscape, to explain how their under-deck drainage system creates a dry, usable space beneath an elevated deck, protecting the structure from moisture and allowing for the addition of electrical and gas lines for various outdoor amenities.

- Learn crucial ladder safety tips such as keeping the ladder stationary, leveling its feet on various surfaces, proper positioning at a 75-degree angle, looking for overhead wires, and avoiding resting it against rounded objects like trees.

Q & A:

- Darlene from Baltimore is dealing with noise issues between the upstairs and downstairs apartments. The best soundproofing solution involves opening up the wall to install mineral wool insulation and potentially sound-deadening drywall.

- Tim from Michigan has a vinyl linoleum floor with wrinkles and an uneven subfloor. We advise using a floor leveling compound and consider replacing the floor with a waterproof engineered vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank product.

- Britney from Michigan must repair a crumbling cobblestone foundation in her old farmhouse. This load-bearing wall issue requires a specialized technique called needle beaming to temporarily support the house while the foundation is disassembled and rebuilt, ideally overseen by a structural engineer or architect.

- Maya from Iowa needs help removing outdoor carpet glued to concrete steps. It’s a tough job best tackled with a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue, followed by options like thin pavers or outdoor-rated ceramic tile for resurfacing.

- Marcy in Nebraska has a 15,000 BTU window AC unit that keeps tripping her breaker in the heat of the afternoon. An overloaded or low-amperage circuit can be identified using a "fox and hound" circuit tracker and may ultimately require an electrical system check-up or upgrade by a professional electrician.

- Marcus in New Jersey is installing a new exterior door and wonders if he still needs a storm door. They’re generally not necessary for energy efficiency with modern doors, but can be added for airflow, keeping in mind that direct sun can cause heat buildup and potentially melt trim.

We're here every week, and you can call us 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) if your home needs a fix! Or you can always post your question here.

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