Homeowner Forum / Construction / December 2005

A friend of mine is researching a paint on insulation.
The company will not give her an R rating, doesn't seem to be much info
readily available.
They use it many places, and yes, any paint will improve the R rating

I'm putting up a small metal building for the first time, it is a 12 X
30. I went to my local metal building supply store, and they
recommended that for my building size I can use a 4x4 14 guage square
tube instead of an I-beam, with one on each corner and two in the

What are the best drill bits out there to drill metal?

I am planning to build a home, garage, and shop on Whidbey Island next
year, and all will probably be built on concrete slab foundations.  My
question is with respect to insulation.  I have read a number of
articles stating that a very firm gravel/sand base is required to

I think I need something verified. Our master bath shower is leaking.
Obviously a bad pan install. The water leaks out under the marble sill.
They cut open the 1st floor ceiling to have a look at the drain to see
if it was leaking around it and the vinyl liner. It's bone dry. I am

I am working on the design of a hospital pharmacy and they want to
suspend a pneumatic tube station from the structural concrete ceiling
above a checking station.  Have worked on jobs in the past where we
used structural steel elements, most common being 2" by 2" squares to

Is there any way to determine with new windows installed if they are in
fact Low E with Argon. I have heard of using a cigarette lighter to test
for Low E coating but im not sure how, or how to determine if Argon is
present. The thermal panes look cheap with a rivet shot into the ...

we're considering putting a full bath in our basement i wondering if anyone
ever heard of or has used a product called SANIFLOW.
more info at www.saniflow.com
i'm not advertising for them, this is a product for pumping up waste water

I'm converting part of my garage into a B+B rental suite, mainly summer
use. I'm trying to decide on flooring over the concrete slab,
especially in the bathroom. We are in the Pacific NW, pretty mild
weather, but damp.

I have a sour smell in my house. In the winter its there in the morning
and during the day if the house is cold. Fire up the wood stove and it
is gone. Would appreciate any ideas or experiences you have. Thankyou.
Tonyg

How high can you go with an unreinforced natural rock wall
(random natural rock about 10 lbs each with moss on them etc.)
The home owner has a narrow drive way with a sheer drop off on
one side she had the drop off side filled with loose dirt by

Is there a device available that protects against both over and under
(too high and too low) voltages coming from the source and getting into
your house wiring?  If so, what is the proper name of the device that I
might look around for?

I've seen good things about the Bostitch N88RH, especially its ability
to nail joist hangers and other metal connectors.  I also really like
the price ($173 to my door!), especially versus some of the top rated
coil nailers (mid $300s and up).  What are the advantages, other than

I've searched and found some older messages about lumber liquidators,
but I'd like a new update. I've read some pretty bad stuff about how
quality has gone down the tube over recent years and people have had
all kinds of issues getting the warranty backed when the finish has

i've installed zoeller pump toilet thingy...
I have to T into a 3" copper sewer line
and tie a 2" pvc line from the toilet pump.
i bought a 3" rubber sanitary T and a reducer