Answers
to Your Questions
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TO BE ADDED ALMOST EVERY DAY!
Q: I live in North Arlington
and have pretty major foundation problems with my house. According to an
engineering report done recently, my house is 9-1/8" out of level.
Several months ago, it was almost 8" out of level. And almost a year
ago, I had plumbing leaks in my foundation. I'm getting three bids from
foundation companies--I've received one already for exterior piers only
($5,500). Another company has told me that to make my house level (including
interior piers), it could cost $40,000-50,000. I haven't received their
bid yet. And I'm scheduled to meet with another foundation company this
coming Tuesday. I guess my question is this: Is there a particular foundation
repair company you would recommend? My biggest concern is that if I should
at some future time wish to sell my house and it doesn't comply within some
level requirements, I won't be able to sell it. Or, even worse than that,
I might continue to have foundation problems if I don't get it repaired
properly at this time. Do you have any suggestions?---C.A. - Arlington,
TX
A: Cindy, I do have a
foundation company that is a sponsor on my radio show. It is Arch Foundation
Repair, 214-467-9700. First of all, they are the most ethical, honest company
in the business. They use a system called ProLift which I am impressed with.
It involves the use of electronic equipment to discover exactly what is
needed for your home and then employ several different methods of repair.
You can trust them to come up with the best way to solve your problem with
the least cost. Even before I started advertising for them, I recommended
this company. The inspection is free. They have an excellent reputation
and a really great warranty. Just this week, I had them inspect our home.
- Al
Q: I recently laid a
flag stone patio. I now have a splattering of cement on the flag stone.
I've tried to remove it using acid and a wire brush. While the brush removed
some of it, I still have some remaining. It's very light, but very distracting.
I've been considering sandblasting. Would that work? Do you have any other
suggestions?---W.W. - Tempe, AZ
A: You might want to
try a chisel. Just make sure you don't chip up the
surface of the rocks very much. You have to be careful with sandblasting
or you could also mark the surface. If you do use a blaster, make sure you
use one with adjustable pressure. Good Luck.
Q: Do
you know of a way to remove wallpaper paste that wasn't completely removed
and was painted over with latex paint? Thanks for your help. I really enjoy
your column in the Sunday paper, too.---K.R. - Pegram, TN
A:
There
are a couple of ways to do it but sanding will be the fastest if the area
isn't too large. This will get the paint and paste off down to the subsurface.
Otherwise you can use chemicals to remove the paint, then the paste. Good
Luck!
Q: We have hard water
and problems that cause water spots/scale in our tub enclosure. We have
three different types of surfaces that meet and aren't sure how to clean
them without damaging any of them. There is glass block on one side which
meets natural marble in the enclosure and cleaners will be washed into a
high gloss acrylic whirlpool tub. The marble was "sealed" at installation
(11/98) but we don't really know what it was sealed with. It is a pale peach
marble. The glass block is so covered that it is no longer clear. What will
be safe to clean and maintain these surfaces? Also what is best for cleaning
mildew out of the jets of these acrylic tubs?---T.M. - Houston, TX
A: Warm vinegar does
a great job of getting rid of soap scum and lime deposits. It won't hurt
the glass block or acrylic tub but since it is an acid, it can etch marble.
Mask the marble and clean the other two surfaces. Use a marble cleaner cream
available at home centers for the marble. Laundry bleach will get rid of
mildew in the jets. Use a funnel to pour the bleach in and let it sit for
a while before filling the tub and flushing the jets. |