Roof ice damming related to air sealing and insulation

Question: I have an ongoing problem with ice damming. I did change the shingles on the roof twice. The last time was seven years ago. Now, I am thinking of changing the furnace to a high-efficient unit, plus I would . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

ASK THE INSPECTOR: No shortcuts when removing skylights

QUESTION: We have two skylights that were installed when we built our home in 1986. We have been having water leakage for the past five years or so and are considering totally removing them. Can you give us some guidance . . .

Posted: 2011-02-19

MIKE HOLMES: Seal and insulate to sound-proof home

SOUND-proofing your home is important Create a barrier to block the sound and stop it from entering the space; and find a way to absorb the noise to deaden the sound and stop it from reverberating. You should do both. If you're . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

Fresh air intake paramount to comfort of your home

Question: With so many appliances such as clothes dryer, central vac, bathroom fans, and range hood ejecting air from my house, and my high efficiency furnace having intake and exhaust vents separate from ventilated air, what is the solution . . .

Posted: 2023-05-13

How-to book shines

Don't let the messy cover of this book fool you. It's a good, comprehensive guide to creating a room. Each chapter in How to Decorate: An Inspiring and Practical Handbook by Shannon Fricke (Potter Style/Random House) helps you understand how and . . .

Posted: 2014-02-15

Expect the unexpected

Renos can often reveal surprises

Expecting the unexpected is a simplistic saying that embodies any major renovation. During the demolition of a kitchen space in preparation for the introduction of a second window to create symmetry on either side of the new stove location . . .

Posted: 2024-05-11

Solving moisture issues need not require fuss or cost

Question: I recently had a new furnace installed, as well as my old vermiculite attic insulation replaced with blown-in fibreglass insulation. Will I have a problem with condensation in my attic due to higher humidity in my house because there is . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Metal roofs ideal, if costly, alternative to shingles

QUESTION: I am a regular reader of your column in the Winnipeg Free Press. I would like to know your opinion on installing tin roofs for residential houses. The asphalt shingles on my house are at the end of . . .

Posted: 2009-09-06

Prevent winter roof expeditions in the future

QUESTION: I have lived in a 1950s bungalow since 2001. Over the last couple of winters there have been problems with my plumbing stack filling up with snow and freezing up. The roof is a hip roof and the stack . . .

Posted: 2012-12-29

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Forced-air heat needs good ventilation

QUESTION: This is a question on furnaces. Do we need a cold air intake to the furnace with forced air electric heat? Most of the questions you receive pertain to gas furnaces. Thank you, Doreen Backer I am currently building a 1, . . .

Posted: 2010-01-09