No real need for obsolete drainage vents

Feel free to ignore or remove old, unnecessary system

Question: We live in a bungalow built in 1914 where everything, plumbing-wise, works to perfection. However, there is one thing that has driven me crazy. There is the standard four-inch cast-iron stack and roof vent. But in the basement, running . . .

Posted: 2018-04-21

The mystery of the missing cold-air vents

QUESTION: We have a 1948 1�-storey house. Just wondering why there are no cold-air return vents in the upper level or basement, just on the main floor?Bill YoungerAnswer: There are a lot of differences between modern homes and those built . . .

Posted: 2015-05-23

Poor airflow in upstairs vents likely a simple fix

Question: I had a new furnace and accessories replaced four years ago for my two-storey home, built in the 1980s. I’ve noticed that the basement and main floor receive a lot of heat and air conditioning, but the upstairs does not . . .

Posted: 2017-09-30

Remove redundant roof vents to avoid future issues

Chimneys, metal flues not needed for high-efficiency appliances

QUESTION — I read your piece on capping redundant flues, which involve chimneys. My high-efficiency furnace has made a straight-up-thru-the-roof flue superfluous. It’s capped at the bottom, in my basement. I’m about to have my asphalt shingle roof replaced. I first thought I’d . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

Sealing unused vents and chimneys a simple process

Questions: I came across one of your articles about sealing an unused brick chimney. It got me to wonder, when we remove and cap a couple wall furnaces with central heat, what’s a good way to insulate the metal . . .

Posted: 2022-10-22

Good fence, good cover keys to pool safety

Q: We purchased a new home with a built-in pool. Do you have any safety tips? A: There are a couple easy home improvements to ensure pool safety. First, get an ornamental iron fence with a locking gate that surrounds . . .

Posted: 2008-04-06

Lots of damage, but little recourse

Poorly installed air vents leave a home with more than just leaks, but there's little you can do to hold contractors accountable

QUESTION: I bought my mother-in-law’s home one year ago and I am now experiencing leaks. The shingles were replaced about 10 years ago. When I moved in, there were small bulges on the drywall near the peak of the vaulted ceilings, . . .

Posted: 2016-10-01

Putting a lid on it

Fire table gets custom quartz cover

Sometimes the little solutions have the biggest impact. Carole and I recently purchased a fire table for the second-floor balcony. After finding another set of hands to help navigate and negotiate the 250-pound fire table up the stairs and through . . .

Posted: 2022-07-23

Have it your way

New home options cover the waterfront

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR inspiration to help design your dream home, you'll find plenty of it during the Fall Parade of Homes. The latest and greatest style trends, design features, materials and nuts-and-bolts construction methods and innovations are on full . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

These numbers don’t lie

But they do cover up an OOPS with style

A few weeks ago an unfortunate and unexpected scenario presented itself to my dismay. While familiarizing myself with my new John Deere 3046R tractor, ahead of the impending snowfall and subsequent clearing, my right foot hit the forward pedal . . .

Posted: 2023-01-21