Heated garages need new approach to insulation

Questions: We currently have a garage in London, Ont., that was totally drywalled, both walls and ceiling, and painted and is in perfect condition. We cut a small hole to see if there is a vapour barrier and insulation, and . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Stop air leakage into attic from pot lights

QUESTION: We read your column in the Free Press and would like some information about attic insulation. We had an energy evaluation done last fall and the inspector found there was air leakage in the kitchen pot lights that extend . . .

Posted: 2010-09-25

SOLUTIONS: Use citric acid to see if glasses are etched

QUESTION: I have a problem with my four-year-old dishwasher. The acrylic glasses have a white coating on them, especially on the bottom and the top edges of the glasses. The cutlery has a blue color stain, like a stainless steel . . .

Posted: 2013-05-11

Ice damming issues building up

QUESTION: I'm hoping you'll be able to help us resolve our dilemma. We have a 1 1/2-storey older home with two dormers and during the winter we had ice build up on the roof along the dormers, resulting in water . . .

Posted: 2010-12-11

Must I heat the cottage over the winter?

Question: We are thinking of running no heat in our cabin this year, first time ever. It is normally a furnace-heated cabin, two-storey, built on a crawl space. We always leave the furnace at 10 C, but we . . .

Posted: 2014-09-27

Small project, big impact

Sometimes, the most satisfying projects are the ones that take the least amount of time to accomplish, but still manage to make a huge impact on the space. My clients, Andrew and Michelle Jasnikowski, requested the construction of a feature . . .

Posted: 2019-11-23

Modern Classic

Stylish substance and understated opulence

NATURAL MATERIALS and clean, contemporary lines lend an air of serenity to the Maric Homes show home at 643 Bridge Lake Drive in Bridgwater Trails — along with serious elements of style. From the get-go, as you approach the front door . . .

Posted: 2020-02-20

Garden, gardener evolve over time

Subtle changes all part of life, and horticulture

Sometimes the long-distance gardener looks out the window and notices that the maple tree he planted as a two-metre sapling 21 years ago has become a shade tree eight-metres tall and six across. Maturity creeps up on you — in trees, . . .

Posted: 2019-04-13

If you can't beat it, camouflage it!

Dear Marc: I bought an older home I plan to fix up myself. I have a door in my kitchen that leads to my basement. This door is in the dead centre of my kitchen, so it looks kind of funny. . . .

Posted: 2010-09-18

Canadian unity through coast-to-coast tips

As we get ready to celebrate the anniversary of our great country, we can also feel united with these useful tips sent in by people across the nation. Canada Day Trivia: What does the word Canada mean? 1. Tackle chap-stick on fabrics . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29