SOLUTIONS: WD-40 great for getting tape off windows

QUESTION: I regularly read your household solutions in the Winnipeg Free Press and find them very helpful. I am hoping that you can help me with my problem: I have scotch tape on my windows due to applying decals etc. . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

Chimney removal no easy process

Question: We have a 1, 300-square-foot bungalow, built in 1970, with a low-slope roof and a vaulted ceiling in the front half. We had a negative energy test before we installed a new high-efficiency furnace and changed to an electric . . .

Posted: 2014-08-23

Planning a picture-perfect pergola

One simple project could improve the look of your yard

Does your deck require a bit of shade? Does your front porch seem a little blah? Do you just want to add something new to your house or yard this spring?No matter what your problem is, a pergola may be . . .

Posted: 2017-02-18

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Almost all homes need attention to grading

QUESTION: I live in a 100-year-old house in Wolseley. My neighbour's house to the south is approximately four feet away. I put a slab sidewalk down many years ago because no sun ever shines between the houses and it was . . .

Posted: 2012-04-14

SOLUTIONS: There's no need to cry over spilled wine

QUESTION: I wasn’t thrilled when I received the news my family would once again be visiting for the holidays; well, everything went better than expected with one small exception. My niece set her wine glass down on my brand new . . .

Posted: 2009-12-26

Damaged concrete due to unwanted moisture

Question: Looking to pick your brain, as I cannot find any answers on a foundation issue we are experiencing. We recently found a bit of black mould in our basement. So, we decided to pull off a bit of . . .

Posted: 2023-06-10

Skylights: leaks are a matter of when, not if

They're just not suited to our climate; tube skylights a possible alternative

Question -- I have a question about skylights. I just moved into a house which does not have a window in the kitchen. I was going to have a window added on the south-facing wall, even though it faces another . . .

Posted: 2009-02-28

Use your illusion

This two-tiered deck conceals an awkward height differential

The last deck build of the season in 2015 got me back in touch with one of my oldest and dearest school chums. It made me realize how quickly time passes by and how easy it is to lose touch. Paul . . .

Posted: 2017-04-01

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Zonolite in the attic? Better to leave it be

QUESTION: Thanks for the column on the Zonolite class-action suit in January. I had read the facts sheet on the website, but did not get from it that only a small portion of the removal/abatement cost would ultimately be covered. Before . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Get rid of cold-storage room in basement

QUESTION: We recently bought a home with a cold-storage room in the basement. There is a vent on one wall near the ceiling. Should this vent be closed in the summer season? If so, any suggestions would be appreciated. . . .

Posted: 2010-07-17