Building Confidence

Welcome to Dave's Shop Talk's Home Improvement Newsletter of questions from our members on their construction projects, a Tip of the Month and a home remodeling article, both from our website at https://daveosborne.com.

What's New

Dan, my brother and webmaster, spent the last two months updating the look of our site and uploaded all his work onto our server just this afternoon. He asked an old artist friend of his for new designs for the site. I hope you like the new look of our site!

Next newsletter will use the new designs. We wanted to warn you first so you'd recognize the newsletter when you see it in your Inbox!

Tip of the Month

To help hold up a set of stairs when the box joist is not large enough, install a plywood riser onto the stringer and fasten it onto the riser below the upper floor.

And a Bonus Tip:

For stairs without enough run room, you have to make some choices, move a wall to make a better set of stairs, or enlarge the opening to allow for a staircase landing.

Ask Dave!

This month, rather than show you questions, I'll share some of the nice responses I get from subscribers to our website.

Thanks for all your nice comments. Dan and I sure do appreciate them.

Dave

Before Winter sets in with all its fury, check out the following list to keep your home warm, cozy and secure.

• Seal up any leaking windows and doors with weatherstrip.
• Install plastic over any windows that are not thermopane.
• Clean out range hood and bathroom fans.
• Caulk up any exterior cracks in the siding or stucco where moisture can get in and do its evil deed.
• Any outdoor painting should be done before the temperature reaches 50°F (10°C) or below.
• Remove all hoses from their hose bibs. Even the frost free hose bibs need to have the garden hose removed so that any water remaining in the valve stem can drain out.
• Close all vents to the crawl space. The crawl space should be insulated to prevent pipes from freezing. A small baseboard heater or inline heater, along the pipes, is recommended during this time of year, if temperatures in your area drop below freezing. Secure the heater well to prevent problems.
• Basements should be insulated. I recommend constructing a 2x4 wall in front of the concrete foundation wall, floor to ceiling, installing insulation and vapor barrier. Strap and insulate short concrete walls.
• Your furnace filters should be changed by now. Cleaning the air ducts is also recommended.
• In older homes, check out ways to insulate. Foam pads are available under face plates for plugs and switches. Clear film is made for covering single pane windows. Use caulking to fill gaps around windows, doors and siding.
• Check to see if you have fresh air coming into your home in a regulated fashion. Check out the dehumidifier switches for bathroom fans. Forced air furnaces should have fresh air introduced to their cold air return. Talk to local experts who can advise you on this subject. Usually local government departments have free brochures and advice.
• Roofs and gutters should be cleaned of moss and debris.

Almost the End

Hope you enjoy the Newsletter this month.

We BUILD CONFIDENCE. If you need advice on your projects at work or home, please become a member of our website, then send me a question via email.

Check out our website! https://daveosborne.com

Please tell your friends and family about our site!

Hi, I'm Dave Osborne. With over 50 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, foreman and contractor in heavy construction I enjoyed working with apprentices and sharing the tricks of the trade that others shared with me. Now I get emails from Members all over the world and we include many of my answers in our Free Monthly Newsletters. Some of my answers include drawings and instructions specific to a project, but may also answer your questions. I use correct construction terminology, so you can confidently inform your building supply dealers or contractors exactly what you need.