By DWIGHT BARNETT, Scripps Howard News Service
Venting a dryer
Q: We have a chimney with two flue sections. Our furnace is not vented into the chimney.In one of the sections our gas hot water heater is vented. We are moving the laundry area to the second floor and would like to purchase a new stackable electric dryer. Can it be vented into the section of the chimney that is unused? Would a roof vent be more efficient?
Replace dangerous house steps with a ramp
Q: I found a home that I adore. The problem is the concrete steps from the driveway to the house are so steep and crooked that I think they are a hazard.
Attic air is escaping, melting snow
Q: Warm air finds its way into our attic and melts the snow and frost before it melts at any of our neighbors' homes. I thought I found the problem when I discovered the hot air returns were open up to the attic. But after having them boxed in with duct work, the snow and frost still melt quickly. So, what is the problem?
Rust on a water pump causes problems
Q: I am a single mother of two and recently purchased my first home. I have been learning how to fix things around my house on my own. It is an older home, and I'm starting to wonder if I made a mistake.
Complications with attic fans
Q: I am remodeling my house and don't want moisture in the attic. I plan to have 15-inch insulation in the attic.Last year, I installed a new power roof fan and followed the recommendation from the manufacturer that the thermostat should be set at 104 degrees. I have done research on whole-house fans but don't like that they requires open windows.
How to remove old wallpaper
Q: I have a great amount of wallpaper on the walls of my house that is about 20 years old. The problem is that whoever hung the wallpaper put it directly on the sheetrock and plaster. I would like to remove it, but don't know how difficult or time-consuming it will be. I also don't know how to remove it.
Dispose of vermiculite with care
Q: I recently cleaned out my basement and found some old cactus potting soil. An article I read said a Libby, Mont., mine had to close because of asbestos found in the vermiculite. People working and living there were getting sick.In case my potting soil may have vermiculite from there, do I need to be concerned? Would it be safe to just dump it in the flowerbeds in the back yard?
Use garden hose to pinpoint leak in new window
Q: I just had a new garden window installed in the kitchen. The installers made the opening bigger than the actual window.
Test damaged drywall for mold
Q: We are a retired couple and we spend the winters in Celebration, Fla.
Squeaky wood floors drive her crazy
Q: I live in a small condo in Washington, D.C. My upstairs neighbor put in creaky wood floors. I hear every step he takes.
