Is there any natural chemical that is good for keeping spiders off my front porch? I have young kids and I don’t want to use any harsh chemicals.

Posted on April 4, 2013 by visitor| Leave a comment

I was told by a gentleman that came from the South, and was over 60 years of age that painting the ceiling of a porch sky blue will make insects think that they are building a nest in the open. Insects don’t like the open sky because they are more susceptible to predators. How much truth there is to this is still up for debate. However I can tell you that he had all of his porch ceilings painted sky blue and not one spider web. Many people also have theories on Vicks vapor rub, and Absorbine JR for keeping insects away, and another one is Vineger and water. I guess you could experiment with a few and come up with a conclusion. Hope this helps.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Pest Control

hi, I need an expert witness (or similar) to come to my property and look at and give an educated opinion on whether a doorway access is considered “safe” or not. I would needing a written or possibly in person testimony for litigation. the door leads from the attached garage into the home, where a staircase is present.Any suggestions (I have been searching for 6 mos with nothing so far)thanks

Posted on March 27, 2013 by visitor| Leave a comment

Depending on where you live, I can help you. Give me a call, 309-373-2209. Also your local building inspector, is the most qualified for making determinations And litigation on your home.  Hope this helps. Peace

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Codes, Uncategorized

hi, I recently needed a plumber, so got one that this site recommened. Problem: I cant afford union plumber prices of over $90 per hour. Any suggestions?Also where can I find a good QC local handyman who might be able to handle it, as well as other things?thanks,DW

Posted on December 27, 2012 by visitor| Leave a comment

I agree plumbers can be expensive. I have the name of a handy man call Scott (309) 292-7792. He can do small plumbing, like hook up a faucet or set a toilet. Anything larger will require a licensed plumber. Hope this helps. Andy

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Plumbing

I think my siding is defective. I installed it 1 yr ago and put in new windows in, and the siding is melting off of it on the south side only. It looks like a charcoal grill was used next to it. It’s bubbling off the wall. I looked for something that is producing heat, I just don’t get it, please help.

Posted on August 26, 2012 by visitor| Leave a comment

What you are seeing is caused by the new windows. Depending on where theywere located it’s either your new windows or your neighbors new windows. It’s the Low E coating placed On the glass. See a coating of Low E is like a mirror, A mirror has lots of coatings to make a reflection, new windows only have a few coatings. What this does is reflect the Solar heat out of your house to help with Solar Heat Gain which can fad furniture and Carpet, and keep your Air Conditioner running longer. So yours or your neighbors windows are acting like a heat ray that is melting your vinyl siding. Some possible solutions would be to check the thickness of your siding, it may be a thin siding that does do well with increased temperatures, try and get a color match in a .046thickness and with a foam backer board. Otherwise call the manufacturer of the windows and get replacement sashes only with fewer coates of Low E, or some manufacturers offer a special window coting that will address this exact situation.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Windows

I have one of those 50 Gallon barrels attached to my gutters and downspouts to collect rain water. I use the water for my garden, however the pressure that comes out is terrible. Any suggestions?

Posted on July 17, 2012 by visitor| Leave a comment

A good way to increase pressure for water would be a Sump Pump. Simply run a drop cord to the barrel, plug in the sump pump and connect the hose to the sump pump. That should help you move some water.

Thanks for the question,

Andy Love

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Plumbing