Will adding another layer of plywood improve shed floor bouncing?

I have shed floor that appears to be a sheet of 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood nailed to the joists. While the floor is sturdy in that it's holding up fine and shows no sign of rot, it feels extremely soft. My steps feel springy and even my 350lb table saw can rock back and forth on the floor. There's just a lack of stiffness to the floor and things move and shake around as I walk on it. Would adding another sheet of 3/4 inch plywood help make the floor more stiff? Unfortunately I really don't have the time or resou . . . [More]

Will adding another layer of plywood improve shed floor bouncing?

I have shed floor that appears to be a sheet of 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood nailed to the joists. While the floor is sturdy in that it's holding up fine and shows no sign of rot, it feels extremely soft. My steps feel springy and even my 350lb table saw can rock back and forth on the floor. There's just a lack of stiffness to the floor and things move and shake around as I walk on it. Would adding another sheet of 3/4 inch plywood help make the floor more stiff? Unfortunately I really don't have the time or resou . . . [More]

How to Switch Power Between 2 Devices Using 1 Power Source

Location: US Residential. I have a line already which can support up to 25A 2 pole (in breaker panel). I have 2 devices, each rated 220/240V 2-pole. However, at any given time only 1 I need to run. For example: summer : Device SUMM, winter : Device WINT. Thus I am looking for which when installed into this power line can effectively switch between SUMM and WINT. Notes: Both SUMM and WINT can be directly wired using a J-box. Notes: Both devices are residential rated and so sustained current or temp. ratings are fine. Notes . . . [More]

How to Switch Power Between 2 Devices Using 1 Power Source

Location: US Residential. I have a line already which can support up to 25A 2 pole (in breaker panel). I have 2 devices, each rated 220/240V 2-pole. However, at any given time only 1 I need to run. For example: summer : Device SUMM, winter : Device WINT. Thus I am looking for which when installed into this power line can effectively switch between SUMM and WINT. Notes: Both SUMM and WINT can be directly wired using a J-box. Notes: Both devices are residential rated and so sustained current or temp. ratings are fine. Notes . . . [More]

Whats this white stuff coming from new drywall and surrounding areas?

Background: I had some plumbing work done and old walls cut out from this area. New drywall was put in back in February. Today I noticed white powdery stuff on power outlets — not just in the area directly around the new drywall but other nearby spots. The drywall on the ceiling has powder on it that I can wipe off with my hands. So do some of the nearby walls that WEREN’T cut out. I already painted (crappily) the wall that was redone and that one isn’t powdering anymore. I’d already wiped it pretty clean. Is this . . . [More]

Whats this white stuff coming from new drywall and surrounding areas?

Background: I had some plumbing work done and old walls cut out from this area. New drywall was put in back in February. Today I noticed white powdery stuff on power outlets — not just in the area directly around the new drywall but other nearby spots. The drywall on the ceiling has powder on it that I can wipe off with my hands. So do some of the nearby walls that WEREN’T cut out. I already painted (crappily) the wall that was redone and that one isn’t powdering anymore. I’d already wiped it pretty clean. Is this . . . [More]

Fire - smoke detectors with email notifications

Are there any fire / smoke detectors that can send an email notification when activated? I don't want mobile phone notifications, only email. It's not important if it meets any fire safety regulations as it won't be replacing my fixed fire alarm system, it's just to notify me via email when I'm out. Question from user b7031719 at stackexchange Answer: Look toward hobbyist-install security systems. These usually at least have a test mode in which notifications go only to you rather than the central office, and . . . [More]

Fire - smoke detectors with email notifications

Are there any fire / smoke detectors that can send an email notification when activated? I don't want mobile phone notifications, only email. It's not important if it meets any fire safety regulations as it won't be replacing my fixed fire alarm system, it's just to notify me via email when I'm out. Question from user b7031719 at stackexchange Answer: Look toward hobbyist-install security systems. These usually at least have a test mode in which notifications go only to you rather than the central office, and . . . [More]

Is there a required spacing between waste vent line and chimney?

This question seeks answers with one of the following as supporting evidence: International standards, other standards widely recognized in multiple areas of the United States, or sound building and engineering principles. Note: If there is a preferred material for the vent line in this application, I would also greatly appreciate a recommendation. As a theoretical example: "Use PVC instead of galvanized steel because PVC will help to insulate against the heat of the chimney.". Why I ask this question:. As part of a basement . . . [More]

Is there a required spacing between waste vent line and chimney?

This question seeks answers with one of the following as supporting evidence: International standards, other standards widely recognized in multiple areas of the United States, or sound building and engineering principles. Note: If there is a preferred material for the vent line in this application, I would also greatly appreciate a recommendation. As a theoretical example: "Use PVC instead of galvanized steel because PVC will help to insulate against the heat of the chimney.". Why I ask this question:. As part of a basement . . . [More]

How to reinforce a basic wood shed frame?

I have a somewhat simple wood shed built mostly of 2x4. On its own it seems sturdy enough. We had one guy at a time on the roof to put the shingles on and that felt reasonably safe. However, the walls are pretty easy to "flex" if force is applied to them. With wood loaded evenly on all sides it's actually sturdier, but I don't want to rely on that alone. This question (How to reinforce a Wobbly hipped roof gazebo built on a concrete patio?) was similar, but with no clear answer. Someone suggested putting "triangles&quo . . . [More]

How to reinforce a basic wood shed frame?

I have a somewhat simple wood shed built mostly of 2x4. On its own it seems sturdy enough. We had one guy at a time on the roof to put the shingles on and that felt reasonably safe. However, the walls are pretty easy to "flex" if force is applied to them. With wood loaded evenly on all sides it's actually sturdier, but I don't want to rely on that alone. This question (How to reinforce a Wobbly hipped roof gazebo built on a concrete patio?) was similar, but with no clear answer. Someone suggested putting "triangles&quo . . . [More]

How To Identify Load A Bearing Wall

Hey there! Today, we’re going to talk about load-bearing walls and how you can tell if a wall is load-bearing in your home. Load-bearing walls are the ones that support the weight of the roof or floors above them. They are usually made of concrete, masonry, or steel. On the other hand, non-load-bearing walls do not support any weight and can be made of wood or drywall. So how do you know if a wall is load-bearing? Here are some signs to look for: If there are openings like doors, windows, or vents on the wall, it is likely that i . . . [More]

How To Identify Load A Bearing Wall

Hey there! Today, we’re going to talk about load-bearing walls and how you can tell if a wall is load-bearing in your home. Load-bearing walls are the ones that support the weight of the roof or floors above them. They are usually made of concrete, masonry, or steel. On the other hand, non-load-bearing walls do not support any weight and can be made of wood or drywall. So how do you know if a wall is load-bearing? Here are some signs to look for: If there are openings like doors, windows, or vents on the wall, it is likely that i . . . [More]

How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

Today we're going to talk about something that's essential for any homeowner: water heaters. Specifically, we're going to discuss the labor cost to install a new water heater. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of installing a new water heater is around $1,000 to $3,000. However, this cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the water heater, as well as the complexity of the installation. For example, if you're installing a tank-style water heater, the labor cost will typically ran . . . [More]

How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

Today we're going to talk about something that's essential for any homeowner: water heaters. Specifically, we're going to discuss the labor cost to install a new water heater. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of installing a new water heater is around $1,000 to $3,000. However, this cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the water heater, as well as the complexity of the installation. For example, if you're installing a tank-style water heater, the labor cost will typically ran . . . [More]

Can I use a gas range on unsealed subflooring?

Vinyl flooring was installed under front half of depth, but not back half. Older house has some leveling issues so we repaired the best we could. Small dip under stove prevents vinyl from adhering. Original subfloor has poured leveler, is sealed and primed, a layer of lauan, then LVT. So we’re talking about 12 inch by 30 inch area under back half of range being over top bare lauan. New LG gas range. Fire hazard? Question from user Katydid6387 at stackexchange Answer: No modern kitchen range is going to have material requirem . . . [More]

Can I use a gas range on unsealed subflooring?

Vinyl flooring was installed under front half of depth, but not back half. Older house has some leveling issues so we repaired the best we could. Small dip under stove prevents vinyl from adhering. Original subfloor has poured leveler, is sealed and primed, a layer of lauan, then LVT. So we’re talking about 12 inch by 30 inch area under back half of range being over top bare lauan. New LG gas range. Fire hazard? Question from user Katydid6387 at stackexchange Answer: No modern kitchen range is going to have material requirem . . . [More]

Does a hardwood flooring patch require the whole room to be sanded?

I’m looking for someone to fix holes in my floor from radiators. They’re going to cut out the boards with holes in them and replace those. One says they can’t sand them unless they sand the whole floor and it’ll be a little higher and different color. Others say they’ll sand it and it’ll look more or less like new. Who’s right? Question from user user176121 at stackexchange Answer: "Sand the whole floor" is your default old-school flooring guy approach to anything with a hardwood floo . . . [More]

Does a hardwood flooring patch require the whole room to be sanded?

I’m looking for someone to fix holes in my floor from radiators. They’re going to cut out the boards with holes in them and replace those. One says they can’t sand them unless they sand the whole floor and it’ll be a little higher and different color. Others say they’ll sand it and it’ll look more or less like new. Who’s right? Question from user user176121 at stackexchange Answer: "Sand the whole floor" is your default old-school flooring guy approach to anything with a hardwood floo . . . [More]