Within building code, can I notch a joist block?

I'm replaceing a portion of drywall on the ceiling between floors 1 and 2. For the drywall, I plan to add backer boards on edges. The issue is there are joist blocker boards running perpendicular between the joists. Can I "legally" notch a quarter inch within the center one-third of the perpendicular joist blocker board? Question from user habrockc at .stackexchange.com. Answer: You are adding nailing edges to the edges of the existing drywall to provide support for the edge of the new drywall sheet and the edge of the ex . . . [More]

Within building code, can I notch a joist block?

I'm replaceing a portion of drywall on the ceiling between floors 1 and 2. For the drywall, I plan to add backer boards on edges. The issue is there are joist blocker boards running perpendicular between the joists. Can I "legally" notch a quarter inch within the center one-third of the perpendicular joist blocker board? Question from user habrockc at .stackexchange.com. Answer: You are adding nailing edges to the edges of the existing drywall to provide support for the edge of the new drywall sheet and the edge of the ex . . . [More]

Resurrection Possibilities: Can an Evaporated Deep Cycle Battery be Revived?

The battery fluid on my sump pump Marine Deep Cycle Battery dried up to be completely gone. I've replaced it with distilled water. Will the trickle charger bring it back to life, or am I in the market for a new battery? UPDATE: the battery did not come back to life. Given that I didn't want to fuss with adding water in the future, I purchased an AGM battery from the company that makes the pump. It was comparable in price to AGMs at the local auto parts store. Question from user Paulb at .stackexchange.com. Answer: How did . . . [More]

Resurrection Possibilities: Can an Evaporated Deep Cycle Battery be Revived?

The battery fluid on my sump pump Marine Deep Cycle Battery dried up to be completely gone. I've replaced it with distilled water. Will the trickle charger bring it back to life, or am I in the market for a new battery? UPDATE: the battery did not come back to life. Given that I didn't want to fuss with adding water in the future, I purchased an AGM battery from the company that makes the pump. It was comparable in price to AGMs at the local auto parts store. Question from user Paulb at .stackexchange.com. Answer: How did . . . [More]

Deciphering Voltage Differences: Understanding Earth, Line, and Neutral in Single Phase Systems

I have a 240V+-10V 2 Wire Single Phase (UK) supply with TT earth bonding (earth rod). . The breakers are double pole. The issue is with a lighting radial circuit. This is a new electrical installation and the electricians are about to finish. The lights that are connected to the circuit power up fine. One light is not yet connected to the switched live. With one CB on I probed (using a multimeter, I aware this might not be the best way to test) between Neutral and earth and there was 230 Volts. I probed at a fixture (neutra . . . [More]

Deciphering Voltage Differences: Understanding Earth, Line, and Neutral in Single Phase Systems

I have a 240V+-10V 2 Wire Single Phase (UK) supply with TT earth bonding (earth rod). . The breakers are double pole. The issue is with a lighting radial circuit. This is a new electrical installation and the electricians are about to finish. The lights that are connected to the circuit power up fine. One light is not yet connected to the switched live. With one CB on I probed (using a multimeter, I aware this might not be the best way to test) between Neutral and earth and there was 230 Volts. I probed at a fixture (neutra . . . [More]

Solving the Mystery: Weather-Dependent Garage Door Issues Unraveled

My garage door and opener work reasonably well most of the time -- hot weather or cold.Sometimes when it rains, though, the door catches a little bit, at about 2 feet from the ground, and it is enough to cause the opener to stop and re-raise the door.If I stand next to the door and pull down while it is closing, it will close successfully.I can't seem to identify the source of the problem, and am asking for any general tips as to what I might look for or try in order to improve the situation.Question from user Jay at .stackexchange.com.Answer . . . [More]

Solving the Mystery: Weather-Dependent Garage Door Issues Unraveled

My garage door and opener work reasonably well most of the time -- hot weather or cold.Sometimes when it rains, though, the door catches a little bit, at about 2 feet from the ground, and it is enough to cause the opener to stop and re-raise the door.If I stand next to the door and pull down while it is closing, it will close successfully.I can't seem to identify the source of the problem, and am asking for any general tips as to what I might look for or try in order to improve the situation.Question from user Jay at .stackexchange.com.Answer . . . [More]

Securing the Above: A Users Guide to Repairing Attic Doors

My attic door (with ladder) won't shut completely. I found a couple of discussion forums where the suggestion was to adjust springs. But I don't know exactly how to do that. Can someone explain? Question from user user2716454 at .stackexchange.com. Answer: Be careful with those springs! I got stitches in my head watching my brother monkey with an attic door just like that one. The bar went flying upward and cracked me right in the side of my head. The springs are deigned and attached by the door manufacturer and should be pe . . . [More]

Securing the Above: A Users Guide to Repairing Attic Doors

My attic door (with ladder) won't shut completely. I found a couple of discussion forums where the suggestion was to adjust springs. But I don't know exactly how to do that. Can someone explain? Question from user user2716454 at .stackexchange.com. Answer: Be careful with those springs! I got stitches in my head watching my brother monkey with an attic door just like that one. The bar went flying upward and cracked me right in the side of my head. The springs are deigned and attached by the door manufacturer and should be pe . . . [More]