Archive By Author - Robert Lamoureux
Robert Lamoureux: What’s the best battery back up system?
Hi Robert, We were affected by the power outages in Pasadena. Thank goodness there weren't any rains because we've got a sump pump hooked up at an underground bonus room. Thank you, Tony G. Hi Tony, There is a product available called Basepump. It's a water-powered ejector with an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Their website, www.basepump.com states: "Water-powered pumps use a siphon ejector ...
Robert Lamoureux: Sun rooms can be made comfortable
Hi Robert, I appreciate your column immensely. I have an enclosed patio that serves as an extra room to my house. However, in summer it gets way too hot to use, and in the winter, it is extremely cold. The house is small, so this room is needed year round. Is there a way to insulate it effectively? If so, would it be expensive to do? Dianna B Hi Dianna, You've got a ...
Robert Lamoureux: Water, water everywhere at home
Hi Robert, I was wondering if you had a good solution for water wicking up through my garage slab. I do know that it is wicking the moisture from below. It is a fairly new slab (five years old). I know there was no vapor barrier installed prior to pour. I don't want to tear it out. I am looking for ideas on a good sealant (paint, epoxy, something). Thank you, Gary B. ...
Robert Lamoureux: Just say no to nails in stucco
Hi Robert, My wife and I have been arguing about a situation and we have decided to go with whatever you say. She wants to nail into our wall to give vines something to hold on to so they will one day cover the wall. I think you said never nail into stucco, but I don't remember the reason. Please let us know, if you have time. Thank you again, Gilbert L. Hi Gilbert, ...
Robert Lamoureux: Doors can be easy fix for the handy
Hello Robert, We just bought our first home. I'm sort of handy and am looking to change some interior doors and the front door. I've never done this kind of work before, but am willing to give it a try. I'd appreciate any pointers. How difficult of a job is it? Keep up the good work. Thank you, Matthew V. Hi Matthew, It's fairly easy, especially if you have doors already because you can use ...
Robert Lamoureux: Pool netting makes it less ducky
Hi Robert, Every year, we find a family of ducks living in our pool. I'm told we are not allowed to chase the ducks away, we can't scare them, and we're not allowed to do anything. Don't get me wrong, for the first year or two they were so cute we were all out there feeding them. But after a while, the cuteness fades away and it comes down to a huge mess that needs ...
Robert Lamoureux: Speed bumps slow emergency response
Hi Robert, I'm the president of a fairly large homeowners association community in Santa Clarita. We've noticed lately there are people who are always racing through our community, so we have decided to put in speed bumps. Are there any regulations we should know? Reg H. Hi Reg, There are regulations for height and width. It varies depending on which types of speed bumps you install. Many boards contact their local asphalt company to learn ...
Robert Lamoureux: New electronics can trip breakers
Hello Robert, I live in an older home, have a breaker panel in my house and the same breaker keeps tripping. I'd say at least once a night while I'm watching television, it will turn off. I want to know what size would you recommend that I change it to, or how could I figure out what size would be the right size? It is a 42" flat-screen television. Thank you, Pat M. Hi ...
Robert Lamoureux: Plywood is not the answer for patio
Robert, As I'm sure you often hear, I really enjoy your answers in The Signal. I know you have helped many people who read your columns. I don't know if I have a question fit for the newspaper, but it's a question no one else can answer. I have a wood outdoor overhead patio, constructed of 2 x 2s on the top. It's per code. Rather than have the open spaces between the slats, I ...
Robert Lamoureux: Flapper may solve flushing mystery
Hi Robert, I read in one of your columns recently that whenever a toilet flushes itself to check the flapper. I checked my toilet and found the flapper was molten and covered in some green stuff. I replaced it. It's at least 90 percent better, but it still flushes itself periodically. What do you think this could be? Thank you very much, Rafa S. Hi Rafa, Check where the flapper seats. Lift the flapper and ...
Robert Lamoureux: New pavers need care to last
Hi Robert, We just had interlocking pavers installed on our driveway. When the project was completed, we were informed we should treat the pavers. We would like to keep the pavers beautiful and keep the sand between the pavers intact. How can we maintain the pavers? What if the sand is swept away or the rain washes it away? We don't wash our driveway or use a blower. Teri A. Hi Teri, One of the ...
Robert Lamoureux: Once rubber peels, replace deck
Hello Robert, The rubber coating on my deck has started to peel. It actually began a few years ago as a bubble that cracked and now I can see the wood underneath. I heard I need to peel off all of the old rubber first, then repaint - but what is the best way to get it off? Thank you, Annette K. Hi Annette, You don't need to peel the elastomeric off. Instead, you need ...
Robert Lamoureux: Homeowner is blinded by the light
Hi Robert, I really enjoy your column. There is a light outside my bedroom window which shines into my room and is very annoying. The HOA did come and put up a plastic piece, but it didn't help much. Is there a better solution? Also, this light has been blinking. The HOA replaced the bulb and told me it would take care of the problem, but it did not The light is still blinking and ...
Robert Lamoureux: Pipes that shake, rattle and roll
Hi Robert, How can I fix rattling and noisy pipes? The pipes only make the noise when the cold water is turned on. Thanks, Dan Hi Dan, You've got a loose pipe. The only way to fix it is to try to pinpoint where the problem is and start opening up some drywall. You'll have to use a plumbing strap to secure the copper line to the wall. The noise is caused because the pipe ...
Robert Lamoureux: Work smart when working on the roof
Hello Robert, I live in a single family home. I'm ready to replace my roof and I have a question about flashing around pipes. Does the flashing go on before the paper, do I nail it to the roof? Or, do I put the paper down and then the flashing? Also, one section of the roof feels a little spongy when I walk on it. What's the best way to repair something like this? Thanks ...
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