Weekly Columns

Both current and archived weekly newspaper columns. The date of the column and a teaser of the column appears below. Click on the date to see the entire column.

April 12, 2010

            Dear Ken:  Our house plus most of our neighbors have hail damage.  The first roofer that showed up wanted to know how much the insurance company gave us, so they could give a bid accordingly.   What do you think of this practice?     Verna

April 5, 2010

 

            Dear Ken:  I have a 1983 house.  The walls are cold.  Could I add some more insulation into the wall cavities?       Leah

            In that era, we would normally put a 3-1/2 inch insulation batt into the wall spaces.  So, it would be pretty hard to get any significant amounts of new material in there-not even counting the pipes, wires and fire-stopping in the way.

March 29, 2010

            Dear Ken:   My roof is about 13 years old.  Can you tell me when it's time to replace it?           Ken

            Generally, we don't throw away a roof that's doing its job, that is, it's intact, undamaged and not leaking.   Up until about six or seven years ago, the typical asphalt roof consisted of T-lock shingles.  They were marketed as a "20 year roof".  However, they've...

March 22, 2010

 

            Dear Ken:  My furnace guy says not to use those pleated furnace filters-only the cheap ones because it slows down the furnace.  What do you think?         Ronn

            I like the pleated kind, and, in fact, I've used them for years.  They capture really tiny particles-like some bacteria, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander-- down to about 10 microns.  The cheap ones capture large...

March 8, 2010

            Dear Ken:  You recommended using satin or semi-gloss paint on a popcorn ceiling.  I'm getting conflicting advice.  Lots of folks say "no", use flat.  What do you think?             Barbara

            The reason you paint a popcorn ceiling in the first place is to cover up that dingy look of accumulated dust and smoke.  Those particles have a static-cling property that affixes...

March 1, 2010

 

 

             Dear Ken:    I'm thinking of having an energy audit.  Do you think it's worth it for the money?      Marjorie

            An energy audit usually involves something called a "blower door test" that reveals just how air tight your house is, plus an infrared camera that shows-by highlighting various areas in different color shades-- where the main energy losses are occurring.   Much of this is...

February 22, 2010

 

             Dear Ken:    The kids' bedrooms are over the garage.  As you might guess, they're really cold.  What can do down below to get them more comfortable?        Lori

            First, make sure the attic above the bedrooms has loose insulation to a depth of about 13 to 15-inches;  add some if you need to.  Also, how about the windows?  Are they double-paned vinyl or wood?  Do they have...

February 15, 2010

             Dear Ken:   We bought an expensive new dishwasher because the old one was leaving a film on the dishes.  Now this new one does it, too.   I'm exasperated.  Is there any answer to this?    Janet

            Water can be harder in the winter-especially in certain cities that get their water from a river, or areas on small community systems.   You need to test your water for hardness.  Buy a test kit on line, or at an...

February 8, 2010

             Dear Ken:  Two concerns:  You've talked about draining the water heater every once in awhile.  Could we have the details on that?   Also, one of our exterior walls creaks, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the furnace coming on.      Kathleen & Dick

February 1, 2010

 

            Dear Ken:  I'm confused as to where to put carbon monoxide detectors.  I see some up high, some low, and some half way up!      Ken

            I like them low.   When you're sleeping, you're at your most vulnerable.  So plug in at least one detector into a regular outlet-so it'll be at roughly the same level as your head.