Homeowner seeks advice on quality vinyl products
By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

Q: We have aluminum siding and single-pane aluminum windows. We would
like to replace the old windows with new vinyl ones, but were wondering
if that's possible with the aluminum siding. Also, how do we find a
quality window? --Hugh S.

A: The difficulty in replacing windows in homes with aluminum siding
has to do with how the windows were originally installed. Aluminum
windows are usually installed by attaching them through a flange to the
wall framing, and then the flange is covered with the siding. To reach
the flange, you need to remove the aluminum siding trim around the
window, but that may prove difficult. You can also cut the siding back
far enough to reach the flange, and then install new trim around the
new window.

Brightening tips to make cooking, cleaning even more fun
By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

When it comes to lighting, few places in the home are more important
than the kitchen. From general lighting to specific task lighting, a
well-designed lighting plan makes the use and enjoyment of any kitchen
a much brighter undertaking.
                           

Can fireproof material compensate for inadequate cabinet clearance?

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News

Q: I purchased a 27-inch, four-burner Wolf commercial range, with an oven, about 30 years ago. I was told when I purchased the range (commercial) that there should be at least six inches between the range and cabinets on both sides; the rear was tiled already. I had my kitchen remodeled in November 2006. Is there a way to protect my cabinets by installing any fireproofing products so that the range can set within the one or two inches against the cabinets, or should I tile the rear wall and the two sides next to the cabinets? --Fran K.
A: The required clearances for ranges will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even between models, but any commercial gas range will generate quite a bit of heat, and the rear, top and side clearances are critical to its safe operation. Also, adding ceramic tile directly over wood is not in and of itself adequate to create a noncombustible surface, due to the amount of heat transfer that occurs through the tile itself.

Without proper prep, finished product could be disaster

By Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Paint preparation is one of the ugly sides of home-improvement projects. All that sanding and scraping and cleaning -- no one really likes to do it, but it's essential to a good paint job. So, like it or not, it's a step that you don't want to skip or do poorly, since the quality of your finished product pretty much depends on it.
There are three basic things to remember for properly preparing any surface that you want to paint -- get it clean, smooth and dry.

Calculate how much you need with simple math

Remember how hot your attic was when you went up there to check the antenna wire last summer? Remember that ice dam on the roof? Proper attic ventilation can help with both those problems, but how do you know how much you need -- and just as importantly, how much do you already have?

Best sealers for the job

It seems like something as tough as your concrete or asphalt driveway would be able to easily stand up to something as small as a drop of water. But the effects of rain and snow, especially if that moisture gets into cracks in the surface and then freezes, can do a surprising amount of damage to a driveway, walkway, wall, or other concrete, masonry or asphalt surface.

So, before winter hits again this year, fight back by sealing those porous surfaces against water intrusion. There are a number of sealers that are formulated specifically for this purpose, and they are easy to apply without special equipment.

Make your job easier with a second person or carpentry book

Q: I am remodeling my living room and would like to install a wide cove molding at the ceiling, but I need help in mitering the corners. Do I cut them at a 45-degree angle? Do I cope them? Any information would be greatly appreciated. --Steve H.

A: Crown molding is one of the most attractive and interesting molding features you can add to a room. It is also, however, one of the more difficult finish carpentry tasks to undertake.

More efficient ways to handle laundry, pets and muddy shoes.

By Paul Bianchina

Call it what you will -- utility room, laundry room, mud room -- the names say it all. It's a place for the washer and dryer to live, a place for wet and dirty clothes to hang out, a landing point for muddy boots and chore jackets, you name it. If you have one of those multipurpose rooms and you'd like it to do even more, or at least do it more efficiently, here are a number of suggestions that allow a hardworking room to work even harder.