Ari

Question: I have experienced leakage and somewhat understand insulation difficulties in cathedral ceilings. In my home, I had a serious problem with water causing damage to a kitchen wall. As a result they had to open up the wall and remove the insulation, which was soaked, re-insulate with … [Read more...] about Vaulted Ceiling Leakage

Question: I have a question about leaking basements. My house was built in 1918. My foundation is constructed of limestone (rock size pieces) cemented together and of course it leaks in numerous places. In many spots the cement has fallen out of the cracks and I expect a basement such as … [Read more...] about Stone Foundation Seepage

Question: I am having a problem with what I believe is black mould on my basement floor. It is occurring on the floor from the inside edge of my exterior walls, about 8” into the room. It looks like someone has dipped a sponge into grey-black ink and gently touched it onto the floor. It is … [Read more...] about Mould on Basement Floor

Question: I always read your articles in the newspaper and find them very informative and relative to our environment in Winnipeg. I was hoping you could help me with a problem. Our 2-year-old bungalow has a walk out lower level with a structural wood floor. The crawl space under the wood … [Read more...] about Moisture in Structural Floor Crawlspace

Question: I noticed your column in the Free Press and I have to ask about the humidifiersmy husband and I recently had installed in our house. It's a 10-year-old 3,300 sq. foot bungalow and the rooms have ceilings that are nine to thirteen feet high. Wehaven't had problems with dryness until this … [Read more...] about Humidifiers & Relative Humidity

Question: Every week I read your articles, as I am a do-it-your-selfer. I have recently moved my hot tub from the sunroom to the basement to create a kids playroom in the sunroom. As the basement and hot tub are not used regularly, it would be a perfect place to install it. A powerful fan will … [Read more...] about Hot Tub in Basement

Question: Mr. Marantz: I realize you receive many emails on flat roofs, however ours is a little different.  My husband installed a flat roof 29 years ago on our porch, which is attached to the house. The ceiling and walls inside were all finished in cedar. We never had a problem in all … [Read more...] about Flat Roof Leak

Question: Dear Ari, I read your article in a recent issue of Sunday homes. You mentioned efflourescence briefly, but did not give a detailed description of a lasting remedy, or how to treat it best. I have it in my basement in 3 places making up areas about 1 square meter. The largest is in an … [Read more...] about Efflourescence

Question: Hello, Thank you for taking time to read my letter during this busy season. We purchased our first home last year in May and moved in August 1. As much as we love the house it has caused us grief. Against my better judgement, there was no house inspection. We would have not got … [Read more...] about Damaged Weeping Tiles