Glue Residue from Carpet Tape
Q: I am having a real problem removing the glue residue from double sided carpet tape stuck to asphalt tiles. How can I solve this problem?
Doug, Chilliwack
A: Try using a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the tape making it easier to peel off. You can then remove the remaining sticky residue with contact cement solvent. After removing the residue rinse the area well with warm water.
Moisture in the Crawl Space
Q: We have an 18 year old split level home. It has a large 5 foot high crawlspace. The floor in the crawlspace is not proper concrete but seems to just have a light pour that is uneven and rough. When we moved in there was a torn and tattered vapour barrier in place. We replaced the vapour barrier with new 8mm barrier and tuck tape. We were told to place 2 x 4’s around the outside perimeter.
The crawlspace has three outside air vents that were all closed off and covered with insulation. There is one furnace vent into the crawlspace that was also closed. There has always been a very strong musty smell emanating from the crawlspace. We have recently had our furnace replaced and the HVAC guy said we had an excessive moisture problem in the crawlspace.
There is no visible moisture on the walls but we can see a lot under the vapour barrier. He suggested that we open two of the outside vents as well as the furnace vent and to run the furnace fan continuously. We have done this and it has improved to some degree. He also suggested sealing the vapour barrier with a silicone sealer around the foundation walls. It has also been suggested that we put a new floor down there which sounds expensive. Any help would be appreciated.
Heidi, Coquitlam
A: You make no mention of insulation on the concrete walls or between the joists on top of the concrete walls in the crawlspace. If there is none in place I would suggest that you apply 1 1/2 “ rigid foam insulation using a foam adhesive. Then apply floor 8 mil poly up onto the foam and seal with acoustical adhesive. Don’t worry about the moisture under the poly; it is doing its job. Crawlspace vents should be open in the summer and closed in the winter. I would not recommend placing more concrete over the existing floor.
The best way to control excess moisture in your crawl space is to call Basement Systems Vancouver at 604-581-1115.
Problems with Perimeter Drains
Q: Our split-level house is approximately 30 –33 years old. I am trying to clean out my drains (probably old weeping tiles) and seem to have a problem getting the water to go around and drain to the front street sewer drain as all lines from the house go to this street drain. Any suggestions that are simple and inexpensive to get the water draining from my tiled patio to the weeping tiles, to the drains etc.?
Secondly we had a toilet overflow and flood the downstairs rugs, gyproc etc. Cromwell have been in trying to dry it out. We want to make sure we get the proper service and that everything is dry so we do not get any spores growing later that could cause health problems. We would appreciate any suggestions you may have as we are dealing with our insurance company.
Sandy, Delta
A: It sounds like your perimeter drains may require servicing. This is should be done every 3 to 5 years as required. Call Avante Drainage at 604-599-8825. I would do it sooner than later because if it is left too long, you could be facing an expensive project.
Regarding your flooded area, I’m sure that Cromwell will have the correct equipment to extract the high moisture content from the area. They are professionals in this field.
Excess Moisture Within the Home
Q: We have a home which is approximately thirty years old. When we moved in we discovered that the attic had been blown full of insulation and there were no vents in the soffits, so we installed those. We also replaced the single aluminum windows with double vinyl ones. I think that in the process of making the house ‘warmer’, we’ve created a moisture buildup problem. When the weather gets cooler there is a big condensation problem on the windows. I know from listening to your show the way to alleviate it is to install something but I forgotten what it is called. Is there such a thing a small appliance de-humidifier and would that help?
Maria, Mission
A: Yes, your concern is with the high relative humidity in your home. Excess moisture within the home can be handled in a number of ways. Consider the installation of a low sone (quiet) exhaust fan that is controlled by a dehumidistat.
Those with moisture problems in their crawl space can find relief from the problem with a Humidex system. Please call Humidex at 1-800-416-9111 regarding a Humidex Ventilation System.
Noisy Drains
Q: We live on the fourth floor in a 20-year old concrete high-rise building. Our manager lives on the first floor. It seems that our kitchen sinks are connected as we can hear them running water, washing up etc. and likewise they get the same from ours. We bought two rubber mats for the sink but find it is of little help. The sinks are not insulated. What can you suggest?
E&A, West Vancouver
A: I recommend using Poly Urethane foam around the opening in the wall or cabinets where the drain pipe exits under the sink. The product is available in aerosol cans at your local Building Supply store. You might also want to consider enlarging the trap diameter in the kitchen sink to reduce noise caused by running water.
When to Re-roof
Q: Our shake roof is 15 years old. I believe it is supposed to have a 25-year life span. There were two small leaks in the middle of the roof some four years back and these were repaired with 8 – 10 shingles. Now it appears that some shakes are curled up from the weather but no leaks have appeared this past four years. What do you recommend; should I leave it alone or have someone in to inspect the roof.
John, Abbotsford
A: It’s hard to tell without seeing the roof but it doesn’t sound like it is in bad shape. Based on the age of your roof, you might have about 3 to 5 years of life left with the current roof. Please do not get talked into doing anything to the existing roof except to have it repaired as required. The odd curled shingle is not unheard of. When you are ready to consider a new roof, feel free to call the HouseSmart Referral Network at 604-542-2236 and we’ll send someone out who can give you an opinion about the urgency of your roof replacement as well as a no obligation estimate.
