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jjack229 posted:Found out that I have a bunch of wasps or hornets in the siding under our bay windows: https://www.domyown.com/stryker-wasp-and-hornet-killer-p-19247.html?pdpv=2 jjack229 posted:I plan to go around the house this summer and patch up the cracks and little holes in the siding with caulk. Any thoughts on how to patch a hole that big? I have another one of similar size near ground level where my Gary routed his satellite cables through the siding and foundation. You're going to want to stuff the larger holes with a piece of hardware cloth trimmed to fit, then caulk over it.
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Aug 6, 2023 22:27
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jjack229 posted:Found out that I have a bunch of wasps or hornets in the siding under our bay windows: I'm no help on your questions, but that siding is tripping me out. Is there a name for that 'drip' kind of look?
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Aug 6, 2023 22:37
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It's "wavy edge"/"mock live edge" cedar. Nice stuff, much better than actual live edge as far as longevity goes and you still get the look and only weirdos like me notice the difference.
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Aug 6, 2023 22:59
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I initial went with a foam instead of a spray, thinking it would cover over the opening and/or better yet, make it through the opening and foam up behind it where they live. However, I found if I applied too much it would droop off the siding and fall to the ground and I couldn't tell if any was making it through. I wondered about trying a spray instead, but I don't even know where the nest is in relation to the opening and if I need to hit the nest directly to be effective in killing everything. Motronic posted:You're going to want to stuff the larger holes with a piece of hardware cloth trimmed to fit, then caulk over it. I haven't heard that term before, but it looks like it is [url=https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lumber-Composites-Fencing-Hardware-Cloth-Fencing/N-5yc1vZcd55]a metal or plastic mesh[url]? I take it the idea is to give something for the caulk to adhere to? I think I have some laying around, so that should be easy. Sloppy posted:I'm no help on your questions, but that siding is tripping me out. Is there a name for that 'drip' kind of look? I had never noticed it on a house before we bought this one, but I do kind of like how it looks compared to the simple straight edge that I have seen before on cedar siding.
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Aug 7, 2023 00:19
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jjack229 posted:I initial went with a foam instead of a spray, thinking it would cover over the opening and/or better yet, make it through the opening and foam up behind it where they live. However, I found if I applied too much it would droop off the siding and fall to the ground and I couldn't tell if any was making it through. That's okay, the stuff I linked has a lot of residual. So you just need to get it where they come in and out, and they will do the rest by carrying it back there from touching it. jjack229 posted:I haven't heard that term before, but it looks like it is [url=https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lumber-Composites-Fencing-Hardware-Cloth-Fencing/N-5yc1vZcd55]a metal or plastic mesh[url]? I take it the idea is to give something for the caulk to adhere to? I think I have some laying around, so that should be easy. Yes, you want the metal stuff and buy a pair of metal clippers/shears so you can cut it easily. Part of it is for something for the caulk to adhere to, but part of it is that pests (like mice) can't eat through it the way they can eat through caulk, plastic, spray foam, etc. Caulk shrinks as it dries, so for the bigger holes just go light for your first coat. Get it closed up but don't bother trying to bring it up to the surface level exactly. Then go out in the nest day or three and apply another coat to get it closer to level with your siding.
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Aug 7, 2023 00:26
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Motronic posted:What does an apartment have to do with this, unless you're using that to mean "I rent" in which case you should do nothing other than call your property management or landlord. Yeah . . . given that they've tried at least twice to hang this specific shade up, I figured I'd try my hand at it and see what happens. Your answer is quite literally the correct one, but I figure for this one I'll see if I can't try something slightly more secure.
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Aug 7, 2023 01:49
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PitViper posted:
I actually feel strongly that you should tile under the vanity. Gives a solid and complete tile floor, and the tiles at the base of the vanity are whole tiles so you don't see a cut edge, and/or you don't have a shoe molding. Also if your sink leaks you've got a modicum of protection for longer.
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Aug 7, 2023 03:02
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Or you could do what our Gary did and tile up to the edge of the vanity and then proceed to not use shoe molding. Love seeing that cut edge all the time. I actually don't know if Gary did it or if it was built this way. Not sure what's more fun... blaming things on lovely builders or on lovely POs. Edit: derp, the shower and tub surround have matching tile, and there's no way it was a reno, So lovely builders it is! DaveSauce fucked around with this message at 03:44 on Aug 7, 2023 |
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Aug 7, 2023 03:37
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PitViper posted:Or you could do what my last Gary did, which is put the tile OVER the vinyl floor, and cut it around the toilet (and vanity). That was at least an easy demo. Oh hey, what's up pal. I have this in my master bathroom and the downstairs half 
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Aug 7, 2023 04:22
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I cleaned the bathroom sinks, and realized I'd left some residue on the metal ring around the drain plug. Wiped it with my finger, suddenly blood everywhere. I barely even felt it, so I was freaked out when I saw it. The metal flange that fits around the actual drain plug was razor-sharp to the point that wiping it slit my finger open. I can't even blame Gary for this one, because Gary did no maintenance whatsoever and certainly didn't install a razor-sharp sink fixture. I'm gonna blame Bob the Builder for this one.
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Aug 7, 2023 05:01
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Shifty Pony posted:The resin leads to the only downside of quartz: you can burn it if you put a very hot pot directly onto it.
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Aug 7, 2023 05:36
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That sucks to see, especially given how easily silica exposure can be completely mitigated as a health hazard. I really hate how lax industry is about airborne particles and PPE. Hell even that Cambria promotional video above has a guy polishing/grinding the countertop with his maskless face right next to the tool. It appears to be wet polishing and the guy looks like a model for the PR shot, but still it isn't a good look.
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Aug 7, 2023 08:52
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jjack229 posted:Found out that I have a bunch of wasps or hornets in the siding under our bay windows: If you do end up taking that piece off, there are cavities in bay or bow windows for insulation. When I installed them we did them so infrequently we usually forgot to bring the fiberglass insulation and it haunts me to this day.
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Aug 7, 2023 13:26
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Crimp cap on a copper pipe is fine when installed correctly? Until 20 minutes ago I thought you just had to solder it.
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Aug 7, 2023 23:36
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I'm in the market for a full house exterior stucco replacement (knock off the old, fully replace with new). 1940's house in NM with old cement stucco that's held up very well, given the age. Anyone have thoughts on cement vs synthetic? Cement quotes are about 10% cheaper and it generally looks good. Supposedly more prone to cracking, but the house is very settled. Any reason I should go with a synthetic blend?
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Aug 8, 2023 01:35
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Looks like some birds took up residence inside my house. What's the best course to take care of the problem?
DTaeKim fucked around with this message at 17:52 on Aug 8, 2023 |
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Aug 8, 2023 17:48
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DTaeKim posted:Looks like some birds took up residence inside my house. What's the best course to take care of the problem? Tell them about the delicious cask of nectar you've got in that hole.
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Aug 8, 2023 18:10
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Wait until winter, then repair the hole.
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Aug 8, 2023 18:29
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DTaeKim posted:Looks like some birds took up residence inside my house. What's the best course to take care of the problem? One way excluder, wait 72hrs or so for every bird to gtfo, then seal it up.
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Aug 8, 2023 19:53
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Anyone have any advice on shopping for homeowner's insurance? I've been with the same company ever since I bought my home (about 9 years ago). I don't remember how I ended up with them, but I think they were the option my realtor recommended. I've had to file several claims since buying my house, and while I haven't been unsatisfied with them, my rates have gone way up for my most recent renewal notice. I found some recommendations for brokers and companies on Nextdoor (I know), but I'm really out of my depth when it comes to this stuff. Any advice would be welcome.
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Aug 8, 2023 21:47
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mekyabetsu posted:Anyone have any advice on shopping for homeowner's insurance? I've been with the same company ever since I bought my home (about 9 years ago). I don't remember how I ended up with them, but I think they were the option my realtor recommended. I've had to file several claims since buying my house, and while I haven't been unsatisfied with them, my rates have gone way up for my most recent renewal notice. I found some recommendations for brokers and companies on Nextdoor (I know), but I'm really out of my depth when it comes to this stuff. Any advice would be welcome. We've been with Amica for over thirty years. The one time we had to file a claim, for a robbery, the claims agent kept saying "Surely you had more jewelry than that." (I didn't.) Point being, it would have been better for the company if he underestimated our possessions, but instead he was working to make sure the list was accurate. Amica also gets great ratings from consumer organizations. e: Depending on where you live, a lot of homeowners have had their insurance costs soar this year. The insurers are hiking their rates in response to all the natural disaster/climate change policies they're paying out.
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Aug 8, 2023 21:53
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Shifty Pony posted:One way excluder, wait 72hrs or so for every bird to gtfo, then seal it up. Still a bad idea if they're nesting depending o the time of the year, as that's how you end up with dead baby birds trapped in your walls.
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Aug 8, 2023 21:54
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I'll get a ladder and peek inside, we haven't heard any birds chirp in a couple of weeks.
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Aug 8, 2023 22:06
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mekyabetsu posted:Anyone have any advice on shopping for homeowner's insurance? I've been with the same company ever since I bought my home (about 9 years ago). I don't remember how I ended up with them, but I think they were the option my realtor recommended. I've had to file several claims since buying my house, and while I haven't been unsatisfied with them, my rates have gone way up for my most recent renewal notice. I found some recommendations for brokers and companies on Nextdoor (I know), but I'm really out of my depth when it comes to this stuff. Any advice would be welcome. Find a local independent agent and let them shop the (hopefully) dozens of companies they work with for you. Google, chamber of commerce, local FB group should be able to recommend one. Key word independent. FWIW though, everyone's insurance has gone up considerably the last 2 years or so. 30 to 40% increases in premiums are common, and you can almost consider yourself fortunate your insurer hasn't sent out a non renewal notice like many are. Costs are through the roof, insurance companies are losing a ton of money, and they're cutting back on business. Several claims on your record might make it difficult to find a new insurer.
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Aug 8, 2023 22:12
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When we closed on our house last year our realtor recommended a independent insurance agent and I now recommend everyone to use one, they are awesome and saved me a little money while also answering a lot of questions and pointing out things I would've never thought of.
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Aug 8, 2023 23:17
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skipdogg posted:Find a local independent agent and let them shop the (hopefully) dozens of companies they work with for you. Google, chamber of commerce, local FB group should be able to recommend one. Key word independent. Our independent agent saved us a couple grand this year after all the cost increases came out. That plus the time savings of not having to shop around myself made it incredibly worthwhile.
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Aug 9, 2023 00:38
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Democratic Pirate posted:Our independent agent saved us a couple grand this year after all the cost increases came out. That plus the time savings of not having to shop around myself made it incredibly worthwhile. A couple grand???? Holy crap how expensive is your homeowners insurance? My entire policy is "a couple grand" a year on $900k main home/$90k other structures/$500k personal property.
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Aug 9, 2023 00:49
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DTaeKim posted:I'll get a ladder and peek inside, we haven't heard any birds chirp in a couple of weeks. Watch yourself. Be prepared for an explosion of feathers in your face. I was up on my 8-footer checking a multi-unit birdhouse to clean out what looked like a hoarder's nest of material. I watched it off & on for days, and was sure it was vacant. Grabbed a handful & started pulling; they nearly blew me off the ladder.
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Aug 9, 2023 01:49
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Motronic posted:A couple grand???? Holy crap how expensive is your homeowners insurance? My entire policy is "a couple grand" a year on $900k main home/$90k other structures/$500k personal property. I overstated, it was almost $1k saved between home and auto policies. Home is $2.8k/year - an old roof limits our coverage options.
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Aug 9, 2023 01:50
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Democratic Pirate posted:I overstated, it was almost $1k saved between home and auto policies. Home is $2.8k/year - an old roof limits our coverage options. Oh with multiple policies I can totally see being at a "couple grand saved" level with my homeowners/"investment property" (i.e. where my mom lives but it's not my primary residence so gently caress you we're counting it as a rental)/cars/umbrella left to sit for too long. I just went to double check I wasn't totally off base and my homeowners is $2400/year.
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Aug 9, 2023 01:58
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Ja we have insureds that have combined their home & auto insurance (New Jersey) and the premiums can run $3000-$7000 depending on what we're insuring/for how much coverage/how many vehicles. We're currently paying $1300/year for $375K on the house, and I'm insuring an '05 Cayenne and a '00 Accord for $750/year, comprehensive & liability only. The '66 Pontiac and '65 Econoline are insured with stated-value collision & comprehensive with a $100 deductible for $380.00 (antique insurance is cheap because the exposure to damage is minimal).
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Aug 9, 2023 02:29
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What's the best way to secure windows you want to keep cracked open at night? Stick in the sill the best method or something more involved?
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Aug 9, 2023 02:35
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DTaeKim posted:Looks like some birds took up residence inside my house. What's the best course to take care of the problem? The birds will leave on their own as soon as you stop storing cum in your walls
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Aug 9, 2023 02:39
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PainterofCrap posted:I'm insuring an '05 Cayenne and a '00 Accord for $750/year, comprehensive & liability only. Ouch for me. 04 Cayenne, 13 Land Cruiser, 08 Impreza, 98 antique tagged Land Rover (only added $200/year) and I'm at $2400. Maybe I should shop again, but also.....I have a 16 year old and a 20 year old in the house so I'm probably just screwed. Multiple insurance companies literally declined to insure the Cayenne specifically because it's a turbo. Not sure if that's because I had driving age kids, they know I'm an idiot and child who hoons, or whatever else. Spikes32 posted:What's the best way to secure windows you want to keep cracked open at night? Stick in the sill the best method or something more involved? What do you mean by "secure"? Are you living somewhere that you should have bars over your windows?
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Aug 9, 2023 02:43
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Spikes32 posted:What's the best way to secure windows you want to keep cracked open at night? Stick in the sill the best method or something more involved? Check and see if you windows have built in limit stops: 
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Aug 9, 2023 02:47
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Motronic posted:Ouch for me. 04 Cayenne, 13 Land Cruiser, 08 Impreza, 98 antique tagged Land Rover (only added $200/year) and I'm at $2400. Maybe I should shop again, but also.....I have a 16 year old and a 20 year old in the house so I'm probably just screwed. Nah no bars needed but I should probably not just leave windows cracked all night on the 1st floor.
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Aug 9, 2023 03:18
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Spikes32 posted:What's the best way to secure windows you want to keep cracked open at night? Stick in the sill the best method or something more involved? Stick in the sill is easy and probably the best option a lot of the time You can use these if you're willing to drill holes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-Gray-Aluminum-Sliding-Patio-Door-Twist-Bolt-Lock-Sliding-Patio-Door-Twist-Bolt-Lock/3407852 The little clips that screw onto a window sill suck and don't really work
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Aug 9, 2023 03:19
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I know we were talking about gas buildups in houses a while back, well this happened about 20 minutes from me. A friend of a family member lives about a dozen houses down and the blast took their shutters and screen door off.  https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/house-leveled-explosion-plum-borough-several-other-homes-damaged/SYWJ2BSDZBG5VKRIEZRPSXKP6U/ The house that exploded is completely gone, like literally just a crater. It seems like the houses on each side of it are pretty flattened as well, totally destroyed. Another dozen or so damaged. Three injured, one critically, and several unaccounted for. cr0y fucked around with this message at 19:32 on Aug 12, 2023 |
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Aug 12, 2023 19:29
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In high school a girl was at home after school when the, I forget, pilot light on the water heater went out and resulting explosion didn't flatten the house but did pressurize the inside to the point that they couldn't open the doors to escape. They ended up having to break a window to get out. I guess the house mostly burnt down before the fire department arrived
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Aug 12, 2023 20:42
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If you have gas in your house you should do yourself a favor and install these near your gas appliances. https://www.amazon.com/Nighthawk-Mo...s%2C118&sr=8-10
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Aug 12, 2023 20:59
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