Project Update Thursday - 9 Feb 2012 – Conversation in Home Improvement

BMitch

Feb 9, 2012 19:59

Welcome to Project Update Thursday

Chris Cudmore

www2.dupont.com/Tyvek_Weatherization/en_US/products/residential/… seems to indicate it's for external use.

Happy to ship. Where are you?

Tester101

@ChrisCudmore That's what I've found too. I can't find any information that says it can be used as an alternative to Tuck tape for vapor barriers.

As a matter of fact. I can't find much information on vapor barriers here in the states.

Chris Cudmore

Just searched Lowes.com for vapor barrier and it came up with radiant barrier insulation.

Do Americans all have soggy basements?

Tester101

@ChrisCudmore Yes. We don't know how to make dry basements.

or at least we didn't. I think they are learning now.

Chris Cudmore

I'm curious as to how necessary the right tape is. If you were to staple double thickness to the joist, wouldn't any tape be sufficient?

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 20:06

not sure. Don't have much experience with vapor barriers.

Niall C.

You should have overlap between the layers of vapor barrier, so the actual area that's protected (or not) by tape only should be the thickness of the barrier times the length of tape used.

But the consequences of being wrong about that are horrible

Tester101

@NiallC What about repairing holes or tears? Do you tape a poly patch over the hole, or just tape over the hole?

Niall C.

Somewhere recently, I saw instructions about this: IIRC, it said to patch them.

It might have been a flyer next to the insulation at Lowe's or HD.

Or perhaps on Dupont's website when I was reading about Tyvek and Tyvek tape.

Stupid memory, won't work right

Chris Cudmore

It looks like the US product is Venture 1599B duct closure tape. Comes in silver, black and transparent (pink)

Tester101

@ChrisCudmore Isn't that stuff for ducts? I need it to adhere to plastic.

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 20:17

Check out this... There's a list of links in the second section greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/…

Well, they make a pink, polyethelyne tape. Which I assume is for plastic.

Steve Jackson

The Venture 1585CW-2 looks exactly like the picture for tuck tape.

Chris Cudmore

and... designed for use as a closure system and vapor seal on all interior and exterior sheathing materials.

Steve Jackson

"This red tape is designed to be used for sealing seams and repairing cuts in housewraps, foamboards, poly barriers, and other types of exterior sheathing products. It is a thin, strong, polypropylene tape that is coated with a cold weather acrylic adhesive. It combines superior quick stick with excellent performance below freezing to -35°F (-37°C). "

Chris Cudmore

... Excellent vapor barrier tape on polyethylene film

venturetape.com/pdfs/datasheets/1585CW-P2%20-%20TDS.pdf

Tester101

Can't find anything from venture at HD, except safety glasses. Which are listed under "Building Materials"!

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 20:25

How much Tuck Tape do you need?

I can Fedex it.

BMitch

There's Amazon, but it's expensive:

amazon.com/Venture-Tape-222-HouseWrap-1585/dp/B004C6U2X8/…

Tester101

I don't need it. I just want to know what should be used.

I was looking for a better answer than "the guy at home depot said".

BMitch

Personally, I'd use Tyvek tape, but I'm no expert either

heck, we don't even use a vapor barrier, just the house wrap and the paper backed fiberglass

Tester101

I think I'll send an e-mail to my local Tyvek Specialist, and ask them.

@BMitch Maybe that's why it's hard to find information in the US, the concept of vapor barriers just hasn't caught on.

Steve Jackson

@Tester101 Darn, I was hoping for a blog entry.

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 20:31

@SteveJackson I'll start doing some research to find out why vapor barriers are not used in the US. See if I can dig up enough info for a blog entry.

BMitch

@Tester101 I think the problem is worst for Canadians, with the house wrap, you prevent drafts, and the paper backing gives some level of vapor barrier

Steve Jackson

Cool - maybe you can work in an email interview with the Tyvek guy.

BMitch

you only have to worry if moisture inside the home can condense in the wall

but they also have stricter building codes

Tester101

Oh... funny story. I came across a home inspectors forum thread where they were bashing Mike Holmes, cause apparently he said home inspectors in Canada sucked.

Lost the link, but it was pretty funny.

Chris Cudmore

They do.

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 20:34

They were challenging him to an "inspect off".

Chris Cudmore

Got a home inspection on my house. Did not mention - evidence of mold in the crawlspace. Electrical service requires upgrade. Ungrounded plugs in bathroom. Water heater chimney needs lining. And this was an Engineering report.

Tester101

Found it Mike Holmes is an idiot

Chris Cudmore

I'm actually scared to look in the attic. It seems like it will be an expensive adventure.

Tester101

"I have never seen were he is trained in anything except maybe wearing coveralls."

Doresoom

"Again...why not become the most famous home inspector in Canada and take on Mike Holmes."

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 20:41

Heh. Some of those guys seam to be more worried about their relationship with realtors than their clients.

Doresoom

Tester101

In other news... @Aarthi has agreed to give 5 DIY Stack Exchange pencils to new blog contributors!

Chris Cudmore

I'll probably do a weekly blow-by-blow on the basement.

Tester101

While supplies last. Stack Exchange employee sold separately.

Doresoom

Stack Exchange does not deal in human trafficking.

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 20:44

Thanks @Doresoom, forgot that disclaimer.

Aarthi

I should rather hope not.

Chris Cudmore

Speak of the devil, and there she is.

BMitch

@ChrisCudmore Realtors are the clients 90% of the time, most home buyers don't shop for multiple inspectors. Same with appraisers. And since the Realtor is the client, you do what the client wants, which is to not kill the sale.

sorry, stepping back off my soap box

@ChrisCudmore woah, when did she start hanging out with us again?

Chris Cudmore

That's the case, yes. We have discovered the same problem with Meat Inspectors -- They're responsible to the wrong people.

The entire industry needs regulation and mandatory liability insurance.

Tester101

Rule 1. If a Realtor gives you an inspectors card, don't call that inspector.

BMitch

Feb 9, 2012 20:50

The market would change a lot if the insurance company hired the inspector and the mortgage company hired the appraiser

Steve Jackson

heh

Tester101

can't say i'd mind the insurance company hiring the inspector. But I don't think I want the mortgage company hiring the appraiser.

Chris Cudmore

Of course, the issue is moot in Toronto. The sale will usually go through without an inspection as the market is so hot, if you attach a condition as buyer, you'll lose the house.

BMitch

not the mortgage broker, they have an incentive to get the highest price for the closing cost, but whoever actually holds the loan wants to know they aren't over paying and risking an underwater situation

Chris Cudmore

We don't even do mortgage appraisals in Toronto on most sales.

BMitch

Feb 9, 2012 20:53

hmm, off topic, I never noticed we were room 111 before

Chris Cudmore

The bank only wants an appraisal for the mega-homes. In my neighbourhood, anything under $750 k will go through without questions.

Aarthi

@BMitch Hey. I MISSED YOU ALL okay

BMitch

@Aarthi Why are you trying to hit us?

Aarthi

@BMitch :D

I'd never hit y'all

BMitch

@Aarthi I'm not sure if that implies that you're really bad at hitting things, or maybe you're just non-violent

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 21:05

Both?

Tester101

@Aarthi How come we never get to have contests?

Stack Exchange Gaming Blog: Kingdoms of Amalur: A Contest

Lauren Gundrum on February 07, 2012

In honor of the release of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, we’re holding a contest.

The contest is open to both new and current gaming.stackexchange.com users.

Everyone is eligible to participate regardless of geographic location. If you live in an area of the world where it is too difficult for us to ship you your prize, we’ll figure something else out on a case by case basis.

The only metrics we’re using to determine winners views and votes. So ask as many good questions and give as many good answers as you can, and share them using whatever means you see fit. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Google Plus, whatever works for you. …

Aarthi

@Tester101 eep

umm.

Tester101

Everybody loves gaming!

Chris Cudmore

I don't.

Tester101

gaming this, gaming that.

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 21:13

because right now, the CHAOS focus for this site is to get more of you guys talking to each other on meta.

and maybe up the answer rate.

Chris Cudmore

Actually, I don't mind gaming. I just hate gaming culture.

Tester101

We have a low answer rate?

A contest might increase the answer rate.

Aarthi

Er, not low.

Hmmm.

Hey, we've topped 6k visits a day

Chris Cudmore

Yeah... I'm not a meta fan. I realize it's important, but I'd rather answer real questions than questions about questions.

Tester101

One great answer for each question, that's how we roll.

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 21:15

@ChrisCudmore Which I totally understand.

Hmm. I'll talk to the team, see what our goals for you guys is.

Right now, DIY is roughly half the size of UL.

Chris Cudmore

If there were some sort of actual problem with the site -- Such as Asshole mods who needed taking down a peg, then perhaps meta would be busier. But as it sits, things run pretty smoothly, so I'm not going to worry about it.

Tester101

It also helps that we have chat.

We discuss issues in either this chat or the blog chat.

Aarthi

we do have chat.

and I'm so so happy

that we're using chat

i think for DIY, chat is better for most of what we want to do

discuss, shoot the breeze, and well chat.

Steve Jackson

It seems like this site is pretty well defined, we never get complaints about closures or migrations (that I know of)....what else would we use meta for?

BMitch

discussing the new contest of course :)

Steve Jackson

Feb 9, 2012 21:21

Aha!

Tester101

Meta is a good place to beg people to contribute to the blog.

6

Q: How can I contribute to the DIY community blog?

I'd like to contribute to the Home Improvement Stack Exchange Blog, how do I get started?

Chris Cudmore

Perhaps if Meta was a tab on the site, rather than a separate site, it might get more use.

Aarthi

pretty much.

@ChrisCudmore I wish that, as well.

Steve Jackson

I'd say well over 50% of the last 4 months worth of meta questions have been blog related.

Chris Cudmore

I could choose to silence or expose it.

BMitch

Feb 9, 2012 21:23

so now that @Aarthi has agreed that the prize will be a $100 gift card to HD, what should the contest rules/objective be?

Aarthi

@BMitch wait. wait.

what.

when?

Tester101

did somebody mention the blog? While we're on the subject, we could use some entries!

BMitch

oh yeah, and $50/$25 for the 2nd and 3rd place too :)

Steve Jackson

Whoever ups the answer rate obviously. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your spamming!

OOh best blog entry wins the prize. As judged by...something.

BMitch

woo hoo, off to answer spam we go, thanks @Aarthi!

you're the best

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 21:24

wait stop what I don't know what just happened

Steve Jackson

CHAOS!

BMitch

I get that from all the ladies

Aarthi

pfft

Tester101

I like this idea, it might help in my quest for the Reviewer badge. Let the low quality posts fly!

Aarthi

uhhhhhh

Aaron

Feb 9, 2012 21:26

no, you can't place a 14" undercabinet light under a 12" cabinet that is next to the microwave cabinet

Aarthi

(meeting brb)

Steve Jackson

buzzzzzzzz?

BMitch

@Aaron sure you can, but you need to cut it with a saw first so it will fit

Aaron

well yes

Tester101

How about a "question of the week" contest?

I nominate this one...

Aaron

Feb 9, 2012 21:28

typically flourescent tubes don't like being cut though

Tester101

3

Q: We have a light switch in the kitchen that is wired to the central ac?

We bought our house 2 years ago and thought this was just an unused switch, it doesn't turn anything on that we can see. Then the other day my husband was putting up a ceiling fan in the kitchen and opened up the cover. It says for AC only. Does anyone know why this is there or what the functi...

electrical wiring

Steve Jackson

That should win something....

BMitch

hahaha

Chris Cudmore

BMitch

ohh, filler blog entries: popular questions of the week by humor, votes, most answers, etc

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 21:29

and WTF-ery

BMitch

ok, time for me to head out, have a great weekend everyone! afk

Steve Jackson

Yeah, we have a vague notion of filling out the "Tools you must buy" entry. Anyone have any suggestions for making it more bloggy than the question?

55

Q: What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?

What are the tools that every DIY'er should have? This is a community wiki as there is no one right answer. Instructions: One item per answer (so they can be voted on - answers with multiple items will be voted down) Clear formatting like this: [ITEM NAME] [Reason why item is essential/usefu...

tools

later @BMitch

Chris Cudmore

@SteveJackson I nominate this as a tool everyone should own:

It will improve your home immensely.

And work will get done faster too.

Tester101

The "un-leveler"

shirlock homes

I finally made it on a thursday before you all left!!

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 21:36

@shirlockhomes Just in time to explain how the "un-leveler" works.

shirlock homes

it looks like a beer pump to me. only people get "unlevel" lmao

pump, drink, repaet

repeat

Aarthi

Whoa, it's @shirlockhomes :D

shirlock homes

Hi sweetie.... miss you...

how things in NYC?

Chris Cudmore

Actually, this is the obvious omission from the tools question:

I can't believe it's not there.

shirlock homes

some of us working bums don't get home early enough to join in often.

what game are you guys playing????

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 21:40

So, Join us from work!

Tester101

@shirlockhomes That's why you need a desk job.

Chris Cudmore

@shirlockhomes Get as much cash out of Aarthi as possible for contest prizes.

shirlock homes

lol. I'm working on retiring. push a pen and keyboard

Aarthi

@shirlockhomes Aww, thanks. I'm good -- just busy busy. They changed my job on me!

shirlock homes

you still here on HI

?

I sure wish I knew how to add pics like these guys do. I'm lucky if I can turn on the darn putter

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 21:42

I am a little -- I get to monitor the whole network now, it seems.

shirlock homes

did I win a keg pump???? lololololol

Chris Cudmore

Click the Upload button on the right. Select from web.

Paste the img URL in.

Tester101

I like questions where the only reasonable answer is "Maybe".

2

Q: Can I make an existing dog door bigger for our new larger dog?

We have an existing dog door that we had installed in the wall for our beagle. We have since acquired a larger dog and she has out grown the door. I'm worried about injuries, so any advice will be much appreciated. Can we make the existing door bigger?

drywall

Aarthi

Heh.

shirlock homes

i was very temped to tell him to put the dog on a diet

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 21:44

HAHA.

get a smaller dog!

shirlock homes

uplaod, paste, url???? OMG I need a tutor

Aarthi

That's what your son's for! :P

Niall C.

Pssst @Tester101. Ask @shirlockhomes about Tuck Tape (he's mentioned using it on the site)

shirlock homes

he is back in Rochester

Aarthi

@shirlockhomes drag the boy back by his ankles! :P kidding, kidding.

Tester101

Feb 9, 2012 21:45

Oh yeah... @shirlockhomes can Tyvek tape be used as a substitute for Tuck tape?

shirlock homes

you gotta see his Utube vid. he is getting paid to hack the Kinex from MS. wild stuff.

two days afgter it hit utube he got a call from MS gameing div with a job offer!!

Chris Cudmore

nice.

Aarthi

Nice!

shirlock homes

RIT is paying him, BTW. part of the 3D imiging grant thing they are doing

Aarthi

That is very cool. :D

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 21:47

The Kinect has a lot of potential. It's a pretty solid piece of hardware.

Aarthi

So, @shirlockhomes, Tyvek vs Tuck tape!

shirlock homes

His Thesius is doing some new 3D technology for MRI's

Aarthi

2 mins ago, by Tester101

Oh yeah... @shirlockhomes can Tyvek tape be used as a substitute for Tuck tape?

@shirlockhomes ok that is so cool aww

shirlock homes

tuck tape holds Tyvec

Chris Cudmore

OR, more generally, what do americans buy to seal a vapour barrier.

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 21:48

any tyvek tape will work

it is moisture proof and wicked sticky

Aarthi

heeee i love wicked

shirlock homes

we are wicked cool up here. lolol

Aarthi

we don't use that much in Texas :D I just say "bless your heart" and "hon" a lot. and "y'all," of course.

(I grew up in Texas.)

shirlock homes

thought you were in NYC

Aarthi

:D Correct, sir!

Here, I hear "youse" more.

and "tawk" for "talk"

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 21:52

i got a cop friend from Stamford Ct that comes up fishing every year, he talks like that. I love to make fun of him

Aarthi

hahahaha

shirlock homes

@Chris; I use tyvek tape all the time

buy that stuff by the case

Chris Cudmore

And just out of curiosity -- How is it different than Packing tape for a vapour barrier?

shirlock homes

everybody in America speaks with an accent except us Mainers

Packing tape shrivels bad if wet

Chris Cudmore

Yeah, You Mainers sound pretty similar to the New Brunswickers.

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 21:55

Aupp

not far away, for sure

Chris Cudmore

So how did Bostoners develop their own unique accent?

shirlock homes

the king demanded it

did I win the beer yet?

Aarthi

he's not kidding

@shirlockhomes all the beer!

shirlock homes

yaaaaaa I love beer

Aarthi

hee!

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 21:58

I wanna do the podcast again with some of the guys. that would be awesome

we can swap stories for hours. lol

Tester101

@shirlockhomes Opened a question on Meta for you.

0

A: How do I post images in chat?

Step 1: Find an image you want to share. It can be on the internet, or on your computer. Step 2: If it's an image from the internet, right click the image and choose Copy image URL. If it's on your computer, skip to step 3. Step 3: Click Upload... Step 4: If the image was on the intern...

shirlock homes

thank you. I'll refer back to meta soon and try it. I hate not being able to put nice pics on there with answers. you guys do a great job covering my ass!!!

Aarthi

podcast blog post? @Tester101

shirlock homes

sometimes I wish I could go take a pic of something or construction detail to help these folks

Tester101

@Aarthi You want me to blog about a podcast?

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 22:01

No. Podcast about blogging.

Aarthi

@Tester101 nono, we record one, post it up on the blog.

dunno how we'd do that

shirlock homes

any of you other guys would like to podcast together?

Steve Jackson

Apple blog does them

We can get some pointers.

Aarthi

kyle will certainly tell you all the things

shirlock homes

trust me, I can talk faster than type. lololol

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 22:02

hahaha. hey, I loved the ep you did with us

shirlock homes

plus, SE sent me some awesome headsets with a boom mike

Aarthi

and just a bunch of dudes sitting around, telling stories? i'd listen to that

Steve Jackson

I decree - Aarthi has to moderate the podcast.

Aarthi

@SteveJackson oh heavens, sure I would. dunno if I could every time, though

shirlock homes

hell, it could go national, worldwide, viral

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 22:03

:D

shirlock homes

that would be great. I vote for Aarthi. I promise i won;t flirt all the time. heheheheh

Aarthi

ahahaha

shirlock homes

did my first inspection without any major finds, boring.......... lol

Aarthi

Hey guys: Joel likes our blog! :D

shirlock homes

I like horror shows, more fun to talk about

hey, you guys will be happy to know I finally finished the living space renovation on the house I bouhgt.

Aarthi

Feb 9, 2012 22:07

\o/

yaaaay

Chris Cudmore

Pics or it didn't happen.

shirlock homes

new kitchen, bath, and full paint job everywhere else. gone is the old wallpaper

actually, we got before and after

I'll try to get them on my puter for next time

Chris Cudmore

So, click the upload button on the right....

shirlock homes

they are still in the camera.

Chris Cudmore

In the camera? That's so 2009.

Cloud baby, cloud.

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 22:09

I just got an Apple 4 phone before Christmas, learning how to use it

had a flip phone for 7 years, worked great.

I use the cam for inspections

Chris Cudmore

I'm on a windows phone. Set up a skydrive account, and my pics auto upload when I take them.

shirlock homes

my son has a windows phone and loves it

Chris Cudmore

Then I can map the skydrive as a drive on my home computer, and it's just like magic.

shirlock homes

over my head!

Chris Cudmore

Once it's set up, it just works.

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 22:11

that is waht my kid says. lol

Aarthi

@shirlockhomes I had a flip phone for 3 years and then upgraded to a smart phone over Christmas, too!

Chris Cudmore

Of course, the DSLR still requires antiquated technology like wires.

shirlock homes

my first smart phone

Aarthi

@shirlockhomes high fives!

shirlock homes

I still have and use a very expensive 35mm Konica

not often however. lol

Chris Cudmore

Feb 9, 2012 22:12

With film?

shirlock homes

yes........film

Aarthi

:D

Did you know we have a photography site? photo.stackexchange.com

shirlock homes

spent so much on this damn house, I can't afford a new digital SLR with lenses

Aarthi

aww

Chris Cudmore

Aarthi ... I can't do it all! I spend time on DIY, Stackoverflow and Cooking.

The rest are question specific.

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 22:14

yes, but can hardly keep up with this one!!!!!

Aarthi

laughs aw, guys.

shirlock homes

i love gardening and cooking and photo. I'll just have to retire now

Aarthi

Sounds good to me. All the wisdom! Ours now.

shirlock homes

need a lot more time to write

Chris Cudmore

It's been 3 years now since StackOverflow?

shirlock homes

Feb 9, 2012 22:15

I still gotta pound nails for a living

Chris Cudmore

Gotta run. Tomorrow.

Aarthi

/waves @ChrisCudmore :)

shirlock homes

good night Chris

Aarthi

I think that's a wrap for PUT, as well

Thanks for joining us for Project Update Thursday! See you all next week!

Project Update Thursday - 9 Feb 2012

Home Improvement

Participants