November 7, 2020
Dear Ken: I want a new kitchen floor. We have existing vinyl tile and underlayment. They are in pretty good shape, but do we have to remove them first before we install new laminate flooring? Julie
Usually not. If the floor you have now is intact—that is flat and not bubbled--it can stay in place. In fact, removing it could release harmful dust into the air that you would want to avoid.
One hitch though. You need to make sure the dishwasher can still slide out of its opening after the new, “higher” floor is in place. It’s usually not a big deal, because the rear legs of most dishwashers are angled to allow you to tip it backwards and walk it out of the hole. You can check this quite easily by temporarily laying a piece of plywood of equivalent thickness as the new floor in front of the dishwasher. Then remove the 2 under-counter screws and see if it will ease out of its opening. If not, you’ll have to remove the old flooring or switch from new laminate material to plain vinyl.
PS: Fiddling with a dishwasher can cause leaks underneath. So check for dribbles with a flashlight before you reinstall the kick plate.
Dear Ken: My builder says to seal the concrete on the north side of my new house. I understand you don’t agree. Should we anyway? Bill
Generally, applying liquid sealant to concrete is a waste of time since it gets cooked away quickly by the sun and so has to be renewed every few months. There is in exception, though—and you’re it. North-facing driveways and sidewalks are vulnerable because they get little, if any, winter sun. So, we have that daily freeze-thaw cycle wherein ice and snow left in place eventually break down the smooth surface. That produces spalling—that cottage cheese effect that is so ugly. A sealant can help mitigate this outcome. So, unless you promise to never let ice buildup this winter, I would indeed apply a clear liquid sealer now for the winter season to come. Do this each fall--plus one more time around January--and your driveway will thank you for it.
Dear Ken: The labels on driveway patching compounds say apply only when it’s 40 degrees or above. I live in the mountains where it gets into the 20’s at night. Can I still do it? Andy
Check the weather forecast first. If the highs on the following day will be in the 50’s or above, start your patching early that next day. That way, the warmish afternoon temperatures will help accelerate curing of the patching product. For the succeeding two over-nights, cover the patched areas with a homemade “blanket”--pieces of plastic sheeting with old towels on top.
Dear Ken: My gas log pilot light won’t stay on. I have to restart it every time. Can I fix this myself? Todd
Try cleaning the thermocouple. That’s the little probe that the pilot flame impinges on. The heat produces a small voltage in the thermocouple that holds the gas valve open. It’s a safety device, designed to shut down the whole thing if the pilot light blows out. In your case, there may be some crud clinging to the probe tip. Additives in natural gas produce scaling, and that can coat the thermocouple enough to fool it into thinking that there is no flame.
Remove the front of the gas log. This is a two-person job; the glass front is tempered glass and pretty delicate, so easy does it. Use an emery file to gently clean off the probe. While you have the glass door lying flat, use some window cleaner to remove that dirty film and shine it up a little. If the pilot light still won’t stay on, the thermocouple itself may need replacement. That’s a job for a professional.
Dear Ken: We have a tenant who promised not to smoke in the house, but I think they are doing it anyway. Is there some way to detect it? Lori
The best detector of course is how it smells when you visit the house. It’s hard to hide smoking odors because these particles are quite electrostatic; they cling to walls and textured ceiling surfaces readily—not to mention the drapes and carpet. Maybe you’re blessed with folks who smoke on the patio or in the garage. Although that technically violates you agreement, if you can’t smell it in the house, and they’re paying the rent on time, I’d leave them alone.
