Posted on: Friday, September 3, 2004
HOME HANDYMAN
Proper ventilation is key in new roofs
By Glenn Haege
Q. I will be getting a new roof soon. I have gable and roof vents. My option is to close the gable vents and add the under-eave vents and ridge vents or leave the roof cans on with the under-eave vents. Is the ventilation better with one system or another or is either equal as long as enough vents exist?
A. I recommend continuous soffit and ridge vents. If you have proper attic insulation, you cannot have too much attic ventilation. Also be sure to close the gable vents. They disrupt the airflow and can impede proper attic ventilation.
• • • Q. Can you paint ceramic floor tile with bathtub glaze or with anything else?
A. Ceramic tile is not designed to be painted. If you walk on the floor, the paint will wear off, and the floor will look awful.
• • • Q. I live in an 18-year-old house that has eight very large windows (not really windows, just framed glass) that need replacing because the seals are broken. One contractor proposes simplyremoving the glass and replacing it with new double panes. The other proposes replacing the current double panes of glass with actual Marvin windows (both propose low e-argon).
Which method of replacement is smarter, more energy-efficient and longer-lasting? Which makes the most sense should any of them need replacement again?
A. It really is a question of what you want in a window.
If you want to have the flexibility of real windows (opening and closing), you have to install true windows.
If you just want a piece of glass, replacing the glass would be the most economical option. I, personally, prefer conventional windows, but it is a matter of taste.
Write Glenn Haege at Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI. 48068-1498 or askglenn@masterhandyman.com.
