Recent content by oldasrocks

I had waterproofing chemical added to the concrete before pouring. Close to painting but Sherman Williams says block filler paint will not stick to the concrete as the concrete is not porous enough. Any ideas out there? I need a block filler on the walls to hide the imperfections.

Only way a ground source heat pump works around here is to dig two wells and put the pipe down there. Cost 20 grand. I guess I am just an old codger that can't figure out this new fangled stuff. Our electric bill runs from $80 winter to $140 in the summer. With my luck I'd spend the 15 K plus...

I looked into a heat pump and it is not practical here. Too hard to dig through the rocks to lay out the lines. Only works well down to 30 degrees. The way I did this old house we went from 600 gallons of propane a yr to 200 last yr. Filled a 500 gallon tank to 70% and have 30% left from last...

So come on over for coffee fitter 30. We live just north of Lebanon. Practically neighbors. I agree this old house is too tight. There is an overhead exhaust fan we do use. Doors get opened a lot with 3 dogs running in and out. You are right that maybe Co readings are high. I will get a gauge...

OK, What are "min splits? NO I did not go to an architect. I did talk at length to a guy that built a local hospital for wall thickness to support what I want to do. Guess I have a bad habit of just building stuff. No formal education and mostly built out of steel over the years. Took me...

NO codes here in Rural Missouri. In town they have codes but not out here. These window are 2X3 on the inside but 2 X 18 at the opening. Walls 16 inches thick.( 8 inch pour, 4" insulation, and 4 inch block) Ever see the arrow slits on a castle? Windows won't open either. Since every wall in the...

I'm sure you are correct. But out here in the backwoods where there are no codes it is hard to find someone knowledgeable. This is the main reason I am here to learn so I can recognize the con men. Example: one concrete guy told me I don't need any steel or fiber in the concrete as cracks just...

I don't believe in solar yet. You say zero cost? What will a new set of batteries cost for the system? A few around here have tried it but have not heard of any good results yet.

Yes there will be a separate air system in the garage. I intend to hire the work done for the HVAC system but need an education first. I have already ran into problems with subs in the concrete and plumbing areas. Luckily I know enough about both to fire them and hire someone else. In the...

Building my dream home and need help with HVAC, Read a couple threads in here and love this site. House will be 42X40. with attached garage of another 30 ft long, so 42X70. Then 4 inches of closed cell foam with 4 inch split face block on the outside. Inside dividing walls 6 inch pour...