Mopar’s Wood Toilet Tank


Hey Mopar, I noticed that DEA Bath carries a tank liner that might be a medium-term solution to your leaking wood tank. Only $39 for the low tank model,which I think is what you said you had in a post a couple months ago. They sell non-standard sizes for more.

http://deabath.com/Hightank/Toiletparts/toiletparts.html

Categories: Restoration
By BHS | 06/01/2011 2:41 PM | Comment

Brooklyn Heights in 1910


The blog Shorpy.com posted a photo yesterday that shows Brooklyn Heights in 1910. Click on the high-def image to see, since it’s taken from Manhattan. It is before the Promenade and BQE and it looks to me like the buildings between the storehouses on the waterfront and the top of the hill are apartment buildings, unless those are the Columbia Heights brownstones…? I’ve heard that the Heights was unfashionable during this period and many of the grand old brownstones had become rooming houses. http://www.shorpy.com/node/9165

Categories: History
By BHS | 10/18/2010 3:43 PM | Comment

Community Garden Problems?


Has anybody had experience with any of the community gardens in Brooklyn? Any tips to make sure they don’t become eyesores? Any precedent for creating one on Landmarked property? I’ve heard anecdotally that there have been problem gardens in parts of Brownstone Brooklyn that neighbors have come to think are lowering property values rather than adding to the community.

Categories: Quality of Life
By BHS | 10/07/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Need expert mason!


I’m looking for an expert mason to rebuild some small wall sections and do some repointing and metal flashing. These are prewar bricks so I want to make sure the mason has experience with old bricks, the structure of old brick walls, and the proper mortar mix, etc. Anyone ever worked with anyone they’d recommend? VinRoy Baronette is not returning my calls and Wolf doesn’t do residential they tell me. Thanks!

Categories: Masonry
By BHS | 06/22/2010 3:59 PM | Comment

When Is Engineer Needed?


I have a few unrelated leak/water issues going on at my townhouse that I need fixed. My question is whether I need an engineer or other professional to try to diagnose the cause/source of the leak or should I just hire a recommended roofer/masonry repair person. On of the leaks into the interior is, I suspect, coming from the masonry tops of two low ledges on the roof above. I think the masonry or whatever is under it is no longer waterproof though there are no obvious cracks or breaks. The other leak is from a flat roof near a new exhaust vent and I can’t see any holes or tears in the 3-year old roofing. I’d also like to know whether two other roofing/flashing spots need to be replaced (paint peeling may indicate water) but these are completely separate from the other two issues. Does this warrant an engineer or other specialist? There are no structural issues, just water damage inside.

Categories: Engineer
By BHS | 04/22/2010 1:19 PM | Comment

Lock DIY?


I have two deadbolts on my front door, one of which is a surface-mount Segal double-cylinder lock. I’d like to change the keys following construction and I’m wondering how difficult it is to replace the cylinders, whether replacement cylinders are readily available from Segal, and how difficult of a job this is. Since the lock is already installed it seems like it’s a matter of taking out some screws, popping out the old cylinders, and replacing the screws but I haven’t done this before. Also, I’m not finding a lot of Segal replacement cylinders online, which may be due to the company being acquired and products being made under license by another company. Can I use other brand cylinders? Anyone familiar with security pros/cons of surface mounted vs. mortise deadbolts? Also, are double cylinders sold as a unit or do I just buy two singles? Thanks.

Categories: Locksmith
By BHS | 11/12/2009 12:04 PM | Comment

Anyone tried linseed paint?


The website that sells the silent paint remover claims that their linseed-oil based paints are longer-lasting (“50 years” with proper maintenance) than typical choices and don’t require primer etc. Has anyone used their Allback brand exterior paint? I’m thinking of using it for windows and exterior trim, perhaps interior trim too. Thanks

Categories: Painting
By BHS | 07/24/2008 2:07 PM | Comment

Need HUD 203k inspector


Can anyone recommend an FHA HUD 203(k) inspector or consultant they’ve worked with on a rehab mortgage? Thanks

Categories: Restoration
By BHS | 06/03/2008 8:50 AM | Comment