petrinij's Profile

Name:
John Petrini
In Brooklyn Since:
2006
On Brownstoner Since:
2006
Location:
Brooklyn
Neighborhood:
Boerum Hill
Abode:
House
Profession:
A job
Sex:
Male
Age:
47
Website:

Author's Posts

September 2, 2008

The earth under our sidewalk is disappearing...

the sidewalk in front of our house has large stone panels, not cement. It's beginning to look like the earth underneath the panels is disappearing. I'm pretty sure that we're responsible for repairing this. If so, is it possible to lift the panel, dump a bunch of earth under it, and the replace the panel? Does this sound familiar? Any suggestions for who might effect such a repair would be appreciated.

July 17, 2008

"Green Building" Nevins and Pacific

I have lived on Pacific St. for two years, and a "Green Building" has been under construction the entire time. Is there anyone that knows what's going on with that place? A recent post here suggested the same company was going to build above Hank's Saloon.

November 28, 2007

chimney lining

I recently received some sage advice on this forum about lining my chimney to accommodate the exhaust for my new gas boiler (something reminiscent of the tubing one vents a dryer with was suggested). Can I get a recommendation for a reliable installer?

November 13, 2007

Gas burner installation

We replaced our
oil burner (even though it was newly installed 3 years ago) with a
high efficiency gas burner. The plumber that's going to install it
says that we can use the chimney for exhaust, just as was true for
the oil burner. On the other hand, I had the impression that the
exhaust had to be via PVC piping or that the chimney had to be lined
for gas exhaust...

Who's right? I would appreciate any insight anyone might have

Thanks!

On another note, we have a nearly new oil burner for sale, cheap

Author's Comments

denton...you know that fits perfectly. I didn't realize that. And, as I said, I really liked working with him a lot. They get thumbs up from me

Posted by: petrinij at September 2, 2008 5:33 PM in response to Another Icestone counter top question

I have to say, I really liked working with AK tile. Jerry, the aforementioned condescending guy is not particularly gifted in the area of human interaction, but he's a nice enough guy and was really interested in getting me a good deal. I did my whole bathroom reno with them and was very happy with it..stuff came when they said it would, cost what they said it would, etc...

Posted by: petrinij at September 2, 2008 4:19 PM in response to Another Icestone counter top question

wow does this sound familiar! Does anyone know of a reputable person to repair or otherwise mitigate the drain/gutter problem that causes this?

Many thanks

Posted by: petrinij at July 28, 2008 5:29 PM in response to heavy rains = leaks

Thanks for all your input...Could I prevail upon you for a referral to a place that can do the chimney lining?

Happy holidays to all..

Posted by: petrinij at November 19, 2007 3:06 PM in response to Gas burner installation

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

Your gutters and leader may be undersized and improperly pitched. Water getting into the wall in and of itself is not a problem, so long as there is a way for it to get out. Generally these older walls had open mortar joints to allow water to travel out; stuccoing them over meant that the water was trapped inside. On the other hand, some walls were built solid and relied on the integrity of the wall itself to keep out water.

Water damage in the walls will evidence itself; if the stucco is in poor condition, rip off a section and check the condition of the mortar; if there is white powdery stuff, water is getting in but it's not the end of the world, but if the mortar is sandy, you should do some serious investigation

Posted by: Ettuluna at August 9, 2008 9:05 AM in response to heavy rains = leaks

Part of the problem is that Jerry is hard of hearing, in the literal sense.

Posted by: denton at September 2, 2008 4:31 PM in response to Another Icestone counter top question