I received a call from a regular reader this week, asking how to replace a rotten window sill. I said, “I’m not sure if I can articulate the detail involved in a written article.” I told him I would ...

Plumber Paul Holland offers another possible cause of mysterious water running in toilets, which was discussed in a recent column. “If the toilet’s refill tube is below the tank’s water line, it will ...

Q: My house has a lot of wood-framed windows. The windows are in good condition, but several of the sills have rotted areas. I know it is best to replace those sills, but I can’t afford it right now.

A: Try one frame and you will quickly find out. I have found it relatively easy.

Q: My house was built in 1953. It was a ranch, until we enlarged it in 1996 to a Colonial. I just noticed that the sill in my original picture window has started to rot and the sills in the upstairs ...

Q My house was built in 1953. It was a ranch until we enlarged it in 1996 to a colonial. I just noticed that the sill in my original picture window has started to rot, and the sills in the upstairs ...

Wet rot turns wood spongy – and it will soon spread, compromising the strength and security of the window. Therefore it's best to deal with it as soon as possible. Find all the rot first. Apart from ...

Q: We have windows (three crank-open windows and one picture window) that have rotted sills on the outside. Do we have to replace the whole window, or can we just replace the outside sill? The picture ...

Question: Some of the unpainted wood on our vacation cabin has started to rot. Is there a way to treat this and paint over it, or do we have to replace it? Answer: Wood with minor rot can often be ...