Reasons That Water Enters the Basement Through Cracked Walls

Mortared masonry or fractured concrete walls are often especially vulnerable to water leaks.

Whether a basement wall is solid concrete that has developed cracks or built from cinder blocks with mortar-filled spaces between blocks, a basement may suffer from moisture problems ranging from occasional leaks following heavy rain events to continual seepage resulting from persistently high soil moisture content. Identifying the source and intensity of the water helps determine the best way to address this moisture problem.

How to Repair Recliner Frames

Recliner chairs come in fabric or leather finishes.

Recliner chairs come equipped with lever mechanisms that project a footrest from the chair’s base and allow users to tilt the chair into a more relaxed position. Recliner chairs are typically reliable units, but can suffer from a range of issues including defective levers or creaking frames. Recliner frames can usually be repaired by tightening the fixtures and fittings inside the chair and examining the chair’s base.

How to Build a Simple Wood Truss

 One completed truss awaiting installation.

Trusses are often used to build a structurally sound roof system for various types of buildings. This article provides the instructions for building a basic truss suitable for a small shed, storage building, or other structure not governed by specific engineering requirements or building codes.

How to Become a Fix It All Householder

Becoming a fix it all homeowner takes time, patience, and investment in tools and materials. You will become a jack-of-all-trades, not a master craftsman in each one. Over a period of years, the cost of accumulating the right tools for each job, and basic skills in using them will pay dividends in saved money hiring professionals, as well as popularity in the neighborhood if you are willing to help out others in your community.

How to Attach a Garden Hose to a Kitchen Faucet

It is convenient to attach a garden hose to a kitchen faucet when a large container needs to be filled with water, or when plants need to be watered. This is especially the case when an outdoor garden hosespigot is not available. Even when a garden spigot is available, hot water may be needed. Large containers may be too heavy to lift from the kitchen sink, and may not fit in the sink or under the faucet at all. Containers may also be unsanitary and pose a health risk if they come in contact with the kitchen sink or counter top. Garden hoses can be easily attached to kitchen faucets that have screw-on tips.

eHow: How to Cut Slab Steps Into Your Front Lawn

Adding slab steps to your front lawn can boost your home's appearance and value, while easing access to the front door. The measurements and slab sizes for your project depend largely on the slope of your lawn, which you will need to measure before proceeding to cut the steps. You should first cut a rough outline of the steps with a shovel and tape measure, then perfect the dimensions as you lay down the mortar and stones

eHow: Repairing a Ceiling After an Ice Dam

Ice dams can lead to leaky ceilings.

An ice dam, the buildup of ice along the edge of a roof, subsequently traps water which can leak through the roof and damage your ceilings. Take care of the ice dam and roof damage first, then repair your water-damaged ceilings.