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Meet Mosby’s Women in Construction

Miscellaneous, Mosby Team, Q & A

In the past when it came time for a woman to find a career, she was guided toward either teaching or nursing school. This held true for many years. However, as time has progressed, #girlpower has become a mantra for encouraging young women to break society stereotypes...

Meet the Mosby Expeditor

Miscellaneous, Q & A

Job titles are usually reflective of what a person does, like lawyer, doctor or firefighter…But within an organization, there are some roles that don’t quite capture what that person actually does. Take as example, an Expeditor in the remodeling industry. You walk...

We’re Here to Help You Age Safely in Your Home

Accessible Design, Q & A, Remodeling

Aging is an inevitable part of life. And while getting older often leaves us feeling powerless, just know it is possible to live many happy years in the one place that gives you the most comfort – your home. Mosby Building Arts President, Mark McClanahan, is a part of...

Q&A: Blocking Nicotine Stained Walls

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We just purchased a home from a smoker and have been cleaning it up. We have scrubbed it down, replaced the carpets, cleaned the ductwork and repainted every square inch of the home and, thankfully, the odor is gone. Unfortunately, we are now getting...

Q&A: The Difference Between Retail and Contractor-Grade Faucets

Bathrooms, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We’re getting ready to remodel our bathroom and picking out fixtures. There’s a great price difference between faucets on the shelf at Home Depot or Lowe’s and those available through our contractor’s plumbing suppliers. Even when it’s the same make and...

Q&A: How to Properly Remove Snow From a Deck

Decks, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We have a new wood deck, and with snow in the forecast, we need to know the best way to remove snow without causing damage. Also, what type of ice melt should we use for it? Answer Great questions! We will break this down into two separate categories, and the...

Q&A: When to Use a Nail or Screw?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question How do you know when it’s better to use a nail or screw? Answer Ah, the eternal question! Unlike the Coke or Pepsi debate, nail or screw does have a correct answer – many correct answers because it depends on the context. In general, nails handle shear weight...

Q&A: Moldy Paint & Respiratory Ailments

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question Three weeks ago I repainted our bedroom walls using paint that was about 7 years old. It mixed well so I assumed it was fine to use. After applying the paint I noticed an odor unlike any smell I had ever experienced before. It was so strong that we...

Q&A: How Do I Stop Roof Shingles From Blowing Off?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Roofing

Question We live in rural Illinois in a north-facing home. I’m having a hard time keeping ridge cap 3-tab shingles on the roof because of high winds. The wind pulls them off 6 to 8 at a time while leaving the nails intact. I have layered the tabs in a north-south...

Q&A: What is the Best Ice Melt for Concrete

Garages & Driveways, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question I have a 15 year old concrete driveway that is beginning to show little divots that look like pock marks. What sort of ice melting product is least damaging to my concrete? Answer The pock marks are likely from rock salt deterioration on your concrete drive....

Q&A: Who Should Do Window Replacement – An Installer or General Contractor?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Windows & Doors

Question I am thinking about replacing the aluminum framed windows in our 45 year old brick veneer house. Should I look at window companies and have them do the job, or is it better to have a contractor replace the windows? I’m concerned about compromising the...

Q&A: Drying Out a Water Damaged Basement

Basements, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We just repaired a bad water leak that completely covered one wall in the finished basement. It’s dry wall with a vapor barrier and insulation behind it. The only moisture I can feel is in the corners of the drywall at the base but I know the insulation is...

Q&A: Water Pipe Calcium Build Up Cause and Solutions

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel and when the sink water valves were cut off there were calcium pellets inside the hot water pipe, only (photo above). We always had issues with the hot water pressure being weaker than the cold, and it takes forever to...

Q&A: How to Stop an Atrium Window Leak

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Water Management, Windows & Doors

We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question I have a 9-year old house with a tall wall of atrium windows,...

Q&A: How Do You Remove Black Streaks on the Roof?

Q & A, Roofing

We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question I have black streaks on the north side of my roof. What causes...