I hope you enjoy reading the column as much as I enjoy writing them.  I love showing you products that really do work every time for the job they are intended to do.  For instance, with all the rain we have had lately you might have developed a small leak some where on the roof.  There is a product that goes on clear and will seal most leaks and it is called “Through the Roof”.  It will stick to galvanized roofing, aluminum flashing, vents, downspouts, copper or brass, pvc and abs vent pipes, neoprene and plastic pipe flashing, brick clock and mortar, skylight, cedar shakes, plywood, cement, slate, and glazed roof tiles.  So where you get serious about fixing roof leaks, what should you use?  Some times they put brick planters in the front of your house.  Take time to clean out the planters and remove all the dirt, paint the inside with “Through the Roof” and keep the moisture from through the brick and causing moisture problems.  Because the next thing after moisture is mold.  By the way, most problems with moisture do come from the roof and it is because the roofer usually seals the vent pipes and chimney with an asphalt that just doesn’t last very long before it dries up and cracks.  So if you want to take care of the problems before they happen; get “Through the Roof” and apply it right over the asphalt right now before it leaks. 

I hope all of you had a great Easter and got to spend it with your family.  We did and one grandson caught an 8lb catfish, at Lake McQueeney. 

Now to the mailbag….

Question:  Johnnie I live in a 29 year old house with a slow draining upstairs shower.  By my dad’s suggestion, I tried pouring baking soda down the drain, then chasing it with vinegar.  No luck.  Recently I shined a flash light down the drain and saw what seemed to be deposits.  I poked it with a hanger and they seemed to be pretty solid.  What could’ve have caused this?  The baking soda/vinegar mixture” What’s the best way to get this removed and help my shower to drain better?

Answer:  The product that works best on drains such as shower, tubs, and sinks is called “Drain Out” and it’s a crystal.  It works every time.  The other product that is important to have around the house is called “Clean Line” and it’s a liquid that you use in the toilet and washing machine drain.

Question:  Johnnie I read your helpful hints in the paper and they are great.  I will be gone from the house for a few days on vacation.  A co-worker suggested that I cut off the water to the house while I am gone in case of a leak in one of the bathrooms that could do considerable damage.  I also have a sprinkler system, will this still work or if I shut the water off the house?  Do you thing it’s a good idea to shut the water off?

Answer:  First it’s always a good idea to cut the off the water if you leave the house for an extended period but few people do it.  It only takes a minute or two to cut the water off at the street.  Leave the grass long so that when you are gone, it will not burn. 

Question:  We have Saltillo tile floors.  They were sealed with an oil based sealer.  Over 10 years they have become scratched.  Is there anything I can put on the floor to fill in those scratches?  Thanks and I really enjoy your column.

Answer:  Clean the floor first.  Then use McCloskey Patio and Stone Sealer over it and watch the colors jump out at you.  We had an old Saltillo tile floor and we cleaned it and then applied the sealer and boy did the floor look good.  The floor had been flooded at the lake and really looked bad, but after the McCloskey it looked brand new.  You can roll it on or brush it on.  It will make the scratches disappear.  This is a quick weekend project.     

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KTSA (5500 AM) from 9-11 or call 828-8907. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.