We have had a lot of rain here in S. Texas and some times our roof develops leaks around the pipes and chimneys on the roof.  Whether you roof is a tile, metal, concrete, clay, or just a regular shingle roof you can take care of small problems that result in leaks with a product called “Through the Roof”.  It’s a clear coating that can seal a roof and take care of your leak.  It’s nice because it is clear- nothing worse than all that black tar on a roof- it really takes away from the house.  And it lasts for 10 years- that’s big.  More and more roofers are finding out about “Through the Roof” and using it.  And if you are having a new roof installed – tell the roofer that you don’t want black tar around the pipes on the roof that you want “Through the Roof” because it last longer and looks great.  Now you might spend a few dollars more but it will be worth it. 

Now to the e-mail….

Question:  Johnnie I read your column on Magic Remover.  Can this product be used to remove spray paint graffiti from my automobile without harming my paint?  Someone wrote Merry Christmas on the side of my truck.  Thanks for the help!

 Answer:  It should do the trick remember you must work fast and then hose it down.  You never know what kind of paint is on every car so pick a small spot that is inconspicuous and try it out.  Had you not read the article – you wouldn’t know about it- so call the paper and thank them for keeping the article in the paper.

Question: Hi Johnnie love the column!  My son left his ballpoint pen in his pocket that got washed then dried.  There is ink all over the dryer and I can’t find anyway to get it out?  Do you have any ideas?  Also how do I get your book?

Answer:  If you have some hairspray around the house use it to remove the ink, and then make sure that you rinse and dry the area thoroughly.  If the hairspray doesn’t do the trick then go to your local hardware store and get some “Painters Pal” and use that to remove the ink.  It works every time.  Just remember to rinse and dry the area before putting anything else in the dryer. For the book go to www.acmelumber.com and shop Johnnie’s favorites.

Question:  I have a black rod iron fence/gate.  Some of the paint has started to peel off and rust stains have recently appeared.  What can I do to get rid of the rust?  Should I just strip and repaint?  If so what do you recommend to strip the paint?  Is there a certain time of the year to strip/paint the fence/gate?  Is it too hot to do now?

Answer:  I wish that every one that is looking to do a job wrote to me first and then I could save them money like I am going to do for you.  To fix this peeling fence knock off the the peeling paint with a wire brush.   Then go to your hardware store and look for a product called “Rust Cure”.  Spray the rusty areas with the “Rust Cure” and then wait 1 hour.  Wipe off the oily residue, and let it cure for 7 days.  It will turn gun metal grey, and be ready for paint.  Now you have a choice- paint or leave it primed- it won’t ever rust. 

Question:  The windows on my house have a hard water stain build up from the water sprinkler and I was wondering what is the best way to remove it?

Answer:  The product that does a great job and does it fast is called Delete Germ.  Put it on a soft rag, wipe the hard water stain off and then rinse with clear water.  I had a leak in the shower at the lake – went out a month later and had a stain so bad you couldn’t see through the glass.  I got my Delete Germ out and in about 5 minutes the whole glass door was clean.  In fact it looked like I polished it.  Now remember this- Delete Germ is a mild acid- wear gloves, and protective eyewear, and don’t don’t don’t let the Delete Germ sit on the glass for more than a few moments.  If you let the Delete Germ sit too long- it will etch the glass and there is nothing you can do about that.

Question:  I would appreciate any advice you can give me regarding yellowing of the vinyl flooring in the bathrooms of a house we just bought that was built in 1999.  I suspect the discoloration came from rugs on the floors, as they are about the size and shape of a rug and located in that area.  I read your articles in our local Sun Cypress in Houston and really enjoy them.

Answer:  The toughest cleaner is called T.S.P. and you get it at your local hardware store, and some paint stores.  If this will not get the yellow out, there is no hope except for a new rug.   

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.