When it comes to cracks in sidewalks, porches, or driveways there is one product that fits the bill every time. The product is called “Rockite”. It’s a powder that you mix with water to the consistency of pancake batter and then just fill in the crack. The great part about “Rockite” is that it has a concrete bonder built in to the product. And what that means is that if your patio, driveway, or sidewalk moves alitttle- the Rockite won’t pop out. And this product isn’t just for small hairline cracks, it can handle everything from 1/8” to 6” sq. The color is a grey concrete color so it will mix right in with your concrete. Now if you have a crack in the mortar of your brick or stone there is another product called “More Flex” that comes in a caulking tube. It comes in 2 colors to match most mortar. So now you have the answer to all the “crack ups” outside on the house.

Now to the e-mail….

Question: I just read the q&a regarding a reader having the spacers on his driveway coming loose and rotting away. It said you recommended sand with “Big Stretch” as a topper. I just visited the Big Stretch website and they do not recommend using it on driveways or sidewalks. I have the same problem as the other reader and would like to know if you know why they say don’t use it in these areas and why you say it would be fine. Thanks for the help.
Answer: It’s true they do not recommend it but in SA we have used it and it works. However in the last 2 months I found a new self leveling sealant made by Quikcrete. It has good adhesion and you get about 12 ft per tube.

Question: I saved an article from your weekly column in Houston Weekly about refinishing a dining room table. You recommended using TSP the Howard’s Restore A Finish and then the Feed and Wax. You said the job should take about 30 minutes. I have lost the article and now I am ready to do the job, could you go over that again?
Answer: Whoa!!! We DO NOT use TSP on a dining room table we just clean it with soap and water and then use the Restore A Finish. I like the Dark Walnut, I think that the color looks good and then follow up with the Feed and Wax. I am sooo glad you sent this e-mail so we could get things straight.

Question: We recently purchased a home that had lawn sprinklers hitting the windows for years. I adjusted the sprinklers to prevent this but now I’m left with the task of trying to get these tough water stains off the windows. I have tried Windex, goo-gone, vinegar, spot x, and nothing has worked. It is very frustrating. Help.
Answer: Relax; the product to use is called Delete Germ. Now let me go over how to use it. Take a small amount on a rag, and working in a small area at a time wipe away the lime. Then rinse, rinse and rinse. This product is a mild acid, and that’s why it works. And if you don’t rinse well, it will etch the glass. But don’t be afraid to use Delete Germ, it is a wonderful product. Delete Germ is a versatile product – it goes in the toilet to remove stains and keep your toilet running smoothly, you can use it to remove soap scum on tile, you can use it on a glass shower door to remove lime buildup. Just remember while you are using Delete Germ on glass- stay on target, don’t leave the project to answer the phone- or your next call could be to the window salesman.

Questions: So glad to have your column back in the local paper. I have a medium sized black dog that loves to rub against my whitish walls. After a time this leaves an ugly brown path all down the wall. Nothing seems to really remove this somewhat oily stain. Magic Eraser lightens it a little. Regular cleaners just wear the paint off, and then I have to repaint. Do you have any ideas?
Answer: Coronado Paint makes the toughest wall paint I know of. It’s called “Tough Walls” and its scubbable. It comes in flat, semi gloss, and high gloss. Remember the higher the gloss, the tougher the finish- but on the walls, use the flat.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.