It’s about this time every year I remind everyone not to worry about hairline cracks in the mortar of their brick or stone. Foundations are built to move, so when we have drought like we are having right now- we can get cracks in the brick mortar. But don’t worry! People will canvas a neighborhood posing as foundation experts and show you cracks and want to scare you into an expense that you don’t need to pay. If you are really worried about some cracks in your mortar, call an independent engineer, and let them help you. But most problems that I have seen are just a flexing slab due to drought. Nothing serious. But you can fix those unsightly cracks in the mortar with a product called “More Flex”. It comes in a tube and in two colors, and it looks like mortar because it has a sandy finish. Now the second product that you could use is called “Rockite”. It’s a powder that you can mix with water, and it has a concrete bonder in it so that it will adhere and not pop out. Both products work well on stucco. So keep those soaker hoses going around the house, and you will probably not see one crack during this drought.

Now to the e-mail….

Question: I would love the formula for the colors Light and Dark Taffy that you talk about the entire time- can you send them to me?
Answer: I can send you samples of the colors and anyone with a paint machine can match it up. These are my favorite colors; they make a home feel warm, but not dark. I had a house and sold it in 1 day, and they said that the paint colors are what made the difference. Send me a SASE to Johnnie Chuoke’s Home and Hwd, 2361 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, Tx. 78231.

Question: I have steel double doors on the front of my home. When I bought them they were advertised as “never to rust”. They started rusting in 5 years. The supplier replaced the doors only to have them rust again. The door supplier is not in business anymore. So I need to paint these doors. What kind of paint would you use; can I get it in Houston? Help!
Answer: First take the door off the hinges by popping the pins out and then put the door on saw horses. Take the paint off with “Soy Gel” paint remover. Put it on about 1/8th of an inch thick. Soy Gel has no odor, but don’t get in a hurry. In a few hours take your finger and see if you can push away the paint to see the surface of the door- if you can then wipe off the remover with a wet rag. Next apply “Rust Cure” to the door so that it will never rust again. After an hour, wipe away the residue. Wait about 5 days for it to cure. Then you are ready to paint. Use 2 coats of Rust Scat Enamel made by Coronado. It comes in an oil base and acrylic. There is a paint store in Houston, called Paintco. They have all the Coronado products. I am happy that you wrote to me first, before starting that project.

Question: Last year I had a new roof put on. We went with a ridge vent rather than turbines. I noticed that it is hotter than typical on the second floor of my home this year. I guess it could be the hotter weather, but do you thing I should put turbines in also?
Answer: You can put in turbines also. Put them on the back side of the house. But for now check and make sure the insulation is not covering up the vents in the attic. This is best done around 7 am in the morning. Under the eve is where the cool air comes from to cool your attic. But the way, the last test I saw showed that turbines moved more air.

Question: Is there anyway to restore the finish on the brass door handle on the outside door? And second, I read in your column that a spray and wash product will remove mildew from the shingles. I can not locate this product. Is this what you wrote and do you sell the product? We could not find it on your web site.
Answer: Yes there is a way to restore most finishes on door knobs if you can catch before all of the protective coating is off. Polish with “All Gleam or a good brass polish. Now use “Superior Shield” spray. It is a clear protective coating that has a UV inhibitor built in. This combo works on most metal surfaces from silver to brass and everything in between.

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.