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: 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.

Question: Is there anyway to restore the finish on the brass door handle on the outside door?
Answer: There is a way to restore most finishes on the door knobs if you can catch before all of the protective coating has worn off. Lacquer thinner should take the coating off. Polish with “All Gleam” or a good brass polish. Now use “Superior Shield” spray this is a clear coating that has a UV inhibitor that will last much longer. By the way this combo will work on most any metal surface. And by the way the “Superior Shield” works on bird baths.

Question: Johnnie, the first floor of the Houston Yacht Club took in 3 ft of water because of Ike. Part of the floors are brick, we have remodeled and want to keep the brick floors. But salt keeps oozing up through the brick. I was wondering if you knew how we could fix this problem. The brick floors were beautiful before, can you help?
Answer: I am sorry that you have had to wait for the answer; I am looking for a clear water sealer that stops hydrostatic pressure. And so far- I have not. But I have not given up- I go to a show in Houston next weekend, and I will look high and low. I will get back to you- hang in there.

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.