Q: (from Jenny in Providence, Rhode Island): The paint on my stone foundation is chipping away. How do I know if it is lead based paint?Jay: You can see [from the viewer photo] how the paint is flaking. It's important she check each layer of exposed paint. This used to be something only professionals could do. Nowadays you can pick up a lead-test kit on the internet or at you home improvement store. They are very accurate and inexpensive. You break the vial, shake the contents then brush the liquid on the paint. If the brush turns pink, lead is present in the paint. You'll be able to be able to tell if it is lead paint in less than a minute.
Q: (from Nancy in Bridgetown, Ohio):Nancy wants to know to restore the shine to a marble floor. She writes: "My son-in-law cleaned our marble floor, but whatever he used took the shine away. Is there something we can buy to restore the shine?"
Jay: Surprisingly marble is not a solid stone, its actually porous and needs extra care. Always wipe up spills and clean it regularly with a sponge dipped in a solution of mild, liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse it well and dry with a soft cloth.
Try cleaning it with a damp soft cloth dipped in baking soda. Bicarbonate of soda is abrasive enough to remove stains without scratching the surface. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. If the luster doesn't come back, you can try a marble-polishing paste or spray on liquid from a home improvement center.
If you still don't get back some of the luster consider calling a professional to polish up the stone.
Q: (from Donna in San Diego, California): We just finished removing the plaster from the chimney stack in the kitchen. It looks great but what should we do to the exposed brick?
Jay: There are a couple products you can buy to seal brick. You may also want to try simple satin-polyurethane. The same product you use to protect wood. The brick may darken slightly as it soaks up the 3 to 4 coats, so don't be surprised. Remember to use it on the mortar as well. Above all make sure the area is well ventilated and you let each coat dry thoroughly.
Q: (Theodore in Coldwater, Michigan): I purchased insulated windows but when the temperature reaches freezing I get ice on the inside.
Jay: A little confusion in the question so let's actually answer two separate questions. If the ice is inside the window -- between the panes -- then it appears that the window is no longer airtight, and condensation is occurring between the two panes of glass because of moisture in the air. Don't try fixing an insulated window, you'll void the warranty. Call the window company and have them come out and take a look. If it is still under warranty, you should get a new window. If not you may want to live with it or purchase a new one.
On the other hand, if ice forms on the inner surface of the window inside the house, the solution is to reduce the amount of water or moisture in the house. You can do that by adding a dehumidifier. It will take the moisture out of the air.
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