Synopsis
Diagnosing and repairing water and moisture problems in the home, including wet basements, leaking roofs and plumbing, and high humidity. The book includes illustrated step-by-step repair and maintenance instructions and advice for home buyers.
Library Journal
Branson, a former contractor, notes that 60 percent of the reader questions he fielded while an editor at Family Handyman magazine involved water, including wet basements, leaking roofs or plumbing, mold and mildew, and excess moisture or humidity. Nearly every homeowner faces moisture-related problems that could be prevented by proper maintenance, and many problems are much less costly when detected early. Branson demonstrates such easy fixes as cleaning gutters or caulking as well as more involved tasks like regrading the foundation or waterproofing below-grade exterior walls. Basements receive the heaviest coverage, but other subjects include roof leaks, vapor barriers, humidity problems, windows and doors, plumbing, and flooding. The simple line drawings supplement the text well. The author notes that his advice is geared to areas with four distinct seasons, a caveat that mainly pertains to the use of vapor barriers or the venting of attics and crawl spaces. If you buy only one DIY book this year, this should be it; recommended for every public library collection. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.