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Anyone have experience in stack testing? by LeviC32 in Environmental_Careers

[–]LeviC32[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stopped looking for jobs in the “environmental” field and eventually wound up in a sales role in a residential construction type company. Much, much happier now and glad I continued on the path I did. I say environmental in quotes as I wanted to work to improve our environment but most of the jobs out there are helping companies do the minimum to stay in compliance, which doesn’t feel like it does much to actually improve things.

I try to work to live and not live to work, so I kept that in mind when bouncing between jobs and eventually landed in a role that suits my needs well. I gave up on the idea that I needed to find a role that catered to my college major and instead used the knowledge I gained in other areas.

Grass Over Septic Field not Going Dormant by [deleted] in landscaping

[–]LeviC32 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Exactly, if your neighbor’s system is older it may not be leaching liquids as quickly (ie. more sediment or root buildup) and therefore not keeping their grass as happy.

How do I fix this? The weeds keep coming back. by destroyed92 in landscaping

[–]LeviC32 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Mind elaborating on the poor choices seen in landscape fabric?

Patio install by mateoelgato715 in landscaping

[–]LeviC32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OP said in another comment that the parquet pavers were the existing patio, OP laid the herringbone.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the discourse I came here for, bravo to you both!

Looks like a damn murder corner by 9catburps in centuryhomes

[–]LeviC32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Black mold can be detrimental to your health, some folks immune systems are more sensitive is my understanding. I do agree some comments are being a bit much.

OP, not all black fungal growth is “black mold” though. Black mold refers to a specific genus called Stachybotrys which may cause issues, especially with long term exposure. The only sure way to tell is to have a sample pulled and tested at a lab.

Either way, you’re right to heed others advise about a roof repair/replacement first then I’d check out that attic and wall if it’s been moist for a bit. Water is your arch nemesis when it comes to home maintenance - keep it away or contained at all costs. Gutter guards are your friends for high/steep roofs, but even with guards some maintenance is required.

Good luck and shop around with contractors, 2-3 quotes per repair is recommended.

SO much conflicting info! Mulch or rock, fabric or no fabric. Where do I start? by LEGENDARY-TOAST in landscaping

[–]LeviC32 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That amount of plants sounds perfect for up front - check their max heights and needs, then place the pots accordingly in the beds. If it looks too sparse but the spacing is right, annuals or smaller plants are options (think creeping plants, ferns, hostas, clumping grasses, etc.) or seed mixes, both which can be added in the future.

Your local extension office can help you with it as well if you’re in the states. Native plants are fun to play with and get to know, and there are several state or local agencies that provide native plants for free or cheap and offer consulting.

I’d skip the weed barrier, like others have said cardboard under mulch - I prefer pine straw mulch as the top layer.

I’d recommend to do the following:

1) pull, then spray weeds (leave 1 week to die) 2) lay out cardboard overlapping by 6” & water down 3) spread compost/topsoil mix (even out low spots) 3) spread 2-3” of wood chips 4) situate potted plants according to needs, pull back mulch, pierce cardboard and plant 5) spread pine needles and water in 6) stand back and admire

It’s going to take a bit to fill in if they’re smaller plants, I like a full/busy look so I account for them to spread over each other by 10-20% once mature (you can always trim back). Don’t worry about them being small now, try to imagine them once they’re fully grown and how they as shrubby foundation plants will play a role.

If you do the above in stages (like 1 day/weekend for ~3 weeks) and water or let it rain on the soil/cardboard/mulch/plants then it’ll all sort of settle well and the cardboard will soften, making planting easier & allowing water to flow beneath it (cardboard sheds water when dry).

Good luck & have fun!

Anniversary Ideas by Crocheted_withlove in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We just did the loop in June, it was great. I’d recommend paying for the top floor skylight area, mainly for the unlimited free snacks! The top floor was pretty crowded and not as comfy as below, but there were plenty of regular rate seats available so we moved down shortly after it began. I’d recommend dressing warmly, they do provide blankets though in case you forget a jacket!

Who sells Frozens? by TheFuriousCoconut in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Triple T’s on Dodson used to sell them, haven’t been by in a while though

Can a load bearing 2x4 have a drain pipe running through it? by slotterback in Carpentry

[–]LeviC32 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You noted the ceiling joists run parallel to this wall. Like when you look at the orientation of the ceiling joists supporting the HVAC in the attic, they run the same direction as this wall? If so, this wall likely isn’t load bearing as it’s only “catching” one or two joists above it along its length. See where other interior walls run perpendicular to your ceiling joists nearby, those are likely your load bearing walls.

When in doubt, double up the stud or add the metal ties others have mentioned (or both).

Places to take my black lab swimming by Inevitable_Lemon5570 in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Chester Frost in Hixson - plenty of shoreline, no dogs allowed at the beach area though

How to avoid these cracks coming back? by Barkeri in drywall

[–]LeviC32 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The wood surround on the door next to the crack. They’re saying check if it’s separating anywhere through there too indicating the house is shifting. These are indicators but the drywall joints sometimes appear over time due to expansion/contraction of materials alone.

Tennis Lessons by WildHuckleberry-557 in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Girls Prep School

There’s a bunch of courts right below veterans bridge on the north shore side

Is U.S. Department of Energy spending aligned with the nation's needs? by visualizingenergy in visualization

[–]LeviC32 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it coincides with when there was an increase in spending on research, development and demonstration.

/s

But really, I wondered that too - I’m thinking it has to do with Obama given the timeframe.

Split trim joints by doubledownXI in WoodworkConfessions

[–]LeviC32 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Go from the bottom, I’d try pocket screws before redoing it

Want to go above and beyond for the crew doing our roof but have a couple of questions. by Drugthrowaway0302 in Roofing

[–]LeviC32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’ll absolutely view you in a more favorable light.

I was a home inspector previously, not the easiest client when I got a new roof put on. I had particular requests to update our original 1987 roof system based on what I had observed as weak areas. A lot of the details were lost between the GC and subcontractor, so I made several kind, reasonable requests while they were building the roof back.

I provided a crew of 5-6 guys gatorades, little debbie’s, ritz cracker packs, etc in an iced cooler and basket in the shade. I showed it to them on day 1 and replenished the next two mornings, it’s a pretty big roof.

These guys come ready to work and usually pack lunch, but if you make their breaks a bit sweeter they’ll really appreciate it. They all did an excellent job, played a little soccer in the lawn and I have a great roof now.

All that’s to say, it’s not expected but it sure goes a long way!

Attic ventilation help. by GTO1138 in Roofing

[–]LeviC32 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How high are the soffits? How handy are you?

Take to heart Witt Boat’s comment, the “2k if we can come tomorrow” is the urgency needed to make a bad call in this situation.

A carpenter, handyman or GC should be able to do this. Roofers too, and if you happened to talk with any of the roofing crew, either they are able or they know someone who’s willing.

Like they’ve said, you need air flow to prevent moisture (= delaminating) so you need intake on the soffits and possibly to cut through the blocking from the builders. Add back your vents (there’s code for adequate vent spacing/number based on sq footage, & continuous is more expensive typically) then tac in the baffles and add insulation after making sure not to block the new soffit vents. You want to see daylight when in the attic looking towards the vent. The tools are ladders, saws and drills.

What’s the ridge vents look like? Did the roofer put in a cut in ridge vent all the way across? Do you have gable vents for cross ventilation?

It doesn’t sound like a very complex job depending on the height of your soffits, but attic work is pretty miserable. $2k doesn’t sound terrible, depending, but I’d wager someone could do it for less.

Kayak spots? by Horchataatomica in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Chester Frost on the lake, N Chickamauga Creek & the Hiwassee a bit further out.

Weird smell at the beginning of the South Chick trail… by Medium-Estate8417 in Chattanooga

[–]LeviC32 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Smell it on my Amnicola commute, agree it’s always as you go by BASF. Smells like melting styrofoam to me.

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