Please Note: Questions & Answers shown below are samples from My Home Improvement markets throughout North America and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of local experts in any specific market.

Burned Rock on Patio
We were grilling and accidentally set the stone on the patio on fire. Is there an easy way to get out the scorched residual?

Cherry Cabinet Stripping/Staining
Our cherry kitchen cabinets are a mess. Someone tried to clean them and its a sticky mess, streaked and ugly, and they are dark. I want to know what is the best/easiest way to strip these? And what are suggestions for a natural look? I'm a novice at this....

Cleaning Mortar Off Of Glass Blocks
I have installed 160 glass blocks outside, and the special mortar is a pain to clean off the blocks, lots of work. Any special trick ?

Fire Retardants
I'm curious to know if the insurance companies have thought or heard about the use of fire retardants. I've seen the ads in the paper on No Burn and how it was used on the Extreme makeover show. I would like to know if I was to use something like this, would/could I...

Flooded Laminate Flooring
I own a rental condo that was flooded from the suite directly above one month ago. There is laminate floor in the suite. At the time of the flood you could hear the water swooshing underneath as you step on it. The restoration company came in & let the fans run for a...

Getting Rid of Fire & Smoke Odor
I had a fire in my home which caused a horrible smoke odor. I have washed all walls and floors and re-painted the kitchen where the fire was. I have a terrible smoke odor throughout the house. What can I do?

How to Clean Old Oak Kitchen Cabinets
I have oak kitchen cabinets that are 21 years old. They are in very good conditions, but need a good cleaning. What do you recommend if soap and water just doesn't work?

Insurance Premiums
Hello, I recently had to make a claim after my sump pump failed during the floods. I am told I will lose my claim free rating. How long before I get it back and what things should I know about in making a claim....

Reconstruction After Deadly Fire
I had a fire in my home that killed my husband. I am now in the process of repair. How can I tell if the materials being used are "like kind and quality" to what I had before? I feel like I am being taken advantage of by the repair company and the insurance company....

Refinishing Woodwork
We are in the process of refinishing our tongue and groove pine in our family room. We are considering using polyurethane, but is has a tendency to yellow over time. Is there any reason we could not use shellac? I think it would preserve the natural look of the...