Q. I live in the ground floor of a 2 storey mid-terraced house in West Lothian (that's Scotland for all you non-UKers out there!) There is an extension with a flat roof to the back of my house, and 2 years ago, I noticed that there was some water staining to the ceiling. Knowing that flat roofs only have a limited lifespan, I paid a local builder £3000 to replace the roof with a new rubberised type which is meant to be more durable than the traditional felt. A couple of weeks after completion, I had bubbled plasterwork in my hallway and water running down the walls. I called the builders back who discovered that the water ingress was due to my upstairs neighbour not maintaining her property. She had a part brick and part wood porch structure outside her front door which was in a shocking state - no guttering, holes in the roof and render falling off. The builders confirmed that the stone work and render was absolutely sodden, and rainwater was running down through the brickwork and into my property. At this stage, I advised my neighbour of this, and she promised to get the problem rectified...and then did nothing. I chased and chased her for a year, getting nothing but a list of endless excuses and promises. I had to get Environmental Health involved as by this stage I had black, green and yellow mould growing on my walls, and about an inch of water on the floor everytime it rained. Environmental Health issued her with a Compulsory Order, giving her 6 weeks to rectify the problem. She ignored this, and Environmental Health did nothing when she breached the 6 week deadline. I decided to go down the legal route at this stage ( I know, I know, I should have done it way before then) and threatened the neighbour with legal action. This finally did the trick and she eventually hired a builder to knock down and replace the porch structure. He got as far as replacing the brick shed/cupboard part of it, and was due to come back and build on the uPVC porch part...but has disappeared without trace and with some of my neighbour's money. However, by this stage, my property appeared to be dry - there didn't seem to be any more water coming in, and the damp dissipated. At this stage, the insurance company (Halifax) agreed that their builders could begin the repairs on my house. They arrived today, removed the ceiling plasterboard...and discovered that the inside of my new roof is absolutely saturated, wet and black. The foreman thinks that the insurance company will not cover the cost of this, as the other walls appear to be dry but the roof is wet, so he thinks the Halifax may try to claim that there is a different cause to the original water ingress, as this has now stopped/dried. I am horrified by this - it is blatantly still the same cause as before, and even if they try to insist it isn't, surely I have proved that I have kept my property maintained (by, for instance, putting on a new £3k roof not even 2 years ago!)? Can they really refuse to pay out for this? (they didn't pay out for the initial roof (I tried to claim retrospectively after discovering the cause of the damage was my neighbour's negligence and not just wear and tear) as they hadn't surveyed it prior to the work starting and therefore couldn't be sure on the state of it beforehand, which was annoying but understandable). As I stand at the moment, I could be faced with once again repairing/replacing a roof which is less than 2 years old, which has not been damaged due to my negligence, and which would probably be damaged again since my neighbour's builder obviously hasn't rectified the problem fully. Where do I stand on this (bearing in mind I am in Scotland and I think the law is slightly different here)? Is is likely that the insurance company will not pay out, and is there anyway I can compel my neighbour to get this sorted once and for all? Thank you. Jo

A. I would contact the local court, because it sounds as though he's not being a nice fellow.

Q. The Katrina Project A catastrophic moment caused by the force of the nature can change dramatic the lives of thousands of people. The tropical storm in August 2005 brought heavy rain and caused significant flooding in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and the city of New Orleans. People were rescued from their roofs and shelter. Most of the major roads traveling into and out the cities were damage. Buildings were destroyed. Families lost their home and belongings. In addition, many lives vanished that tragic day. State, local and federal governments were active in the preparations for and response to the hurricane. Over seventy countries pledged monetary donations or other assistance. Non-governmental organizations also provided housing, food, and water to the victims of the storm. Many volunteers contributed with services. Katrina had a profound impact on the soul of the nation. Some people continue to volunteer services, like Dan Wilhelm. This artist, created different paintings about the devastation caused by Katrina with models hired at his art studio in Holyoke. He will sell the paints and donate the profits to the people who still need it. The art exhibit was hanging in Fine Art Building on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts. The display area was a quiet room, in pure white walls with wood floor. Some charcoal sketchers with tags were hanging on the wall, showing the process of evolution of the ideas of the artist. The black color of the frame was repetitive throughout the painting. The oil paints communicate the wail of the people in crisis, the susceptibility of the human being, and the incomparable force of nature. The assorted paintings expressed instance of hopelessly and suffering. A moment of tragedy, desolation and disheartened were reflected in those oils. The orangey, blues, reds and blacks were the most common colors in the paintings. Those colors can represent the shades of the devastation. In addition, those dark colors represent the lack of electricity. The people give the impression looking the sky and the faces with anguish. This action can symbolize people praying and crying for help or just waiting for the helicopters. People walking together and helping each other is another constant scene. All scenes give the impression of assigning an unexpected future for those victims. The paintings were very pleasant to look at. Simultaneously, I can sense all the pain and the vulnerability of the people, because this atmospheric phenomenon is very common in the Caribbean, where I’m from. I understand the need of help and the desire of helping in this situation. I like the exhibition because it is an excellent expression of feelings without words. At the same time the exhibition tell us about the artist’s feelings concerning the tragedy. I really need help with my verb tenses... Please summit any suggestions. Thank you so far.

A. A catastrophic moment caused by the force of the nature can dramatically change the lives of thousands of people. The tropical storm in August 2005 brought heavy rain and caused significant flooding in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and the city of New Orleans. People were rescued from their roofs and shelters. Most of the major roads traveling into and out the cities were damaged. Buildings were destroyed. Families lost their homes and belongings. In addition, many lives vanished that tragic day. State, local and federal governments were active in the preparations for and response to the hurricane. Over seventy countries pledged monetary donations or other assistance. Non-governmental organizations also provided housing, food, and water to the victims of the storm. Many volunteers contributed with services. Katrina had a profound impact on the soul of the nation. Some people continue to volunteer services, like Dan Wilhelm. This artist, created different paintings about the devastation caused by Katrina with models hired at his art studio in Holyoke. He will sell the paintings and donate the profits to the people who still need it. The art exhibit was hanging in Fine Art Building on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts. The display area was a quiet room, in pure white walls with wood floor. Some charcoal sketchers with tags were hanging on the wall, showing the process of evolution of the ideas of the artist. The black color of the frame was repetitive throughout the painting. The oil paints communicate the wail of the people in crisis, the susceptibility of the human being, and the incomparable force of nature. The assorted paintings expressed instance of hopelessly and suffering. A moment of tragedy, desolation and disheartened were reflected in those oils. The orangey, blues, reds and blacks were the most common colors in the paintings. Those colors can represent the shades of the devastation. In addition, those dark colors represent the lack of electricity. The people give the impression looking the sky and the faces with anguish. This action can symbolize people praying and crying for help or just waiting for the helicopters. People walking together and helping each other is another constant scene. All scenes give the impression of assigning an unexpected future for those victims. The paintings were very pleasant to look at. Simultaneously, I can sense all the pain and the vulnerability of the people, because this atmospheric phenomenon is very common in the Caribbean, where I’m from. I understand the need of help and the desire of helping in this situation. I like the exhibition because it is an excellent expression of feelings without words. At the same time the exhibition tell us about the artist’s feelings concerning the tragedy. Note... 1) Watch your verb tenses... 2) You say the paintings of tragedy, destruction and devastation were PLEASANT to look at... I think you need to choose different words to describe the pain and feelings of the victims portrayed in the paintings.

Q. I have picked some steel roofing out and I was wondering what price range I should expect to get. I have two very simple gable roofs one is 17sq. and the other one is 8 sq. I am planning on going over existing shingles, so no removal is needed. I am going to purchase all the materials at a local steel supplier.

A. If you are going over shingles, only one layer I assume, you still have to have a layer of wood nailers. Your deck needs to be a minimum of 5/8" where as most roofs only have a deck made of 1/2". Before you purchase the steel make sure your roof can accommodate the steel. Most can but it is a bit more complicated than just laying the sheets of steel down. I would suggest you contact 3 contractors and ask for estimates. The cost for labor should be about equal to that of an asphalt shingled roof. Where I live roofers charge by the square, between $35.00 and $45.00 per square plus materials. When you get a quote make sure they include all prep work etc.

Q. West suburbs preferred but any one will do. Thanks!

A. I am a natural slate roofing contractor located in south florida. i'm from michigan and i'm currently installing teak wood shingles in the bahamas for Art Wirtz Jr who's from chicago. i don't know of any good wood shingle guys in chicago off hand but i know of the perfect place to find one. you see the worst thing you could do is hire a shingle contractor for the job. those guys install cheap, temporary roofing and simply don't have the skills to properly install natural roofs. i belong to a nationwide community of slaters which has a great website. we have a message board where slaters talk to each other and homeowners go for great advise. there is also a list of contractors who haven't just paid their fees but have actually PROVEN themselves to be real craftsmen when it comes to roofs. i'll post the site below. good luck and great choice!!

Q. This would have seemed a "duh" question to me years ago - but I'm getting some quotes who say oil and some who say latex. I forgot to mention that the house was built in 1909- it is sided with cedar shake shingles and stucco.

A. Use a good oil primer and top coat with latex or 100 % aacrylic paint. Oil paint isn't perm able like water based paints meaning it doesn't let the moisture out, isn't "Breathable". Today the house's are built really tight and people don't realize all the moisture that's in a home for instance in the winter when all windows are shut we've got moisture from our bodies, cooking, showering and it has to get out somewhere and that where is through walls and roofs, going through water based no problem but oil based gets pushed off resulting in chipping and peeling. Mildew loves oil based paints, thrives in it as water based not so bad. In this day in age I'd use the water based paints for your home, if new use the water based stains, less prep for the next paint job. As far as decks use oil stains NOT water based. Different environments use different products, one answer said use Sherwin Williams "Duration" as a professional painter if your not using on new wood don't waste your money, you might get a year longer than any other good paint at half the cost, Good luck Les the painter

Q. We have had something chewing through several roofs in my neighborhood and many folks are needing a new roof...including us. We had major leaking in the front part of our home. We used the Insurance Co. recommended restoration company to give an estimate on repairs. They gave the insurance company a $12,000 estimate which included an entire new roof in order for the shingles to match, plaster repair and repainting in the front room along with refinishing the wood flooring that has water damage. The Ins. Co. came to do their own assessment and decided they will only paint from the "trim" up (which does not even touch where the water damage occurred!), refinish the wood floor, and repair only the front part of the roof because our policy covers only the first elevation. We live in a ranch home with a same level addition on the back of our home...the roof ties in with the front. According to the Ins co. they will do only the front part of the roof that you can see from the road. If we have only one level, then what is an elevation?

A. Basically it is what is visible from the street standing center line of your house. If there is no damage to the rest roof that is fair but any damage related to the leaks must be repaired also. If your state has an insurance commission or other insurance over site group I would get them involved. the repair company should be able to match the roof pretty well.

Q. I have an invalid living in my house. He sometimes cannot control his bowels and makes a mess in the floor. I currently have carpet over hardwood floor. I need the carpet to be taken out and want to find some sort of flooring that can be mopped with Clorox or Lysol in water to destroy odor. I would like to avoid any type of flooring that would have to be glued to the hardwood. It appears that all vinyl flooring has to glued down. Does anyone have any idea what I can put over the hardwood that will stand up to some serious cleaning?

A. Try laminate flooring, it is easy to install by locking the pieces together like a puzzle and it floats(needs no glue). It also cleans like a dream, we just got it and love it. You can get the kind that looks like wood or tile. We have the ceramic tile type and it really looks like tile. GL!

Q. I am about to have some vinyl flooring fitted in my kitchen and would grateful for any suggestions as to what I can use for cushioning and to try and keep the floor as warm as possible under foot. I have had vinyl flooring before and it is still hard and cold when standing on the flooring. I have even tried cork tiles and this did not seem to make a huge difference. Would a laminate and wood flooring underlay be suitable or would this be a waste of time? I should add that I am in the UK.

A. An idea, There is a product by DRIcore subfloor which is designed to be put over concrete floors in basements, playrooms etc, this may be something you would want to look into, it would serve all your needs. Lowes carries this by the way, here's a link to the DRIcore website http://www.dricore.com/en/eIndex.aspx