Here's How, September 3 by Pat Logan on Creators.com

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Buying a Ladder Dear Pat: I need to get some tools for my new home, and I think a ladder would be a good place to start? What are my options for ladders, and are different ones better for different tasks? — Polly M. Dear Polly: Selecting a ladder is about the …Read more. Install a Shower Enclosure Dear Pat: I am planning to remodel my bathroom. It has a shower, and I am limited on space, but my budget is open. What type of shower enclosure is best for a luxurious look and to make the room seem larger? — Cathy E. Dear Cathy: Remodeling a …Read more. Select Proper Wallboard Type Dear Pat: I am planning to do some projects around my new house. I am trying to decide if I should use plywood, medium density fiberboard, particleboard or oriented strand board. Which is best? — Stephanie P. Dear Stephanie: You must have …Read more. Add a Linen or Extra Closet to Your Home Dear Pat: With another child on the way, we are going to need more storage space. I particularly would like a linen closet and an additional clothes closeT. Do you have any ideas on how I can add these? — Donna C. Dear Donna: As you are …Read more.

Here's How, September 3

Dear Pat: My current house has an overflow problem from the gutters and the downspouts. I am planning to build a new house and I don't want the same problem. How should I build this one differently? — Judy M.

Dear Judy: Often, you may not have a gutter drainage problem in the first several years, but one can develop over time and get worse. If your house is built on a slab, the overflowing can be a problem for the landscaping and may leak onto some flooring. If your new house will have a basement or crawlspace, the water problems can be much more serious.

The best method to avoid overflowing gutters is to select gutters that are large enough for the size of your roof and typical intensity of rain in your area. Once the gutters capture this water, a proper underground drainage system is needed to carry the water away.

Depending upon the type of soil and the slope of the land around your house, you may be able to get by with splash blocks if you are on a tight budget. The water from the downspout just drops onto blocks and is dissipated into the ground.

This is most effective in areas with well-drained, loose soil and climates with little rainfall. This does not work well with hard clay soil because the water just runs off over the ground surface. Even if the ground slopes away from the house walls, it will eventually erode ruts in the ground. One inch of rain on the roof of a 2,000 sq. ft. house results in 1,000 gallons of water to be carried away.

The best method to eliminate overflow problems for any climate and soil condition is to install a satisfactory drainage system initially.

It will take some time to properly evaluate the lay of the land for the best water path and take few more materials, but the overall additional cost is not great.

If you can run the roof drainage directly into the city storm sewer system, this is the simplest method to use. Unfortunately, many municipalities do not allow this method. The other option is to drain it to a low location on your lot far from your house. Be aware of your neighbors' houses because you don't want to flood their houses with water from your house.

Once you and your builder have determined the best path and outlet for the drainage system, discuss the drainage pipe to be used. Builders typically use black corrugated or 1,500-pound crush weight drainage pipe. It may not hold up for the life of your house and the corrugated type is particularly difficult to clean out.

A better pipe to use is schedule 40 PVC pipe. This is the same type used inside of houses. It has a very thick wall, which can easily withstand the weight of the soil above it. Each section is solvent welded together to eliminate leaks. Leaky spots in drainage pipes tend to attract tree roots, which eventually grow and break right through it. Another pipe option is SDR 35, which has a slightly thinner wall.

When the drainage pipe is laid in the ground, try to minimize the number of bends. If a right angle bend is required, use two 45-degree elbows with a one-foot straight section between. This tends to reduce clogs.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.