For a quieter home, caulk all the seams

SOUTH BOSTON

A. A Google search lists many kinds of sound-absorbing boards, so you could use one of those. But this is as important, and not always mentioned in sound-proofing stories: Caulk all seams, ceiling, corners, and floor. For the floor, it is best to remove the baseboard, install a generous application of caulking, and nail the board back in place for an invisible, permanent seal.

Q.Some areas of my white vinyl siding have turned yellow from extensive use of a bug spray. How can I remove the stains? I have tried Soft Scrub, bleach and water, and ammonia.

UGLY SPOTS A.You mentioned bleach and water, and ammonia. It doesn’t sound as if you used the three materials together, but I am obliged to warn everyone not to mix bleach and ammonia. Such a mixture produces chlorine gas, a deadly gas. So, if none of the above worked, try this: Denatured or rubbing alcohol. Alcohol is the basis of most bug sprays. Or, sand lightly. If that does not work, paint the spots white. Use a Krylon aerosol spray called Fusion, which binds with vinyl for a permanent finish.

Q.Last year I seal-coated my driveway and walkway. During the winter when I shoveled (and there was plenty of shoveling in my area) some of the seal-coat was scraped off. Later some of it came off naturally. Did I do something wrong, applying it too thickly?

PETER GOVE, Albany, N.Y.

A. Too thick an application may be the reason for failure. Anything like paint, stain, and other coatings, except maybe contour paint, is generally recommended to be applied in thin coats. Seal-coat is generally 90 to 95 percent cosmetic, to look nice, and will not fill cracks, although I’ve been told that in hot climates it does add to the life of the material. There is not much you can do except wait until the rest peels off. Top quality asphalt paving can last 20 or more years, and does not need coating.

Q.The deck on my side porch is painted wood boards, all in good shape, but some of the nail heads are rusting. I can’t pull them because they are indented. How can I prevent the rust from coming through the paint?

SAL SCARPATO, Newton