HouseSmarts Radio

Real questions. Right answers.

Tune into to our weekly live talk show — hosted by Lou Manfredini

HouseSmarts Radio is a weekly call-in program dedicated to delivering useful information to help you maintain your home. Our host, Lou Manfredini, not only keeps you up to date on the latest products and DIY techniques, but he helps you enhance your lifestyle by learning to work smarter.

Each week, Lou answers a number of questions from actual listeners, live on-air. He touches on everything — projects of all shapes and sizes, from quick fixes and seasonal maintenance to more substantial jobs. Lou strives to provide recommendations that are highly effective and budget-conscious. So, if you have a home improvement challenge that needs solving, talk to Lou LIVE on Saturday mornings!

Submit a question to be answered LIVE on air!

Meet the HouseSmarts Radio Host

Lou Manfredini is the handyman you can trust.

Since his inaugural show on WGN Radio in 1995, Lou Manfredini has developed a loyal following of homeowners who rely on his entertaining mix of practical and valuable home improvement advice.

Read More About LOU
CALL IN!
877-213-4LOU
CALL IN!
877-213-4LOU

Patching Concrete

Patching Concrete
Patching concrete is especially important this time of the year, as the colder temperatures bring elements that make cracks in concrete worse. There are a variety of tools to remove dirt and debris from concrete cracks before patching. In this example, Lou uses a stripping wheel on a cordless drill, but a wire brush works just as well. Next is patching the crack. If it’s a straight line, you can use painters’ tape on the sides, so the caulking doesn’t bleed over. Use a self-leveling caulk that is designed for concrete for fixing concrete cracks, and take your time filling in the line! After the patch is filled, use your finger to level out the caulking so it dries smoothly.

Patching Concrete

Patching Concrete
Patching concrete is especially important this time of the year, as the colder temperatures bring elements that make cracks in concrete worse. There are a variety of tools to remove dirt and debris from concrete cracks before patching. In this example, Lou uses a stripping wheel on a cordless drill, but a wire brush works just as well. Next is patching the crack. If it’s a straight line, you can use painters’ tape on the sides, so the caulking doesn’t bleed over. Use a self-leveling caulk that is designed for concrete for fixing concrete cracks, and take your time filling in the line! After the patch is filled, use your finger to level out the caulking so it dries smoothly.

Starting a project?

Ask Lou before you do!

Each Saturday, Lou accurately answers the questions homeowners most want to know — live, on air in New York, Long Island, and Chicago.

New York
Saturdays at 7am ET
Long Island
Saturdays at 7am ET
Chicago
Saturdays at 6am CT