How do power wash, heavy rain compare?
Q. How is power washing vinyl siding different from a hard-driving rainstorm?
ABBEYGIRL
Hotton's chat room
A. This question arises from the Handyman's warning that vinyl siding should not be power washed, because water can get trapped behind the siding and may not ever dry out.
Here's the difference: Power-washing is very strong, and often the stream is directed upward, so that it can get behind the siding. A hard-driving rain is not often as hard as power washing, and usually is not blown upward. There are exceptions, of course, and some power washers will lower their pressure and be careful not to shoot the stream upwards, but I think the better part of valor is to desist.
Q. I had cracks in my hot top driveway last year and now they have gotten wider. How is the best way to repair them?
DOROTHY, Sharon
A. You could buy something called asphalt driveway crack filler, which is a tar-like goop that comes in a caulking cartridge and is just right for you. You need a caulking gun to insert the stuff, but that is not a problem. The filler and gun are sold in big box and hardware stores. Insert this filler in the crack until it nearly reaches the top. Then sprinkle a bit of sand on top to keep it from eroding away and sticking to your feet or wheels. If the crack is really wide, you may have to call a driveway man to fill the big cracks with asphalt repair mix.
Q. I dropped a heavy object on my hardwood floor. It left a black mark and dent about 1 by 1 1/2 inches. Can I repair this spot myself?
RACHEL KILEY, by e-mail
A. Yes, you can. Rub the black mark with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Or, fine steel wool dipped in paint thinner. Lightly. For the dent, try this: Put a wet cloth over it and run a hot iron over it. The steam created will penetrate the fibers of the wood, which will expand. It is hoped it will expand to the level of the floor, which is possible because the fibers were compacted by the blow. If the wood does not reach the level of the floor, let it dry out and try again tomorrow. The moisture is likely to stain the wood, so when the dent is filled with the expanding wood, sand it smooth and add two coats of polyurethane varnish. This patching fix will stand out like a sore thumb after varnishing, but in a few months it will blend in.
Q. How would it look to use Trex-type material on an otherwise wooden deck?
SANDYBEACH
Hotton's chat room
A. Use it. Trex is a combination of ground up wood and plastic, so it has many of the characteristics of wood, except grain. Visitors might even admire it.
Handyman on Call also appears in g on Thursdays. Peter Hotton is available 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to answer questions on house repair; call 617-929-2930. Hotton chats online about house matters 2 to 3 p.m. Thursdays, at www.boston.com. Hotton can be reached at photton@globe.com. 
