Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Foundation 
Water collects on basement floors and walls during damp, humid weather. It happens because when moist air hits cold basement walls and floors, it condenses. Sometimes water collects during hard, fast rain storms, coming in between window frames and casings, through cracks in the foundation, or up through the sewer ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Windows
The hardware on the casement windows sometimes needs adjusting so that the window can operate smoothly. Some windows open with a rod sliding through pivots mounted on the sill and window. Other windows have a metal bar (called a sliding shoe) mounted on the sill; a rod slides through a ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Remodelling
Ceramic tile countertops are resilient. You can't burn tile even when you take a hot pan from the oven and put it directly on the surface. But tile can be chipped or cracked and it may break if a heavy object, such as a soup can, falls on it. And ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Flooring
If a tile isn't broken or cracked, you're in good shape for fixing the floor by securing the loose tiles.
Here's what you can do to fix loose floor tiles:
Carefully lift the loose tile with a putty knife, working from center to edges on all four sides. If the tile is ...
Posted by
Jeff Hardy
in Painting
Despite the expertise of the hanger, your wallpaper can end up with tears, bubbles, and loose seams and edges. But, if you still love the wallpaper you chose, just patch the torn wallpaper if, however, you kept some remnants from the wallpaper roll or you can find something similar in ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Masonry
There are basically three sizes of holes in drywall. Small and medium sized holes can be repaired using only drywall mud. Larger holes should be patched with a piece of drywall. You get small holes up to about 1 – 2 inches in diameter if you miss a nail and ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Flooring
Floors get squeaky — especially in dry weather — because the wood dries out Then you get one or more of four problems:
Subfloor nails pop loose from the floor joists.
Edges of unevenly spaced subfloors rub together.
The floor joists are warped and twisted.
Floorboards pull loose from the subfloor.
You can eliminate the ...
Posted by
Jeff Hardy
in Security Systems
Fire Extinguishers can keep your Home or Office Safe and also provide valuable peace of mind.
Not all fire extinguishers are the same. Choose one designed to extinguish the type of fire you are most likely to have. Check the extinguisher's label for information.
For example, Class A fire extinguishers contain pressurized ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Foundation
The foundation of your house has several tough assignments. First, it supports the weight of the entire house. It also acts as a retaining wall and must be firm enough to hold back the earth— and moisture—around its perimeter. Finally, it may shelter a basement.
Basement/foundation walls begin with a concrete ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Remodelling
To achieve a happy relationship and professional results, follow these steps to find and hire a professional contractor:
Get the names of several contractors by asking friends for recommendations. Take a look at examples of their work to see if it matches your expectations.
Get rough estimates from all contractors who interest ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Tools and Equipment
You need a level to make sure your work isn't going up or down hill. Quality means a lot when it comes to levels, so don't settle for a "bargain." Many of the cheaper products have bubbles that are "off" — the bubble doesn't center between the marked lines at ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Construction Plans
Before you start that construction or remodeling project make sure your construction plan is up to code with the building codes in your City.
Most likely, a local building department in your city or county has the authority to determine how all new building must be done in your locality (Some ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Remodelling
Home improvement projects can be dangerous. Many tasks call for sharp tools or power tools that can cause injuries.
Follow these safety tips at home to keep yourself and your family and your home safe:
Before using a power tool, read its instruction manual and follow the manufacturer's safety cautions. Tighten any ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Hazardous Materials
Until the 1970s, it was common to wrap pipes with insulation made of asbestos. Asbestos was also used as wall insulation, as a siding material, and as an ingredient of many floor tiles and sheet goods. Even the "cottage cheese" texture on some ceilings may contain asbestos.
Asbestos is an ideal ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Hazardous Materials
We deal with some type of hazardous waste almost daily. The chart below lists common waste products and how to dispose of them safely and responsibly.
Some items need special attention. For example, rags soaked in a flammable substance such as mineral spirits can burst into flames spontaneously if they're left ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Windows
How do you feel when a Window glass gets shattered!
Baseballs, wild birds, elbows — you name it. I watched in amazement one morning years ago when a hyperactive dog leaped through the lower pane of a storm door. It was January and freezing outside, but the sun was bright and ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Garage
Garage doors are tricky because there are certain things that absolutely must be left to a professional.
However, there are minor fixes you can do yourself that will help keep your door functioning properly for a good long time and reduce your need for a repair specialist.
Refastening loose screws and bolts. ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in Energy Efficiency
Thresholds on outside doors get a lot of abuse — people walk on them as they go in and out, sometimes with wet or muddy shoes. Nails pop up, wet wood rots, doors drag, and heavy furniture, shoved over a threshold when you're moving, can cause cracking and splintering, especially ...
Posted by
Jim Johnson
in House Cleaning
Good wood paneling is elegant. It gives a den, office, or family room a rich look— until it gets dirty or scratched, or it buckles, becomes loose, or the nails pop out. But it doesn't have to stay that way for very long because you can clean and fix most ...
Posted by
Tom Craig
in Plumbing
Showerhead aerators, like those of the sinks get clogged with mineral deposits. Aerators are commonplace at the tip of most showerheads. Located inside them are screens and a water restrictor that directs and conserves water. Without aerators, showerheads would operate erratically, gushing and splashing water everywhere. And like all screens, ...
Posted by
Tom Craig
in Electrical
Here are some important Safety Tips when Dealing with Electricity at Home:
When dealing with electricity don’t assume anything! While, people change things around, especially if they don't know what they're doing, they mess up with color of wires being live or neutral.
The electrical appliance you plan to fix on should ...