Maintenance and Repair: April 2006 Monthly archive
A wood fence requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and discoloration. Proper paint or stain should be used regularly and rotting fence posts should be repaired or replaced immediately. If installing a fence for the first time you can go with a time-saving pre-made fence made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Repair a Picket Fence [eHow.com]
Installing a Pre-made Fence [Hammerzone]
First-time Fence Install [DIY Network]
April 25, 2006 | Comments ()
Damp surfaces on decks and pathways can remain slippery and dangerous even after they are dry because algae begins to form wherever water settles. Shaded pathways are particularly difficult to keep dry and they are often times the most heavily used.
Your first step should be keeping your path or deck as dry as possible. Your second should be renting or purchasing a power washer. A power washer shoots a stream of water at a high velocity which will clean many porous surfaces of dirt, grime, oil, and in this case algae, without damaging your stone or wood. After using the power washer it is also advisable to run diluted bleach over your stones to kill any remaining algae spores. You may need to repeat this process every few months but consider it an ounce of prevention.
And don't forget to use your safety glasses.
Power Washing Decks [DIY Doctor]
Pressure Washing Driveways [Ultimate Washer]
Power Washing Your House [Tri-city Herald]
April 24, 2006 | Comments (1)
An old friend recently brought to our attention an ant problem that she's been having which brings to mind our own ant episodes from a few years back. Prevention is the best weapon and removing the source of Ant food should be your first step.
We recommend going the non-pesticide route which is safer for you, your family, and your pets.
Solving Nuisance Ant Problems Without Pesticides [NCAP]
Getting Rid of Ants [The Frugal Life]
All-Natural Ant Repellent [Stretcher]
April 21, 2006 | Comments ()
Bathroom and kitchen sinks will inevitably clog. Over time objects such as food, hair, and dirt will build-up and settle in the trap or somewhere else along the line and you'll notice your sink draining much slower.
Before your sink completely backs up, take this as a warning and clean out the trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink). Some traps have a clean-out plug that can be opened with a wrench and allow you to get to the blockage without removing the entire trap. But if you do have to take out the trap its an easy process with the use of a towel and wrench. Remove the slip nut at each end and remove the trap then remove any blockage and replace the trap. If the trap is clear you may need to use an auger or snake to clear any blockage further into the pipe.
It's advisable to clean the trap before you the sink completely clogs and it's not always wise to rush to the plunger as that can push a clog further into the pipe and make it more difficult to clear.
April 19, 2006 | Comments ()
