Maintenance and Repair: June 2006 Monthly archive
The houseblog "Minor Adjustments" was faced with saving an old, worn-out, and dysfunctional garage door that did have some character, but how much is "character" worth when you can't even use your garage as it's intended. They went with a basic $950 white door that works and still looks nice.
In the garage, I feel safe. [Minor Adjustments]
June 30, 2006 | Comments ()
The simple solution to cleaning out your tile grout is to use a mix of oxygen bleach and water. In a few seconds you'll be able to scrub away all the dirt and grime and give your bathroom or kitchen an easy facelift.
Cleaning Grout with Oxygen Bleach [Ask the Builder]
June 28, 2006 | Comments (1)
After the heavy rain and flooding in DC this weekend our friends were able to get to work this morning but they face bigger worries once they return home as they've discovered leaks around the skylight in their newly renovated DC home.
The purpose of a skylight is to bring light, not water, into your home. But an improperly installed skylight or a damaged roof can provide an easy entry point for water. You should first determine whether the water is dripping from condensation inside. If it only leaks on rainy days or after a snowfall then this is unlikely.
Unless you are an experienced roofer you should call in a professional. There may also be expert skylight specialists in your area. But whomever does your work make sure they inspect not only the flashing around your skylight but the upslope along the roof above the skylight. Damaged shingles and flashing around a roof vent or pipe collar can allow water to enter yards away from where your skylight is located.
If the external fix doesn't do the trick you may need to tear into the drywall and check on the space between the skylight and the framing. If there's too much space you can fill it with spray foam insulation.
— thanks Alix
June 26, 2006 | Comments (2)
Welcome to the first day of summer. Hopefully you've determined the health of your central air conditioning by now and you're humming along. If not here are some tips to keep your A/C running at peak performance.
Central Air Conditioning Repairs [Hometips]
June 21, 2006 | Comments ()
Dishwashers are one of the most heavily used household items but also one of the most misunderstood. Apply your DIY skills and with a little patience and know-how you can repair your own dishwasher and save the time and expense of calling in a repairman.
Also keep in mind these tips from Consumer Manual in regards to how much water you can save by using your dishwasher and what settings are most eco-friendly.
How to Fix The Most Common Problems Of Dishwashers [Pioneer Thinking]
June 19, 2006 | Comments ()When a floor or subfloor is built-up around a toilet, the toilet flange must also be raised to achieve a proper seal. Shortcuts such as using two wax rings are against code and you will probably have leaks.
The topic of buildup flanges is discussed in more depth in the Gardenweb home forums.
Sewage Odor in Bathroom?
Toilet Flange
Tags: bath, toilet, toilet flange
June 15, 2006 | Comments ()
The most difficult and potentially dangerous part of renovating a bathroom is removing the old tub. A built-in cast-iron tub can create the most problems. Ebuild.com recommends you leave a demo like this to the pros, but if you do decide to take a sledgehammer to the tub, hit the flat parts of the tub such as the sides or the bottom. Don't strike where the tub curves as it's the strongest section and can cause dangerous rebounds.
Removal of Heavy Tub is Best Left to the Pros [ebuild.com]
June 12, 2006 | Comments ()
It seems that there is no consensus in the proper way to deep clean carpets. What we do know is that a vacuum cleaner won't do the trick. When you need to properly remove mold, allergens, dust mites, and light stains, you should use a steamer. Steamers don't require the use of chemicals or cleaning agents although you may be asked to purchase them when renting the steamer. A proper steamer will heat the water to at least 240 degrees and this heat will emulsify grease and chemicals which are then removed by the cleaner. The heat will also kill dust mites and other organic bugs that you don't want in your carpets.
For deeper stains you should spot stain areas but beware of using chemicals as this can bleach carpet and create a more difficult problem to remove.
How to Deep-Clean Your Carpet [eHow.com]
Steam Cleaner FAQ [Allergy Consumer Review]
Top 6 Carpet Steam Cleaners [About.com]
June 9, 2006 | Comments (2)
If you are into woodworking or just want to refinish a favorite piece, this article regarding color theory when applied to stains and dyes is a must-read.
Color Theory: For the Woodworker & Furniture Finisher
and Mixing Stains or Dyes [Wood Finish Supply]
June 9, 2006 | Comments ()Here's a DIY video from Expert Village that shows you how to adjust your ceiling fan so it no longer wobbles. An out of tune ceiling fan can loosen from it's base so it's important to keep these fans properly maintained.
June 7, 2006 | Comments ()
