Archive for the 'Home Repairs' Category
Price Patrol: Removing a Wall
Many older homes have lots of walls dividing rooms and spaces. But most newer homes have open floorplans, in which one room flows right into the next. The result: an airy atmosphere, and a home that looks bigger than it is.
Great rooms — in which the kitchen, dining, and living areas occupy…
The Daily Fix: How to Repair Holes in Aluminum Siding
House siding serves two practical purposes: to shed water, and to protect the structure from the elements. Siding also has an aesthetic purpose: to make the house look nice. However, when the siding gets damaged, you get the opposite effect: a house that looks really crummy.
This is especi…
What Are These White Crystals Growing On My Brick?
Recently, while visiting some friends, they asked my thoughts about some fine white crystals growing on the decorative tile around their fireplace. They have propane gas logs in their fireplace so the flue is supposed to be shut. that substance is called “efflorescence” and its a salt crystal that…
How To Tune Up Your HVAC
Without annual maintenance, your air conditioning doesn’t operate at its peak efficiency and is more likely to lead to expensive repairs down the line. Some maintenance checks require a professional, so have one come out every 2 to 3 years to check the coolant level and electrical parts.Outside1. …
How To Fix a Damp Crawlspace and Prevent Mold
The purpose of foundation vents is to allow passing air to carry moisture out of crawlspaces. Except in particularly dry climates, that often isn’t suitable. Even in warm hot summer months the humid moisture laden air will condense on the cooler foundation walls, pipes, ductwork, and even the unde…
Habitat for Humanity - Give to the Community and Learn
A couple of disjointed thoughts that leads me to that post:1. I just finished reading an composition about homeless dumping and it got me thinking about a couple of things. Chiefly, giving here at home.2. My mom, who gives much to her church sponsored charities, was asked to give to a specific ch…
How to Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can be set to not heat or cool as much when you’re not home to enjoy it, thus saving you hundreds of dollars a year. Not too shabby for a $30 investment! that may seem like a daunting task at first, but its really very simple: 1. Turn off capability at HVAC unit and tri…