TM

KNAC
M AKE IT E A S Y

HOME REPAIR&
MAINTENANCE
 KNACK™

HOME REPAIR&
MAINTENANCE
An Illustrated Problem Solver

TERRY MEANY

TM

KNAC tKi
M AKE IT E A S Y

9�,�
An imprint of The Globe Pequot Press
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TM

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MAKE IT EASY

Copyright© 2008 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying
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sions Department, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437.

Knack is a registered trademark of Morris Publishing Group, LLC, and is used

with express permission.

Text Design by Paul Beatrice

Illustrations by Jack Tom.

Cover photo credits:

Front Cover: Nicholas Moore/Shutterstock, Tad Denson/
Shutterstock, Mike Flippo/Shutterstock, James Steidl/
Shutterstock
Bad< Cover: STILLFX/Shutterstock
Photo research by Anna Adesanya
Additional photo research by Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Meany, Terry
Home repair & maintenance : an illustrated problem solver / Terry Meany.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-1-59921-388-0
1. Dwellings-Maintenance and repair-Amateurs' manuals. I. Title. II. Title: Home
repair & maintenance.
TH4817.3.M3875 2008
643'.7-dc22
2008015992

The following manufacturers/names appearing in Knack Home Repair & Mainte­

nance are trademarks: 3M™, Bondo", China Bristle™, ENERGY STAR", GelGloss",
Glidden", Krazy Glue", Pore-a-Fix", Portland Cement", Q-Tips", Romex", Spackle",
Squeeeeek No More", Teflon", Velcro", WD-40'", Wrap and Seal Emergency Tape"

Printed in China
10 9 8 76 54 3 21

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge.
All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or
The Globe Pequot Press. The author and The Globe Pequot Press disclaim any
liability in connection with the use of this information.
Acknowledgments
It's the a uth or's n a m e that s hows up on the boo k's cover,
b u t there a re ed itors, p roofread ers, a n d more u n seen
p rofessiona l s i n the backg ro u nd who bring the writer's
m u sings to l ife. I wa nt to tha n k M a u reen G ra ney at G l o b e
Peq uot P ress for offeri n g m e the o p port u n ity t o write
t h i s book, know i n g she had any n u m ber of other a uthors
from w h ich to choose. I a l so want to t h a n k Katie Benoit
for her ed itori a l p rodd i n g towa rd s p rod u c i n g a fi n ished
m a n uscri pt. F i n a l ly, t h a n k you to w h oeve r created the "d e­
l ete," "cu t," a n d "paste" com p u ter featu res without which I
never, ever wou l d have fi n ished this book.

v
CONTENTS
I ntrod uction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi i i Repa i ri ng a C h i p ped T i l e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Repa i ri ng a C h i p ped F i n i s h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter 1: Problem Solving
How to Avoi d Pro b l e m s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... . x i i Chapter 6 : Inside Leaks/Clogs
Sizing U p the Pro b l e m . . .2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fa ucets . . . . . ...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Water Lea ks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toi l ets . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Gas Lea ks . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .
. . .6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wa s h i n g Mach i nes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Storm Da mage . ........ .. .. . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U nc l og g i ng S i n ks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Secu ring a Da maged House 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U nc l og g i n g Toi l ets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
U nclog g i ng Tu b s & S howers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . .. . . . . 70
Chapter 2: Vital Tools
Chapter 7: Outside Leaks/Clogs
Too l Ergonom ics & Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ha nd Too l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Roofs . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 . . . . . .

Too l s to Cut, Scra pe, Pry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 G u tters & Downs pouts . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 . . . . . .

Basic S ma l l Tool s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wind ows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 76 . . .

Power Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . 20 U nc l og g i ng Gutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 78

. . . . .

Too l s You Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 U n c l o g g i n g Downs pouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . .

U nclog g i n g Outsi d e Dra i n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 . . . . . .

Chapter 3: Vital Hardware

Chapter 8: Squeaks/Sticky Issues
Safety Gea r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Floors: What to Try Fi rst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 84
Screvvs & Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
F l oo rs: What to Try N ext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sti c k i n g Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . 88
Ca u l k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sticki n g Wi ndows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Ta pes & G l ues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Sticki n g Furn itu re Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
S a n d pa pe r & Stee l Woo l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
. . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sti c k i n g Keyed Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Chapter 4: Vital Products

Chapter 9: Cracks & Holes
Pa i nts & Fi n i s h es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ho les i n P l a ste r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
. . .

Sta i n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Re pa i ri ng Pla ster C ra c ks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

. . .

Clear Fi n i shes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Drywa l l Ho les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 00

. .

Recyc l ed Pa i nt . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Drywa l l C ra c ks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 102

. .

Fa ux F i n i s h es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 C ra c ked Concrete F l oo rs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 104

. .

Fi l l e rs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 C rac ked G la s s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 06
. .

Chapter 5: Scratches & Chips Chapter 1O: Electrical Systems

Scratched Woodwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 How You r Syste m Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....
. 1 08
. . . .

Scratc hed Fu r n itu re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Fu ses & C i rc u i t B rea kers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1 0

. . .

Wood Floor Scratc hes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ove r l oa d i ng a C i rc u i t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 12

. . . .

Scratched Cou nters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Savi n g Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 14

. . . .
La m p, Co rd, & Plu g Repa i r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 16 Chapter 16: Outside Repairs
Renewa b l e Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Fence Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 80
Fence Repa i rs (Continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 82
Chapter 11: Fungi Issues Dec k Repa i rs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 84
Know You r M ic roorg anisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 20 O utdoor Lig hting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 86
Inte rior M o l d & M i l d ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 22 Com posting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 88
Exterior M old . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 24 Ra in Ba rre l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 90
Serious M o l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 26
Roof Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 28 Chapter 17: Childproofing
Wood Rot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 30 Safety Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 92
Wind ow Preca utions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 94
Chapter 12: Pets & Pests Roo m & Ca b inet Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
I nsta l l ing a Pet Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 32 Electrical Preca utions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 98
Sq u i rre l & Raccoon Da mage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 34 Pl u m bing Safeg u a rd s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
B i rd Da mage & Repa i rs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 36 Other C h i l d Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Bees & Wa s p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 38
Term ites & Wood Eaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 40 Chapter 18: Appliances
Critte r-Proofing Yo u r H o m e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 42 Refrigerato r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Dis hwa s h e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Chapter 13: Painting C l othes Drye r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Picking the Pa int & S h een . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 44 G a s Fu rnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
I nterior Prepa ration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 46 Water Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Pa i-nting Wa l l s & Cei l ing s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 48 Va c u u m C l eane r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Woodwork & Tri m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Exte rior Prepa ration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Chapter 19: Maintenance Timeline
Exterior Pa inting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 54 S u m me r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 6
Fa ll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Chapter 1 4: Vital Storage Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
B u i l d ing S h e lves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 56 S p ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
More S h e lving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 58 Mont h l y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Closet Fixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 60 Yea rl y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
G a rage Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 62
Wo rkbenc h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 64 Chapter 20: Resources
Kitchen I s l and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 66 We bs ites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Chapter 1 S: Energy Efficiency G l ossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

Energy Pri mer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 68 Photo C red its . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Sea l ing You r House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 70 I nd ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Weather Stri p p ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 72
Choosing N ew Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 74
Ad ding I ns u l ation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 76
Appl iances & Ene rgy Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 78
 INTRO D U CTION
N ew i s very a p pea l i n g: n e w c l ot h es, n e w e l ectro n i cs, o r h e re? I ca n't p l ay t h i s
a n e w c a r. New u s u a l l y m ea n s s h i ny c l e a n , eve ryt h i n g t h i ng! I 'm a fl u t i st, for
i n worki n g o rd e r, n o worries o r c o n ce r n s; w h a teve r t h i s cryi n g - o u t l o u d!" If
n e w t h i n g i s, yo u ca n s i m p l y u se it a n d e nj oy i t . Eve n t u ­ you 're u nfa m i l i a r w i t h
a l ly, t h e new c l ot h e s n e e d c l ea n i n g o r m e n d i n g , t h e s i n k d ra i n s, e l ectrica l
com p u ter ba l ks a t a stra n g e softwa re p ro g ra m , o r t h a t c i rc u its, e ntry door
i m po rted seda n's "c h e c k o i l l i g ht" g oes o n . T h e h o n ey- l o c ks, and p l a ste r re­
z moon i s n't co m p l ete l y ove r, b u t t h e re l a ti o n s h i p i s go­ pa i r, you m i g h t fee l
o
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t:J i n g to req u i re a b i t m o re atte n t i o n now. With a h o m e, l i ke t h i s o u t-of- p l a ce

::J
o es pec i a l l y a n o l d e r o n e, t h e re l a ti o n s h i p m i g ht req u i re pachyderm fl uti st. Yo u r m a i n too l m i g ht be a p h o n e
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p l u m b i ng, a n d p a i nt, j u st to n a m e a few, a l l d e m a n d c i a l izi n g i n re pa i rs to fi x yo u r p ro b l e m s.
yQu r atte n t i o n . B u t th i s a p p ro a c h p ro m pts ot h e r q u esti o n s: Whom
Let's esta b l i s h o n e tru i s m u p fro nt: N o o n e l i kes t o d o d o you ca l l ? Do yo u even n eed a p rofess i o n a l ? Do
h o m e m a i ntena n ce. We wou l d a l l l i ke o u r a p p l i a n ces, yo u have t h e time a n d m o n ey to h i re and wait for a
floor fi n i s hes, g a ra g e d oors to work pe rfectly a n d look p l u m be r? What h a p p e n s if a s u d d e n freeze b u rsts a wa­
g reat foreve r despite using (or a bu s i ng) them day afte r ter p i pe in the m i d d l e of the n i g ht? Knowi n g e n o u g h to
day. With out a c rew of h a ndy g uys a n d g i rl s d i screet ly h a n d l e most p ro b l e m s with s o m e s k i l l a n d s u ccess ca n
h idden away i n the se rva nts' q u a rters, the m a i ntena n ce t u rn a m aj o r p red i c a m e nt i nto a m i n o r i n conve n i e nce.
a n d re pa i r ta s ks fa l l on yo u . And you wi l l n ot a l ways feel Yo u d o n't h a ve to b e an e x p e rt in p l u m b i n g , c a r­
comforta b l e with the j o bs yo u'l l fa ce. p e n t ry, t i l e sett i n g , o r a n y ot h e r c o n st r u c t i o n t ra d e to
I n The Far Side ca rtoon e n titled "A n El e p h a n t 's N i g ht­ wo r k on yo u r h o u s e . Yo u r re s u Its d o n't h a ve to be p e r­
m a re," a n e l e p h a n t s itti n g i n fro nt of a g ra n d p i a n o a t fect, b u t k n o w i n g e n o u g h to q u i c k l y s o l ve o r te m p o­
a fu l ly packed concert h o u se t h i n ks, "What a m I d o i n g ra r i l y fi x a p ro b l e m i s a m aj o r b e n efi t . W i t h n a t i o n w i d e

viii
 h o m e c e n t e r c h a i n s, Can I do this job myself?
neig h borhood and We m i g ht l i ke new t h i n g s, but we don't a lways l i ke new
reg i o n a l h a rd w a re ex periences that ta ke u s outside of our comfort zo ne
sto res, boo ks, h o m e of s k i l ls. M ainta i n i n g
re p a i r T V s h ows, a n d a h o m e exposes u s to
o n l i n e h e l p, a n yo n e a l ot of new experi­
ca n t a c k l e p a i n t i n g a e n ces we m ig h t p refe r
b e d ro o m o r sto p p i n g to i g n o re or even fl ee
a d r i p p i n g fa u cet. A l I fro m . Th i s book wi l l
you n eed to g et sta rted i s a q u e s t i o n -a n d -a n s wer ses­ h e l p yo u face them
s i o n with yo u rse l f. with the confi d e n ce
to fi g u re out how to fix

Is it important to do this repair, or can I the p ro b l e m s . Practice leads to i m p rovement a n d more

put it off? comfort with too l s a n d tec h n i q ues. It does n't h ave to

C h i p ped p a i n t or s c ratched wood fl o o rs l oo k u n s i g h t l y, lead to pe rfection, u n less yo u fi n d you rea l ly enjoy b u i ld­

b u t t h ey ca n be l eft a l o n e a s l o n g a s you 're w i l l i n g to i ng fe nces o r h a n g i n g d rywa l l . Often enough, yo u ' l l be

l i ve w i t h t h e i r a p pe a r a n ces. A l oose a n d ove rflowi n g s u rpri sed a t what yo u ca n acco m p l i s h .

g u tte r s h o u l d g et a tte n d ed t o befo re i t ca u se s m o re

d a m a g e. Ig n o re reg u l a r fu r n ace m a i nte n a n ce, a n d Should I d o this job myself?

you ' l l reg ret i t w h e n t h e fu r n a ce sto p s ru n n i n g o n a If you h ave o n e bat h ro o m , it's a Fri d ay afte rnoon, a n d
c o l d w i nter d a y. S o m e j o b s, s u c h a s to u c h i n g u p t h e you 're ex pecti ng wee ke n d com pa ny, it p ro ba b l y i s n't
exte r i o r p a i nt, ca n be l et go d u ri n g a wa rm, d ry s u m m e r the t i m e to re p l ace t h e i n n e r wo rki n g s of yo u r o n l y to i­
b u t s h o u l d be ta ken ca re of befo re t h e fa l l wea t h e r l et. Ca l l a p l u m ber. S m e l l gas a ro u n d yo u r fu rn ace o r wa­
sets i n . ter heater? Ca l l t h e gas c o m p a ny. Afra i d of h e i g hts, a n d

ix
 yo u r roof i s m i s s ing a re pa i rs h i re s o m e o f t h e i r own h o u se wo rk o u t t o ot h e r

few s h ing l e s afte r a cont ra ctors.

recent wind sto r m ?

Contact a roofer. Is it worth paying someone to do this

Yo u r kitc h en h a s work?

seen bette r d a y s and Contractors a re not inex pens ive. Ea c h h a s to a cco unt

need s a new pa int fo r ove rhead, m ate ria l s, taxes, trans portati on, l osses on

j o b ? I t m i g ht be te- s o m e jo b s, and p rofit t h e s a m e as yo u or yo u r e m p l oyer

d i o u s w o r k ing a ro u nd does in yo u r l ine of work. Repa i rs a re no r m a l ly paid for

a l l t h e ca b inets a n d fi xtu res, b u t h a ve a g o at it. If n o t h - with afte r-tax d o l l a rs, m eaning if a contra cto r i s c h arg ­

6
1-1
ing e l se, yo u ' l l g a in a n e w a p p re c i a t i on fo r t h e p a inting ing you $ 5 0 an h o u �

tJ t ra d e and a d ifferent p e rs pective on t h e not i on t h a t y o u wo u l d h ave to

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"anyone can pa int." Yo u r d ryer s u d d enly sto p s d rying, e a rn ove r $ 60 an h o u r
1- b u t t h e dru m kee p s t urning ? I t 's p ro b a b l y a h ea ting befo re taxes t o p a y t h e
z:
1-1
e l e m ent and s o m et h ing you ca n re p l a ce and save on b i l l . Do ing t h e work

a n a p p l i ance re pa ir tec h n i c i an's servi c e ca l l . yourself kee p s the

I n other word s, know you r limitations, but don't un­ m oney in yo u r wa l l et.

deresti m ate what yo u can do. H owever, i f i t ta kes

you five t i m e s a s l ong
Do I have the time to do this? to do t h e w o r k and
Even if i t 's a j o b you can d o, if it d oesn't fit yo u r s c h ed ­ t h ree ca r tri ps to a h o m e center fo r p a rts and t h e re ­
u l e, yo u m i g h t h a ve to h i re i t o u t . S o m e o f u s b e l i eve s u lts a re on l y so-so, t h en, a s i d e fro m t h e l e a rning ex­
we s h o u l d fi x everyt h ing o u rsel ves, b u t if i t i sn't pra cti­ peri ence, t h i s jo b m i g h t not b e m u c h of a cost saver. In
ca l , t h e re pa i r w i l l e i t h e r g o und one o r w i l l be d one i n s o m e ca ses, yo u won't find t h i s out unt i l you've c o m ­
a h urry, e i t her o f w h i c h can l ea d to s o m e reg ret. H o m e p l eted t h e work. Ca refu l l y cons i d e r t h e c o s t a n d t i m e
m a i n tenance i s a bo u t t i m e and m oney m a na g e m ent a d vanta g e s and d is a d vanta g e s befo re d eterm ining to
as we l l a s t h e re pair work i t s e l f. Even peo p l e w h o d o ta ke o n a re pa ir.

x
Maintenance can be divided into two It depends on how m a ny peo p l e l ive i n your home a n d

categories: preventative and immediate how they a c t i n i t . A s i n g l e person w h o i s away o n b u s i ­

Preventative maintenance i s the u n exciting, o n g o i n g ness h a l f the yea r wi l l pro b a b l y s pend more t i m e d u sti ng

ro uti ne ta s ks that kee p yo ur home ru n n i n g s m ooth ly. t h a n c l ea n i n g s h ower dra i ns. A fa m i ly of six a m ateur acro­

Th i s i nc l u d es reg u lar g utter clea n i n g s, pa i nt to uch-u ps, bats who practice i n the l ivi ng room a n d share their home

a n d fu rnace i n s pections. What e l se fa l l s u n d er preventa­ with a s ma l l menagerie of a n i m a l s a l l owed to ru n l oose

tive m a i ntena n ce? C l ea n i ng moss off the roof, checking i n s ide i s a d iffere nt story! Stayi n g a head of yo ur m a i nte­

the c h i m ney for creosote, re p l a c i n g worn weather str i p­ n a nce i s ea si er in the l o n g ru n t h a n fa l l i n g be h i nd .

p i ng, a n d sea l i ng off a ny outside holes that cou l d be Th i s book wi l l g ive yo u t h e too l s a n d g u i d a n ce to
u sed by vari o u s critters to crawl i n s i d e yo u r home are a l l ta ke a crac k at m a ny of your home re pair m a i ntena n ce

part o f a reg u l ar to-do l i st. Yo u do n't have t o d o a nyth i n g a n d pro b l e m s without fee l i n g overwhelmed. And when

o n t h i s l i st, b u t i g n ori ng these ta s ks ca n l e a d t o bigger yo u're n ot overw h e l m ed, you'l l enj oy your home eve n

ta s ks l a ter. m ore.

Preventative m a i n te n a n c e hel ps put off m o s t

immediate maintenance. A bro ken wa s h i n g m a c h i n e
h ose, a c h i m n ey fire, a n d sq u i rre l s n e st i n g i n your a t­
t i c a re exa m p l e s of i m m ed i ate or eve n e m erg e n cy
m a i n te n a n ce. Yo u ca n't fo resee every pos s i b l e re p a i r,
but m a ny ca n be
h e a d e d off. A n o u nce
of preve n t i o n rea l l y
i s wort h a po u n d of
c u re w h e n i t c o m e s
to y o u r h o m e .

How m u c h time do
yo u need to d evote to
home m a i ntena n ce?

xi
 HOW TO AVOI D PRO B LEMS
S chedule regular maintenanc e che ck-ups to avoid
any problems in the first place
" A stitch i n t i m e saves n i n e" i s a n Am erica n p rove rb that re l i a b le, at l east when they're new. Ti me pa sses, a n d m a l­
h a r ks back to t h e ti m es w hen we sti l l rep a i red to rn c l othes fu n ct i o n s show u p. Th ey're to be expected. Yo u ca n r u n
i n stead of tos s i n g them, bu t the sentiment re m a i n s true. a d ryer or t u r n a key i n a l o c k o n ly so m a ny ti mes before
Catc h a pro b l e m early, a n d it u s u a l ly stays m a nageable. Ig­ somet h i n g g i ves way. Yo u ca n't p reve nt eve ry p roblem, b ut
n ore i t, a n d it becomes a b i g g e r pro b l e m at a b i g g e r cost. you c a n s l ow some u p, head ot h e rs off, a n d be p repa red
Most of the system s a n d pa rts that m a ke up yo u r h o m e a re w h e n t h ey ha p pe n .

Open Toolbox Measuring the Job

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• Tools a re one of the best of the b a s i c s t o do most • Accurately measuring can • I f you m e a s u re twice a n d
i nvestments you can m a ke. jobs-the rest you can g et simpl ify a job, and not sti l l a ren't comfo rta ble
as needed. measuring can complicate a cutt i n g o r d ri l l i ng, then
• For the most pa rt, g ood job-simplify is much better. m ea s u re a g a i n u ntil you
hand tools will last a • You a l so don't need the a re comfo rta ble.
l ifetime or certa i n ly many very best tools-decent • Estimating the size needed
yea rs, far more than j u st q u a l ity for norma l m a i n­ for a repair task is fi ne as a • Don't depend on eyeba l l i n g
a bout a nyth i n g e l se we buy. ten a n ce is more than roug h g uideline, but measur­ a nyth i n g-use a measuring
adequate. ing means fewer trips to the ta pe.
• You don't need one of every store, a closer cost estimate,
tool made, j u st e n o u g h and less wasted material.

xii
 Preve ntative m a i nte n a n ce is n't exactly fu n, but it beats the
a lternatives, such a s a l ea ki ng roof d u ri ng a rai n storm or non­ • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
GREEN 9LIGHT . . . . • . . . . . . . . .
•

fu n ctio n i ng fu rnace i n the dead of wi nter. Sched u l i ng reg u la r : From an energy and resource standpoint, doing your :
fu rnace i n s pectio n s, replacing m issi n g roof s h i n g l es, touch­ : own repairs from materials at hand defers a contractor's :
i ng u p pee l i n g pai nt, a nd kn owi n g when to re p lace a dyi ng : trip to your house and your missed work time waiting :
d i shwa s her h e l ps yo u to control you r home environ ment : to meet this contractor. You become more capable and :
a nd keep it safe a n d i nviti ng. I t's best to stay i nfo rmed a nd : have conserved your money. And if you have kids, you :
awa re a nd do the work o n yo u r terms, knowi n g it has to be : can pass these skills down to them. :
• •
done a nyway, rather t h a n h avi n g the c i rcu mstances d i ctate • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

when you least expect them to.

Replacing a Ligh t Fixture

• Be prepared for a few sur­ • When some of you r work

prises when you tear open i nvolves concea led a reas,
a wal l or ceil i ng or snoop fi g u re on spe n d i n g more
around a n attic, especially time than you expected to;
i n an older home that has an assistant is a lways help­
been previously worked on. fu l, too.

• Code changes over the years

wi l l turn a simple job such as
replacing a light fixture into
a more complicated job.
 SIZING U P TH E PRO B LEM
D etermine which problems need your attention and which ones can
wait for professional help
Whether you own a home or rent, pro b l e m s a rise: Dra i n s a nd d iffe re nt t h a n fi g u ri ng out a math prob lem. Fi rst, read a nd as­
roofs lea k, often at bad ti mes (is there eve r a g ood ti me?), sess the situation. Then try some q u i c k so l utions and rea ssess
the power goes out, the front door wo n't lock. A sl ow d ri p­ everythi ng. Try the so l utions you t h o u g ht you cou ld avoid,
ping fa ucet you ca n l ive with-forever, if you wa nt-but ra i n a n d if everyt h i n g fa i l s, do d a mage control to sta b il ize the
pou ring i n t h ro u g h a h o l e i n t h e roof fro m a now-detac hed p roblem u nti l you have the too l s, materia l s, or h e l p to fix it.
tree bra nc h ca n't wait at a l l . Solvi n g a repa i r p roblem is no You w i l l run i nto new p roblems, but you can a pply you r

Basemen t Flooding

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• If the flood i n g is d u e to for a c l e a n - u p co ntractor

extreme ra in, block off any reco m me n d a t i o n .
leaking windows and doors
as best as poss i b l e and • If a plu mbing pipe breaks,
mon itor the situation u nti l turn off the main water shut­
the ra i n stops. off and cal l your plumber.

• Broke n o r backed - u p • Know where a l l your water

sewer l i n e s a re u n s a n i ­ shutoffs are located and con­
ta ry a n d u n h e a l thy; ca l l a fi rm they're in good working
p l u m ber fo r repa i rs a n d order before you need them.

2
problem-solvi ng s ki l l s to them a n d often come u p with a rea­
sonable sol ution . I t m i g ht n ot be the fa stest or most elega nt,
MAKE IT EASY
• •
but that's n ot i m porta nt. Speed a nd el ega nce w i l l come later. : I f t h e p ro b l e m i s n't e n d a n g e r i n g you o r ca u s i n g i n- :
Fo r n ow, you too k care of it, even if it meant ca l l i ng someone : c re a si n g d a ma g e- flood i n g water, for i n st a n c e - :
else to do it. That's a pe rfectly leg iti mate solution if you've : a nd you're fee l i ng t i m e p ressu res to be e l sew h e re :
tried eve ryt h i ng you cou l d t h i n k of. And re mem ber, o n l i n e : o r get s o m eth i n g e l se d on e, t h e n wa l k away fro m it. :
sea rc h i ng d ra matica l ly produces more sol utio n s t h a n a ny • Fatig ue, h u n g e r, a n d t i m e c o n c e r n s w i l l n e g a tively a f-
•
• •
one of us ca n t h i n k of. • feet yo u r acti o n s a n d ca n m a ke t h i n g s wo rse. Some •
• •
• t h i n g s you ca n a lways fix l at e r. •
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Power Out

• If you r neigh bors are a l so • When only one a rea of

without power, the outage power goes out, a fuse
isn't isolated to you r house has bu rned out or a c i rcuit
but can be weather-related breaker h a s tri pped.
or due to fa u lty util ity
eq u i pment. • When a n overloaded c i rc u it
sh uts down, fi g u re out what
• If j u st you r house has lost a l l you last tu rned on that
its power, there is proba bly caused the loss of power.
a problem with you r main
power l i nes.

3
WATER LEAKS
Know which messes should get cleaned up early and which ones
can wait for a professional
Water is g reat when we wa nt clean wate r in pi pes, d i rty water q u i re a l l the water to the house to be s h u t off u ntil they're
i n d ra i n l i nes, a nd ra i n water outside. When a p i pe or d ra i n re pai red. I n that sen se, such lea ks have a lot of i m pact, es­
l i ne leaks, h owever, a n d t h e ra i n comes t h ro u g h t h e cei l i ng, peci a l ly if one occu rs in the m i d d l e of Tha n ksgivi ng d i n ner.
we pa n i c. Water d a m ages wa l l s, floo rs, fu r n itu re, and a nyth i ng Knowi n g so me q u ick fi xes w i l l get yo u t h ro u g h u ntil you or
e l se that g ets i n its way. Some lea ks wo n't damage m uc h if a p l u m ber-a nd not a p l u m ber on hol iday rates-ca n do a
they occ u r in a b u rst p i pe in a c rawl s pace, but th ey wi l l re- perma nent repai r.

Leaking Pipe Leaking Roof

• Shut the water off at the a bicycle i n ner tube secu red • In open attics, place a exposed wood on its way
fixture if the leak is out of a with wi re. bucket u nder the leak a n d i nto a bucket.
faucet. time the water g o i n g i nto i t
The leaking water can be
t o d eter m i n e how often i t If the roof i s n't accessible
•
•

Shut the water to the caug ht in a bucket, which

n e e d s t o be e m ptied. t h rough a n u nfi ni shed
•

house off if a pipe is leak­ buys you time u ntil the pipe attic space, m a ke you r best
i n g excessively. is repai red.
• A m i nor, s low leak ca n g uess as to where the leak
• If the pipe is accessible, • Most roof leaks a ren't emer­ even be m o n itored u nt i l origi nates and toss tarps or
wrap it tig htly with Wrap gencies u n less a tree branch repa i red as l o n g as t h e plastic over that a rea.
and Sea l Emergency Tape, crashes on it, l eavi n g a l a rg e water doesn't d a ma g e a ny
similar repai r tape, or even hole.

4
 Toi l ets ca n leak, too, but if you h ave more t h a n one, the
leaking c u l prit can be s h ut off a nd add ressed later.
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

Roof lea ks a re problematic a n d s hou l d be considered on a You d on't wa nt to d iscover you d on't k n ow where you r
case-by-case basis. An u n fi n is h ed attic s pace a l l ows you to m a i n water shut-off va lve i s w h e n you n eed it. Find i t a nd
see where the wate r is leaking i n; a bu cket wi l l hold you over test it yea rly; it can be tight if it h a sn't been u sed i n some
u nti l the roof ca n g et patched. Fa i l i n g that, a ta rp on the roof yea rs. S p ray it with a l u b rica n t if it's sticking. S how other
wi l l do the job. The point is to l i m it the water's d amage if you fa m i ly members its l ocation a s wel l . •
•
ca n't sto p the water itse lf. Ta k i n g i nteri m ste ps is better t h a n • •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d o i n g not h i ng at a l l .

Leaking Toilets

• To tem po ra rily remedy a • When the leak is at the base

slow leaking toi let ta n k, of the bowl at the floor,
catch the water with a shut the water off, fl u s h the
bucket or plastic conta iner. water out of the toi l et, and
stop using it u ntil the toi l et
• If the cold water supply line
can be removed and reset.
develops a small leak, place
a plastic container u nder
• R u n n i n g water i nside the
it as well, but address this
ta n k wastes water but ca n
soon-this valve is i m por­
be fi xed when time perm its.
tant, a nd you don't want it
fai l i n g on you.

5
 GAS LEAKS
Any natural gas smell is dangerous and must be taken seriously
and treated immediately
The majority of homes a re heated with natura l gas. I n its natu­ It's d iffic u lt to lay down a ny h a rd a nd fast rules rega rd i ng
ra l state, it's odorless a n d colorless. If it was leaki ng, how would how stro ng of a gas s m e l l should d rive you out of the house.
a nyone know? The sti n k m a de by natura l gas is from a n addi­ I f a p i l ot l i g ht g oes out, a nd you detect the fa int odor of gas,
tive ca l led merca pta n . A small a mo u nt goes a long way, and it's p roba bly fro m the p i l ot a nd not h i n g e l se.
it's a good th i ng. A gas leak i n the vic i n ity of a n active pilot light A gas p ipe doesn't suddenly ru ptu re in you r house u n less
i n a water heater or stove ca n have explosive conseq uences. it's somehow da maged by a nea rby activity. It's critica l that

Gas Furnaces

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• Gas fu rnaces a re norma l l y • A more proba ble issue

safe a n d do not present with gas fu rnaces is ca rbon
fi re haza rds, but there a re monoxide poisoning from
exceptions. i ncomplete gas combustion.

• Some fu rnace models have • Reg u l a r fu rnace servicing

been s u bject to m a n ufac­ s h o u l d preem pt any carbon
t u rer recal ls-check you rs monoxide problems.
on l i n e or ta l k with you r
heati n g compa ny if you're
u ncerta i n a bout it.

6
yo u know h ow to s h ut the g a s off at the mete r a nd at each
g a s a pp l i a n ce!
• • • • • • • • • • • •
•
GREEN eLIGHT · · · . . . . . . . . . . .
•

An overwhel m i ng gas s m e l l se nds a c lea r message: Get out : The next time you have your gas furnace serviced, :
a nd ca l l the g a s com pany from a neig h bor's house or a cell : ask the repair technician to show you how to shut :
ph one. Don't go ba c k i n s ide. If the meter is outside a n d yo u : the gas off at the meter if you're uncomfortable :
ca n s h ut the g a s off, do so. Otherwise, let the gas com pa ny : doing it yourself. Discuss what emergency mea- :
do it. It wou l d p refer that as we l l . : sures to take and listen to the recommendations. :
: The gas company wants you to stay safe, too. :
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Understanding Your Gas Meter

• You r gas shut-off va lve i s cally (movi n g the shut-off

norma l l y located n e a r t h e va lve barely 1 /8th of a
gas meter. F i n d yours or a s k tu rn-turning it fa rther wi l l
you r a p p l i a nce tec h n ician. s h u t off t h e pi lot l ig hts) to
confi rm it moves easi ly.
• Keep a 1 2-inch adj usta ble
wrench close by to shut off • Have a q u a l ified gas tec h n i­
the gas i n case of a n emer­ cian check for lea ks, turn
gency or s u spected lea k. the gas back on, and rel i g ht
the pilot l i g hts s h o u l d you
• F EMA suggests testing you r ever have to turn the gas off
g a s shut-off va lve period i- completely.

7
 STO RM DAMAG E
Storms and bad weather have plans of their own ,
so make a game plan for repairs
Weather can be the bigg est c u l prit in ca u s i n g d amage to A m a i n concern for hom eowners is havi n g l ive powe r l i nes
you r home. A h a rsh freeze ca n b u rst a p i pe. Ice-laden tree g o down nea r their h o m es. Cu rrent ca n ca rry across the
bra nches can s n a p off a nd hit yo u r roof or block a d riveway. I f g rou nd , pa rti c u l a rly if t h e g ro u n d i s wet, and ca n shock or
enoug h w i n d s h ows u p, there g o t h e p hone wires. electrocute a nyo n e sta n d i ng nea rby. Watch out for powe r
One of yo u r best reco u rses w h e n confronted with se­ l i n es befo re ta n g l i ng with tree b ra nches. Yo u r power com­
vere weather i s to be p re p a red for i t, but few peo p l e a re. p a ny wi l l fi n d them eve n t u a l ly, b ut try and report them a ny-

Tree Damage Securing Roof Damage

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• A fa l len tree or branch can • The best way to avoid tree • Clear the damaged a rea • Tuck the tarp u nder a row
render a house u n l iva ble damage is to keep you r and cover with a ta rp as of s h i n g l es a bove the open­
and even u n safe for occu­ trees healthy a n d remove soon as possi b l e. ing so water will flow over it
pation u ntil the damage is ones that a p pear problem­ and not under it.
evaluated and repai red. atic; ca l l i n a tree service • If there's a gaping hole i n
fi rm if needed. t h e roof, n a i l a tarp over the • Pull the tarp so it's ta ut a n d
• If you cut away part of the hole. doesn't a l low water t o pool
damaged tree, be carefu l, in the center.
as this could cause more
damage to your home by the
remaining section of the tree.

8
way, especi a l ly if th ey're s p a r k i n g a n d e n d a ngeri n g you or
yo u r n e i g h bors.
MAKE IT EASY
What h a p pe n s if yo u r h o m e is d a m a g ed by extreme Review you r i n s u ra nce policy for weather-related
weather? Act se n s i bl y a n d eva l u ate t h e p ro b l e m . Assess d a m a g e a nd u pd a te it if you're l i v i n g in an a rea susce p­
the risks of wa l ki n g o n a roof to re move d eb ris you rself. If t i b l e to a pa rticu l a r weather p ro b l e m . Weig h t h e costs
the m a i n se rvice l i n e that s u p p l ies yo u r h ouse with wate r a g a i n st t h e c h a nce of ever n eed i n g t h e coverage. I n
bu rsts, s h u t t h e water off at t h e meter, ca l l a p l u m ber, a n d t h e event of d a m ag e, k now w h o to ca l l a nd fol low the
fi nd a h otel roo m si nce you're o u t of water u nt i l the p i pe i s claims p roced u res to t h e l etter. A n d rem e m be r to p ho­
re p l a ced. tog ra p h a l l d a m a g e s for t h e i n s u ra nce com pa ny.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Power Line Dangers Broken Window Glass

• Stay away from downed a downed power l i n e even •

If you ca n't get outside to prod ucts such as particle
electrica l l i nes as a cu rrent if you're u s i n g noncon­ cover a broken window, boa rd, but for short term,
can spread across wet d u ctive materia l s such as tape plastic a l l a ro u n d the any wood product will do.
g round. wood-if they have any i n side as tig htly as you can
moist u re on them, they can and place a towel at the • Don't u se s heets of
•
Even if the power is shut off conduct the cu rrent. bottom of the window. d rywa l l -they'l l deteriorate
a n d the wi res a re dead, you in the rai n .
can be fi ned for worki ng •
Don't d rive over power •
Exterior plywood w i l l with­
a round high voltage wiri ng. l i nes-they can sti l l be sta nd wet weather longer • Carefu lly remove any re­
energ ized and can get than any i n terior s h eathi ng, m a i n i ng l oose g lass shard s
• Don't be tem pted to move e nta ng led with you r car. especi a l l y the com posite from t h e window.

9
 SECU RING A DAMAG ED H O USE
S e cure broken or damaged windows and doors quickly
to ensure your safety
Property g ets d a m a g ed a l l t h e t i m e, somet i m es by a n i­ Da maged doors a n d windows ca n be secu red without
m a ls, sometimes by weather, someti m es by ot h e r peo p le. A m a rring up the su rro u n d i ng woodwork too m uc h . Boa rds
ki c ked - i n door or b ro ke n w i n d ow m a kes for easy e ntra nce can be fa ste ned across them to su bstitute for broken locks,
i nto t h e hou se a nd c a n l eave you v u l n e ra b l e, so you m u st a n d plywood can take the p lace of b roken g l ass. If a door i s
sec u re you r hom e u nt i l yo u ca n re n d e r a c o m p l ete rep a i r or s o ba d ly damaged it ca n't be c losed, fu l l sheets of plywood
re pl a cement. ca n sec u re an ope n i ng .

Securing Your Windows Quick Door Lock Repairs

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• A damaged s l i d i n g wood • With sliding m eta l windows, • Clean out the da maged • Close the door and screw a
window or out-swi n g i n g i n sta l l sheet meta l screws i n wood from the j a m b; 1 2-inch block of wood i nto
casement can b e secu red t h e track t o prevent s l i d i ng. replace the j a m b door stri ke the wa l l stud on the lock
with b l ocks of wood screws with long d rywa l l side so the wood crosses
screwed to the sash a n d • Block sliding vinyl windows screws, placing a wood the door.
the j a m b o r lengths of with fu l l lengths of wood s h i m behind the stri ke so it
wood wedged in the tracks and avoid screwing a ny­ wi l l l i n e u p with the door. • Screw the block i nto the
to prevent the sash fro m t h i n g i nto any part of the door, noti n g that this door
moving. window. Straig hten out and rein­ ca n n ot be used for an
force the lock with the emergency exit u ntil it's
longer d rywa l l screws. replaced or repaired.

10
 If a g a rage door has been da maged or won't cl ose, there is
often a s i m ple solutio n-adj u sti ng the sensors, for i n stance­
MAKE IT EASY
but if n ot, modern door ope ners h ave re lease m ec h a n i sms C h ec k you r homeowner's pol icy for d a mage cover­
for m a n u a l operati on . Know i n g h ow you r door op ener works age. Your pol icy s h o u l d cover the cost of door re­
a head of time w i l l save you some headaches later when it p l ace ment p l u s a ny d a m a g e to the ja m b, tri m , a n d
does n't. l ock a nd the fo l l ow- u p p a i nting, but confirm with
yo ur agent first.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Garage Door Opener Man ual Override

• Automatic g a rage door • P u l l i n g this release again­

openers won't fu nction if fol low the m a n ufactu rer's
the power goes out. i n structions-w i l l ret u rn
the door to machine control
• Pull the release cord or lever and keep it closed a n d
on the track near the top of rea sonably secu re.
the garage door to release it
from the a utomatic opener
and a l low you to manually
open and c lose the door
u ntil it ca n be repai red.

11
 TOO L ERGONOMICS & SAFETY
Learn the right way to choose and use tools to make your job safe
and easy
A good set of comforta ble tools used safely can solve a l l k i n d s Size ad aptations a re a l so possible with existi n g tool s. For
o f repa i r problems. A too l t h a t does n't fit you r g r i p is n o t o n ly i n stance, tool s can be ada pted to l a rge ha nds by wra p p i ng
u ncomforta bl e, but ca n a l so be u n safe if it s l i ps d u ri n g u se. It them with foa m hand lebar from a b i ke shop or by weari n g
s h ou ld fit y ou as c lose to you r d i mensions as possi b l e. Give n work g l oves. Those w i t h s m a l l hands wi l l have to test o u t d if­
the c h oice of sizes, weig hts, a n d g ri ps ava i l a bl e, su ita ble too l s fe rent b ra nd s to fi nd the best fit.
a re easy t o fi nd. A too l 's we ig ht ca n help it d o its job o r m i g ht mean it's

Tool with a Proper Grip

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• For select tool s use a power • Tools made with com press­
g r i p-fi n gers wra pped i b l e g ri p wrapping a re usu­
a ro u n d the tool a n d a l ly easier on the hand than
the t h u m b a g a i n st it or h a rd plastic.
wra pped a round resting
on the fi ngers-for most of • The tool should g ri p
you r h eavy work. comforta bly i n either h a n d
w h i l e avoid i n g ben d i n g o r
• Short-hand led tool s may rotati n g the wrist.
be less stressfu l than long­
ha n d led tools.

12
b u i l t for fre q u e nt, c o m m e rc i a l u se. A " h eavy d uty" c o m m e r­
c i a l tool l a sts l o n g e r t h a n a less expe nsive versi o n , a n d o n e
. . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT ·············
that's t o o heavy for someone i n ave ra g e physica l cond ition A true e rg o n o m ic tool desig n-where the tool fits you r
ca u ses stra i n a n d s hou l d be avoided. Most h a n d too l s, with h a n d rather t h a n you r h a n d a d a pting t o t h e tool-a l lows
the exce ption of some ha m m e rs, a re l ig ht e n o u g h fo r com­ for the tool usage a n d fu nctio n , n ot j ust the g ri p. S h o rt- •

fo rta b l e u se. h a n d l ed plie rs, for exa m ple, w i l l be d ifficu lt to use rega rd- :
•
A d a m ag ed or wo rn tool i nc reases the stra i n on you when l ess of a d d ed padd i n g . •
•
u s i n g it a n d s h o u l d either be repa i red or d i sca rded. Most • •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
q u a l ity hand too ls wi l l last for yea rs with l ittle mai nte n a n ce.

Main taining a Han d Tool

• Be s u re a l l tool h a n d les • If a tool is beyond repa i r,

a re secu re, blades s h a rp, d isca rd it (a d a maged tool is
a n d a l l movi n g parts s h ift a l i a b i l ity).
freely.
• A wire brush attachment on
• Store tools in a d ry loca­ a bench g rinder w i l l clean
tion; to avoid corrosion, u p the meta l pa rts on any
spray the tool with WD-40 hand tool, removi n g corro­
period ical ly. sion and d i rt and bri n g i n g
b a c k a n ewer a ppea ra nce.

13
 HAND TOO LS
C ollect the must-have tools you need for most small jobs
around the house
Hand tools a re a bargai n-what else last as long yet cost so M u st-h ave too l l i sts va ry slig htly fro m one a n other, but most
little? Each job dictates the needed tools, but a core set wi l l fix i n c l u d e a h a m m e r, screwd river, p l i e rs, meas u ri ng ta pe, an ad­
most problems. A wel l-stocked tool box or tool bucket needs j u stable wrench, m etal s n i ps, putty kn ife, level, util ity knife,
basic tools that pound, cut, d rive a nd loosen fasteners, measure, paint scra per, n a i l set, a n d a s i m p l e pencil a nd pad of paper.
g ra b, pu l l, and scra pe. Tools a re extensions of our hands a nd of­ As yo u r j o b l i st g rows, yo u'l l add to yo u r too l s, but more
fer clout i n the repa i r world we wou ld never have otherwise. i s n't n ecessa rily bette r n o r a re m u l t i p l e copies of the sa me

Hammers Screwdrivers

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• Heavier h a m m ers d rive • You might find wood • Screwdrivers fit a n u m ber i ntercha n geable bits, wh ich
nails faster than l i g hter handles more comfortable of d ifferent screw types, can a lso be used i n electric
ham mers-use them for than steel or fi berg lass (if but the most common a re dril ls, i n a carrying case.
fra m i ng and other rou g h tool vibrations bother you, slotted (reg ular) screws and
work. search online for "ergonomic P h i l l ips screws. • The tips of cheap screwd riv­
hammers"). ers will q u ickly become
• There is a ham mer for every • Com b i nation or m u lti- bent and useless.
pu rpose, but a cu rved • To avoid accidents, n ever bit screwd rivers, with
claw h a m mer w i l l do most use a h a m mer with a loose both P h i l l i ps and slotted • Consider a screwd river with
household jobs. or da maged head or a d rivers, a re ha ndy tools; a mag netized ti p for hold­
cracked h a n d le. some versions offer other ing steel screws.

14
too l . Yo u c a n spend as l itt l e as a d o l l a r per tool or m u c h
m ore, b u t either way y o u g et w h a t y o u p a y for. A g ood
MAKE IT EASY
h a m me r wi l l l a st a l ifet i me, but a c hea p h a m m e r wi l l bend Combi nation h a nd tool kits g ro u p freq uently u sed
or brea k, a d a n ge ro u s poss i b i l ity while pou n d i n g . Altho u g h tool s in one conven ient package and m a ke a g reat
too l s a re ava i l a b l e to bu y o n l i n e, t h e re's n o rep lacement fo r extra tool set for a kitchen or sto rage closet. These a re
h a nd l i n g a tool a n d g ett i n g a fee l for it i n yo u r h a n d to be moderate q u a l ity a n d a re not rep l aceme nts for h i g her
s u re it fits for you . q u a l ity i nd ivid u a l tools. Use them for s ma l l jobs­
tighte n i n g a screw, removi ng a pict u re hook, etc.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pliers Wrenches

• Pliers grip, bend, and some­ repa i rs, a n d a p a i r o f l i ne­ • Fixed wrenches, with a n of fasteners of a ny type, ca n
times cut, but too often ma n's p l i ers for both cutting opening on each end, w i l l take the place of m u ltiple
they're used to tighten n uts and gripping. fit o n ly e i t h e r inch-based i n d ividual wrenches.
and bolts, norm a l l y a job for (S.A.E.) o r metric-sized
a wrench. • A cu rved n eed le-nose pl iers fa steners-they a re not in­ • A hex head wrench, or Allen
has a bent end for reach i ng terchangeable even if they wrench, adjusts hex-shaped
• A tool box should have a ro u n d obstacles. look close in size. bolts, often found on "some
n eed le-nose p l i ers for assem bly requ i red" furniture.
doing precision work a n d • Vi se-type locking p l iers lock • An adjusta ble wrench,
h a n d l i n g s m a l l objects, i n place while g ri ppi ng, whose head adj u sts to ac­ • Match the wrench to the fas­
cha n nel l ocks for p l u m bi n g leavi ng both hands free. com modate different sizes tener for a tight, secure fit.

15
 TOO LS TO CUT, SCRAPE, PRY
Know what essential sharp , tough tools are needed for
cutting a job down to size
W h e n cutt i n g t h ro u g h materi a l, the sha rper the tool t h e bl ades u s i n g a fi l e or sha rpen i ng sto ne, but sha rpen i n g when
better for a n ea sier, m ore preci se, a nd safe r j o b . Du l l blades a blade beg i n s going d u l l i ncreases the life of these tool s and
i n c rease a job's di ffic u lty a nd time needed to fi n ish a nd i s a worthwh i l e ski l l .
a re more a pt to s l i p a nd i nj u re you . B lades a re made to be H a ndsaws can rip t h roug h fra m i ng l u m ber or make t h e most
sha rpened, a lt h o u g h most a re eventua l l y rep l aced. It ta kes del icate cuts in wood tri m and molding. Although power saws
some pra ctice to g et a g ood edg e on a scraper or some kn ife a re used for most cutti ng now, there a re ti mes when only a

Cu tting Tools Pry Bars

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• Quality tools use harder • Ti n s n i ps or t i n ner's shears • You should n eed o n l y one • A pry bar that fits in a tool­
steel and mai nta i n their s h a pe s h eet meta l a n d can pry bar of a ny g iven size as box is as big as you need for
sharp edges longer than less cut rope, card board, m eta l they last forever a n d a l m ost most jobs.
expensive cutti ng tools. weather stri pping, a n d never break.
s m a l l wi res. • Woodwork a lways has
• A retracta ble util ity kn ife,
• Some very flat and thin pry more n a i l s than you m i g ht
which comes with extra • Longer-hand led tin s n i ps
bars can a l so be used as expect-pry ca refu l ly to
blades i n its hand le, stri ps offer more leverag e but
scra pers. avoid splitti n g the wood.
wire and cuts card board, m i g ht be l ess comforta ble
wa l l boa rd, ca rpet, a n d for smaller hands.
s o m e plastics-it's a m ust
for your tool box.

16
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
handsaw wi l l do. Besides, why d rag out a power m iter saw
when a ha ndsaw can m a ke q u ic k wor k of a single cut? Pry ba rs a re a l l a bout leverage. A long bar has
Pry bars ra n g e from m i ld - m a n n e red to a g g ressive. Some re­ more than a short ba r, but not every job needs a
move fi n i s h n a i ls, a nd others p u l l up entire f1 oors. M ost home longer ba r. U se a b lock of wood u nder whichever
u se ca l l s for f1at pry ba rs, i n c l u d i ng a 5- to 6-i nch-long m i n i end d the pry bar p resses against a fi ni shed sur­
ba r. F l a t bars a re t h i n e n o u g h t o s l i p be h i nd wood t r i m a nd face to avoid da mage. Pry slowly a nd steadily.
baseboa rds a nd re move them with l i m ited d a mage.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Scrapers a re h i g h l y versati l e. They c an remove p aint a nd
f1oor fi n is hes a nd shave down wood . A 1 1 /2-inch-wide hook
scra per is a trad ition a l c hoice.

Sa ws and Files Scrapers

• It's worth spend i n g a l ittle a lthough a crosscut saw ca n • It's a g ood i d ea to buy • A 1 1 /2-inch-wide hook
extra on a carpenter- q u a l ity cut th rough bra nches. extra blades when buying scra per is s i m ple, versat i l e,
handsaw, which w i l l keep a scraper so you a l ways a n d easy to h a n d l e w h i l e
sharp cutting teeth m uch • J a pa n ese saws have t h i n have sharp replacements scra per kits offer m u ltiple,
longer than chea pe r saws. blades a n d a re i d e a l for on hand. changeable blades for d if­
precise cutti ng. ferent shapes and cuts of
• Crosscut saws have teeth • The s i m plest scra per i s a wood moldi ng.
that cut across wood g rain, • Hack saws, norm a l ly used recta n g u l a r cabinet scraper,
ri psaws cut with the g rain, on m eta l, a l so offer preci­ used for scra p i n g wood • Carbide scra pers have the
and a bow saw is u sed sion cutting o n t h i n sec­ smooth prior to fi n ishi ng; it longest-lasti n g blades.
for l a ndscape tri m m i n g, tions of wood. a lso removes va rnish.

17
 BASIC SMALL TOO LS
These seemingly insignificant tools play a big role in many home
repair jobs
M a ny repa i r j o b s req u i re measu ri n g . You need to know the with a locki ng mecha n i s m . Most longer tape mea s u res d is­
size of a roo m before buyi n g paint or the d i mensions of a p l ay mea s u rements down to 1 / 1 6 i nch, more than enoug h
win dow to order a b l i nd. A n u m ber of too ls a re ava i lab le p recision for home repai rs.
for measu ring, but a ta pe mea s u re is the s i m p l est a n d most Ch isels a re u sed for removing sma l l sections of wood, stone,
com pact. A longer ta pe mea s u re is m ore ve rsati l e t h a n a concrete, or mortar. Practice u s i n g a wood c h i sel on a piece
short one-look for a 25-foot meta l retra cta b le-ta pe model of scra p wood fi rst. Stone c h ise ls a re heavier a nd less refi ned-

Tape Measure Hea t Gun

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• It's worth havi n g one or two • Laser measurers calcu late • Heat g u n s produce ex­ • The materials bei n g h eated
sma l l tape m ea s u res a ro u n d d i sta nce, sq u a re footage, tremely hot air of varying can produce d isagreea ble
the house for i m pro m ptu a n d vol u m e, d e pend i n g on tem peratures for remov i n g if not toxi c fu mes, req u i r i n g
measuring jobs in a d d ition the m odel. paint, d rying out wet wood, y o u to wea r a n a ppropriate
to a 25-foot model. speed i n g up paint d rying, respi rator.
• Wipe the metal tape with a softe n i n g a d hesives, a n d
• Ta ke you r time read i n g clean cloth, lightly coat with t h a w i n g frozen pi pes. • Lead-based paint wi l l
you r measurements-you spray silicone, don't allow the vaporize a t tem peratu res
don't wa nt to order wi ndow tape to retract too q uickly, • H eat g u n s a re safer than over 1 , 1 00 degrees F-use
blinds based on the wrong and replace a tape measure open flame torches but sti l l a h eat gun with a lower set­
d i mensions. that has cracked tape. req u i re caution. ting for this job.

18
l ooki n g t h a n wood c h i sels, but there's no other hand tool as
effective for attacking concrete cracks that need wide n i ng or
MAKE IT EASY
clea n i n g out. Use a l a rg e fra m i ng n a i l a s a n a i l set. Fi le the s h a rp
N a i l sets a re m eta l p u n c hes u sed to fo rce fi n i s h n a i l s below e n d d o w n a b it fi rst. Th i s i s n ot a s stu rdy a s a n o r m a l
the s u rfa ce of wood. Th i s a l lows the s pace a bove the head to n a i l set, b u t it w i l l do i n a p i nc h . U s i n g a screwd rive r
be fi l led for a smooth fi n i s h . I nd ivid u a l n a i l sets a re ava i l a b l e, a s a c h i sel, howeve r, i s a g reat w a y t o r u i n t h e screw­
but buy a set of t h ree ( 1 /32-, 2/32-, a nd 3/32-i nch). d rive r.
A basic c i rc u i t tester i n d icates if electricity is p resent at a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

receptacle or a device. It's a n i n expensive but critical safety

device that every electrician u ses a nd depends o n .

Chisels Nail Sets

• You're better off buyin g one • I n expensive chisels a re not • If you buy a kit of t h ree • Use a n a i l set to m a ke a
or two g ood wood ch isels easy to m a i nta i n , get n i c ked d ifferent-size n a i l sets, you starter or pi lot hole for l a rg e
than a set of poor q u a l ity easi ly, and eventu a l ly be­ shou l d n't have any trou ble screws if a d r i l l i sn't ha ndy.
tool s. come u seless for precision matc h i n g a n a i l with the
work, so keep i n m i nd va l u e proper-size set. • N a i l sets can punch holes i n
• Using a wood ch isel is a n w h e n assessi n g cost. s h eet m eta l a n d leather a s
a rt req u i ri n g practice a n d • Don't treat a n a i l set as a wel l a s wood.
patience-try it on a piece • Protect the sharp ends of ch isel to c h i p away at stone
of scra p wood fi rst u ntil c h i se l s when stored so they o r concrete-this w i l l ru i n
you're comfortable with it. don't get d u l l . t h e fi n i s h end.

19
 POWER TOO LS
These tools p erform with a speed and ac curacy you can ' t match
by hand
I m agine m ix i n g a smoot hie by h a n d. You can d o it, but wi l l t h a n they're worth fo r very sma l l jobs, espec i a l ly if it mea n s
you m atch t h e consiste n cy a nd textu re o f a blender i n the d ra g g i ng o u t extension cords.
same a mou n t of ti me? The same holds true for power tool s. Some powe r too l s d o m u lt i p l e jobs. A d ri l l m a kes holes, but
They w i l l outc ut, outd r i l l, a n d outsa n d their h a nd cou nter­ it a lso buffs, sands, and g ri nd s with the rig ht attach m ents.
pa rts eve ry ti me. There is no rea son n ot to use them a nd no Power too l s a re loud, so ear p rotection is a m u st, even for
virtue i n avoid i n g them, a lthoug h they c a n be more bother q u ick jobs. They a re a lso d a n g erou s. It's one t h i n g to s l i p

Drills Sanders

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• Dri l l s perform m u ltiple h a n d l e most household • Sanders th row out a lot of • Dust bags wi l l not collect
tasks such as m a k i n g holes, jobs. d u st, but m a ke q u ick work all the d ust prod uced by a
d rivi ng screws, and ru n ni n g out of ted ious jobs. power sander, so be pre­
b u ffi n g pads a n d sand pa­ • Cord less d r i l l s a re conve­ pa red for some add ition a l
per d i scs, but you're better nient, but req u i re reg u l a r • A belt sander removes c l e a n - u p w i t h a vac u u m
off u s i n g a buffer/polisher battery rech a rg i n g . m aterial q u ickly, w h i l e a cleaner or broom .
or sander for these two ra ndom-orbit d i sc sander
tasks. • T h e material you d ri l l is less agg ressive, leav i n g a • Practice sa n d i n g scra p
through determines t h e type smoother fi n ish. Use pa l m wood, a pplyi n g l i g ht pres­
• A med i u m-d uty, 1 /2-i nch of bit you'll need-one type sanders for fi ni s h work. s u re until you're comfort­
va riable-speed d ri l l will does not work for a l l jobs. a b l e with the tool.

20
w h i le u s i n g a h a n dsaw, q u ite a n other to s l i p with a n electric
c i rc u l a r saw ru n n i ng, proba bly the most d a ngero u s powe r
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

tool commonly u sed. Ca ution a n d care m u st acco m pa ny Sanders a re loud, so wea r ear protection as wel l as a d u st
power too l use, but the adva ntages they bring more than mask. Do not wea r work g l oves with either belt or d i sc
outweig h the extra vigila nce on you r pa rt. sanders-they ca n get caught i n the moving pa rts a nd
Power tools create dust l i ke hand tools do, but it spreads out pu l l you r fi n g e rs i nto the tool. Sandals a re for the beach; •
over a l a rger a rea. There is more clea n-up, but a vac u u m cleaner wea r good work shoes a ro u n d power tools. :
•
solves that problem faster than a broom and d u st pan. •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
•
.

Sa ws Vacuum Cleaners and Blowers

• An electric saw is as danger­ • Match t h e s a w b l a d e to • I n expensive ca n i ster • H E PA vac u u m s tra p fi n er

ous as it is useful-always the type of cutting you're vacu u m cleaners, which put d ust and a l lerg e n particles
treat it with respect and care. doi ng-plywood, l u m ber, out less exha ust d ust a n d than sta n d a rd vacu u m
fi n i s h work, or m eta l . a re more porta ble, are con­ cleaners.
• Use c i rcu l a r saws to cut ven ient and d u ra b l e ways
l u m ber and plywood or a • Don't force the saw; move i t to clean up a mess • Electric blowers a re g ood
modestly priced power mi­ as it o n l y m a kes i t s cut. tools for blowi n g d ust out
ter saw (a n excellent choice • If you r vacu u m u ses dispos­ of sta ndard household
for non professi o n a l s) to a b l e bags, buy extra ones vacu u m cleaners, espec i a l l y
safely cut fra m i n g l u m ber when you p u rchase the the hoses.
and fi n ish tri m . vacu u m cleaner.

21
 TOO LS YO U RENT
S ome tools are impractical to own but perfe ct to rent for
the o c c asional use
There is l ittle poi nt i n own i n g a tool yo u ra re ly n eed or u se a n d a l l looki n g fo r the same too ls. Com merc i a l users do most
on l y once. A g ood re nta l shop offe rs a ra nge of too l s at af­ of thei r renting d u r i n g the worki ng weekdays.
fordable prices a lo n g with the a dditio n a l necessities: exten­ Renta l shops va ry from the s i n g l e-owner shops to c h a i n
sion cords, sa n d pa per, d ri l l bits, saw blades, a nd so on. stores. A good shop h a s a policy of checking a l l too l s u pon
I f poss i ble, reserve the too l i n adva n ce. You and most other ret u r n a nd before sett i n g them out for a nother renter. Elec­
homeowner c u stomers wi l l be out in force on the weekends trical cords s h o u l d be i ntact a nd not ta ped or patched, a nd

Wallpaper Steamer Chainsa ws

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• Wa l l pa per steamers a re sim­ tremely hot, and you can be • A gas chainsaw is a good • N ever u se a c h a i n saw
ple and fool proof: Add wa­ exposed to sca l d i n g water. too l to rent for major tree when you're ti red-it's too
ter, heat u p, and stea m off work and is a lso a heavy tool da ngerous.
m u ltiple layers of wa l l pa per, • Rental u nits a re l a rger a n d that must be used ca refu l ly.
bei n g ca refu l to cover the more rob u st than m a ny • C h a i n saws can a l so cut
floor a rea com pletely with consumer models. • Electric chainsaws are t h ro u g h wood posts and
plastic and d rop cloths. l ig hter, safer than, a n d not bea ms, provided they're
• Use to remove pai nted non­ as powerfu l as gas-powered free of n a i l s and other m eta l
• Fol low the m a n ufactu rer's asbestos "popcorn" cei l i n g s models but are i n expensive obj ects.
i n structions for a d d i n g for a d ust-free job. enough to consider p u r­
water-the u nit is ex- chasing for reg u l a r pru n i n g .

22
the re nta l clerk s h o u l d g ive you a ru n -thro u g h on each too l 's • • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
operation a nd exp l a i n you r l i a b i l ity (be s u re to read the renta l •
If you h ave p roblems with you r ren ted tool (e.g., the mo- •
contract so yo u u ndersta nd you r o b l i g ations). •
tor slows down or is otherwise ma lfu nction i ng), stop i m-
Depe n d i ng on the tool a nd the length of the renta l period,
mediately a nd cal l the shop. These tools a re heavi ly u sed
yo u m i g ht be better off p u rc h a s i n g some too ls. Comp are
a nd eve n with i ns pection ca n b rea k down u nexpected ly. If
both costs before decid i ng either way. For shops c losed o n
you're not at fa u lt, the shop should credit you for lost time
Su ndays, some renta l s a re ava i la ble at red uced rates if you a nd rep lace the tool.
pick up the too l on a Satu rday at closing t i me and ret u r n it
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

fi rst t h i n g Mon day morn i ng .

Pressure Washer Nail Guns

• A pressure washer is rated by • When was h i n g wood s u r­ • N a i l g u n s a l low house fra m­ work, but they're expensive
pressure or PSI (pounds per faces, sta rt from 2 or 3 feet ers to avoid hand n a i l i n g and worth renting.
square inch) and the volu me away a n d g rad u a l l y move a n d the fatig u e t h a t comes
of water-GPM or gallons per forward to test the pressu re. with it. For strictly light fi nish nailing,
minute-that flows through it. a n electric nail gun for under
• Pressu re was h i n g w i l l not • Air-powered nail guns, which $ 1 00 is worth purchasing.
Pressure that's too low won't remove a l l d i rt and grime­ req uire a n air compressor,
clean well and too high additional scru bbing m i g ht make short work of big • N a i l g u n s nails a re sold by
can damage some surfaces be req u i red. nailing jobs; cord less gas­ the box-buy extra j ust
( 1 ,800-2,600 PSI will do most powered g u n s are available in case, as they a re a lways
jobs). for fi nish work a nd framing returna ble.

23
 SAFETY G EAR
D oing a job right means taking the precautions to
protect yourself, too
U s i ng too ls mea ns d u st, noise, n ic ks, scra pes, a n d flyi n g de­ power tool usage ca l l s for hearing p rotection. Consider this:
bris with the u ser on the receivi n g end. It's easy to d i sco u nt Norma l conversation registers at 60 decibels, a power saw­
safety, but for a few m i n utes a nd a few dol l a rs, you ca n p ro­ proba bly the worst power tool offender-reg isters at over 1 00.
tect you r sig ht, hea ring, s ki n , a n d l u n g s. Ea r protection is simple a nd i n expensive and q u ickly becomes
Both power tools a n d excessive h a m mering assau lt o u r hea r­ second nature when doing house projects. Protective eq u i p­
ing. Once it's da maged, it doesn't come back. Even occasional ment ra nges from d isposa ble ea r p l ugs to state-of-the-a rt ea r

Ear Protection Eye Protection

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• Lou d ness is re p rese nted • Disposa ble foam ear • Safety g lasses a re ava i lable • Wear safety g lasses when
by d eci b e l s-th e h ig h e r plugs can be washed and i n both clear a n d ti nted working with chemicals over­
t h e d e c i b e l s, t h e h a rd e r reused-j ust soak them lenses for working outdoors head, such as paint remover.
it i s on you r h e a r i n g ­ i n warm, soapy water and in d i rect s u n l i g ht.
w h e t h e r t h e n o i se sou rce keep extra pa i rs on hand. • Store safety g lasses in a n
i s from power too l s or • H a m mering, g ri n d i ng, saw­ old s o c k t o prevent scratch­

I
excessive h a m m e r i n g . • A l ways keep a pa i r of d i s­ i n g, sa n d i ng, and power ing the l e nses, and a lways
posa ble p l u g s with you­ was h i n g a l l have eye­ replace cracked safety
Ea r m uff protectors a re t h e you n ever know when you'll d a m a g i n g potentia l . g lasses.

I
•

most comforta ble form of ru n i nto prolonged noise

heari ng protection. exposure.

24
m uff-style devices with bu i lt-in AM/FM rad ios.
Vi sion is priceless, while eye protection costs next to not h i ng.
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

I nexpensive safety g lasses th a t a l so fit over reg u la r eye g lasses Be s u re to m atc h t h e l eve l of p rotection to t h e h aza rd
should be worn when c h i ppi ng, c h ise l i ng, sawi ng, or doing p rod u ced b y yo u r wo r k. Ove r ki l l wastes money, a n d
a ny overhead work that blows d u st or debris i nto you r eyes. too l ittle p rotection d oe s n't kee p yo u h e a lt h y. Th i s i s
Du st, smoke, a nd chem ical va pors ca n a l so affect yo u r e s p ec ia l ly t r u e w h e n p i c k i n g o u t t h e r i g h t res p i ratory
hea l th . Du st masks a nd a ppropri ate respi rators a re a m u st p rotectio n .
•

when sa n d i n g or h a n d l i n g noxious solvents a n d pai nts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Even tou g h hands need protection. Gloves a re a ba rg a i n

com pa red with da maged hands.

Respira tory Protection Han d Protection

• Respi ratory protection is • Buy d u st masks (3 M 8200 G l oves wea r out often­ and nails and offer some
ava i la b l e i n d i sposa ble series is recom mended) by keep an extra pair or two shock a bsorption when
ma sks and fu l l - a n d half­ the box so you don't run a round as replacements. ham mering.
face rubber/plastic reusa ble short; avoid l i g ht, pa per
respi rators that use dispos­ d ust masks, which provide • For pai nting, wea r lig ht­ • Never wea r work g loves
a b l e fi lters. l ittl e protection. weight cotton neoprene and when u s i n g power tool s
PVC g l oves when worki ng with s p i n n i n g blades,
• Respirators a re not particu­ • Protection from smoke ca l l s with pa i nt stripper, solvents, s hafts, or s i m i l a r movi n g
l a rly comforta ble, although for H EPA fi lters a n d va pors or washi n g solutions. pa rts-the g l oves can get
the d is posa ble style is more for charcoa l-activated caught a n d can p u l l you r
• Leather g l oves protect
tolera b l e to wear. fi lters. h a n d s i nto t h e tool.
against rough l u mber

25
 SCREWS & BO LTS
An ancient and great invention , screws of every type and size
keep it all together
Screws and bolts a re necessities for p utti n g p roj ects d rywa l l a n d s h eet meta l screws, a re self-t a p p i n g , w h i c h
tog eth er. A screw is a th rea ded fa sten er. T h reads g i ve a mea n s they d o n ot req u i re a p i l ot h o l e befo re bei n g i n sert­
sc rew both penet rati n g a n d h o l d i n g power. W h e n sc rew­ ed a n d d riven i n . O n e advantage of screws ove r n a i l s is that
i n g i nto wood, m ost screws req u i re a p i l ot h o l e to be d r i l led they c a n be re m oved a nd re i nserted a ny n u m ber of ti mes
fi rst; ot h erwise, you risk s p l itti n g th e wood, ja m m i n g the without d a m a g i n g wh ateve r the sc rew is faste n i n g .
screw and often stri p p i n g its head. Some screws, n ota b l y Screws va ry b y t h ickness, length, fi n is h , a nd head type (slot-

Wood Screws Drywall Screws

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• Drill a pilot hole or starter • Rubbing the screw t h reads • D rywa l l screws a re the • Do not use them for
hole-narrower than the on a bar of soap can m a ke u n iversa l fastener for structu ra l appl ications or
shaft of the screw-to avoid a screw easier to tu rn, w h i l e n o n m eta l s; case-hardened outside-even the coated
splitting wood with a screw. overtig hten i ng can snap its a n d desig ned for securing d rywa l l screws wi l l rust.
head off. d rywa l l, they're i n expen­
• Screw threads form an in­ sive, self-ta pping i n most • They a re avai lable i n
clined plane that, when in­ • P h i l l i ps head screws a re materi a l s, a n d screw in fast. lengths from 1 i n c h t o 8
serted into a piece of wood, easier to i n sta l l a n d remove i nches in both fi n e a n d
forms a corresponding plane than slotted. • These screws a re sold by coarse t h reads.
that holds the screw i n place the pound; buy severa l sizes
more tightly than a nail. for va rious jobs.

26
ted a nd P h i l l i ps bei n g the m ost com mon) a nd a re sold by the
box, bag, or the piece. Flat-head screws lie fl ush, while ova l
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . RED9 LIGHT
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • •

a n d rou nd- head screws protrude fro m the su rface. Over­ : Drill a pilot hole too small, and you won't get the screw
whel m i n g ly, screws a re made from some type of steel . B rass : all the way in. If you get too much resistance, back the
screws a re u sed to attac h visi ble h a rdwa re such as ca b inet : screw out and drill a slightly larger hole. Overtighten­
h i nges a n d d rawer p u l l s. : ing a screw can snap off its head. Be especially careful
A bolt resem bles a screw except the t h reads a re nar rower : when tightening a screw with a drill.
•
a nd do n ot cut t h roug h the materia l they're attached to. A • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

bolt norm a l ly req u i res a th readed n ut at the end of it to se­

c u re it. Bolts a nd n uts a re so l d in s i m i l a r q ua ntities as screws.

Sheet Metal Screws Nuts and Bolts

• Sheet m eta l screws a re • Use these screws to reat­ • Bolts a n d n uts come i n • If either the bolt or nut
self-ta pping-they cut their tach downspouts to g ut­ sta n d a rd ( i nches) a n d m et­ threads are stri pped-mean­
way t h rough meta l, plastic, ters, a n d when replacing ric sizes-don't mix them ing they're worn smooth and
a n d fi berg l ass-a nd a re corroded fu rnace or water together! no longer tighten-replace
h a rder than wood screws. h eater venti ng; attach old both bolt and n ut.
sections to new with sheet • To replace a bolt and n ut,
• S m a l l, flat-head s h eet m eta l screws. take both o l d ones to • To keep track of bolts/n uts/
meta l screws can be used you r ha rdware sto re a n d washers d u ri n g a d i sassem­
to i n sta l l meta l weather • You can use these screws i n match e a c h w i t h i t s new bly, loosely con nect them
stripping when nai l i n g isn't wood b u t s h o u ld not u s e a cou nterpart. together so they stay i n a
practica l. wood screw in s heet m eta l. g rouping.

27
NAI LS
For fastening wood to wood , nails are quick , fast , and cheap
N a i l s ra nge i n size a n d s h a pe fro m the t i n iest fi n ish b rads to se m bl i n g wood en fruit boxes. It's best to use s pecific types
1 2-inch s pi ra l s p i kes. They h ave rou nd heads for when their of n a i l s for s pecifi c jo bs, but in some i n stances, yo u ca n s u b­
a p peara n ce is n't i m porta nt or d i stra ct i n g , a nd they have no stitute, for exa m p l e, a longer n a i l for a shorter one. For other
h ea d at a l l oth er t h a n a d i m pled end for fi n ish work. These jobs-fra m i ng comes to m i nd -you m u st use the size a nd
n a i l s a re d riven below the su rface of the wood so they won't type of n a i l determi ned by you r loca l b u i l d i n g code.
be seen . N a i l s a re m a n ufactu red for a l l pu rposes a nd a p p l i­ Pay attention to a n a i l 's size. Too l o n g , a n d you can d rive it
catio ns, from withsta nd i n g exterior weather expos u re to a s- a l l the way t h ro u g h a boa rd , leavi n g the s h a rp end sti c k i n g

Framing Nails

• Round-head n a i l s a re u sed • Bigger isn't a l ways better­

when the n a i l heads ca n a l a rge n a i l d riven i nto t h i n
rem a i n visi ble. wood w i l l split it.

• Com m o n nails a re used • Use n a i l s a bout two times

with fra m i n g l u m ber, a n d longer than the th ickness
box n a i l s w i t h narrower of the wood bei n g d riven
s h a n ks (shafts) a re used t h ro u g h .
with t h i n pieces of wood.

28
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
out where you do n't wa n t it. U se too t h i c k of a n a i l too c lose •

to the en d of a boa rd, and you c a n s p l it it. Not certa i n what Na Is a re referrec tJ by 'oen"y" size 2d or 2 pen- :
you need ? B u y severa l sizes by the box. They store ea s i l y ny, 4d, a 'ld 50 on. Th s is a n o l d term referri n g to :
a n d a l ways c o m e i n h a ndy for other jobs. th'- a mo u r: of n a i l s i r a p articu l a r size that could :
For exte rior work, a l ways use g a lva n ized nails to withsta nd or'ce be p u rchased for a pen ny. A 4d nail is 1 1 /2 :
moist u re. Pa i n t alone ca n't stop the head of an exterior n a i l i nc h es long, 1 n 8d is 2 l f) i n ches long-the Io n- · :
from rusti ng. qer the n a i l, the h i g her the pcri ny s Le. :
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Finish Nails

• A fi n ish n a i l ca n often be • Brads a re very s ma l l fi n is h

used in place of a rou nd­ n a i l s, u s u a l ly s o l d i n plastic
head nail, but you don't tu be-l i ke conta i ners.
want to use a round-head
nail for fi n ish work. • Wi re n a i l s a re very t h i n
brads b u t have l a rger, flat
• Finish nails can sometimes heads.
replace com mon nails if
n ecessa ry-j ust use more
of them.

29
 CAU LK 1
Wood 1 metal 1 brick , concrete 1 and tile-there s a caulk for
every surface
Ca u l k is a fiexi ble sea l a nt. I t keeps ra i n, w i n d , a nd i n sects o u t fits i n side a ca u l k g u n . The g u n s have a mova ble pressure rod
when it's used outside, a nd it provides a more fi n ished a p­ that p resses a g a i n st the bottom of the t u be a nd forces the
pea ra nce to woodwork a n d sea l s p l u m bi ng fixt u res i nside. ca u l k out the nozzle at a control led rate. Some a re ted ious to
There a re dozens of types of ca u l k for a n eq u a l n u m ber of a p­ a p p ly, but with p ractice, you ' l l get smooth resu lts. Go slowly;
pl ications; latex a nd s i l icone ca u l ks a re the most com mo n . it's easy to ru n too m uc h ca u l k out and make a mess.
E a c h type of ca u l k comes i n a long t u be or cartridge, which Ca u l k g u ns ra n g e fro m mediocre to exce l lent, depend-

Ca ulk Caulk Guns

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• Always read the l a bel a n d • Acrylic latex ca u l k, a sta n­ • Pa i n t stores, which serve l ever release that stops the
tech nical i nformation on a d a rd pai nter's ca u l k, comes painting contractors, w i l l flow of ca u l k.
ca u l k tube before u s i ng it i n m u lt i p l e colors, i s used norma l ly have a g ood s u p­
to assure you have the best on wood, can be pai nted, ply of professiona l-q u a l ity • When fi nished, remove the
material for you r job. and c l ea n s up with water. ca u l k g u ns. ca u l k cartridge a n d wipe
down the g u n .
• Most ca u l k w i l l last for yea rs • A l l-si l icone ca u l k is u sed on • Better q u a l ity g u n s have
after applied, but exterior nonpo rous s u rfaces-t i l e, a swi ng-out narrow meta l • S o m e t u b a n d t i l e ca u l k
ca u l k is more l i kely to need g lass, meta l-is very d u­ cutter for pu ncturing the comes i n s m a l l, squeeza b l e
renewi ng from time to time. ra ble but not pai nta b l e, a n d end of a ca u l k tu be's nozzle tu bes for q u ick repa i r jobs.
c l ea n s u p w i t h solvent. and a t h u m b-operated

30
i n g on t h e i r m a ke a n d style. Look for a n open-style ca u l k
g u n i n a t least t h e m i d-price ra n g e a t you r h o m e i m prove­
• • • • • • • • • • • YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •

m ent, pai n t, or h a rdwa re store. The least expe n s ive g u n s a re O l d ca u l k p a st its ex p i ra t i o n d a te s h o u l d be tossed.
th e h a rdest to u se a nd not worth t h e s m a l l sav i n g s. Befo re Test a ny o l d c a u l k on a p iece of s c ra p wood fo r flow,
you ca u l k, th e su rface m u st be c l e a n , m i l d ew free, a n d d ry. color, a n d d ry i n g t i m e b efore u s i n g it i n you r p roj ect.
Remove a ny old, l oose ca u l k. Cut th e end of the cartridge Check with yo u r t ra s h h a u le r i f the c a u l k ca n b e d i s­
n ozzl e at a 45-deg ree a n g l e and j u st s m a l le r than the open­ posed of in h o u s e h o l d g a r b a g e .
ing you're fi l l i n g . Apply ca u l k i n warm, d ry conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Applying Caulk

• Cut away a ny old cau l k with • R u n a fi nger or ca u l k

a util ity knife or putty knife spreader over latex ca u l k fol­
before a pplying n ew ca u l k. lowed by a sponge to wipe
up any excess (sil icone ca u l k
• Apply in wa rm, d ry condi­ req u i res lacq uer thinner).
tions, sta rti n g slowly w h i l e
mainta i n i n g steady pres­ • When fi nished cau l king, wipe
s u re as you move the g u n, the end of the cartridge tip
releasing the trigger near clean and press a long nail
the end of the run. i nto it to prevent the remain­
ing cau l k from d rying out.

31
 TAPES & G LU ES
Look beyond just duct tape and white glue to se cure your proje cts
In home repa i r projects, ta pe is a u n iqu e materia l . It ca n se­ in it for those odds-a nd-ends jobs that occ u r when you least
c u re plastic sheat h i ng over a door ope n i ng to kee p d ust out, expect them.
mask woodwork when pa i nt i n g, hold g l ued sections tog eth­ Pa per ta pes, pri m a rily masking ta pe, have a l i m ited l ife
er u nti l the g l u e d ries, tem po ra ri ly repa i r electrica l cords a nd before the g l ue d ries out a nd re moving the tape becomes
broken too l g ri ps, a nd be u sed for m a r k i n g j ust a bout a ny­ d ifficu lt. B l ue m a s k i n g ta pe is desig ned as a pai nter's tool
t h i ng when written on with a felt m a rker. A wel l-eq u i p ped to mask off pa i nted a reas; it l asts longer t h a n p l a i n masking
tool box wi l l h ave rol l s of masking, electrica l, a nd d uct ta pe tape beca use paint jobs can span severa l days, a nd it's less

Wood Glue

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• Wh ite g l u e works wel l • Yel low ca rpenter's g l u e

on porous materia l s not or wood g l u e offers more
exposed to moisture, non­ water resista nce than
structura l repai rs, a n d a rts wh ite g l ue; a pply a mod est
and crafts; it's nontoxic a n d a m o u nt to both s u rfaces
d ries clear. a n d secure them together
with a cla m p or tape.
• Use g l u e in add ition to fas­
teners when repa iring split • Too m uch g l ue ca n actu a l ly
doors or other woodwork wea ken a g l ued joi nt.
for a tig ht, long-lasti n g fix.

32
l i kely to p u l l off d ried pai nt. G l ue is n't a mec h a n ical fastener
i n the sense of a nail or a screw. It's a chemical ad hesive that • • • • • • • • • • • • • • RED9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•

holds t h i n g s tog ether. Some g l ues a re desig ned to b i n d po­ : I nstant-bonding glue can accidental l y stick your :
rous materia l s such as wood a nd pa per, w h i l e others work : fingers together. Remove with acetone, found in :
best on non poro u s cera m ics. Water-resista nt g l u e is a m u st : fingernai l pol ish remover. App l y a sma l l amount on :
on a ny su rfaces near moist u re. For m a ny wood worki n g p roj­ : a Q-Tip and wash off immediatel y after glue is re- :
ects, sta n da rd ye l low carpenter's g l ue d oes the trick. : moved. An alternative is soaking the affected area :
As a ru le, less g l ue forms a better bond than more g l ue. : in warm, soapy water until the skin can be rol l ed :
: apart. :
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Con tact Cemen t Tape

• Contact cement is used to • Coat both s u rfaces with • Repa i r jobs often ca l l for a • Masking tape is reg u l a rly
bond plastic laminate and contact cement, which then specific tape for a reason: used to tape off a reas to
many porous and nonporous sets u p before the s u rfaces Each is desig ned fo r certai n keep paint off of them.
materials but not wood. a re pressed together. pu rposes a n d i s not a l ways
i nterchangeable. • Duct tape is often u sed as a
• Contact cement is ava i l a b l e sea l a nt for d uctwork, even
i n (fl a m ma ble) solvent a n d • Vinyl or plastic electrical tape thoug h resea rch suggests
water-based versions; u s e acts as insulation agai nst the it's not effective for this use.
the fla m mable version i n a conduction of electricity, but
wel l-venti l ated a rea. it isn't meant to secure or
strengthen anything.

33
 SAN D PAPER & STEEL WOO L
Get familiar with abrasive materials that smooth , clean , grind ,
and p olish wood and metal
Woodwork, floo rs, a nd fu r n itu re a re norma lly sa nded sm ooth pa per). The h i g her the n u m ber-220, 280, 360-the fi ner the
before bei ng fi n i s h ed, or the fi n i s h itself is sanded to remove pa per a nd the less a b ra sive its cutting.
a ny i m perfectio n s a nd to a l l ow the next fi n ish coat to stick H a nd-sa n d i n g i s a p p rop riate for scuffi n g a fi n ish, m i n or,
better. When picking out you r m ateri a l s, be awa re that sand­ q u ic k s m oot h i ng, or fo r a reas where d u st is a con siderat i o n .
paper comes in m a ny fo rm s, sizes, and g ra des, that a re d isti n­ Otherwise, power sa n d i n g with a sa nd er i s a fa r bette r way
g u i s hed by thei r g rit (the s m a l l cutt i n g pa rtic les g l ued to the to go. Yo u c a n not d u p l icate the s peed or move me nts of a

Sanding Sheets

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• Sand paper is sol d i n a • Some i m ported sheets a re

variety of s heet sizes a n d u ndersized a n d do not fold
packa g i ng, from m ixed or cut evenly i nto s m a l ler
packets of d i fferent g rits to sections-avoid these.
50- a n d 1 00-sh eet s leeves.
• You can a l so buy paper pre­
• Fu l l sheets of sa ndpa per sized for sanders, but it's
commonly measure 9" x 1 1 " more expen sive.
and can be folded and cut or
torn into smaller sizes to fit
sanders and sanding blocks.

34
sa n der with h a n d-sa n d i n g a ny m o re tha n you c a n o u t r u n
a c a r.
MAKE IT EASY
-- ------

The m ateri a l bei ng sanded determi nes the g rit of pa per M ixed pac kets of sand paper or sand pa per by the
used. To ug h jobs such as sa n d i n g off va rnish ca l l for coa rser, s h eet a re fine for s ma l l sand ing p roj ects. For l a rg e
heavier g rits. If you use a g rit that's too coa rse, you ca n u s ua l ly j o b s or ong oing j obs, s u c h a s sand ing roo m s fu l l of
remove the sa n d i ng m a rks with fi n er g rades of sa n d pa per. woodwork and doors or floor sand ing, consider b u y­
For meta l work, stee l woo l is m a n ufactu red i n g rades l i ke ing by the s leeve (SO or 1 00 s h eets) of the g rit(s) yo u
sa n d pa per, but its coa rseness is mea s u red by the thick ness know you'l l need .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
of its steel stra nds.

Discs and Belts Steel and Brass Wool

• Sa n d i n g d iscs ra nge in sizes t h e wro n g type won't work • Steel wool comes in g rades, • Less com mon brass wool is
from 3/4-inch to 7 i nches properly. its coa rseness measured more resista nt to corrosion
a n d l a rger a n d attach to a by the th ickness of its steel when wet.
sander via hook a n d loop • Disc sanders cut fast-try stra nds.
(Velcro), the most con­ a very l i g ht g rit d i sc fi rst to • Wea r g loves to keep bits
ven ient to cha nge, w h i l e get used to the machi ne. • Extra coarse #4 removes of steel stra nds out of you r
others sec u re w i t h a n ut at­ some rust a n d corrosion, fi ngers. Disca rd wet steel
tached to the sa n d i n g pad. • Sa n d i n g belts ra nge from while extra fi ne #0000 can wool when fi n i shed-it w i l l
3/8 inch to 4 i nches wide pol i s h fu rniture with wax or corrode if y o u save it for
• Be s u re t h e d i scs you p u r­ for commonly ava i l a b l e belt bring a shine to brass. a nother use.
chase w i l l fit you r s a n der- sanders.

35
 PAINTS & FINIS H ES
Know your coatings : Latex , oil , clear, paint , and primer each have a
different purpose
To protect wood, d rywa l l , a n d plaster su rfaces and make them primer or PVA? Any n u m ber of fi n is hes ca n work on differ­
clea n a ble, a coating of some kind m u st be a ppl ied. U n p rotect­ ent p rojects, but yo u m ust decide on the deg ree of g loss or
ed wood exposed to the weather will deteriorate, possibly rot. s h i ne, the type of fi nish, a n d the ease or d iffi c u lty i n a p plying
Pa i nt a n d other fi n ishes sea l su rfaces a nd add color. that fi n i s h .
A pa i n t store ca n be a very confu s i n g pl a ce. Do you get sat i n Most h o u s e h o l d pai nts a re either latex (water-based) or a l ­
l atex or latex e n a m e l ? Wi p i n g o i l o r spa r va r n i s h ? Fast-d ryi n g kyd (oi l -based) . Latex h a s bee n the overwhel m i ng c hoice fo r

Primers Pain ts

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• Primer prepares a s u rface • Use fast-dryi ng primer for • O i l paint has a h a rder fi l m, hold as wel l in h i g h-traffic
for pai nt; it is not a fi n i s h spot pri ming, not large areas. takes longer to d ry, a n d a reas as oil-based pa i nt.
coat, nor is d i l uted p a i n t a fades faster than latex
If exterior primer sits too
substitute for pri mer.
•
pai nt, and w h i l e it adheres • Oil works wel l on i nterior
l o n g without being pai nted,
wel l to d ifferent su rfaces, it woodwork but less so on
Use latex pri mer with latex the paint may not bond
becomes brittle on exteri­ exterior s i d i n g or trim un­
pa int and oil pri mer with properly-fo l low the
ors and yel l ows with age. less all previous coats of
oil paint for the best resu lts. m a n ufactu rer's d i rections
pa i nt a re oi l-based.
On rou g h exterior su rfaces, for curing ti mes.
• Latex d ries q u ickly, rem a i n s
oil primer is recom mended
flexible, a l l ows moisture to • O i l -based paint is less sensi­
with latex pai nt.
pass though, and does not tive to cold tem peratu res.

36
hom eowners .. It's ea sier to a pply a nd c l ea n u p, d ries q u ickly, • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

a n d forms a flexi b l e fi l m o n exteriors where paint h a s to give Oil pci i 'lt st-icks :o 'llO-:it su rface<;, is harder to a p­
a l itt le a n d "breathe" as tem peratu res c h a n g e a n d moist u re p y trar lcHt':X., ras d More offensive odor, a nd a
pa sses t h roug h it. Pa i nt g loss reflects its solids content: The rfl ULh hrirJer ci 'vi nq tirne. Oi l works wel l on i n­
h ig h er the g l oss, the more solids a nd the to ug her the fi n i s h . terior woodwork but not on exteriors u n less a l l
Pri mer gets a ppl ied fi rst on u n pa i nted su rfaces. It sea l s a nd prev ous pc. i nt coats a re oil based. Latex pa i nt
provides a fa i ntly coa rse su rface for pa i nt ad hesion. ldn be u sed over o I after triorough preparation
a no pri rn 1 nci .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Differen t Glosses

• Paint g loss i nd icates the i n g it a ppropriate for

solids content: the more bath rooms, kitchens, a n d
solids, the tou g her-a nd c h i l d ren's rooms.
more washable-the fi n i s h .
A h i g her g loss is s h i ny be­ • Semig loss paint was tradi­
cause it reflects more l i g ht. tiona l ly used on woodwork
and shows i m perfections
• Flat paint absorbs light and easi ly, while h i g h-g l oss
h ides wal l and ceiling defects. paint is u sed i n marine a p­
pl ications and on fu rn itu re.
• Satin or egg s h e l l 's soft
sheen is washable, m a k-

37
 STAINS
Stain colors surfaces and offers some protection
but not as much as p aint
Pa i n t is loaded with solids, which obsc u re s u rfaces when pa i n t past a p p l ication o f sta i n t h a t g oes for yea rs without a recoat.
is a ppl ied. Sta i n has a l ower s o l i d s content a nd both pen­ You should expect to recoat exte rior sta i n s twice as often or
etrates a nd colors wood w h i le a l lowi n g m uc h of the g ra i n to more t h a n pai nt. On the p l u s side, exte rior semitra n sparent
show t h ro u g h . Sta i n a l one offers m u c h less p rotection t h a n a nd tra n spa rent sta i n s d on't req u i re a primer coat a nd a re
pai nt, especia l ly i n a n exte rior a ppl i cation . It's com mo n t o see easy a nd q u ick to a p p ly. They do not b u i ld u p a su rface fi l m
deteriorated sid i ng a nd fen ces afte r one fo rlorn a nd d i stant a nd never b l i ster or peel a s paint ca n .

In terior Stain Exterior Stain

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• A sma l l amount of sta i n • Test you r stai n color in both • S e m itra n s pa re n t o r • Sol id-body sta i n s spread
goes a l o n g way-you ca n dayl ight a nd n i g httime tra n s p a re n t exterior sta i n s more easily than paint but
somewhat control sta i n l i g hting conditions to be req u i re mo re freq u e nt don't form as strong a fi l m.
color b y how m u c h y o u a p­ s u re the color is what you're recoa t i n g (every 3 - 5 yea rs
ply and how fast you wipe looking for. d e pe n d i n g o n weat h e r • Sta i n s conta i n fu n g icides to
the excess off. exposu re) t h a n p a i nt; fi g ht exterior m i l d ew.
• Apply sta i n to wood scra ps sol id-body exte rior sta i n
• Sta i n color looks d ifferent before using i n you r project. i s l i ke a l i g ht-bo d i ed p a i n t • O i l -based sta i n s penetrate
on d ifferent woods. but w i t h o u t t h e h o l d i n g deeper than latex sta i n s
powe r. a n d req u i re c l e a n - u p with
paint t h i n n er.

38
 I nterior sta i n s a re a l ways fo l lowed by some type of clear
coating to protect a n d sea l them. Otherwi se, the sta i n s wi l l
MAKE IT EASY
wea r off after foot traffi c or 0ther u se. Prem ixed i nterior sta i n s A l ways test softwood s u c h a s fir and pine fo r sta i n
a re easy t o a p p l y with a brush, rag, or combi nation o f the two a bsorptio n . I t 's often necessary t o sea l i nterior soft­
a nd come in a va riety of colors. Oil sta i n s a re considered to wood s fi rst so t h e sta i n goes on eve n l y. After testi n g
penetrate deeper than latex a n d have sha rper color. you r sta i n color, co n s i d e r g o i n g o n e s h a d e l ig hte r.
A clear exterior water-repel lent preservative offers l i m ited Sta i n s e l ection ca n be m o re p ro b l e matic t h a n pa i n t
protection for a bout a yea r. Some pai nters a pply t h i s before color, a nd goi n g l i g hter i s often t h e rig h t c hoice.
a pplying an exte rior sta i n , but not a l l clear preservative man­ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ufa cturers recom mend thi s.

Applying Stain

• I nterior sta i n s a re brushed • Sta i n the entire l ength of

onto woodwork or a p p l ied boa rd or d i mensions of a
with a rag to fu rniture, and fu rniture section; stoppi n g
both a re wi ped down with pa rtway a n d p i c k i n g u p
clean rags to remove any later ca n leave a n i rreg u l a r
excess. appeara nce.

• Exterior sta i n is brushed, • M a i ntain a wet edge as you

rol l ed, or sprayed and is sta in, bru s h i n g from a d ry
a bsorbed q u ickly i nto raw area i n to the previously
wood. sta i n ed wet material.

39
 CLEAR FINISH ES
From traditional varnish to modern lac quer,
clear coats prote ct and shine through
Clear fi n ishes a re broken i nto two broad categories: those Va rn is hes a nd po lyu rethane a l so penetrate, form a h a rder
that fo rm to u g h s u rfa ce fi l m s and those that form wea ker fi l m, a nd a re not as ea sily ren ewed o r rea p p l ied a s oils.
fi l ms. These categories i nc l ude o i l s de rived fro m pla nts, va r­ Oil-based a nd latex c lea r fi n i shes p rotect sta i ned a nd u n­
n ishes, polyu retha n e, lacqu er, shel lac, a n d modified oils. P u re sta i ned wood and a l low the wood g ra i n to show. Flat, satin,
oi ls penetrate a nd fo rm a soft fi l m , which offe rs m i ld resis­ a n d hig her g loss clear fi n i shes a re ava i la b l e, a l t h o u g h the
ta n ce to wea r a n d tea r but is ea sily recoated with a clean rag . softer-a p pea ring sati n i s com mo n ly u sed i n ho mes.

Varnish and Polyurethane Oils

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• Polyu rethane a n d va rnish • Clear exterior fi n is hes, • Pure and modified oil fi n­ • Modified oils, a l so known as
each form a clear, d u ra b l e sometimes seen on e ntry ishes req u i re more frequent a n oi l/va n i sh blend, a re sold
fi l m, a lthou g h water-based doors, need recoati n g more a ppl ication than va rnish and under a variety of bra nd
polyurethane w i l l a ppea r often than a pai nted fi n i s h . polyurethane, depending na mes and are usua l ly ap­
m i l ky when fi rst appl ied. on the a ppl ication, becau se pl ied with a rag.
• Apply a t least three coats they form weaker fi l ms.
• Apply i n 65-degree tem­ of these finishes over raw • Wiping va rnish, a nother
peratu re or h i g her to avoid wood for complete coverage • Pure tung o i l is expensive, fi nish, forms more of a fi l m
d rying problems, especia l ly and penetration, ca refully req u i res a lot of rubbi ng, i s t h a n modified o i l .
with o i l-based prod ucts. fol lowi ng the manufacturer's easily repa i red a n d m a i n­
d rying time requirements. ta i ned, a n d is s l ow d rying.

40
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
P u re oils i nc l ude t u ng and l i n seed. Both a re used as i n g red i­
ents i n other fi n ishes, including va rnish and mod ified oils.Tu ng l acq u e r, a nothe� clear fi r is h d ries extremely fast
oi l ta kes some effort to a pply and is very slow d rying. Pop u l a r a nd is ofter L. sed a s a fu r""'it u re fi rish on i nterior
mod ified oils have added resin and pa i nt t h i n ner, a re easy to woodwo•k a nd p refir1 ished doors. Brush i ng lac­
apply, offer moderate protection, a n d req u i re mu ltiple coats. q uer is a l so ava i l a ble, but va rnishes a nd polyu re­
Shellac is a fa vorite with some a ntique restorers. It offers l ittle thane offer �arder fi r i shes. Spray ca n s of lacq uer
resista nce to moistu re a n d comes i n va rious colors. However, it work we'' tor sma l l a rt p roject� but a re 1 n a pp ro­
dries very q u ickly, so it ca n be difficu lt to a pply. Shellac can be p ric:tr for l a raer jobs.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
a n u ndercoat for va rnish a nd sticks to all kinds of surfa ces.

Shellac

Shellac is very m u c h a • Water wi l l leave a wh ite

specia lty fi n i s h used by mark on a shel lac fi n i s h that
restorers and hobbyists a n d has added wax.
m a kes a n excel lent sta i n
blocker i n s h e l lac-based • Note the expiration date on
primer/sea l ers. a ny can of shel lac.

• Shel lac has no petroleum­

based i n g redients a n d no
paint t h i n n er odor.

41
 RECYCLED PAINT
Mix your own or buy manufactured re cycled paint for
a " green" finish
It has been esti mated that America ns buy 650 m i l l ion gal lons of hold hazardous wastes a nd costs a l most $8 a gal lon to manage,
pa i nt each year. As many as 35 m i l l ion gallons become surpl us, transport, a nd reprocess as a recycled prod uct. The ma rket for
a nother way of sayi ng they're ready to get tossed i nto the trash. recycled paint is m i n uscule but g rowing slowly. U ntil consu mers
Local m u n icipalities a re i ncreasingly offering collection pro­ u ndersta nd recycled pa int is manufa ctu red to the sa me qual ity
gra ms for leftover pai nts a nd other household chemica ls, but a l l sta ndards as new pa int, the ma rket will remain small.
a t a price. Pa i nt represents j ust over a third o f col lected house- Recycled paint is a q u a l ity-tested p rod uct a n d a barg a i n

Mixing Your Own Pain t

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• You c a n m i x a n d recyc l e • M i x l i ke types of pai nt­

you r o w n l eftover p a i nt, i nterior latex with latex­
too, b u t avoid very o l d together in a clea n 5-g a l l o n
p a i n t that m i g ht h ave bucket or s u ita ble con­
m o l d in it o r is too stiff to ta iner.
l i q u efy.
• Th is paint is perfect for
• Be s u re you d o n't need a ny g a rages a n d basements but
of you r leftover pa int for usable i n other rooms, too.
touch-up.

42
com pared with new prod uction pai nt. I t i sn't a n ew idea, ei­
ther. Recycled paint has been a ro u nd s i n ce the ea rly 1 990s.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
•
GREEN 9LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •

However, the color selection is l i m ited, but worka b l e, a n d : Recycled paint keeps usable paint out of landfi l ls. Paint :
ava i l a bi l ity varies fro m c ity t o c ity. : companies are gradually producing lines of recycled :
You ca n c reate you r own recyc led paint by m i x i n g a ny left­ : paint, a sure sign their use wil l grow. Colors may vary :
over, u n n eeded paint of l i ke type (l atex a nd latex, for i n stance) : from time to time, so buy enough for touch-up later. :
in clea n conta i ners. The res u l t i n g color m i g ht be u nexpected : Recycled paint undergoes the same quality assurance :
but perfectly u sa b l e for a g a rage, base ment, or storage room . : during manufacturing as new production paint. :
• •
A s l o n g as t h e m ixed pai nts a re n ot terribly old or d on't have • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

mold present, you r fi n a l product s h o u l d be perfectly usa ble.

Pain t Colors and Quality

• Recycled paint ca n not offer • Prod uct q u a l ity is a s s u red,

the same color ra nge as but if you have a ny q u es­
new paint si nce it's depen­ tions or conce rns, d i scuss
dent on whatever pa int them with you r paint
is ava i la b l e for the m ix; s u ppl ier.
most common colors w i l l
be beige, shades o f white, • Va rious g overn ment agen­
g rays, a n d brown (check cies have tested a n d ap­
with you r recycled paint proved of recycled pai nt.
dea ler for color ava i l a b i l ity).

43
 FAUX FINISH ES
C reate a stone , marble , or wood grain finish using p aint
and a few simple tools
A fa u x fi n ish is a d i s g u ise that tu rns co m m o n d rywa l l or ishes to o bta i n a tra d i t i o n a l fa ux look.
woodwo rk i nto an exciti n g a n d entic i n g i ma g e. Tro m pe Like many decorating techniq ues, fa ux fi n is hes, which date
l 'cei l or "t rick of the eye" is a type of fa u x fi n i sh that c reates back thousands of yea rs, have periods of pop ula rity and rejec­
the optical i l l u sion of d e pth in a pa i nted image. Fa u x fi n ­ tion. After a resurgence in the early 1 990s, fa ux fi n ish materia ls
i s h e s c a n ra n g e fro m tec h n i qu es i n a p p l y i n g o rd i na ry ho use and too l s a re readily avai lable for all ski l l and idea levels.
paint to the use of spec i a l g l azes, p l aster, and associated fi n- The bea uty of a fa ux fi n i sh, aside from its i ntri nsic a ppea r-

Compwood Graining Marble Finish

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• Wood g ra i n i n g re n d ers a • Raw wood i s sea led with a • Ma rbl i n g can be done to • To get a rea l istic effect, the
softwood or l e s s expen­ base coat, i n c l u d i n g shel lac any woodwork, floors, a n d d ifferent shapes a n d addi­
sive wood to res e m b l e a or pa i nt, a n d then a g laze wal ls, b u t too m u c h c a n tion of vei n s i n the fi ni s h a re
h a rdwood. For i n st a n ce, fi n ish is appl ied and worked overwh e l m a room . m u ltiple tasks that ca n't a l l
p i n e is g ra i n ed to resem­ with a series of tools to pro­ be d o n e at once.
b l e oak. d uce a desired wood g ra i n • Color m i x i n g and pat­
a p peara n ce. terns a re critical in g ood • Some protective clear coats
• It i s hard to d isti n g u ish a marbli ng-ex pect to prac­ w i l l yel low with age, affect­
successfu l g ra i n i n g job from • When d ry, the g ra i n ed tice fi rst before doing you r i n g the a p peara n ce of the
rea l wood. fi n i s h is coated with a clear fi n a l work. marbling.
fi n i s h for protection.

44
a nce itsel f, is t h e ease of c h a n g i n g or pai nti ng over a project
that j u st di d n't work out. With pra ctice, an a mateur can get
MAKE IT EASY
very presenta ble res u l ts. One a p proac h for t h i s p ractice is to I nternet s ites a re fi ne fo r i ntrod u ctory fa u x fi n i s h in­
do the i n side of a c l oset or l a u n d ry roo m u nt i l you're satisfied formation, but a book offe rs fa r more i nfo rmation,
with you r tech n i q u e a nd tool se lection. tec h n iq u es, and p h otos of sa m p l e fi n i shes a l l i n one
Vi rtua l ly a n yt h i ng can be used to tool a fa ux fi n i s h : rag s, p l a ce. C heck out the Resou rces section (page 2 28) or
s po n g es, paint rol l ers, common a nd special brus hes, com b­ yo u r p u b l ic l i b ra ry for more i nfo rmation on fa u x fi n i s h
i ng tools, a nd feathers for marbleizi n g . A s m a l l i nvestment i n books a n d websites.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
t i m e a n d m oney c a n yield su rpri s i n g resu lts.

Common Graining Tools Fa ux Finish with Basic Tools

• A professio n a l fa ux fi n i s h • Aside from brushes to • There a re plenty of on l i n e • Bra nches from shru bs,
speci a l i st has a n a rray o f apply a n d spread the a nd other s u ppl iers o f fa ux especially evergreens, ca n
b r u s h e s a n d hand tool s for basecoat, use sepa rate fi n i s h tool s and materia l s, be d ragged throug h a wet
specific effects, but you can brushes with both coa rse but you can a lso create g l aze finish for surprising
get by with fewer. and fine bristles for d rawi ng some i nteresting fi n i shes resu lts.
out wood g ra i n, creati ng with what you have.
• Sea sponges, cotton rags, m a rble vei n s, a n d d ra g g i n g • Children's paint sets have the
small pieces of burlap, cham­ a fi n ish. • Kitchen sponges, wool socks, ideal-size paintbrushes for
ois cloth, and cheesecloth are plastic pot scrubbers, and some veining techniques.
all used to produce marble • Steel combs are used for damp wash cloths can d upli­
a nd wood gra i n effects. creating wood g ra i n . cate various faux effects.

45
 FI LLERS
Holes , cracks , and damaged surfaces all need fillers to
complete their repairs
Fi l l e rs, l i ke so m a ny other materia ls, come in a l l forms, but holes is S packle, which despite bei n g a tradema rked n a m e
they a l l do the sa me t h i n g : They fi x i m pe rfections in su rfaces has become so u n iversa l ly u sed it's becom e a generic te rm.
before pai nti n g . Some a re very den se a nd strong, w h i l e oth­ Some fi l lers have m i g rated from their orig i n a l pu rpose to
ers a re softer a nd m ore pl i a b l e. Some d ry very fa st, which home repa i rs. Automotive body fi l ler, generica l ly referred to
mea n s you have o n ly a short time to work with them, while as "Bondo;' a nother tradema rked n a me, ca n fill l a rge holes if
oth ers a re more forg ivi ng. The m ost common fi l ler fo r sma l l a pp l ied in severa l a pp l i cations. I t d oes not s h ri n k when p rop-

Spackle Au tomotive Body Filler

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• Spackle is a premixed, • Spackle fi l l s o n l y s m a l l holes • Automotive body fi l ler i s • Automotive fi l lers come
ready-to-use pliable plaster­ a n d s h o u l d not be used for a two-part m i x that d ries with or without reinforcing
l i ke paste fi l ler sold i n i nte­ l a rge repa i rs-it won't d ry h a rd i n m i n utes, holds paint fi berg lass stra nds for extra
rior and exterior versions. properly, a n d the repa ir wel l, a n d should be used strength and can be sha ped
w i l l fa i l . spari n g ly on fi n i s h work. and sanded to replace m iss­
• The name Spackle is a ing corners or d ecorative
trademark that has becom e • Keep Spackle sea led i n its • It comes with a sepa rate plaster.
s o u n iversa l ly u s e d it's contai ner and d iscard if it hardening agent, but buy a n
become a g e neric term for d ries out. extra tu be o f the hardener • Do not n a i l or screw i nto
a prepainting fi l ler. because it often runs out be­ a utomotive body fi l ler.
fore a l l the fi l ler is used u p.

46
erly a pp l ied a nd ca n be sha ped a n d sanded to re pl ace m i ss­
i ng corners or decorative p l a ster.
MAKE IT EASY
Trad ition a l pla ster work consists of t h ree coats of d ifferent Buy a l a rger b o x of patc h i n g p l a ster t h a n yo u t h i n k
types of plaster, so patc h i n g plaster re pa i rs all th ree layers yo u'l l need fo r one j o b beca u se you' l l a l ways n eed
with easy-to-mix fi l l er that m u st be worked q u ickly before it m o re later. U ntil yo u 're u sed to m ix i n g the correct
d ries. For deep holes, apply it i n m u lti ple, thin coats. a m o u nt for the job a nd wo rking it befo re it d ries out,
Wood fi l ler or wood putty fi l l s holes a n d pores in u n pa i nted yo u'l l experience some wa sted m ateri a l .
wood. It's fo r m u l ated to m atch the a p peara n ce of wood so • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

it won't sta n d out too m uch when sta i ned or clear-coated.

Wood fi l lers d ry q u ickly and sand easi ly.

Plaster Patch Wood Filler

• P laster patc h i ng fi l lers are • Use Spackle or other soft • Most wood fi l ler, a com­ • Wood fi l ler comes in a va­
packaged in powder form, fi l lers as a fi n a l fi n i s h coat bi nation of a binder and riety of colors to m i m i c the
get m i xed with cold water, over s m a l l repa i rs. wood flo u r or s i m i l a r fi n e natural a p peara nce of some
set up to a stiff consistency material, is s o l d prem i xed wood s, although no match
i n a few m i n utes, and d ry • Patc h i n g plaster can a l so be in cans in both solvent and w i l l ever be perfect.
h a rd shortly thereafter. used to repair and fi l l wood water-based formu las.
holes and cracks, as well as • Open cans d ry out qu ickly­
• Use j u st e n o u g h to do a some floor repa i rs prior to • A l ittl e goes a long way­ keep the lid on except when
smooth job; once d ry, it's i n sta l l i n g vi nyl or ca rpet. use it sparing ly. removin g the fi l ler.
very d ifficult to sand.

47
 SCRATCH ED WOO DWO RK
Love your p ets but hate their s cratches on your furniture?
Here 's the fix you need
As much a s they wo u l d l i ke to, cats a n d dogs ca n't open a m o u nt of d u st you 're wi l l i n g to p ut up wit h .
doors, but they ca n scratc h at them a n d at other wood­ L i g h t scratc hes ca n b e fi l l ed with t h e d o o r i n p l ace-use
work. Seve ra l of the fi l l e rs previ ou s l y m e ntioned can re p a i r a d rop cloth or pi ece of p la stic on the floor-or removed
these scratc hes. Yo u r c h o ice of fi l l er d e p e n d s o n the d e pth a nd placed on sawhorses el sewhere. Heavy scratc h i ng ca l l s
a n d n u m ber of scratches, the deta i l i ng of the woodwork, for more fi l ler a n d sa nd i ng, which c a n be ea sily done with a
whether it's pa i nted or sta i n ed a n d c l e a r-coated, a n d the power sander on the re moved door. U s u a l ly the su rrou n d i ng

Pet-Scra tched Door Filling the Scra tches

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• Spackle covers cracks up to • Don't waste wood d o u g h • Lig htly sand the scratched • W i p e the putty knife clean
1 /8 inch or so a n d is easy on pai nted wood-it's area, wipe off the d u st, when fi n ished to keep bui lt­
to sand. meant for u n pa i nted wood press the fi l ler in with a u p fi l ler from d rying on the
repa i rs and is too expen­ c l ea n putty kn ife, a n d a l low edge.
• Automotive body fi l ler (see sive for repa i rs that will be it to com pletely d ry.
page 46) ca n fi l l a l m ost any pai nted over. • Stai ned woodwork and
size open i n g but is d ifficult • Keep the a m o u nt of fi l ler to doors can be touched u p
to hand-sa nd if a ppl ied • Patching plaster is fine for a m i n i m u m to avoid extra w i t h a matc h i n g w a x stick
excessively. wood repairs but not as easy sa n d i n g . if the scratches a ren't too
to smooth out as Spackle. deep.

48
woodwo rk is l ess scratc hed a nd req u i res less fi l l i ng .
Ha nd-sa n d i n g fi l ler throws o u t t h e least d ust. Machi ne­
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

sa nding removes excess fi l ler fa ster, but the clea n-u p ca n be If the door or woodwork is painted with lead-based
a rea l mess, especi a l ly if the door and woodwork a re sa nded paint, you must take precautions against spreading
in place. contaminated dust. The precautions are considerable if
The condition of the repa i red a nd s u rro u n d i n g a reas deter­ a power sander is used, especially if children, pregnant
m i nes how m u c h work is req u i red. Pa i nt a com p lete section, women, or pets live in the house. See the Resources sec­
even o n recently pai nted wood . A c omp l ete section b lend s tion on page 228 for more information.
i n better tha n tryi n g to touch u p j u st the da maged a rea . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sanding Fillers Priming and Pain ting

• Wea r a d u st mask and sta rt orbit sander u nt i l the a rea • The repai red and su rround­ • Limit recoating to a logical
with 80-grit sa n d pa per to is smooth; fol low up with ing a reas determi n e how a rea-a l l the trim a ro u n d a
sand most fi l lers smooth. 1 00-grit paper. m uch repa i nting or sta i n i ng/ door, for i n sta nce-if one
clea r-coati ng is req u i red. section is damaged a n d
• Sand i n the d i rection of the • Consider a fi na l sa n d i n g recoati n g it alone w i l l sta nd
wood g ra i n if sa n d i ng by w i t h a finer-g rit paper- 1 20 • At a m i n i m u m, coat the out too much.
hand. or 1 50-a nd wipe off all complete section of a door
d ust before applying the conta i n i n g the damaged • Someti m es a sta i n ed door
• If the door is removed, sand fi n ish. a rea a n d recoat the entire ca n be touched u p accept­
the patched a rea with a section when woodwork is a bly; otherwise, sand out
pa l m sander or a ra ndom- repai red. that section and refi n ish.

49
 SCRATCH E D FU RNITU RE
Repair a few s cratches without refinishing the entire piece
of furniture
Wood fu rniture is s u bject to n ic ks, scratc hes, a n d spil ls. Some Sta rt with the least i nvasive a pp roach-in some cases,
ca n be repa i red without stri p p i n g a n d refi n i s h i ng. Beca u se clea n i ng a nd pol i s h i n g the affected a rea with a polish/wax
fu rniture has so m a ny d i sti n ct sections-legs, i n d ivi d u a l co m b i n ation a nd very fi ne steel woo l. I n others, a putty stick,
d rawers, tops-you can repa i r a ny one o f t h e m i nd ivid ua l ly which is l i ke a specia l ized wax crayo n for fi l l i ng scratches on
to match the rest of the pi ece. Th is is what g ood a ntique re­ sta i n ed fu rn itu re, p roduces a n acce pta ble re pa i r.
storers do a l l the ti me to repa i r m i nor da mage. The fu rniture fi n ish wi l l i nfl ue nce the repa i r. Refi n i s h i n g a

Scra tched Furniture Damaged Finishes

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• F i l l sma l l cracks, n icks, • Wh ite ri n g s can often be • S u n l i g ht can cause a clear • Veneer can be ca refu lly
and scratches with color­
match i n g fi n ish putty or a
wax stick.
removed with denatured
rubbing a lcohol on a clean
rag-go easy, you don't
fi n i s h to shrink a n d crack,
and it can leave fu rn itu re
with a bleached-out look.
sanded with l i g ht sa n d pa­
per to remove a n old fi n ish,
but fu rniture refi n isher is
!
want to d i ssolve the old safer.
• Paint ma rkers and paint fi n i sh-fo l l owed by fu rni­ • M a ny pieces of fu rn itu re
pens, ava i lable at some fi ne t u re wax. have veneered sections­ • Furnitu re refi n isher is ava i l ­
fu rniture stores, conta i n t h i n sheets of expen sive able a nywhere pa i nt is s o l d
dyes for blending i n scuffs • C h i ps in a clear fi n i s h can be h a rdwood g l ued to l ess and at many a ntiq ue shops.
and scratches. ca refu l l y touched up with expensive woods.
clear fi ngern a i l polish.

so
ta ble top with a lacq uer fi n ish over sta i n req u i res scru b b i n g
a l l the l a c q u e r out o f the wood before resta i n i ng . Otherwi se,
MAKE IT EASY
the new sta i n ca n a ppea r splotc hy. A wax fi n ish over o i l i s F u r n i t u re refi n i s h er, a c o m b i nation of solvent a n d o i l s,
s i m pler t o work with. is s u ita b l e for s pot refi n i s h i n g on a pi ece of fu rn itu re.
S u n l i g ht a l so da mages fu rn itu re fi n is hes, especia l ly on top. H eavy-bodied pa i nt remove r i s less expens ive a n d
I f the rest of the piece looks a cce pta ble o r ca n be buffed u p more versatile ove ra l l t h a n fu rn itu re refi n i s h e r b u t
a bit, t h e top a l one ca n b e refi n ished. ca n be overki l l for s i m p l y stri p p i n g a fu rn itu re top.
Whenever a ny of the old fi n ish is completely re moved, re­ The s i m p l est re pa i r i s to cover a d a maged top with
place it with new sta i n a nd a clear top coat to match the rest someth i n g decorative.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
of the piece and protect the wood.

Staining Furniture Clear Coa t

• An a lternative to stri p p i n g • Brush on j ust e n o u g h • W h e n recoati n g wood­ • M u ltiple coats of a mod ified
i s t o ca refu l ly p a i n t o n match i n g o i l sta i n t o eve n ly work with a c l e a r coat, oil fi n ish a re the easiest to
n ew sta i n ; t h e fi n i s h w i l l cover the sanded a rea. try to match the type of a pply and touch u p.
be d a r ker, b u t t h e j o b is m a te r i a l used on the s u r­
e a s i e r. Run the brush tips across rou n d i n g woodwo rk a n d Apply three coats of varn ish
the recoated a rea very i t s s h ee n ; o n a fu r n i t u re or polyurethane over bare
• Lig htly sand the da maged l ig htly to even it out a nd a l­ top, a p p l y whatever coat wood, no fewer.
a n d s u rro u n d i n g a reas with low it to cure for t h ree days; w i l l sta n d up best d e p e n d ­
1 20 and 1 50 sa n d pa pers, then coat with varn i s h or i n g o n h ow t h e fu rn itu re • Fast-d ryi n g lacquer is ava i l ­
a n d wipe away the d ust. polyuretha ne. is u sed. a b l e i n conven ient spray
cans.

51
 WOO D FLOO R SCRATCH ES
Touch up your wood floors and skip a complete refinishing with
these simple tips
Wood fi oors look beautifu l when they 're new a nd fres h ly scratches. The depth of the scratc h, i n pa rt, determi nes the
fi n ished, but bea uty can be fieet i n g as fa m i ly life ta kes over. repa i r. Deeper single scratc hes m i g ht n eed sa n d i ng out.
Wood fioors g et scratched by the u s u a l c u l p rits: g rit on shoe The key is not to overdo the a mo u nt of sa n d i ng but a l so to
bottoms, pet paws, d ra g g i ng c h a i rs, a nd kids' toys. In the d ay­ sand out enough, someti mes the complete len gth of a fioor
to-day fa m i ly l i fe, scratc hes tend to be u navoidable. boa rd, i n order for the to uched-up a rea to match the s u r­
Sma l l scratc hes ca n be re pa i red the same as fu rn itu re rou nd i ng fi n ish a n d not stick out. The p roblem with attem pt-

Sanding Sanding a Larger Area

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• Tape off the edge of the ta pe bounda ry, fi n i s h i n g • A floor can have mu ltiple sa n d pa pers, and vac u u m
entire length of the affected w i t h 1 20-grit pa per. scratches i n the top coat over and wipe away a l l d u st.
floor board(s) with b l u e a large area that looks unap­
m a s k i n g tape. • Sand the fi n i s h off the rest pealing but doesn't justify • An existing oil-based fi n­
of the boa rd (s), a n d vac u u m a complete refi nishing. The ish can be softened with
• Ha nd-sa nd (or machine­ a n d wi pe off a l l the d u st. area can be recoated for an lacq uer t h i n n e r.
sand if d u st isn't a problem) acceptable appeara nce and
the scratch out with 80- and • Apply appropriate floor added protection. • Recoat with the same
1 00-grit sa n d pa pers, bei ng fi n ish coats with foam fi n ish-don't mix oi l-based
carefu l to stay i n side the brushes. • Sand the scratched a rea with water-based-fo l l ow­
with 1 20-g rit and 1 50-grit i n g the g ra i n of the wood.

52
i ng to clear-coat a repai red a rea i n the center of a boa rd , fo r
i n stance, is the g l oss never q u ite matches the s u rro u n d i n g
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •

fi n ish. Be s u re t h e n ew fi n i s h u sed to tou c h u p a scra tc hed

If a l a rg e a rea of the f1 oor has m u ltiple but s u perfic i a l a re a i s com pati b l e with t h e exist i n g fi n i s h . Wat e r-based
scratches, it's a ppropri ate t o recoat a l a rge a rea after l i g htly s h o u l d g o on water-based, oi l-based o n oi l-based, etc.
sa n d i ng a nd pre pa ri ng the scratc hed a rea to receive an ad­ A p p l y i n g wax ca n c a u s e refi n i s h i n g p ro b l e m s l ater if
d itional coat of fi n i s h . it seeps i nto the wood pores a n d i sn't co m p l etely re- •
Of cou rse, the easiest re pa i r is placing a rug over the dam­ m oved. :
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

aged a rea u nt i l the entire f1oor g ets refi n ished.

Clear Coa t Floor Reflnisher

• Wh i l e wea ring a respi rator, • Work q uickly to m a i nta i n a • Wood floor restoration prod­ • Used reg u la rly, floor re­
apply an o i l fi n ish with a wet edge as you apply from ucts conta i n some solvent store/reviver products can
g ood-q u a l ity bristle brush one section to the next. and wax or polymer-type be a g ood a lternative to
or a pad applicator; the fi nish and are used to clean refi n ishi ng.
brush g ives you a bit more • Fol low d rying i n structions, and revive scratched and
control. noti n g when you ca n use worn floors, but it's not the • Va rious prod ucts a re ava i l­
the floor again. same as refi n i s h i ng. a b l e at tool renta l shops
With either a n oil- or water­ a n d on line u nder "hard­
based fi n ish, spread eve n ly • Th is is a m a i ntena nce ap­ wood floor restorer:'
a l o n g the entire length of proach u nti l a floor needs a
two or three boards. complete refi n i s h i n g .

53
SCRATCH E D COU NTERS
Learn to buff out and repair s cratches in even your toughest
laminated countertops
La m i n ated cou ntertops a re made fro m l ayers of p l a stic­ a n d g losses a n d is the p red o m i n ate cou ntertop materia l i n
coated paper p ressed tog ether at h i g h tem peratu res a n d new kitc h e n s a n d bath rooms.
extrem e pressu re. Th ey're mostly waterproof a n d moder­ La m i n ates va ry i n their com position. Some a re colored a l l
ately res i sta n t to scratc hes. P l a stic l a m i n ate has its roots i n t h e way thro u g h a nd others o n ly on t h e su rface. Scratches
e l ectrica l i n s u l ators c reated i n t h e ea rly twentieth centu ry. on the latter a re more noticea ble. Depend i ng on the depth
Th i s materi a l is ava i l a b l e in a m u ltitude of colors, patter n s, of the scratch or b u rn, you m i g ht be a bl e to buff them out.

Gel Gloss Felt Pen

• Sharp edges w i l l damage wax, removes many sta i n s, • Use a felt tip ma rker as • Let a g ood match d ry, and
plastic l a m i n ate, as will r u bs out a n d obscures close to the l a m i nate color wi pe away a ny excess i n k
heavy m etal objects moved some scratches, and adds a a s possi ble. a ro u n d t h e scratch with
across or d ropped on it. g loss appeara n ce to plastic lacq uer t h i n ner.
l a m i nate. • D raw the tip over the
• Hot pans and abrasive scratch-if it's not a good • Go over the entire cou nter
cleaners a l so da mage plas­ • Dark colors fade and show match, erase it with a bit of with Gel G loss or ru b some
tic l a m i n ate. damage more read i l y than lacq uer t h i n ner on a rag. a utomotive paste wax i nto
textu red a n d l i g hter colors. the scratch.
• Gel G l oss, a combi nation of
nona brasive cleaners and

54
Some com merc i a l prod ucts clea n plastic l a m i nate a n d fi l l the
scratc hes with a l iq u id polymer that can be renewed from
MAKE IT EASY
•
time to ti me. These products do not e l i m i nate the scratches After it's colored with a n a p p rop riate m a rker, a :
but m a ke them less n oticeable. scratch ca n a l so be fi l led with ca refu l ly a p p l ied c lea r :
With professi on a l h e l p, pl astic l a m i n ate ca n a l so be cov­ n a i l p o l i s h , w i p i n g away the excess with l a cq u e r t h i n - :
ered with new l a m i nate, or cou nterto ps ca n be com pl etely ner or n a i l po l i s h re m over. Wax or Ge l G l oss ca n a l so :
replaced with new material, a n expensive p roposition. For be u sed, b u t t h e n a i l po l i sh or s i m i l a r c l e a r coat w i l l :
l a rg e burns that ca n't be buffed out or g lossed over, cover l a st l o n g e r. :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
a nd conceal them with a not her cou nter materia l u ntil the
entire cou nter g ets red one.

Bu tcher Block Install New Lamina te

• You might be able to buff • G l u e sections of marble, • I n sta l l i n g l a m i nate ta kes Then sand a n d wipe it free
some faint burns out of butcher bloc k, or h eat­ experience, specific too l s, of d u st.
lami nate with polishing com­ proof tiles over the b u rned a n d know-how. Mea s u re­
pound or #0000 steel wool a rea. m ents ca n't be c h a n g ed • Cut the l a m i nate to fit and
a nd some Gel Gloss, but o n ce the new l a m i nate i s g l u e it down with contact
more prominent burns can­ • Use j u st enough waterproof g l ued i n to place. For m a ny, cement.
not be cleaned out, althoug h g l u e or adhesive to hold the it m i g ht be best to ca l l a n
they c a n b e covered up. material i n place. expert. • After the adhesive d ries,
trim the l a m i nate a n d cut a
• C l ea n g rease from a rea a n d • Remove the sink and m ea­ hole for the s i n k.
sand it w i t h 1 20-g rit paper. s u re the existing cou nter.

55
 REPAIRING A CH I PPED TI LE
Repair chipped tiles quickly and easily without the help of
a professional
Ti le is a to u g h cou ntertop, f1oor, a nd shower sta l l materia l rial that sea l s the joi nts between i n d ivid u a l ti les.
a nd ca n last for gen erations. Bot h cera m i c a nd porce l a i n t i l es Tiles a re i nsta l led in wet a reas-bath rooms, kitchens, and
a re made from different types of ba ked c l ay, with porce l a i n m u d rooms-a nd i n d ry a reas such as fi replaces. A c h i pped tile
tile b e i n g t h e stronger o f the two. G l azed fi n ishes, essentia l ly i n either envi ron ment ca n be repaired, but wet a reas req u i re
l iq u id g l ass, sea l the tile to water a nd sta i n s. As water resi sta nt more d i l igence. C h i p ped and cracked tiles can be rep laced
as tile may be, its wea k point is its g rout, a ceme nt-l i ke mate- with identica l ti les if spa res a re ava i la ble or with a contrasti ng

Using Epoxy Filler Removing a Tile

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• Clean out the c h i p ped a rea a l u m i n u m foi l to keep the • To remove a tile, fi rst, care­ g rout with a stiff putty knife
com pletely, d i g g i ng out epoxy with i n the damaged fu l ly remove the old g rout or old screwd river.
loose materia l with a n old a rea (some epoxies w i l l self­ (wear safety g lasses).
screwd river. level, a n d others req u i re • To ease remova l, d ri l l a se­
smooth i n g out with a putty • Cut through the g rout by ries of short holes t h ro u g h
• Prepa re a s ma l l amount kn ife). using a g rout saw, ava i l ­ the tile u s i n g a tile or
of paintable, waterproof able at h a rdwa re stores cera m i c cutting bit.
epoxy. • When it is d ry, touch u p and home centers, or util ity
w i t h a n o i l p a i n t (see page kn ife or by d ri l l i n g a series • Chip out the tile with a cold
• Use s m a l l pieces of 36) to match the color of of s m a l l conti nuous holes. c h i se l .
card board covered with the tile. Scrape out a ny rem a i n i n g

56
co lor tile. Repa i rs ca n a l so be done with waterproof epoxy a nd
oi l-based paint i n a color matc hi n g the su rrou nding tile.
MAKE IT EASY
As stro ng a s tile is, d a m ag ed sections m u st be ca refu l ly re­ A c h i p ped fi re p l ace t i l e ca n be re pa i red with a uto­
moved to avoid d a m a g i n g adjoi n i n g ti les. It's easy to do a n d motive body fi l ler if e poxy i s n't ha ndy. S h a pe a nd
fru strati n g w h e n yo u fi nd you rself replacing a n ad d itio n a l t i l e s a n d the fi l ler to m atch the m i s s i n g a rea a nd pa i nt
or two beyon d you r orig i n a l repa i r. when d ry. Coat the pa i nt with a bit of polyu reth a n e
Don't expect to fi n d exact matc h i n g t i l es to old patterns or t o m a t c h the s h een o n the s u rrou n d i n g t i l e .
co l o rs. Consider a n a rtistic a lternative with somet h i ng color­
fu l or fu n as long as yo u can l ive with the res u lt. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Installing a Tile

• With the broken ti le re­ • Line the tile u p with the

moved, scrape away a ny o l d s u rrou n d i n g t i l es and press
a d h esive and w i p e w i t h a and hold i n pla ce.
moist rag.
• Sec u re the tile with
• Check the new tile for fit masking tape and let d ry
and match and spread tile accord i n g to the ad hesive
a d h esive on the back of the m a n ufactu rer's i nstructions.
new tile to wit h i n 1 /4 inch
or so of the edges.

57
 REPAIRING A CH IPPED FINISH
You can ' t reproduce a factory finish , but you can still repair one

Appli a n ces a re coated with some of the to u g hest paint Meta l s i n ks a n d meta l t u bs have ba ked porce l a i n and ce­
a rou n d. Specia l to uch-u p pai nts a re ava i la ble with brushes ra mic fi n ishes. These ca n c h i p if somet h i n g heavy fa l l s o n
attached to the bottle tops, but they w i l l n ever match the t h e m i n j u st t h e rig ht way a nd at j u st t h e right s pot. Very o l d
d u ra b i l ity or fi n is hed a p pea ra nce of a factory coat i n g . That cast i ron a n d steel t u bs often show sta i n s a n d worn fi n ishes
said, n o one wants to look at a paint c h i p, so even a l ess-than­ that ca n be ren ewed by a ny n u m ber of bathtu b refi n i s h i ng
perfect repa i r i s better t h a n none at a l l . p rocesses, a lthoug h none that uses sprayed-on epoxy and

Applying Epoxy Pain t Porcelain Repair Kit 1

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• Scuff the chi pped a rea with • Depe n d i n g on the m a n u­ • Clean and l i g htly sand the ca refu l ly brush i n one t h i n
1 20-g rit sand paper, feather­ facturer, this paint can c h i pped a rea, featheri n g coat a n d a l l ow the epoxy to
ing the rou g h paint edges, sometimes be used on t h e rou g h edges. self-level, fol lowi n g with a
and then wipe away a l l the p l u m b i n g fixt u res. second coat if needed.
dust. • Fol low the i n structions a n d
• Applia nce touch-up paint mix j u st enough epoxy • This repair will never be as
• Apply two thin coats of is not long-lasti ng a ro u n d sol ution to fi l l the da maged strong as the origi n a l fi n ish
appliance touch-up pai nt, water or h i g h heat and w i l l a rea. but w i l l do a n adeq uate job
avai lable at a ppl iance deal­ n eed recoati n g from t i m e of covering a chi pped a rea.
ers, fol lowi n g the m a n ufac­ t o time. • Working q u i ckly, as the
tu rer's i n structions. material stiffe n s q u i ckly, but

58
other exotic pai nts w i l l eq u a l the orig i n a l ba ked on porce l a i n .
MAKE IT EASY
S o m e processes a re better t h a n others, a nd a ny consider­
ation for u s i n g o n e of these services should be thoro u g h ly The key to touch- u p re pa i rs fo r fi xt u res a nd a p p l i­
resea rched fi rst. a n ces i s to co m pl etely c lea n the a rea bei n g repa i red
For i n-home repa i rs of s m a l l c h i ps, two-part e poxy sol utions accord i ng to the p a i nt o r e poxy i n structio n s . I t m u st
a re more d u ra ble t h a n prem ixed epoxy pai nt. They do not be d ry a n d u nd i st u rbed w h i l e the coat i n g c u res. I f
req u i re a ny fol low- u p sea l a n t a n d s hould be mon itored for t h e c h i p i s d ee p, a second coat m i g ht be n eeded to
potential recoati n g . Some of these epoxy solutions a re sold match the s u r rou n d i n g s u rface.
i n s ma l l repa i r kits fo r touch-u p a nd a re ava i l a b l e in pop u l a r • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

a p p l i a nce col ors.

Porcelain Repair Kit 2 Chipped and Worn Fa ucets

• Although other touch-up • Color matc h i n g m ea n s the • There a re expensive vintage • Using a soldering i ron a n d
and repair kits are available repa i r is less l i kely to sta nd replacements for worn soldering wire (solder i n
i n va rious colors to match out, but there wi l l sti l l faucet and tub spouts, but wire form), g ra d u a l ly fi l l the
popular colors, Pore-a-Fix is b e some difference i n its you can do passa ble repai rs a rea with a sma l l amount of
premixed i n m u ltiple colors a ppea ra nce. with some solder, a meta l m e lted solder, a l lowi n g it to
by man ufactu rer, i ncl ud­ a l loy that, when m elted, l evel out.
i n g older colors no longer • Prepa re the da maged joins other meta l s together.
ava i lable. a rea accord i n g to prod uct • When the a rea is fu l l, polish
i n structions and a p ply, ob­ • Clean the corroded area the solder down with #000
• Premix assures proper adhe­ serving all d rying ti mes. with some fi ne sa n d pa per steel wool.
sion and longer-lasti ng repair. and wipe away the d ust.

59
 FAU CETS
Stop dripping faucets and save both water and your sanity with
these simple steps
Dri p ping wate r-sl ow, ra ndom d ri pp i n g water-s hows u p comes out at a ny g iven time. I n side the fa ucet is a ru bber
i n movies fro m time t o time as a way o f d rivi n g o n e o f the or p l astic wa sher or its eq u iva lent. Th i s wa sher compresses
characters c razy. And it a l so d rives ho meowners crazy. Stay when the fa ucet h a n d l e is in the off position. Eventu a l ly, a
sa ne by sto p p i n g these d rips q u ickly a nd easi ly. washer needs re pl acement. It lets yo u know by a l lowi ng
Without fa u cets, water wou l d sh oot t h ro u g h the open e n d s a s ma l l a mo u nt of water to d ri p t h ro u g h the fa ucet even
o f pi pes. A fa u cet a l l ows you t o control how m uc h wate r thoug h it's shut off.

Disman tling a Single-Handle Fa ucet Removing Washers

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• Single mixing handle off using the shut-off valves • With the h a n d l e a n d spout • Si nce there i sn't one type
faucets a re common in under the sink. removed, the pa rts control­ of sing le-ha n d l e faucet, a n
modern kitchens; each ling the water mix wi l l be o n l i ne sea rch b y bra nd wi l l
man ufact u rer uses a d iffer­ • Push the handle back and visibl e. show specific i n stal lation
ent cartridge or adj u ster. with a n Allen wrench (see i n structions.
page 1 5) remove the hex • Each bra n d fa ucet is d iffer­
• Before replacing either a screw that secu res the ent; some w i l l l ift out w h i l e • Take the part(s) to a
cartridge or bal l assembly hand le. others req u i re screws or re­ ha rdwa re or p l u m bi n g
(don't bother with individual ta iner c l i ps to be removed. s u p p l y store for t h e correct
parts, just buy the whole • Remove the h a n d l e a n d replacement.
assem bly), shut the water spout.

60
 Replaci n g a washer i s n't especia l ly compl icated, but know­
i n g which wa sher or fa u cet re pai r kit to get can be. No two
MAKE IT EASY
a re the same, a n d n ot every su ppli er ca rries the one you S h ut-off va l ves a re i n sta l led at every toi l et and si n k
need. A phone ca l l a h ead of time with the fa ucet bra nd can i n a modern home fo r conve n i en ce a n d safety. They
save yo u a trip. In the mea nwhi le, if it's a sink d ri p a nd it's re­ a l low you to s h u t wate r off for repa i rs and in t h e
a l ly bad, s hu t the water off u n der the s i n k u s i n g the s h ut-off eve n t of a lea k w i t h o u t s h utti n g a l l the wate r off i n
va lve (there s h o u l d be a pa i r for eve ry s i n k) . the h o u se. I f y o u do n't h ave t h e m , c o n s i d e r havi n g a
p l u m be r i n sta l l t h e m .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Reinstalling the Fa ucet Fixing the Sprayer

• Wipe t h e fa ucet body clean • It's easy to overtig hten • For a bro ke n sprayer head, cures the sprayer to the s i n k,
a n d d ry before i n sta l l i n g p l u m bi n g parts and ca u se shut the water off, u n screw and pull the hose out.
the n ew pa rts. new lea ks, so carefu l l y the head, and i n sta l l a u n i­
ha nd-tig hten any pa rts re­ versa l replacement head. • I n sta l l the new sprayer
• I nsert the new pa rts ac­ q u iring tighte n i ng. accord i n g to its m a n ufac­
cord i n g to their i n sta l lation • To replace the entire u n it, tu rer's i n structions.
i n structions-the packet • Replace the spout and shut the water off, u nscrew
norma l ly incl udes a special tig hten the hex screw that the hose from the base of
wrench if needed for the sec u res it to the fa ucet, the faucet, d ra i n the hose
i n stal lation. t u rn the water back on, a n d i nto a small bucket, unscrew
check for lea ks. the mounting nut that se-

61
 TOILETS
A leaking toilet can stem from several problems and
should be addressed quickly
A lea king toi let is n't fu n . Floors ca n rot, often u n noticed, from rior a n d d ri p water o n the fl oor. I f the d ri p p i n g i s excess ive
ongoing lea ks where the toi let sits on the floor. Water looks for e n o u g h , it's be l i eved to be an a ct u a l l eak. I n su lation k its fo r
the path of least resista nce, a nd if that's a l oose gasket, worn t h e i n sid e of t h e ta n k a n d spec i a l j a c kets fo r the o utside
sea l, or va lve in need of adjustment, that's where it will leak. s h o u l d reso lve this p ro b l e m . Easier yet, place some p l a nts
Some lea ks a ren't l e a ks at a l l . I n very h u m i d c l i mates, a toi­ o n the fl oor u nd e r the ta n k and let t h e m benefit fro m the
let ta n k can "sweat" d u e to c o n d e n sation o n t h e cold exte- d ri p p i n g .

Toilet Leaks

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• The most visible toi l et leak at the bolts that connect

is at the base of the bowl on the tan k to the bowl.
the floor a n d should be ad­
d ressed i m m ed i ately before • Contin uously flowi ng water
the floori n g is d a maged. is due to a bad flapper valve.

• A leak between the ta n k • If water d rips u nder the

a n d t h e bowl i n d icates a shut-off va lve s u pplying
leak in the sea l between water to the toi l et, it needs
these two com ponents or to be tig htened or replaced.

62
 Lea ks from i n side the ta n k or the cold water s u p p ly l i n e ca n
be add ressed by s h utt i n g off the water to the toi let, d ra i n i ng
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

the ta n k, a n d repa i ri ng the specific com ponents. Leaks at the Never sta n d o n a toilet to get at somet h i ng overhead. U se
base of the toi let ca l l for rem ovi ng the toi let and exa m i n i n g a sma l l stepladder or util ity stool. Toi lets a re made of vitre­
t h e fl oor for soft or eve n rotted wood, w h i c h wou l d need to ous c h i na a n d a re bolted to the floor a s tig ht as c h i na ca n
be re pa i red before rei n sta l l i n g . With c l ose exa m i nation, you safely be sec u red. Sta nd i n g o n a toi let is i n here ntly u n sta- •
ca n determ i ne the p roblem a n d the sol ution. ble a n d ca n j a r it l oose a n d ca u se a leak. :
•
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Floa t The Flush Valve

• The float moves towa rd s til the water stops and t h e n • Check that the fla pper chain • Flappers do not req u i re
the bottom of the ta n k after adj ust the fl o a t t o this level isn't jam med or the wrong tools for remova l or i n stal­
each fl u s h . u s i n g the adj usting screw(s) length and caught u nder lation; they j u st slip over
at the top of the va lve. the fla pper or not al lowin g it the overflow pipe or a re
• As the ta n k refi l ls, the float to close com p letely. attached with plastic hooks.
moves up and s h o u l d stop • Modern-style floats don't
when the ta n k is fu l l a g a i n . use a meta l a rm, but rather • To replace, s h ut off the • Refi l l the ta n k, test the fla p­
travel u p a n d down the fi l l water to the toi let, fl ush, re­ per, a n d adj ust as needed.
• If the water contin ues to va lve. move the fla pper, and ta ke
run, p u l l up on the float u n - it to a h a rdware store for
the correct replacement.

63
 WASHING MACHIN ES
Repair washing machine leaks early to avoid big and expensive
messes later
We don't give wa s h i n g machi nes a l ot of thoug ht, but they hose l ea ks, though, especia l ly if it b u rsts, it's a very big dea l .
can be a source of m ajor lea ks. Genera l ly, they're depend ab le U p t o 500 g a l lons o f wate r a n h o u r ca n pass t h ro u g h a b u rst
a n d kee p ru n n i ng for yea rs, but a wa s h i n g mach i ne can leak wash i ng mach i ne hose.
when one of the wate r supply h oses i s d a m aged or when the Lea ks w h i l e the was h i n g m a c h i n e is r u n n i n g ca n res u l t fro m
mach i ne itself is ru n n i ng. The l atter i sn't a s critical si nce the too m u c h soa p, which ca uses a n ove rfiow of suds. A bad t u b
a m o u nt of water leaked i s often somewhat l i m ited. When a sea l or basket ga sket wi l l a l low wate r t o l ea k out as wel l . A

Washing Machine Hoses

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• Typical, l ow-cost wash ing­ • Allow at least 4 i nches of

machine hoses a re made space between the back
from u n rei nforced ru bber, of the washi n g machine
a lthoug h tougher rei n ­ and the faucet connection
forced rubber i s ava i l a ble. to avoid kinking the hose
(hoses with rig ht-angle con­
• Stainless steel braided hoses
nectors are ava i lable if this
are burst-resistant, but no
space is tig ht).
hose is burst-proof; insurance
companies recommend re­
• Any leaking hose should be
placing any hose within three
i m m ed iately replaced.
to five years of instal lation.

64
mach i ne m i g ht a l so lea k s l i g htly d u ri n g one load of l a u n d ry
a n d then n ot a g a i n . If the leak is m i nor, ru n a nother load of
MAKE IT EASY
•
wash to com pare and look for a ddition a l leaks. Conti n u i n g : To avoid d a mage fro m lea ks, ru n wa s h i ng m a c h i nes
sm a l l leaks s hou l d b e repa i red before they beco me big lea ks. : (a nd d i s hwashers) o n ly when yo u 're home a nd ca n
However, if the mach i ne i s old a nd has seen better d ays, it : s h ut the wate r off if needed. G o i n g on va cati o n ? Tu r n
might be better to buy a n ew one a l together. • the wate r off at the s h ut-off va lves or eve n a l l the wa-
•
•
•
te r to the h o u se if it's g o i n g to be em pty, pa rti c u l a rly
: d u ri n g cold weather.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hoses Installed

• With the water shut off, t u rn • Dra i n any rem a i n i ng

on the wash i n g machine to water in the hoses i nto the
expel any rem a i n i ng water bucket.
in the hoses.
• I n sta l l the new hoses by
• Place a bucket on the floor twisting the bra ss connec­
and loosen the old hoses tors, not the hoses them­
with a vise g ri p or chan nel selves; t u rn the water on,
loc ks w h i l e h o l d i ng onto a n d check for lea ks.
the fa ucet.

65
U NCLOGGIN G SIN KS
Unstopping a clogged sink is usually easier than it looks
Why do si n ks clog? In the kitchen, a ny g rease, oil, or even soa p seep i nto the room, is a swe l l place for food waste to accu m u­
ca n stick to the sides of pi pes a n d accu m u l ate over ti me, g ra b­ late if it isn't fl ushed out properly. Em pty a s i n k fu l l of hot wa­
b i ng other g u n k as it flows by. More often , it's too many food ter i nto the d ra i ns once a week to help prevent this b uild-up.
scra ps, eve n when you have a food disposer (not a l l disposers Avoid wash i n g food scra ps and g rease down the d ra i n as well.
a re c reated eq ual). The tra p u nder the s i n k, a U-sha ped section Col l ecti ng g rease i n a can and tossi ng it i n the trash prevents
of the d ra i n pi pe desig ned to hol d water so sewer gas doesn't clogs i n you r d ra i n s a nd i n the public sewer li nes, too.

Using a Plunger

• Add e n o u g h water to • Sea l i n g the overflow pre­

the s i n k to s u b merge the vents the p l u nger from forc­
p l u nger c u p a n d keep air i n g water t h rough it a n d
out of it. l o s i n g i t s effectiveness.

• Cover u p the sink overflow • Push down on the p l u nger

d ra i n with a towel; do the for 1 5 secon d s or u ntil the
same to the clear d ra i n in a clog is clear. After ru n n i n g
double s i n k when the other s o m e water i n the s i n k,
d ra i n is clog ged. p l u n g e it a g a i n .

66
'
I n bat h rooms, it's soap a nd h a i r that co m bi ne as the n u m­
ber one clog g i ng c u l prit. For a q u ick fi x, a s i m p l e h a i r screen
MAKE IT EASY
i n both the s i n k a nd the tub wi l l red uce the cha nce of c log­ To kee p d ra i n s c lea r, pou r h a lf a box of b a k i n g soda
g i n g the d ra i n l i n es. down each d ra i n once a m o n t h fo l lowed by a c u p of
w h ite v i n e g a r. The foa m i n g acti o n h el ps kee p d ra i n s
for eCIS"lj clet1V1-lAp, plt1ce Ci blAcket c l ea n . Fol l ow u p b y fi l l i ng eac h s i n k with h ot water
lA V\der the frt1p to ct1fch wt1fer CIS" �OlA a n d t h e n o pe n i n g t h e d ra i n . The vol u me a n d wei g ht
remove if. of t h e water a l so c l e a r t h e d ra i n l i n es.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Removing the Trap Using a Snake

• Every s i n k h a s a tra p, but • Place a bucket u nd e r the • Snakes, or augers, come first and snaking beyond that
there a re severa l d ifferent tra p to catch the water in i n all sizes from very s m a l l if the trap isn't the problem.
styles a n d materi a l s. it and u ndo the n uts that hand-operated models
secu re it to the wa l l pipe to motorized commercial • S l owly feed the snake ca ble
• Most n ew i n sta l lation s a re a nd the s i n k d ra i n . snakes for clea n i ng out i n to the d ra i n l i n e beyond
PVC plastic a n d can be sewer l i nes. the tra p u ntil you h it the
d isassem bled without tool s, • C l e a n o u t the g u n k, wash blockage.
w h i l e older chromed meta l the tra p i n soa p a n d water, • Although you can remove
req u i res a chan nel locks. rei n sta l l, and ru n some a d rain stopper and snake • Tu rn the cra n k to rotate the
water to test for leaks. down through a trap, you're auger bit and brea k u p the
better off removing the trap clog.

67
 U NCLOGGING TOI LETS
Fixing your clogged toilet problems , no matter what the source

We sto p taking a toi let for g ra nted when it c l ogs. W e wa nt to s m a l l bottles or tu bes stored on t o p o f the to i let ta n k that
take care of it fa st, g et rid of the mess, a nd return to o u r d a i l y d rop i nto a toi l et as it's g o i n g t h ro u g h a fl u s h i n g action a re
routi nes, which, of cou rse, i nc l ude working toi l ets. a n other terrific way to clog it u p.
One sou rce of a to i l et c l og is obvio u s to a l l of us: too m u ch Yo u n g c h i l d re n , a l a s, fi n d to i l ets very i ntri g u i n g . Potty
bath roo m tissue. Another is tossi ng i n overs ized san ita ry or tra i n i ng teaches them to fl u s h , a n d they beg i n to wo n d e r
perso n a l item s that shou l d g o i n the tra sh. Items such a s what else c a n d i s a p pea r d own t h i s m i n iatu re watery vo rtex.

Using a Plunger

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• A heavier d uty p l u nger

desig ned for toi l ets with a
• After the last push, pu l l
t h e p l u nger away t o a l low
I
cone-sha ped section that suction to help break up
u nfol d s from t h e c u p is the clog.
better to use t h a n a sta n­
• Repeat if necessa ry and
d a rd s uction cup sty l e.
once the clog is cleared,
• P l ace the p l u nger fi r m l y fl us h the toi let again.
o n the botto m o f t h e toi l et
a n d p l u n g e vigorously 3-4
times without p u l l i n g t h e
c u p away from t h e toi l et.

68
I n goes a stuffed a n i ma l , w hi ch i n d eed d i s a p pea rs, but it
does n't get very far. A p l u n g e r jo b now req u i res the toi l et
MAKE IT EASY
•
be re m oved a n d the l i ne poss i b ly s n a ked o ut. Eve n if yo u r Leave a p l u ng e r i n every bath roo m . It m a kes it more :
kids u n i ntentiona l ly ca u sed t h e pro b l e m , havi n g t h e m h e l p co nve n ient w h e n needed a n d l ess e m ba rra ssi n g for :
to fix it ca n be a va l u a b l e lesson for t h e m . peop l e w h o d i scover t h ey n ee d it, e s p ecia l l y a g u est :
who h a rd l y wants to req uest a p l u n g e r fro m a host to :
u nc l og a to i let after u s i n g it. Deco rative h o l d e rs a re :
ava i la b l e fo r sto r i n g each p l u n g e r. :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Using a Toilet Snake

• When p l u n g i n g doesn't • Once the coi led end is fed

clear the b l ockage, try a i n s i d e the toi let, turn the
d ra i n or closet auger. h a n d l e on the other end
a n d move the snake u ntil it
• A c l oset a u g e r h a s a fi xed h its the clog.
length of coiled steel
attached to a cu rved, • D raw the auger back to pu l l
rigid pipe for accessi n g t h e t h e clogged material i n to
i n side o f a toi let trap. the bowl i n stead of fa rther
i nto the d ra i n l i ne.

69
 U NCLOGGIN G TU BS AN D SHOWERS
A little prevention against build-up keeps drains free flowing longer

S h owers a n d t u bs a re c om m o n s pots for c l ogs a nd b u i l d ­

u p s. Yo u l ose u p to o n e h u n d red h a i rs a d ay, a n d s o m e o f
t h e m e n d u p i n t h e t u b a nd s h owe r d ra i n s. C o m b i ned w i t h
sta n d i n g i n 2 i nc h e s of wate r t h at s h o u l d n't be t h e re.
Sometimes all it ta kes to c l ea n out a shower d ra i n is to re­
move the stra i ner from ove r the d ra i n a nd p u l l out the mat­
,
soa p a nd s h a m poo s u d s, t h i s c a n a d d u p to a n eve n t u a l ted h a i r that's s l owing the d ra i n i ng . Other ti mes, for more
c l og . H ow w i l l y o u k n ow? T h e t u b wi l l d ra i n p ro g ressively stu b born c l ogs, it ta kes a p l u nger or a pl u m ber's s n a ke, both
s l ower, eve n when you a re s h owe ri n g . Yo u ' l l fi n d yo u rself of which a re re latively easy to u se. Tu b d ra i n s a re a l ittle more

Unclogging Drains Plunging a Shower Drain

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• Keeping h a i r out of a tu b's • Pou r a kettle of boi l i n g wa­ • Shower d rains are easier to a few times t o force a n y re­
d ra i n l i n e is easier than ter down tub and shower access than tub d rains; to m a i n i n g obstructions down
clea n i n g it out later. d ra i n s once a week to help clean a shower d rain, s i m ply the d ra i n l i ne.
keep them clear. pry off the metal strainer
• A s i m p l e plastic or meta l coveri ng the d ra i n line and • For stu b born clog s, use a
stra i ner fitted over the d ra i n • As soon as water sta rts to pull out a ny hair with a stiff, sma l l p l u m ber's snake to
ope n i ng is g reat preventa­ slowly d ra i n, you have a bent wire (wea r latex g l oves; remove the clog s.
tive mai ntena nce at a l most clog a n d s h o u l d get to it this wi l l be messy).
no cost. before it gets even messier • When fi n is h ed, pour boi l i n g
to clean out. • Cover the open d ra i n with a water down t h e d ra i n .
pl u nger a n d push a n d p u l l

70
i nvolved . Th ere is some d i sasse m bly req u i red, some c lea n­ • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
GREEN 9LIGHT · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
•
i ng, p l u ngi ng, a nd pe r h a ps some s n a k i n g . In the futu re, a
: It is a good idea to make a habit of cleaning out your :
l ittle prevention goes a long way to avo i d i n g t h i s messy job
: drain or emptying the trap after every shower or bath. :
again. • •
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

V1s-e V\eed le-V\05e pliers- to deC1V\ 01.A+

C1V\ ob5fr1AdioV\ iV\ C1 +\A b d rC1 i V\ .

Tubs with Levers

• Dra i n s without trip levers • Clean o u t a l l obstructions-a • Tu b d ra i n s with a t r i p l ever • Loosen the screws on either
-wh ich a re fou n d on the needle-nose pliers is a useful c a n be t r i c k i e r to d i sas­ side of the trip lever and
tub wa l l near the fa ucet­ tool for this job-and clean s e m b l e and c l e a n . pu l l the mecha nism u p and
have stoppers that screw the d rain opening and stop­ out of the tub.
d i rectly to the d ra i n pi pe. per with disinfectant cleaner • A t r i p lever is connected to
before reinstall ing. a l ifti n g rod, which moves a • Remove the d ra i n opening or
• To remove, turn the stopper p l u nger or a d ra i n stopper d ra i n stopper, depending on
cou ntercloc kwise u ntil it's • Use a plu nger or snake for that open s and closes the which type of drain you have,
l oose and p u l l it from the stu b born clogs a n d pour d ra i n . and clean the d rain out.
d ra i n . boi l i n g water down the
d ra i n .

71
 ROO FS
Fixes for patching a leaking roof and knowing when to call in I

�
a professional
Roofs leak at the m ost i n conve n ient t i m es, such as when it's have been patched with black roofi ng ta r, wh ich often i ndi­
storm i n g outside, when we wou l d prefer the ra i n a l so stay cates a p reviously patc hed l ea k. These a reas a re more vu l ner­
outside. Di l igence a nd yea rly i n s pections w i l l head off some a b le to fut u re leaks.
lea ks but n ot a l l . Check for aging roof s h i ng les a nd deteriorat­ One p ro b l e m i s fi nd i n g the a ct u a l so u rce of a l ea k. Wa­
ing fl a s hi ng, wh ich, when combi ned with bad weather, ca n ter l e a k i n g th ro u g h a roof then fol l ows the easi est path­
cause leaks. On older roofs, tel l -ta le s i gns wi l l be a reas that way a l o n g attic rafters and fra m i ng, which c a n be severa l

A ttic Leaks Driving a Nail

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• U n fi n i shed attics provid e • If it's a d i rect overhead d ri p, • O nce you're s u re you've • The n a i l won't m a ke the
a better chance o f fi nd i ng consider you rself fortu nate; fou n d the source of the lea k any worse but a l lows
the sou rce of a roof leak you r job is easier. leak, d rive a fra m i n g nail you to l ocate it.
than fi nished attics (you' l l u p i nto the roof from i n side
proba bly have t o remove • When the water runs a l o n g the attic. • O n the roof, pou nd the n a i l
some wet cei l i n g d rywa l l i n rafters a n d supports, fol low b a c k i n a n d patch i t s h o l e
a fi n ished space). it ca refu l l y with a fl a s h l i g ht, • Note a pproxi mately where p l u s the ori g i n a l leak.
checking that you've fou n d the n a i l is l ocated so you'll
• When it's ra i n i ng, fi nd the the accu rate spot. know where to fi nd it on
leak and fol low it back to the outside of the roof.
the u nderside of the roof.

72
feet away from the lea k's poi n t of o rig i n . Eve n experien ced . . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •

roofers can be puzzl ed at the source of a leak. Th i s i s o n e

rea son why some o f t h ose ta r patches h ave bee n a p p l i ed Wea r non s l i p shoes a nd take you r time when wa l ki ng on
m ore t h a n once and the leak sti l l does n't sto p-even if the you r roof. Sec u re you r ladder by pou nd i n g sta kes i n front
pa tc h a p pea rs to be i n the ri g h t p l a ce. U n t i l the l e a k c a n b e of its feet if the ladder is on soft g ro u nd or by tyi ng off the
ide ntified a n d sea led, a b u c ket wi l l be yo u r b est sto p-g a p bottom ru ng to a sec u re poi nt on the house if the l adder
m e a s u re. is on concrete.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Con taining the Wa ter Roofi.ng Cemen t

• P lace a bucket u nder the • If the bucket fills s l owly, the • Roofing cement i s a u niversal • Use sections of m eta l flash­
leak and observe how fast water w i l l eva porate d u ri n g q u ick fix for leaky roofs but is i n g to patch holes i n exist­
it fi l l s u p. d ry days. not a perma nent repair. i n g fl a s h i n g or to replace
missing s h i ng les when no
• Cha nces are, the l ea k w i l l • After the l ea k i s repa i red, • Many leaks occ u r at the spa res are ava i l a ble.
be s l ow and can even b e keep the bucket in place metal flashi ng, wh ich
ignored for t h e moment for a season a n d check it acts as a tra n sition from • Slide the fla s h i n g patches
as long as it isn't soa king for water after ra iny days, the roofi ng s h i n g les to up and u nder the s h i n g le(s)
i n su lation or dripping near especia l ly ra iny days of h i g h c h i m n eys, roof va l l eys, a ny a bove its i n stal lation poi nt.
wiring. wind. protrusion t h roug h the
roof, a n d any house wa l ls.

73
 G UTTERS & DOWNSPO UTS
Stop leaking gutters and avoid bigger problems like
wet foundations later
Most houses h ave ra i n g utters. The gu tters' main p u rpose is fou n datio n . In wet c l i m ates, the fa rther yo u ca n keep water
to fu n nel a nd d i rect ra i n away from the ove r h a n g i ng sections away from the fou ndation, the better.
of the roof, the sidi ng, a n d the fo u ndation . Modern g utte r Gutters were once made from wood . Some of these sti l l
system s e m pty i nto storm d ra i n s t h ro u g h the downs pouts. re m a i n o n older homes, a n d re p lacement wood g utters a re
Others h ave downspouts that em pty onto splash b locks a n d sti l l m a n ufactu red, a lt h o u g h they a re expensive. With ca re,
a l low water t o e m pty i nto t h e ya rd, yet sti l l away from t h e they wi l l l ast for decades. Copper is the next-costl iest mate-

Gu tter Leak Gutter Seams

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• When g utters are i n stal led • Water a l so accu m u l ates • Al u m i n u m g u tters are sized • Some leaks show up i n
with the proper slope to when g u tters are not and cut to fit, but i n d ividual wind-d riven rai n on ly, a n d
avoid sta n d i n g water, they cleaned reg u l a rly. sections are joi ned at cor­ t h e resu lting damage takes
have a better cha nce of ners form i n g sea m s. years to show u p.
avoiding holes and lea ks. • Any place two g utter sec­
tions are joi ned or a down­ • The sea m s a re sea led with • Rea pplying a generou s
• Over time, steel g utters can spout is i n stal led there's a g utter and fla s h i n g ca u l k, amount o f ca u l k t o a ny
rust and wood g utters can potential for leaks. wh ich is specia l ly formu­ suspect sea m s h o u l d stop
develop holes, but copper lated for this a p p l ication a ny lea ks.
gutters w i l l not rust. a lthou g h sil icone ca u l k w i l l
work if n ecessa ry.

74
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
rial a nd rarely seen i n new homes except o n very hig h-end
construction. Steel g utters have mostly been rep laced with Roof-moun ted ra i n water col l ection system s a nd
a l u m i n u m, the m ost popu l a r c hoice in modern g utters. Vi nyl tro u g h s h ave existed for thousa n d s of yea rs. I n
g utters a re more a do-it-yo u rself choice. Each material has its En g l a nd, the d i s ba nd i n g of the monasteries i n
adva ntages and d rawbacks, a nd a l l types, with mai nte n a nce 1 539 made la rg e q u antities of recycled lead avai l­
a n d ca re, wi l l g ive l ong-lasti n g service. Lea king g utters, l i ke a b ' e for ela borate g utte r i nsta l lations. Colonial­
a ny sou rce of lea ks, s hou l d be re pai red before they ca u se e ra g utters i n America were i n itia lly made from
g reater da mage el sewhere. Water goes looki ng fo r trou b l e wood a n d later l ead a nd eventual ly other meta l s
i nc l ud i n g copper a nd ti n plate.
whenever it gets the opport u n ity. P l ug the hole, sea l the g a p,
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
a nd keep water fl owi n g where you wa nt it to.

Epoxy Repair

• Repair a leaking wood gutter spray it with rust preventa­

with waterproof epoxy. Clean tive pai nt, use an a utomo­
out the rotted material from tive fi berg lass kit with mesh
the dry gutter, brush it with screen to repa i r, and spray
a wood preservative, and pa int the patch.
when that cures, fi l l it with
the epoxy according to the • Any patch s h o u ld be
manufacturer's instructions. mon itored and considered
i m permanent.
• Repa i r rust spots in m eta l
g utters with a wi re brush,

75
 WIN DOWS
Seal window leaks before they seep into walls and cause more damage

Old wi ndows can go decades a nd never leak. New windows leak most often occ u rs where it's attached to the fra m i ng or
can leak d u ri ng the fi rst good sto rm. How come? It has to when water gets behi n d the fla s h i n g a nd then be h i n d the
do with the i n sta l l ation a nd the fl a s h i ng. A p roperly i n sta l led window. I m p roperly fla s hed windows a re a reg u la r cause of
window with the correct fla s h i n g a n d ca u l king should stay water i nfi ltration i n homes.
leak free i n defi n itely. A bad design or constructio n deta i l Old windows ca n leak at the g l ass when the g lazi ng com­
ca n ca use even t h e most expensive window t o leak. The pou nd or putty deteriorates a nd fa l l s off, which a lways h a p-

Windows Cover Window with Plastic

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• Wi ndows leak at the glass, • Ca u l king s h o u l d not be • Whenever a wi ndow leak • Wood w i n d ows a re particu­
the glass sea ls, and the used to take the place of is e l usive or if excess water l a rly s uscept i b l e to water
flashing. proper fla s h i n g but can comes in, cover the outside da mage, which ca n l ead
su pplement it. of the wi ndow with plastic to rot.
• Older wood windows can to prevent fu rther da mage.
leak where the g lass butts • Rare leaks from u n u s u a l l y • Tac k the plastic up u s i n g
u p against the wood sash h a rd d riven ra i n s h o u ld b e • If water sti l l comes in, the wood stri ps and s m a l l n a i l s
if the exterior g lazi n g com­ mon itored b u t a re pro ba bly leak could be com i ng from or exterior-grade d u ct ta pe.
pound is missing or bad ly u n i m porta nt. h i g her up in the wa l l and
cracked. dripping down t h rough the
w i ndow.

76
pe ns if the putty goes u n pa i nted a nd u n sea led. They ca n a l so
leak d u ri ng periods of wi nd-d riven ra i n that b lows in from
MAKE IT EASY
•
the wi n dow s i l l . Reg a rd less of whether it's o l d or new, the Not s u re where a w i n d ow is l ea ki n g ? Cover it with :
main problem with leaki n g windows is water seeping i nto p l a stic u nti l it d ries out a n d the weather c l ea rs a nd :
the wa l l s a nd ca u s i n g da mage. Althoug h it sounds l i ke a bro­ then exa m i ne it thoroug h ly on the outside for c ra c ks, :
ken record i ng by n ow, sea l these l ea ks before they ca u se you loose ca u l ki n g, or sepa rati ng. I t's i m portant yo u sto p :
bigger headac hes. the d a m ag e, a n d p l a stic does the j o b. Kee p a rol l of :
6 m m c l ea r p l a stic a ro u n d fo r t h i s a nd other jobs. :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Caulking

• Ca u l ki n g is used to pre­ • Old, worn ca u l k ca n be

vent water from wash i n g removed with a util ity knife
t h ro u g h sea m s i n the exte­ a n d replaced before apply­
rior wi ndow trim or where ing new ca u l k.
the trim a n d s i l l m eet the
wa l l of the house. • Be s u re to ca u l k d u ri n g d ry
conditions on ly.
• Cau l k isn't a m i racle c u re,
a n d overly thick appl ica­
tions can fa i l.

77
 U NCLOGGIN G G UTTERS
Tackle this problem to avoid damage to house paint and siding
G u tters a re i ntended to collect water ru n n i n g off you r roof, m ea n s trou ble beca use sheets of water flowi ng down the
but they also catch l eaves, twig s, g ra n u les from roof s h i ng les, house sid i n g wi l l lift entire sections of pai nt. Eventu a l ly, the
a nd ten n i s ba l l s tossed on the roof. Some of this de bris w i l l wood wi l l deteriorate or, worse, leak i n side yo u r house.
wash down (a nd possi bl y c l og the downspout), but after Th ere a re new g utter cover desi g n s that c l a i m you'l l never
enoug h of it a cc u m u l ates, it w i l l slow dow n the flow of water have to cl ea n you r g utters aga i n . There a re m a ny of th ese
to the point the g utter w i l l overflow. An overfl owing g utter produ cts, a nd some d o a decent job of keep ing l a rge l eaves

Clogged Gutter

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• Gutters g et clogged with loose n i n g them and af­

a nythi n g that can fa l l from fecti n g their slope, a d d i n g
a tree or blow up on a roof. t o the d ra i nage problem
ca u sed by the debris.
• As cl utter accu m ul ates, it
holds water, which adds to • There is n o recom m e nded
the g u tters' wei ght. n u m ber of c l ea n i n g s
t h roug hout the yea r, b u t do
• Heavier g utters can p u l l a m i n i m u m routi n e fa l l a n d
away from the roof, both s p r i n g clea n i ng.

78
a n d twigs out but n ot s m a l ler seeds, pods, a nd d i rt. There w i l l
probably never b e a g utter t h a t does n't need so me clea n i ng,
. . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

a nd u n l ess a g utter cover is easy to re move, these new cover If you u se a n exte nsion ladder, sec u re the legs to p reven t
des i gn s m i g ht a ctu a l ly m a ke gu tter clea n i n g to ugher to do. s l i p page. A stepladder s h o u l d be l evel a nd o pe n ed i n a
Reg u la r clea n i n g p revents c l og g i ng a nd provides a n op­ fu lly exten d ed a nd locked position. You ca n't grab o nto a
port u n ity to do some roof i n s pection w h i le scoop ing out g utter a n d depend o n it to s u p port you. You r ladder s h o u l d
dead veg etatio n . How often yo u clean g utters depends on be stu rdy e n o u g h to a l l ow you to safely d o the j ob.
how fu l l they get. Seasona l checks wi l l l et you know. •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gu tter Scoop Hosing the Gutters

• There are tools purported to • If the debris is d ry, a lot of • Don't try to was h a l a rge • To avoid clog g i n g the
let you easily clean lower­ it can be removed with a vol u me of g utter debris out downspouts, loosen a n d
level gutters from the ground, blower. with a g a rden hose, as it will remove t h e i r bottom e n d s
i ncluding tongs, water blast push too m uch of it i n to the t o keep any d e b r i s out of
systems, and scrapers. • A bleach bottle can be cut downspouts, where it can the d ra i n l i n e.
i nto a scoop shape for an cause more clogs a n d fi l l
• Unfortunately, clea n i n g i n expensive g u tter-clea n i n g t h e g u tter with water.
g utters req u i res y o u see tool.
what you're doing up close • After scooping out the g ut­
with a lot of hand scooping ters, hose down the g u tters.
if the debris i s wet.

79
 U N CLOGGIN G DOWNSPO UTS
Clean out downspouts at the same time as your gutters to
avoid water damage to the house
A c l og in a d o w n s p o u t i s n ot as ea sy to s p ot a s a c l og i n S ome d own s pouts a re m a d e of stee l, a nd the e l bows,
a g utte r. The c l og c o u l d b e a t t h e top, i n t h e e l bow, o r the c u rved secti o n s t h a t ofte n c o n n ect the g utte rs a n d
n e a r t h e botto m o f t h e d ow n s po u t. So m eti m e s a h o s i n g t h e d o w n s pouts, ca n r u st if t h ey g et too fu l l of d e b ris. The
wi l l c l e a r i t o u t, a n d o t h e r t i m e s t h i s j u st fo rces t h e d e b r is c l ogs the e l bow, w h i c h c a u ses wate r to b u i l d u p
c l ogged m a te r i a l fa rth e r i nto t h e d o w n s p o u t o r d ra i n a g e h e re i n stea d o f p a ss i n g t h ro u g h a n d a l l owi n g t h e e l bow
syste m . to d ry out.

Hosing Ou t the Downspou t

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• P u l l out the clog g ed mate­ • I n sert the hose nozzle at

rial from the bend with a the top of the downspout,
piece of bent wire with a wrapping a rag a ro u n d it for
hook on the end before a tight sea l.
snaking the bend.
• O pe n t h e tap fu l l force
• The bend can be corroded u nt i l the water s hoots
on the i n side due to years of out at the bottom of t h e
standing water, so be careful downspout.
with the wi re, particularly
with steel downspouts.

80
 To fix thi s, you m i g ht have to d i s m a ntle the downspout. • • • • • • • • • • • GREEN 9LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Some downspouts a re easier to l oosen a nd re move than oth­ Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear will help
ers shou l d thi s be necessa ry to clean them out. prevent future problems. See the maintenance time­
To preve nt thi s mess, dow n spout screens a re ava i l a b l e to line on page 2 1 6 fo r friendly reminders on when to do
kee p leaves a n d l a rge debris out. Be s u re to ro utinely c l ea n things throughout the year.
the a rea a ro u nd the scree n s to avoid clog s at the top of the
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
downspout.

Snaking the Downspout Preven ting Downspout Build- Up

• If a snake (see p a g e 6 7 ) is • R u n the hose i n side the • Keep leaves a n d twigs they often do not prevent
necessa ry, u se a manual d ra i n line as wel l to confirm out of the downspouts by smaller debris from accumu­
one a n d t u rn it s l owly, p u l l­ it's clear. i nsta l l i n g a leaf g u a rd over lating in the gutters and can
i n g a n d push i ng in and out the top of each downspout. make cleaning difficult.
until the clog is broken u p. • Recon n ect the downspout
to the d ra i n line and check • Remove accu m u lated • Add extensions onto
• R u n the hose i nto the that it's sec u re at the g utter leaves before they cause a downspouts that em pty
downspout to check that as wel l . water back-u p. onto splash bloc ks i n stead
it's clear. of d ra i n l i nes to assu re the
• Avoid leaf guard systems and water e m pties away from
screens for entire gutters, as the house fou ndation.

81
 U N CLOGGIN G O UTSI D E D RAINS
Fixing outdoor drains prevents floods and allows them to do
their job prop erly
M o d e r n h o m e s often h ave d ri veway d ra i n s a nd ya rd a l l y cove red with g rass to h i d e it. The t h i c kn ess of t h e p i pe
d ra i n s . Som e of t h ese a re co n n ected to t h e l oca l storm i nfl u e n ces w h e re it ca n be u sed i n t h e ya rd a n d how s u s­
sewe rs, a n d ot h e rs e m pty i n to F re n c h d ra i n s in t h e ya rd cept i b l e it i s to d a m a g e .
itself. A F re n c h d ra i n , n a med a fter H e n ry F re n c h , is essen­ O l d e r d ra i n l i nes co n s i st of secti o n s of c l ay or concrete
ti a l ly a tre n c h o r pi t fi l l ed with g rave l o r ot h e r s m a l l sto n e s, p i pes b utted togeth e r a n d ofte n a re d a maged with c ra c ks
co n stru cted to a bsorb a n d reroute wate r. Th e top is u s u - a n d i ntru sive t ree roots. I n the eve nt of a c l og, t h e re is o n l y

Driveway Drain

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• Driveway a n d ya rd d ra i n s, • For yards lacking d rains but

as wel l as any foundation needing to control runoff or
d ra i n s, typica l ly em pty i n to stop water accumulation,
you r city's storm sewers. French drains-trenches ful l
o f gravel or perforated drain
• They remove excess ra i n pipe-are a n option.
water a n d snow m elt, pre­
venti n g overly soggy yard • Add i n g d rai nage can affect
areas that cou l d lead to a neig h bor's property and
problem soi l conditions. m i g ht req u i re a permit from
you r b u i l d i n g department.

82
l i m ited c l ea n i ng ou t you ca n do by yo u rself, a n d some
d ra i n s n eed to be re pl a ced a l together.
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
How do you k now if a d ra i n needs to be replaced ? Dra i n Be ca refu l usi ng d ra i n rooters when clea n i n g out plastic :
clea n i n g com pa n ies a n d p l u m be rs send special cameras d ra i n l i nes. The force of s p i n n i ng blades can d estroy per­
down t h ro u g h the p i pe to dete r m i n e exactly what's causing forated, thi n-wa l led d ra i n l i n es, which can be clea ned by
the b lockage. Th i s is the o n ly way, other than d i g g i ng, that hand-d riven sna kes or h ig h-speed water j ets. If you're u n- •
you ' l l k now whether you r d ra i n l i nes a re re pa i ra b l e or not. A s u re what you r d ra i n li nes a re constructed from, use a con- :
•
ca mera probe is m u c h cheaper t h a n re p laceme nt, so e n l ist servative a p p roach when clea n i n g them. •
. . . . . . . . . . . .

the aid of a profess ional before yo u decide on replacement.

Hosing the Drain Line Snaking the Drain Line

• Ya rd d ra i n s receive a l ot of • After remov i n g the d i rt, ru n • D ra i n l i n e s i n yo u r yard • Corrugated d ra i n l i nes, t h i n­

d i rt and si lt, w h ich g radu­ a hose down the d ra i n l i n e c a n g et c l o g g e d a n d wal led plastic popu l a r for
ally acc u m u l ate i n the d ra i n at fu l l force t o confirm there req u i re c l ea n i ng t o avo i d d rainage beca use of easy
u n t i l it reaches t h e d ra i n isn't any blockage. ove rfl owi n g . i n sta l l ation, a re i n expensive
l i ne. but not b u i lt to withsta nd
• Keep the d ra i n covers • O n ly h a rd materi a l s-rigid mecha n i ca l c l ea n ing.
• Check you r d ra i n s every clear of leaves and g rass plastic, t i l e, a n d concrete
few months and scoop out c l i p p i n g s whenever you're l i n es-ca n withsta nd clean­ • Short of d i g g i n g u p cor­
the d i rt before it becomes a doing yard work. i n g and c l earing with a rugated l i n es, ru n a hose i n
problem. powered p l u m ber's snake. with a h i g h-pressu re nozzle
to e l i m i n ate blockages.

83
 FLOO RS: WHAT TO TRY FIRST
S queaky floors are annoying-here are the initial steps to
eliminating them
Floors a re usua l ly com posed of a su bfl oor-plywood, particle­ ment in the floor, but this is not a u n iversa l practice d u ri ng
board, or i ndivid u a l tong ue-a nd-groove boa rd s-a nd either home construction and wa s not done i n older homes.
ca rpet or a fi n is hed wood floor. In some older homes, the fi n­ Moisture adds to the squeaking problem. D ur ing seasonal
ished wood floor is thick enough that a su bfloor is not needed. cha ng es, u n fi n i shed wood ca n a bsorb a nd later lose moi s­
Over ti me, floors can sq uea k as n a i l s l oosen and boa rd s sh ift. t u re. The wood expa nds a nd s h ri n ks, the resu lt being the
G l u ing down the su bfloor hel ps e l i m i nate sq ueaks and move- squea king noises you hear.

Under the Floor Installing a Shim

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• Fin ished wood floor boa rd s • Longer-term solutions ca l l • W h i l e someone wa l ks • Have you r h e l per wa l k
ca n rub together, ca u s i n g for some combi nation of around the squeaky a rea, around fu rther t o confirm
squeaks. s h i ms, cross s u pports, brac­ go below to the exposed the squeak is gone or you
i ng, or fasteners,. joists u ntil you l ocate the need more s h i m s.
F i l l i n g the sea ms between noise.
these boa rds with pow­ • When space u n der the • A ceda r s h i n g l e can easily
dered g raph ite talcum floor is exposed, access is • Spread g l u e on a s h i m a n d be split i n to shims for this
powder or sprayi n g with provided to the joists and h a m mer it between t h e repai r.
sil icone ca n tem pora rily s u bfloor, a l lowi ng rei n force­ joists a n d the su bfloor u nti l
stop squeaks. ment and "beefi n g u p" of it's j u st tig ht.
the a rea aro u n d the sq u ea k.

84
 You can ta ke on so me of the s i m p l e solutions below to
e l i m i n ate or d i m i n i s h squea ky fl oors, especia l ly floors whose
MAKE IT EASY
•
u nderside-the joists a nd the su bfloor-is exposed and ac­ : If yo u r floor s q u ea ks accord i n g to the season, con-
cessi ble. It ca n ta ke some t i m e fi nd i ng a n d fixi ng the prob­ : sider sea l i ng the exposed wood-with pai nt, va r n i s h ,
lem, but it's better than l i ste n i n g to sq uea king eve ry t i m e yo u • o r most any fi n i s h read i ly ava i l a b l e-a s pa rt o f you r
•
wa l k by. • solution. I n stead of b u yi ng spec i a l ized h a rdwa re,
•
• s i m p l e a n g l e i ro n s, w h ich a re more read i l y ava i l a b l e,
•
• ca n be screwed i nto j o i sts a n d s u bfl ooring to e l i m i -
•
• nate or red uce sq u ea ks a s we l l .
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adding Support

• For larger a reas, screw a n d enough to reach each

g l u e a 2"X2" boa rd i nto t h e joist-i nto any two adjoin­
joist and i nto the s u bfloor i n g sections of s u bfloori ng
itself. u nder a squea k.

• Be s u re you r screws don't • N a i l a 2"X6" betwee n the

go a l l the way t h rough the s h i m med joist a n d one or
s u bfloor. both of the closest joists
with the width of the 2"X6"
• Screw and g l u e a section of ru n n i n g a g a i n st the width
3/4-inch plywood-wide of the joists.

85
 FLOO RS: WHAT TO TRY N EXT
With no access underneath the floor, you need a different strategy to
fix these squeaks
S q u ea ky e n try-l eve l fl oors with o p e n b a s e m e n t cei l i n g s p rocess. B u t with ca re a n d atte n t i o n , you ca n d o t h e m
a re ea sy t o g e t a t a n d fix, b u t w h a t do y o u d o w i t h a w i t h o u t m u c h t ro u b l e . T h e fi rst a n d m a i n h u rd l e i s to l o ­
s q u ea ky second o r t h i rd fl oor? Yo u n eed to a p p ro a c h t h e cate t h e fl oor j o i sts.
re pa i r d i rectly t h ro u g h t h e t o p of t h e fl oor itself, a n d t h i s L i ke fl oors, sta i r t read s ca n a l so s q u e a k s i n c e t h ey're
ca n be i nt i m idati n g . These re pa i rs a re a m i n o r c h a l l e n ge, u sed so heavi ly. The s a m e re p a i r iss ues a n d tec h n iq ues
and yo u may wa n t to ca l l in t h e h e l p of an expert fo r t h i s a p p l y. All of t h ese re p a i rs call fo r t h e l ea st a m o u n t of i ntr u-

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• Determ i ne or m a ke you r • It m i g ht take severa l test

best g uess where the joist is holes to fi n d a joist.
l ocated a n d fol low it to an
exterior wa l l . • Once the joist is fou nd,
fol low it to the a rea of the
• At the edg e of t h e base­ sq u ea k.
boa rd, use a l o n g, na rrow
d r i l l bit ( 7 /64 X 6" or so)
to d r i l l down t h ro u g h t h e
s u bfloor a n d i nto t h e joist.

86
 s i o n , so u se o n l y as m a ny sc rews or n a i l s as necessary to . . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
e l i m i n ate the sq ueak.
As an a lternative to a standard screw, try Sq ueeeeek No
M o re or a s i m i l a r system that b rea ks the screw head off
afte r it's i nserted. If the ca rpet has been p u l led back and
you can cou nte rsi n k the screw, then a sta nda rd screw or
Hewe pt1tieV\Ce . It mi5ht tt1ke t1 few fries to
long deck screw wi l l do.
,----- fi V\d the joist. •
•
• •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing a Fastener Stair Treads

Tools- Needed

- d ri l l/d ri l l bit

- 3 - i V\Ch d r wC1 1 1 5crew

• Dri l l one pilot hole per n a i l t h ro u g h ca rpet, t a p e t h e • Stai rs often sq u ea k when • From a bove, pred ri l l a pi l ot
or screw i n to the joist near screw t h reads t o prevent the tread, the part you wa l k hole t h rough the nose
the squeak. them from g ra b b i n g a n d o n , loosens a n d beg i n s ru b­ of the tread i n to the riser
p u l l i n g at ca rpet th reads. bing. The repai rs depend on below and sec u re with n a i l s
• N a i l in a 1 6d fi n i s h n a i l , a n d whether the u n d erside of or screws.
set it below the t o p o f t h e • Drive the screw head u ntil the sta i rs is exposed or not.
fi n ish floor or ca rpet. it's fl u s h with the su bfloor­ • Toena i l ( n a i l at an a n g le)
i n g; fi l l in a ny wood floor • From a n exposed u nder­ the tread i nto the stri ngers
• I n sert a 3-inch d rywa l l holes with color putty. side, g l u e a n d n a i l a strip of for fu rther tighte n i ng.
screw u s i n g a d ri l l a n d wood a foot long i n to the
P h i l l i ps screw bit-if g o i n g riser a n d the squeaky tread.

87
 STICKIN G DOO RS
A sticking door can pull paint off the jamb-fix it and avoid this

Doors can fu nction for yea rs a nd then sta rt sticking . A s l i g ht clears the j a m b it wi l l stick a n d b i n d .
sh ifting i n the door j a m b-the fra me that the door is i n­ S o m e sel ect a nd l i m ited tri m m i ng of the sticking s u rfaces
sta l led i n-is one poss i b i l ity, as is the g rad u a l a bsorption of genera l ly resolves the p roblem, but the key is to trim o n ly
j u st enough moist u re to fi na l l y expand a nd no l ong er fit the as m u c h as needed a nd not to be too ag g ressive a bout it.
jamb a s it on ce d id. Any door ca n expand; it's not l i m ited to Remove too much, a nd yo u get a gap fo r hot air out in the
exterior entry doors. Any t i m e the door no longer fits a nd wi nter a nd cold air in.

Sligh tly Open Door A Quick Fix: Paraffln

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• Fi rst, exa m i n e the door a n d c a u s e a d o o r t o rub, b u t • Some sticking i s seasonal, • After testing the door, wipe
determi n e exactly where it's this i s very infreq uently t h e a n d a l ittle pa raffi n o r can­ off a ny excess soap or wax
sticking. problem. d l e wax can get you by u nt i l with a c l ea n rag.
the weather t u r n s d rier.
• U n l ess all fou r edges of a • Loose h i nges or a loose
door are sea led, a door can lockset ca uses ope n i n g a n d • Determ i n e where the door
absorb moist u re, expand or c l o s i n g problems, as c a n is sticking, check that the
wa rp, and stick. excess p a i n t b u i ld-up on h i n g es a re tight a n d the
the edges of the door a n d lockset isn't sticking, and
• Sh ifting in the door j a m b on the j a m b. ru b the edge of the door
or t h e wa l l fra m i n g c a n with pa raffi n or ba r soap.

88
 Doors typica l ly have 1 /8-inch consta nt g a p between the i r
edges a n d t h e j a m b for cleara nce, ease o f ope n i ng a nd
. . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •

c l os i n g, a n d to a cco m modate weather str ip p ing at exterior If you i ntend on pai nting the door, remove a l l soa p or wax
doors. Yo u rs might n ot be thi s exact, but yo u do n't wa nt it to from a ny pai nted a reas before recoating. I f after the re­
be a ny bigger a s a res u lt of you r repa i r. mova l the door sticks, it wi l l need to be tri mmed or pla ned
down some before pai nting. Otherwise, it can p u l l the
new p a i n t off t h e j a m b or door edge. •
•
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Trimming the Door Priming and Pain ting the Door

• Mark off the sticking a rea any scraped a reas with 1 00- • N ew fi nishes sta nd out • Tape off the i nterior a n d
on the j a m b with a pencil. and 1 20-grit pa pers until agai nst existi ng ones, so exterior a reas n e a r the edge
smooth. m i n i m ize the amount of so the n ew paint stays only
• Use a very sharp pa i nt recoati n g w h i l e sti l l sea l i n g on the edge.
scraper to shave a l l the • If the top or bottom of a exposed wood.
paint off until exposed door needs tri m m i n g, keep • Do the same on the j a m b.
wood is visible. the door in place and use • Always paint exposed top
coarse s a n d pa per i nstead and bottom edges of a
• If the door sti l l sticks, trim of a scra per. door-these easily a bsorb
off the correspo n d i n g a rea moisture and expa n d .
on the door edge and sand

89
STICKING WIN DOWS
Learn some simple solutions for sticking windows ,
even new vinyl ones
Sticking wi ndows occ u r when tracks wea r down, paint g u m s less of the material they're constructed from or their age.
thi ngs u p, a n d weather stri pping gets slightly bent. O l d wood Wood casement windows open and close l i ke doors, and
windows a re genera l ly the stickiest, a n d they shou Id be; they've sticking ones ca n be repai red the sa me way as sticki ng doors
bee n a round longer, have moved more often, and have been (see page 88). Meta l s l id i ng windows, whether steel or a l u­
pai nted over a n d over again to the point that some barely m i n um, norm a l ly don't have paint problems as they typica lly
move at a l l. All wi ndows need some atte ntion, though, rega rd- remain u n pai nted, but meta l-on-meta l movement ca l ls for l u-

Vinyl Windows Wood Double-Hung Windows

• Open the window com­ • Spray with s i l icone once a • Spray any a rea where the • If excess paint is the prob­
pletely and thoroug h ly month and clean the tracks wi ndow sash moves with lem, open the sash as far
clea n the track with #000 a g a i n as n eeded (yea rly or plenty of spray s i l icone or as poss i b l e, a n d scrape a n d
steel wool and any l iq u i d so), but avoid g etting any WD-40, movi n g the sash sand any pai nted e d g e that
a utomotive polish/wax. c l ea n ers or spray l u brica nts repeatedly u ntil it moves the sash s l ides a g a i n st.
on the brush-style weather smooth ly.
• Wi pe away any res i d u e a n d stri pping often fou nd with • To u c h up a ny scra ped
test the window. vi nyl windows. • If the sash is especially stiff, a reas.
ta ke you r time movi n g
• Rub the track with add ition­ it-if movements a re too
al wax or spray with sil icone. abrupt, the ropes can break.

90
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
brication that these wi ndows can be sorely lacking. Like meta l
windows, sliding vinyl windows, the latest a nd g reatest version Pa int b u i ld-up o n wood wi ndows ca n most ef­
of home windows, a re a l so prone to sticking. Vi nyl, l i ke wood, fectively be removed by d isassembling the win­
expa nds and contracts as the te m peratu re changes, a nother dow, removi ng the sash, a n d stri p pi n g o r sand­
factor i n sticking. i n g the pa i nt off. Th is is a more-involved task but
Removi n g su rface corrosion, d i rt, a n d grime g oes a long ca n be done by a homeowner. See the Resou rces
way towa rds a l leviati n g stic k i n g windows. Stri p p ing or sand­ section on page 228 for more on repairing wood
i ng the paint off a win dow is a nother option for sto p p i n g windows.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
sti c ky win dows lo ng-ter m . These a re ho meowner-frie nd ly
projects a nd don't req u i re a professi o n a l contractor.

Wood Casemen t Windows Aluminum Windows

• Determ i ne where the win­ often fou n d on newer case­ • S l i d i n g a l u m i n u m w i ndows • If nava l jelly is not ava i l a b l e,
dow sash is sticki ng, m a rk it, ment windows. last forever and won't wa rp, a utomotive pol i s h i n g com­
and trim down that section but they can bind after pou nd (see page 46), either
of the j a m b with a sharp • Test the sash, and conti n u e yea rs of use. l i q u id or paste, or l iq u id
pa int scraper. tri m m i n g i f needed. cleanser w i l l do.
• Clean the window track
• If necessa ry, scrape down • Sand, pri m e, and paint a l l with #000 steel wool and • Wipe off a l l cleaner resi­
the edge of the sash as wel l, scra ped a reas, taking care nava l jelly, a m i ld ly acidic d ues, a pply a coat of a uto­
but be ca reful a round a ny to l i m it you r painting to cleaner. motive wax, and l u bricate
i nteg ra l weather stri pping these a reas. a l l locks and hardware.

91
 STICKING FU RNITU RE D RAWERS
Keep drawers from sticking and make opening them easier
Wood d rawers b u i lt before the e ra of d rawer slides-those overha u l . It won't ta ke long to sa nd, sea l, a nd l u b ricate a sin­
wonderfu l meta l s u p ports that run a lon g the sides of d raw­ g l e d rawer a nd get it back i n action. Yo u'l l get more notice­
ers-can swe l l u p a nd stick s hu t depe n d i n g o n weather con­ a b l e resu lts with s m a l ler d rawe rs than l a rger ones, but both
d itions, l oose corners, s p l its i n the sid es, or a loose bottom . w i l l be nefit from a t u n e-u p.
Repa i rs a re n ot com p l icated a nd do n ot req u i re spec i a l N ewer d rawers with s l id ers o r ru n n e rs ca n u se some at­
tool s. I f y o u ca n't fi nd the s pecific problem, j u st do a ge nera l tention fro m t i m e to t i me as wel l as w h e n t h e s l iders beg i n

Wood Dra wer Wood Drawer without Runners

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• Furniture a n d cabinet d raw­ loosen-remove the d rawer • Older wood d rawers slide • Lig htly sand down tight
ers stick when they becom e and tig hten these, and ap­ wit h i n a n opening u s i n g d rawers a n d then a pply
misal igned after repeated ply pa raffin o r spray s i l icone their o w n s i d e s or s m a l l pa raffi n, soap, or s i l icone
use or they absorb moisture to the s l i d es. bloc ks as the g u i d es; these spray.
and expa nd. wea r down over time a n d
• A broken d rawer with loose need u p keep. • A wood d rawer m i g ht n eed
• Older d rawers s l i d e wood corners or bottom w i l l n eed a s h i m or g u ide added for
on wood, which can bind. repa iring before adj usti n g it • Remove the d rawer, a n d smoother movement.
for movement. ru b the sides w i t h pa raf­
• Newer d rawers move on fi n or soa p, or spray with
meta l s l ides whose screws s i l icone; check a l i g n m ent.

92
to l oosen . Once you k n ow how to rep a i r these d rawe rs, yo u
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
wo n't h ave to ya n k on you r d resser j u st to get d ressed i n
t h e morning. If you have a true a ntiq ue, con sult with a dea ler or restorer
a bout how m uch sa n d i ng or a lteration you can do to a
d rawer before you affect the va l u e of the piece. You r treat-
S'eci fiV15 fhe S'C1V1ded cireciS' wifh CI VI od or •
ment options m i g ht be l i m ited i n order to reta i n the origi- :
wcix w i U help keep �01Ar d rciwer5 5fidiV15
n a l ity and a p pea rance. :
S'moofhf� . .
•
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Furniture Dra wer with Sliders/Runners

• An electric sander m a kes (with the d rawer out, sand • Purists won't i n sta l l meta l • The g u ides a re a l ig ned
s hort work out of some sta i n s on the i n side, too). d rawer ru n ners on some and screwed to the d raw­
sticking d rawers, especia l ly old fu rniture, but they do ers a n d its cabi net or the
the fronts if the edges a re • Don't worry a bout ta k i n g m a ke life easier a n d can fu r n i t u re piece conta i n i n g
g u m med up with pai nt. t o o m u c h wood off t h e prevent wea r a n d tear to the d rawers.
sides; a speed b l o c k i s n't d rawers.
• Remove the d rawer, a n d that a g g ressive. • No cutti ng or alterations are
sand the sides a n d edges • Severa l styles of d rawer requ i red, but start with a
with a speed block sander • Seal the sanded a reas with ru n ners a re ava i l a b l e with small d rawer, if available, to
a n d 80-grit paper, smooth­ a penetrating oil or wax. d ifferent m o u nting l oca­ get a feel for the i n stal lation.
ing with 1 00-grit paper tions.

93
 STICKING KEYED DOO R LOCKS
Repair your jammed door lo ck before it puts you in a jam
Most entry doors n ow have two locks: one i n the door knob M ov i n g m eta l lock pa rts, l i ke movi ng wood pa rts, ca n
a n d a dead bolt, both keyed the sa m e so, a s a convenience, wea r down, stick, or eve n j a m u p after e n o u g h d a i ly u sage.
on l y one key is needed to open them . These locks a re typi­ Loc ks ca n a l so get stu c k i n the door stri ke, the meta l sec­
ca l ly a pi n-a nd-t u m bler design, which featu res a series of tion of the l ockset i n sta l led in the d oor j a m b. The s l i d i n g
sma l l p i n s of d ifferent lengths. When a key is i n serted, the b o l t pa rt o f the l o c k sl ides i nto the st ri ke, a n d if t h e stri ke
key's n otches a re cut to match u p with the pins a nd move is m is a l i g ned or not set correctly, the lock wi l l stick a n d be
them to either lock or u n lock the door. d iffi c u l t to o perate.

Checking with Key Powdered Graphite

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• Test a sticking door lock by • If the bolt a n d stri ke a re n't • If the lock sticks with the • Spray additional g ra p h ite
open i n g the door a n d mov­ l i n i n g up vertical ly, check door open, spray the i n side on the key, and work it i n
i n g the lock with the key that the hinge screws a re with powdered g ra p h ite, t h e lock as wel l .
a n d the t h u m b turn. tig ht. ava i lable at h a rdware a n d
a uto pa rts stores. • If powdered g ra p h ite isn't
• If the lock does not move • If o n l y the key side is ava i l a b l e a n d the lock m u st
freely, then it's sticking; if sticki ng, try a nother key to • Sq ueeze the powder i nto be l u bricated i m mediately,
it does, the stri ke bolt isn't confi rm one key i sn't exces­ the lock t h ro u g h the key spray s i l icone in the key
l i n i n g up with stri ke in the sively worn down. ope n i n g and at the latch open i n g and catch .
jamb. and stri ke bolt a few times
to d i stribute the g ra p hite.

94
 A l ittle d etective work, pati e n ce, a n d t h e rig ht l u b rica n t
w i l l solve most o f yo u r l o c k p ro b l e m s . Th i s i s a n easy p roj ­
• • • • • • • • • • •
•
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

•
ect for a h o m eo w n e r a nd d oes n 't req u i re a ny a d d it i o n a l Don't m ix l u b rica nts (sil icone a n d g ra p h ite). You'l l get a
p rofess i o n a l h e l p. sticky mess and ma ke things worse. Out of g ra p hite? R u b
t h e key with some penci l g ra p h ite (the"lead " i n a lead pen­
cil) and work it i nto the lock or g ri nd the g ra p hite i nto a
S'ot'Y\eti Me) the plt1stic 1iV1er i V15ide the powder and l i be ra l ly coat the key with it. •
5fri ke CCIV1)e) the door fo S"fick. •
•
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Door Strike Disassembling

• The door stri ke fits i nto the • You m i g ht need to fi l e • Many standard locks come • Remove a ny fasteners se­
door j a m b, a n d the latch down the stri ke until i t a pa rt by removing screws curing the lock and p u l l the
and the slide bolt fit i nto matches u p with t h e side that pass th rough the lock lockset from the door.
the stri ke to sec u re the bolt. assembly and are found
door. near the i nterior door knob. • Look for broken parts, clean
• If fi l i n g isn't practical, move out any d i rt, and l u bricate
• Check i n side the stri ke for the stri ke s l i g htly. E n l a rg e • Older mortise locks have with g raphite before reas­
a plastic l i ner, wh ich can the h o l e i n the j a m b with screws near the i n terior sem bling.
sometimes ca use sticki n g, a wood chisel and d ri l l the door knob a n d on the door
and remove it. screw holes a g a i n . edge where the strike bolt
moves i n and out.

95
 HO LES IN P LASTER
Fixing plaster holes is not as difficult as it looks and doesn ' t need
professional help
P l a stered wa l l s a re typica l ly made u p of t h ree coats of d i f­ i ly ava i l a bl e at home centers for o ne-pa rt re pa i rs that a ny
fe rent types of p l a ster, m a k i n g them very stu rdy. As h a rd novice c a n d o.
as p l a ster i s, swi n g i n g door k n obs, re m ov i n g s h e l f b rackets, P laster d ries fast, so give yo u rself five m i n utes of too l i ng
a n d t h i ng s that go b u m p in the n i g ht can a l l l eave hol es to time per batch a n d mix o n ly enoug h that ca n be worked i n
be re pa i red. Fortu nately, we do n't h ave to rep a i r with t h ree that a m o u nt o f ti me. Plaster is too h a rd t o easi ly sand a n d i s
coats of p l a ste r a ny l o n g e r. P l a ster m ixes a n d fi l l e rs a re read - mea nt t o b e m ixed a n d smoothed q u ickly.

Removing Loose Plaster Clear Away Dust

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• P lace a d rop cloth on the • Break plaster away u ntil sol­ • Brush the d u st and loose • Spray water on the exposed
floor, and clean out all loose id plaster is fou nd without bits off with a n old pai nt­ plaster, lath, and s u rrou nd­
plaster with a putty kn ife or cru m b l i ng-be cautious, it's brush or vacu u m off. ing edge of the old plaster.
old screwdriver. easy to remove too m uch.
• Even s m a l l holes can have
• Dig to the lath u s i n g an old more loose plaster around
screwd river or the point of them than you m i g ht
a putty kn ife. suspect so clean these
thoro u g h ly.

96
 S m a l l re pairs done with pl aster m ixes a re i nd isti n g u ishable
i n a p peara n ce a nd hard ness fro m the sur ro u n d i n g p la ster.
MAKE IT EASY
•
And for l a rger a reas, depen d i ng on the size, trad ition a l plaster
: M ix i n g a s m a l l a mo u n t of v i n eg a r- a b o u t 1 0 pe rcen t
m i g ht be ca l led for. An opti on for a hole l a rger t h a n 2 i n ches
: of t h e req u i red l i q u i d-with d ry p l a ste r m i x i n l ieu o f
a c ross is to cut a section of d rywa l l a nd fasten it to where
: water wi l l s l o w d o w n t h e d ry i n g a nd a l l ow m o re t i m e
the plaster is m i ssing or re m oved fro m the orig i n a l wa l l . Then • to s mooth it o u t . Befo re m ix i n g, be s u re the a rea t o
•
ski m ove r the a rea with d rywa l l compound as a fi n a l fi n i s h . • be re p a i red i s c o m p l etely read y, with a l l l oose p l a ster
•
• removed .
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Smoothing It Ou t

• As m a ny as two or th ree If you're not a pro, apply a

layers of p l a ster a n d other fi nal coat of joint compound
fi l l ers m i g ht be layered, or Spackle as both are soft
d e pe n d i n g on the size of materials that can be sanded.
the hole bei n g repa i red.
• Apply a small amount of joint
• A l low each layer to com­ compound several i nches
p l ete l y d ry- most a re fa st beyond the patched area.
d ry i n g, twe nty m i n utes or
l ess, d e pe n d i n g o n how • Joint compound takes longer
t h i c k a layer is a pp l i e d . to d ry than plaster fi l lers.

• An experienced plasterer can • Wi pe the dust away from the

obtai n a smooth finish using patch.
only plaster without sanding.

97
 REPAIRIN G P LASTER CRACKS
A bit of movement , and plaster can crack-here 's how to fix it
Plaster is h a rd, but it ca n sti l l c rack. When the wood fra m­ section of a wa l l or cei l i ng. And these cracks can be long.
i ng u n der it moves or sh ifts a bit from earth moveme nts or S i m ply ru n n i ng some Spackle over them, a fa r too common
expa nsion a nd contraction from u n ex pected moist u re, the a p p roach, d oes n't fix them, nor does the smear of Spackle
plaster moves with it. Whereas wood is flex i b l e a nd has roo m look at all attractive.
t o move, plaster does n ot, so cracks develop. A plaster crack s h o u l d be opened up and made l a rger, pref­
Plaster cracks often look ra ndom, but they have logic of era b ly down to the u nderlyi ng lath, a nd then fi l led. A prop­
their own . It a l l depends on what m oved u n derneath which erly re pa i red crack wi l l last. You might get new cracks over

Widening the Cracks Applying Fix-All

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• Widen a n d d i g out the crack • F i l led cracks m i g ht retu rn, • After the crack has been • Ta ped cracks ca l l for two to
using a n old screwd river but ta ped cracks req u i re cleaned out, wet it, pack t h ree t h i n coats of d rywa l l
or the point of a stiff putty more fi nesse a pplying the it with plaster fi l ler, and compound, spread t h i n l y
kn ife. d rywa l l compound. smooth it with a putty knife. a bout 6 i nches beyond
each edge of the tape.
• Some prefer to apply fi ber­ • If you d o n't m i nd l ots • Na rrow cracks ca n u s u a l ly
g lass d rywa l l tape over the of d ust, u se a d ri l l with a be fi l l ed with one applica­ • Don't rush sa n d i n g the joint
crack and "mud" it over with g r i n d i n g wheel attachment tion of fi l ler, w h i l e wider compound-sa nd it only
severa l layers of d rywa l l to g ri n d a l l the cracks to cracks req u i re two appl ica­ when it's com pletely h a rd.
com pound. the lath. tions.

98
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ti me, but the repa i red c racks s h o u l d mostly stay closed.
Some c racks a re so fi ne you have to decide if they 're worth Plaster i s forLed i nto rreta l or wood ldth, which
repa i r i n g or s i m ply painting ove r. If you pa i nt them over, a rchon; it as t mies. When plaster cracks, it can
there is some risk they w i l l e n l a rge later with fut u re wood pull away from the lath. S pecia l plaster washers
expa nsions, so wei g h you r optio n s-repa i r now or maybe a re ava i l a b l e that, when screwed agai nst the
repa i r later. plaster a nd into the lath, help sec u re loose plas­
ter wt'IOJt removing and replac ng 1t.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Applying the Final Coa t

• Determ i n e if you n eed to over the ta ped repair, run

fi n i s h coat the crack by its you r hand over the patch
appeara n ce. for smooth ness-you don't
want a l u m py repa i r to stick
• When d ry, if the fi l led crack
out.
needs a nother coat of fi l ler,
apply a t h i n coat of d rywa l l
• Be s u re the drywal l com­
compound, a n d sand when
pou n d completely covers
d ry with 1 00-g rit paper.
any fi berglass tape; other­
• After the last drywal l wise, it will show through
com pound layer is sanded the pa int.

99
 D RYWALL H O LES
Fixing drywall imperfe ctions can be done without the help
of a professional
Drywa l l has been a round since World Wa r I, but it too k the la­ sta l l ing drywa l l was a nd is a lower ski l led trade than p lastering,
bor a n d materials shortages ofWorld Wa r I I a nd the demand for a lthough it sti l l ca l ls for strength and speed.
housing after the wa r to kick in the u se of d rywal l over pla ster. The joi nts betwee n pieces of d rywa l l a re fi n is hed with sev­
U n l i ke plaster, d rywa l l was prod uced in ready-to-i nsta l l sheets era l coats of joint com po u n d (or " m u d ") a n d pa per (o r fi ber­
(4'X8' a n d larger) of gypsum sandwic hed between sheets of g l ass) tape. After d rying, each coat is sanded smooth before
du ra ble paper a n d wa s n a i led d i rectly to fra m i ng l u m ber. I n- the n ext coat is a p p l ied. The joint compound comes in t h ree

Dents and Holes Repair Kits

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• Repa i r m i n o r d rywa l l dents ta pe, and sand each layer • Drywa l l doesn't have a ny pound, a n d a l low for d ry­
with Spackle or plaster fi l ler. smooth after it's d ried. lath beh i nd it-there's ing, sa n d i ng, a n d painting.
noth i n g to hold a ny fi l ler.
• Use a repai r kit or fi berg lass • If the wa l l is textu red, apply • Smaller holes can some­
d rywa l l tape (single or spray textu re after the last • Self-a d h esive mesh a n d times be l i g htly clea ned out
double layer) to cover l a rger coat of d rywa l l compound meta l screen d rywa l l repair a n d repai red with plaster
holes. or hand textu re the l a st kits a re ava i l a b l e for holes fi l ler, but holes l a rger tha n
coat w h i l e sti l l wet with a up to 6"X6" or so. 6"X6" w i l l n eed backing in­
• Apply three layers of d ry­ sponge, rol ler, or other ap­ sta l led a n d a d rywa l l patch.
wa l l com pound, sprea d i n g pro priate tool to match the • Attach the mesh/screen,
a bout 6 i nches beyond t h e surro u n d i n g a rea. spread some d rywa l l com-

100
types: a l l-pu rpose, to ppi ng, a n d q u ick set. Al l-pu rpose is
ava i l a b l e at j u st a bout eve ry pai nt, ha rdwa re, a nd home cen­
MAKE IT EASY
te r sto re, making it conve n ient for you to h a nd le you r own D rywa l l i s sold i n sheets, norm a l ly two at a ti me, fa r
re pai rs. I t comes premixed i n plastic buckets a n d wi l l d o j u st more t h a n y ou ' l l ever n eed fo r s m a l l re pa i rs. I t 's wo rth
what its n a me sug gests. It w i l l work for a ny d rywa l l taping or g ra bb i ng some scra p p i eces from new home con­
re pair pu rpose. I t s h ri n ks a bit more t h a n the other two a nd, stru ction sites and storing them fo r fut u re u se. S c ra p
when d ry, ta kes longer to sand to a s mooth fi n i sh, but it's d rywa l l i s often p i l ed a nd stac ked outs i d e these sites
ready to u se a nd stores easi ly. and i s considered d i sca rded.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cu tting Out the Damaged Area Installing the Pa tch

• With a pencil and stra i g h t i n side the wa l l a n d beh i n d • With the backing in place, • Ta pe the edges and apply
edge, d raw a n even sq u a re the d rywa l l a n d sec u re a piece of scra p d rywa l l t h ree coats of d rywal l
or recta n g l e an i nch bigger them by d riving d rywa l l c a n b e i n sta l l ed, taped, a n d compound, exte n d i n g out
i n each d i rection aro u n d screws t h ro u g h t h e d rywa l l fi n ished. about 6 inches, sa n d i n g
the da maged a rea. a n d i n to t h e strips. e a c h smooth, and applying
• Cut a section of d rywa l l the a textu red fi ni s h if needed.
• Cut this a rea out with a util­ • The d rywa l l can a lso be same thickness as the exist­
ity kn ife or keyhole saw. ca refu l ly cut out with a n i n g d rywa l l to size; g l u e • Pri me and pai n t the re­
e l ectric j i g saw. a n d screw t h i s patch t o t h e pa i red section.
• Place t h i n stri ps of wood­ backer s u pports.
plywood scraps w i l l do-

101
 D RYWALL CRACKS
B e c ause drywall often cracks at the taped j oints , the repairs
necessary are different than for plaster
Drywa l l is a stiff materia l, but it does move a l ong with the co m i n g t h ro u g h the su rface. Other ti mes, the d rywa l l moves
u nderlyi n g fra m i n g it's atta c hed to on wa l l s a nd cei l i ngs, es­ at the joi nts, a n d the ta pe a nd joi nt co m po u nd a re torn a nd
pecia l ly as the fra m i n g loses some of its wate r content a n d d a m aged.
d ries o u t . A s the wood moves, it p u l l s away from the n a i l s A d rywa l l repa i r req u i res you re move a l l the loose tape a n d
or screws sec u ri ng the d rywa l l . Cra c ks s h ow t h ro u g h i n vari­ j o i n t com pou nd from the d amaged a rea. A t t h a t poi nt, yo u
ous ways. Sometimes a l l you' l l notice is a nail or screw head can retape a n d "m u d " the crack, but it's faster a n d s i m pler to

Cu tting Away Torn Tape Tape Repair

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• Drywa l l cracks occ u r at • Fi l l i n the d a maged a rea • Use paper or self-ad hesive knife and spread a t h i n
ta ped sea m s where two with plaster fi l ler, forc i n g it fi be rg la s s ta pe to reta pe layer o f com pou nd over
sheets of d rywa l l come i nto the joint and smooth­ cracks and d u p l i cate the the top of the tape u ntil
together a n d the sea m is i n g it with a putty kn ife. orig i n a l construct i o n . it's smooth, extend i n g out
covered with d rywa l l tape • Remove l oose ta pe and joint a bout 6 i nches from the
and joi nt compou nd. • When the fi l ler is d ry, recoat compound, a pply a thin coat ta pe edges.
with joint compou nd, tex­ of joint com pound, and cut F i b e rg l a s s tape i s se lf­
Cut away any l oose tape
•
• turing if n ecessa ry, followed a piece of new paper tape a d h e sive a n d a p p l ies
and joint com pound. by pri m i n g and painting to the length of the crack.
d i rectly to t h e wa l l boa rd;
match the s u rrounding area.
• Press the paper ta pe i nto d o n ot a p p l y it to j o i nt
the compound with a putty com p o u n d .

102
use patc h i n g plaster or other fi l l er. Ta p ing a nd "m ud d i ng" a . . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
c rack j ust is n't necessa ry u n less a very long crack is bei ng re­
pa i red with a l ot of ta pe da mage. Patc h i ng plaster w i l l fi l l a nd If you r d rywa l l crack is wet, you have a water problem
repl ace a ny s m a l ler da maged taped a reas wit hout com p ro­ that m ust be repai red before the crack is repai red. Th is wi l l
•

m i s i n g the joi nt or a p pea ra n ce. proba bly ca l l for removi ng a l a rger a rea of d rywa l l . Drywa l l
cracked across its fa ce and not a t a sea m suggests major
sett l i ng, a nd the ca use should be i nvestigated. •
•
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Applying More Coa ts/Texture Nails

• It's easy to apply joint com­ • Always use a clean knife for • If a d rywa l l nail pops out, • Press a s m a l l a m o u nt of
pou nd too th ickly and end sprea d i ng-a l l bits of d ried d rive it back in with a ham­ Spackle or d rywa l l fi l ler over
u p with a l u m py repa i r­ joint compound s h o u l d be mer a n d n a i l set. a l l nai l/screw heads with a
g ood ta ping a n d "muddi ng" wi ped from the edge. putty knife, sand the fi l ler
is a n a rt form that ta kes • If a screw shows, lightly tap a when it d ries, a n d prime
practice. • Sand off any ridges, h i g h Phillips screwdriver into the a n d paint with a n a rtist's
spots, a n d rou g h edges head and tig hten it by hand. brush for the l east visible
• All coats should be spread with 1 00-grit sa n d pa per touch-up.
t h i n with a wide fi n ish knife (the last coat s h o u ld req u i re • Screw the d rywa l l a bout
or putty kn ife. l ittl e sa n d i n g ) . 3 i nc h es a bove a n d below
t h e l oose screw/n a i l .

103
 CRACKED CON CRETE FLOO RS
Fill serious concrete cracks to keep the area safe and prevent water
from seeping in
Wh i l e it's one of the h a rdest materia l s in housing construc­ Water not o n ly tu rns d ry concrete mix i nto p l i a bl e, usable
tion, concrete is sti l l s u sceptible to cracks. Th is is n't necessar­ mate ri a l but a l so chem ica l ly reacts with the ce ment i n the
i ly a sign of wea kness, but it's i n the nature of the materia l concrete mix ca u s i ng the h a rden i ng p rocess. Without water,
a n d its i n sta l latio n . Concrete s h r i n ks some as it c u res a n d also concrete wou l d n't c u re a nd h a rden p roperly. Curing can go
swe l l s a nd s h ri n ks a s it a bsorbs a nd l oses moist u re, a lthou g h on for yea rs, which ex p l a i n s why cracks ca n show up a ny ti me.
these c h a n ges wo n't a lways cause c ra cks. H ow the concrete was m ixed a nd poured, the weather con-

Ca ulking Hairline Cracks Cleaning Ou t Larger Cracks

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• Sma l l h a i r l i ne cracks and the d i rections on the ca u l k • Wea r safety g lasses to a d ri l l as a fast way of clea r­
s l i g htly l a rger ones can be tu be. remove loose material with i n g out a crack.
fi l led with latex concrete either a h a m mer and cold
ca u l k with sil icone. Ca u l ki n g • Press the ca u l k i n to the ch isel or a n old u nwa nted • Vac u u m u p a l l l oose debris
cracks bri n g s no g u a ran­ crack a n d scrape it off the screwd river, m a k i n g the and d ust.
tees, but when it works, it's concrete su rface with a bottom of the crack wider
a simple repa i r with good putty kn ife, leavi n g o n ly a than the top. • Apply a s u ita ble concrete
resu lts. t h i n fi l m . repa i r mix and press it
• If d ust isn't a problem, use a down com pletely tightly
• Vac u u m the crack out • Rea pply i f n eeded t o fi l l the g r i n d i n g wheel attached to i nto the crack.
before ca u l ki ng, fol lowi n g crack to its top.

104
d itions, the a m o u nt of water i n the m ix, a nd g ro u n d p re pa ra­
tion a l l affect the degree of c racking in a pou red concrete • • • • • • • • • • • • • • RfD 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
s l a b. Eve n u n der the best of con d itions, sh ifting soil u n der • Cracks in a concretefloor are one thing, but deep cracks
concrete c reates conditions that ca use c racks. : in concrete walls can be structural issues and should
C racks ca n be serious or merely cosmetic a n d nonstruct u ra l. : be reviewed by an engineer or contractor. Your home
H a i r l i ne cracks a re good exa m p les of cosmetic, leave-them­ : might not be endangered, but you don't want severe
a lone c ra cks. More n oticea ble c racks, however, should be : cracks to progress if simple repairs are possible.
•
fi l led to i m p rove a p peara nces, to e n s u re safety (if the edge of •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
the c rack is a tri pping haza rd), and to kee p wate r fro m seep­
ing i n a nd worsen i n g the crack.

Cleaning Ou t a Hole

• Clean holes i n concrete of two-pa rt prod uct (follow

a l l l oose, damaged material the i n structions on the can),
using a ham mer a n d old pressi n g it tightly.
screwd river or cold ch isel.
• Slowly b u i l d up the materia l
• Clean all exposed sides of as you fi l l the hole.
the hole with a wire brush,
vac u u m out the loose • Smooth the fi na l layer with
debris, wet the a rea, and a broad putty knife.
fill it with latex cement, a

105
CRACKED G LASS
You can ' t repair a glass crack , but you can replace the glass itself
G l a s s is a m ix of sa n d, l i me, a n d soda, a l l heated tog eth e r w h i l e avoi d i n g fut u re tra u m a s .
u nt i l l i q u efi ed a nd t h e n p o u red t o fo r m d iffe re nt s h a pes. Re p l a c i n g o l d e r, s i ng l e - p a n e g l ass i s re l at i ve l y s i m p le.
I t 's the best m a te r i a l fo r w i n d ows and s h o u l d re m a i n The g l a s s i s ava i l a b l e at m ost h a rd wa re stores o r loca l
c r a c k-free fo r a l ifeti m e i f w e do n't t ra u m atize it b y t h row­ g l azi n g s h o p s at a rea so n a b l e cost, a n d re m ovi n g t h e
i n g baseba l l s t h ro u g h it, s l a m m i n g w i n d ows c l osed, o r g l a s s d oes n't req u i re a ny s pec i a l tools. I t 's a l so s o m e w h a t
ru n n i n g a h i g h-tem pera tu re hea t g u n a g a i n st it. B u t we i n t u itive: Yo u c a n see by l o o k i n g at t h e g l a s s h ow it's s e ­
do t ra u m atize g l a s s a n d occa s i o n a l ly n eed to re p l a ce it c u red to t h e sa s h .

Alumin um Windows Wood Windows

• Broken sing le-pa n e g lass i n • Remove the broken g lass; • I n older wood-sash, s i n g le­ the toug hest and most
steel or a l u m i n u m windows when m ea s u ri n g for pane windows, g lass is h e l d time-co n s u m i n g part of the
can be held i n by g laz- rep lacement piece, buy i n w i t h g lazing points­ job-a l l of the com pou nd
ing com pound (putty), a a piece a bout 1 /8 inch s m a l l sharp fasteners m u st be cleaned out.
sea lant, meta l c l i ps, or by a shorter i n each d i rection pressed a g a i n st the g lass­
meta l frame, screwed at the from you r mea s u re m ents and g lazi n g compound, • Mea s u re the new g lass and
corners. for easy fitti ng. which sea l s the glass to the remove 1 /8 inch from each
weather. mea s u re before ordering
• Spring tension c l i ps, which • Replace the d a maged
n ew g lass.
i n sert i nto the fra me, help sea l i n g prod uct (e.g., putty)
• C h i pping the old g laz­
hold puttied g lass i n place. with the same m ateria l
i n g compound out is
w h e n i n sta l l i n g new g lass.

106
 Repa i ring a m odern i n s u lated g lass u n it isn't so i ntuitive, so
someti mes the aid of a profession a l g lass contractor mig ht be
: • • • • • • • • • • YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •

needed. That said, modern g lass is less l i kely to have cracks U n s u re if you r crack m ight get worse and possi bly fa l l out,
than old g lass in part because of its age (it's had less exposu re but you ca n't repa i r it right away? Ta pe both sides of the
to trau matizing incidents), i m proved m an ufactu ring methods, crack with c lea r mailing ta pe, which sta nds out less than
and thickness. Any c racked g lass can be repaired, but u n less other ta pes. The g lass is less l i kely to fa l l out a nd i nj u re a ny­
the g l ass is in d a nger of fa l l i ng out, repa irs a ren't critica l. one wa l king below it.
•
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sealants

• Glazing compound was the i n g tape a n d then sea led

sta n d a rd sealant for s i n g le­ with s i l icone ca u l k i ng-it
pane g lass for years a n d is all depends on how the
sti l l used today for repa i rs. ori g i n a l u n it is g lazed.

• Remove, knead, and soften • For pai nta ble sea la nts such
the entire can of g lazi ng as g lazi ng compound,
compound before using. fol low the m a n ufactu rer's
i n structions for curing times
• Glass is sometimes secu red before pa i nting.
to meta l sashes with g l az-

1 07
 HOW YOU R SYSTEM WO RKS
Learn the ins and outs of your system to prepare for maintenance
and safety in the future
We don't see e l ectricity, but we see the res u lts: It r u n s a pp l i­ in a n d turn on. Older syste ms a re often safe as we ll, but p rob­
a n ces, t u r n s on the l i g hts, a nd d i s plays televi sion shows. We lems occ u r when cha nges a re made that don't meet code
pay atte ntion to it o n ly when it is n't worki ng or when the a nd safety req u i reme nts.
bill comes. Modern electrica l system s a re very re l i a b l e a nd The U n ited States Fire Ad m i n i stration c l a i m s that home
safe. The o n ly c h a n ges that occ u r a re u pdates to the e l ectri­ e l ectrica l p roblems acco u nt for a l m ost 68,000 f oes a yea r,
ca l code a nd a neve r-end i ng s u p p ly of n ew devices to p l ug most from fa u lty wiring a n d misuse of cords a n d p l ugs-

The Service Panel

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• A service panel, or fuse box, • Fuses a n d c i rc u it brea kers

d istri butes electricity to stop electricity i n overload­
loads- l i g hts, a p p l i a n ces, ed circu its.
outlets, etc.-and protects
wiring. The more c i rcu its, • New fu l l -size homes typi­
the better s i nce too m a ny ca l ly have 200-a m p service
loads or loads d e m a n d i ng a panels; fu se boxes a re no
lot of electricity on a s i n g l e longer i n sta l led i n homes.
c i rc u it can cause problems.
• I n old homes, u pgrading to a
service panel is a good idea.

108
especi a l ly d u ri ng Dece m ber when i n d oor l i g hti ng use i n­
c reases. U ndersta n d i n g the l i m its of you r syste m a nd basic • • • • • • • • • • • • GREEN 9LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• •
• •
m a i ntena nce wi l l keep you safe a n d m a ke the most efficient • If you're uncertain about an older electrical system, •
use of you r electricity. : hire an electrician to do a safety check. It typically takes :
: about an hour or so for the inspection. Consider any :
: recommendations for suggested safety upgrades, but :
: foremost be sure it's safe enough as is and understand :
: any limitations on usage. :
• •
• •
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Knob and Tube Wiring

• Knobs a n d tu bes a re ce­ • Modern wiring conta i n s a l l

ra mic h a rdwa re once used t h e req u i red wires i n o n e
when i nsta l l i ng and attach­ cable, each wire havi n g
i n g wiring. Knob a n d t u be i t s o w n plastic i n su lation
wiring typica l l y has ru bber a ro u n d it.
and black cloth i n su lation
a ro u n d single wi res. • Romex is both the trade
name and common name
• There's no ground wire (a for modern insu lated wiring.
safety feature in new systems)
in knob and tube systems.

109
 FUSES & CIRCUIT B REAKERS
Protect yourself by getting familiar with your fuses , wiring ,
and circuit breakers
The wires i n yo u r house a re sized to ca rry a certa i n a mo u nt of on a c i rcuit desig ned to ru n j u st one or two, a nd the cu rrent
el ectrica l cu rrent. Too m uc h c u rrent, and wi re can ove rheat wou l d keep fl owi ng u nt i l the wire beco mes red hot.
a nd cause a fi re. Fuses and c i rc u it brea kers l i m it how m uch When you demand too m uch cu rrent by tryi ng to ru n a
cu rrent can trave l t h ro u g h wires by s h utti n g d own the c i rcu it. toa ster, blen der, a n d coffeem a ker at the same time on one
They a re the main safeg u a rds of yo u r syste m . Without them, c i rcu it, the brea ker tri ps, a fu se " b l ows" or " b urns out;' a nd the
you cou ld p l ug i n a doze n s ma l l a p p l i a n ces i n yo u r kitchen fl ow of the cu rrent sto ps. They act l i ke on/off switches that

Fuse Box and Fuses Service Panel and Circuit Breakers

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• Most household fu ses a re etc-which determ ines the • A modern service panel h a s • Circ u it brea kers are a l so
g lass screw-ins with t h i n size of the wire they can circuit brea kers t h a t "tri p" t o rated to protect certai n
meta l stri ps i n t h e m ; i f protect. stop the fl o w o f electricity sizes o f wires-a 1 5-amp
too much cu rrent passes i n a n overloaded c i rc u it. breaker protects 1 4-gauge
through them, the stri ps • A fu se wi l l last i n d efi n itely wi re, a 20-a m p protects 1 2-
melt and the fuses "bu rn" u ntil it's overloaded, which • A c i rc u it breaker can con­ gauge wi re, etc.
out. i s more than its c i rcuit can ven iently be reset and u sed
safely hand le. i nd efi n itely, u n l i ke a fuse, • Circuit brea kers a re fou n d
• Fuses are rated by the am­ which needs replacement i n g rou nded electrical
perage that passes t h rough • A l ways keep extra fuses on after it burns out. systems.
them- 1 5 a m ps, 20 a m ps, hand for q u ick repai rs.

1 10
have to be reset (ci rc u it breaker) or re placed (fu se). Never,
ever c ha n ge out a fu se or c i rc u it brea ker with o n e of l a rger
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
RfD 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

a m perage beca use the power kee ps sh utting d own on a : Old fuse systems can be perfectly safe, provided each :
parti c u l a r c i rc u it. The wi res, c i rc u i t brea kers, a nd fuses a re : circuit has the correct fuse in it. A past resident might :
desig ned to work with each other. Ta m per with th is, a nd a : have replaced a low-amp fuse with a higher amp fuse, :
fi re can res u l t, which often is n't covered by i n s u ra nce. So be : and this is a fire hazard. Except for large appliance loads, :
s u re to u n dersta nd a n d work correctly with i n you r parti c u l a r : circuits for lights, bedrooms, and common rooms will :
c i rc u it system . : normally be 1 5 amps. :
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Resetting a Circuit Breaker

• U n pl u g a n d shut off a l l • Push the breaker i nto a

loads on t h e c i rcu it. B e s u re com plete "OF F" position
the floor u nder the panel and then push to "ON:' It
box is d ry. wi l l click when it's o n .

• At the panel, fi n d which • Check a l l plug-in l o a d s for

breaker has tri pped-it frayed cords.
won't be l i ned u p with the
other brea kers.

111
OVERLOADIN G A CIRCUIT
If you ' re not mindful of your system , you can overload it
and cause a problem
Modern home el ectrica l syste ms n orm a l ly d ispense e n o u g h so m a ny toys a nd electron ics d e m a n d i n g power that one too
c u rrent i n conve n i ent locations that overload i n g does n't m a ny ca n p u l l j ust e n o u g h cu rre nt to th row the c i rcuit over
h a p pe n very often . In addition, c i rc u its a re desig ned with a its l i m it. You w i l l need to ret h i n k the loads o n a g ive n circuit
safety factor to acco m modate sudden s u rges (demand s for to better d istri b ute them to oth e r c i rcu its.
power from energy-gobbl i n g a p p l ia n ces such as vac u u m The fi rst step is fig u r i n g out what each c i rc u it ru n s-wh i c h
c lea ners a nd toa sters) . At t h e s a m e ti me, ho meowners have lig hts, which receptac les, any a pp l i a n ces. Be wa ry o f extra

Overloading

• P l ug in a toaster w h i l e the • If a c i rcuit cont i n u a l ly works

microwave, blender, and u ntil you add a new load,
food processor a re run­ remove that load or an
ning on one c i rcu it, and eq u a l one, a n d reca lculate
you'll then fi nd noth i n g you r load tota l .
is ru n n i n g-the c i rcuit is
overloaded. • Any n e w l o a d can cause a n
overload, b u t typica l ly it's
• Sh utting down i s a safety a s m a l l a p p l i a nce, tool, or
mea s u re to protect the wir­ space h eater.
i ng, noth i n g more.

1 12
loads feeding i nto the syste m, which m i g ht lead to overload­
i n g the c i rc u its. I f all c i rc u it loads a ren't tu rned on at o nce, it
• • · • • · · · • ·
YELLOW LIGHT • • • · • • • · • • • •
•
•
m i g ht be easy to ove rlook a n ove rloaded c i rcu it, so d o u b l e It cou ld be that you r system is too u nderpowered for a l l
c h e c k every rece ptacle a n d lig ht. I t m u st be ass u m ed t h a t a l l you r loads- 1 00 a m ps, for i nstance, when you need 1 50
t h e loads on a c i rc u it w i l l b e on at t h e sa me t i m e a n d that a m ps or more. Other than n ot ru n n i ng some loads, there
col l ectively they don't exceed the c i rc u it's l i m it. is no repa i r for this other than u pg ra d i n g the system. If you
Once you u ndersta n d you r system, you ca n better a ntici­ continue to lose power to certa i n circu its, ta l k with a n elec- •

pate fut u re problems a n d ea s i ly avert potenti a l ly da ngerous trici a n a bout a bigger system. :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
situations.

Power Surge

• When a motor t u rn s on, it a n d fu rnace fa n s, to n a m e

needs more power i n itia l ly j u st a few.
d u ri ng the s u rge than it
needs when it's r u n n i n g . • Before exte n d i n g a c i rcuit
you m u st confirm the
• Com mon household a p p l i­ c i rcuit has e n o u g h power
a nces and tool s have s u rge to run that load if a l l other
factors: vac u u m clea ners, loads a re a l so ru n n i ng.
hair d ryers, was h i n g ma­
c h i nes, refrigerators, electric
saws, dril l s, air conditioners,

1 13
 SAVIN G ELECTRICITY
Keep ele ctricity usage low-and your electricity bills even lower­
with a few simple tips
Energy con servation comes and goes, depending on the latest There a re obvious t h i ng s you ca n do every day to conserve
oil or electrica l grid c risis a n d price h i ke, but with some m i nor electric ity-t u r n off l ig hts when they're not needed, ru n the
adjustments a n d a bit more awa reness of our electricity use, l a u n d ry a p p l ia nces a n d d i s hwasher when fu l l, cook severa l
every household ca n cut back, save money, and g ive a stressed meals at once i n a h eated oven-but there a re a l so l ess obvi­
i nfrastructu re a brea k. Get i nto a da i ly, weekly, or monthly rou­ ous ha bits. Doi ng an energy a ud it of you r home and l ifestyle
tine to help d rop the cost and u sage of electricity. will su rpri se, i nform, and g u ide you to new considerations

Compu ter and Power Strip Compact Fluorescen t

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• Accord i n g to the Lawrence models can h a n d l e m a ny • A com pact fl uorescent b u l b • A C F L can cost five or six
Berkeley Nation a l La bora­ on/off cycles without dam­ (CFL) replaces a sta ndard times the price of a n i ncan­
tory, the electro n ics in the a g i n g the h a rd d rive. inca n d escent l i g ht b u l b. descent bulb and can save
average home consume more than $30 in electric­
over 5 0 watts a n hour even • Use "sleep" or " h i bernate" • EN ERGY STAR q u a l ified ity costs over the b u l b's
when shut off, but this us­ modes for added energy bu l bs u se about 75 percent l ifeti me.
age ca n be m i n i m ized. savings. less energy than sta ndard
incandescent bu l bs a n d last • D i m mer switches req u i re a
• S h utti ng a PC off at the • Use power strips to s h ut off up to ten times longer. special C F L.
power stri p w i l l stop a l l other electronic devices to
electronic activity; n ewer save power as wel l .

11 4
reg a rd i ng you r energy ha bits a n d con s u m ption. Al l those
co m puters and e nterta i n ment devices sti l l req u i re electricity
MAKE IT EASY
•
eve n after you've s hu t them off. And d ropping the heati ng Kee p i n g l ig hti ng u sa g e down is g reat, but you ca n't :
tem perat u re one degree a month to accl i mate to a s l i g htly l ive i n the d a rk. I n sta l l ti mers a n d atta c h them to low- :
cooler hou se can bri n g considera ble savi ngs. Eve ry l itt l e bit wattage l ig hts fo r both sec u rity a n d safety (i n case :
adds u p. yo u have to get u p i n the m id d l e of the n i g ht) . Au- :
to m ated systems fo r m u lti p l e devices prog ra m m ed :
with a PC a re ava i l a b l e a s wel l . :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ENERGY STAR

LEA R N M O R E AT
e n e r g ysta r. g o v

• E N E RGY STAR is a joint • Prod ucts that pass the

vol u nta ry l a b e l i n g prog ra m program's energy sta ndard s
of the U.S. Enviro n m e nta l perform as wel l as or better
Protection Agency a n d the than comparable models
U.S. Department of Energy. while bei n g more energy
efficient.
• The EN ERGY STAR l a bel
i n d icates lower energy • Via its website and pri nted
usage and more efficient materia l s, this program
operation than compara b l e offers energy and b u i l d i n g
models. assessment tool s as wel l .

11 5
 LAM P, CO RD, & PLU G REPAIR
B efore throwing out your radio , light , or other device , try repairing it
W h e n it c o m e s to re pa i r i n g l a m p s, c o rd s, a n d p l u g s, ta ke o t h e r s m a l l d ev i c e s a s we l l a s fo r heavy-d u ty exte n s i o n
a l es s o n in fru g a l ity fro m o u r g ra n d p a re n t s a n d g re a t­ c o rd s . Re p l a c i n g a p l u g i s a very stra i g htfo rwa rd h o m ­
g ra n d p a re n ts: Try a re pa i r fi rst befo re you toss it i n t h e eow n e r re p a i r.
g a r ba g e . A c o m m o n repa i r w i t h s m a l l e l ectrica l d evices Re placing a l a m p or power tool cord can be a bit trickier­
i s re p l a c i n g a m a i m e d c o rd o r p l u g . H a rd wa re stores a l ­ some d i sasse m bly is i nvo lved, a nd yo u do n't have a lot of
ways stock re p l a c e m e n t p l u g s fo r l a m p s a n d ra d i o s a n d extra room to work-but g ive n the re p lacement cost of a n

Rewiring a Lamp Repairing a n Extension Cord

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• New l a m p cords, p l u g s, keeping the sockets u n less • Extension cords can g et • Heavy-d uty extension cords
a n d sockets a re ava i l a b l e they're i n perfect condition. da maged by cri m ped wires, have t h ree wires that attach
at h a rdware a n d l a m p tea rs, and broken ends. to the cord ends: g reen wire
stores. • If the bulb isn't l i g hting, to the g reen screw, wh ite
u n p l u g it a n d pu l l u p on • Both the male a n d female wire to the si lver screw, a n d
• For less than $ 1 0 in materi­ the brass ta b at the bottom ends a re replaceable. the b l a c k wire t o the da rker
a l s, you can restore a l a m p of the socket-it needs to or brass screw.
t o fu l l u se. m a ke g ood contact with • S m a l l tea rs can be patched
the bu l b for it to work. with e l ectrical tape but
• Replace a l l the parts i n s h o u l d then be mon itored
a n old l a m p; don't bother for futu re wea r and tear.

1 16
a ntique l a m p or a good power too l, it's wel l worth d oing .
Fee l i ng a l ittle out of you r league? Neigh borhood h a rdwa re
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
stores sometimes do cord replaceme nts. Be s u re the p l ug you p u rchase is rated for the cord it w i l l •
•
Tor n exte nsion cord s can be give n a n ew life by cutting be con nected to. Do n ot use a l a m p p l ug desig ned for
them at the d a m aged a rea a nd i n sta l l i n g a p l u g on the c l os­ 1 6-gauge wiring connected to a 1 2-ga u g e extension
est end. The cord w i l l be sho rter, but there's a l ways a use for cord . All co m ponents i n a n electrica l system m u st match •

sh ort extension cords. Th is repa i r is safe r t h a n ta p i n g ove r u p i n te rms of a m perage (the a mo u nt of cu rrent they
torn i n su lation (whi c h s h o u l d be avoided). ca n safely ca rry) .
.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Replacing a Plug

• Always replace cracked or • Snap-on replacement plugs

damaged p l u g s. hold the electrical cord i n a
clamp and do not req uire
• Double-i nsu lated appli­ screwing the wires tight.
a nces, tool s, a n d other
• The neutra l wi re in the
small electrica l eq u i pment
e l ectrical cord is wra p ped
norma l ly use two-pronged,
i n ribbed i ns u lation a n d
u ng rou nded p l u g s-do not
attaches t o the si lver screw
replace these plugs with
(the wider of the two
t h ree-pronged p l u g s.
prong s); the other wire at­
taches to the brass screw.

1 17
 REN EWAB LE EN ERGY
D e cide i f the biggest renewable energy installations i n history will
work for you
Renewa ble energy has been a ro u nd i n one fo rm o r a nother months. During the energy crisis of the 1 970s, a lternative en­
for centu ries. Water-powe red wheels a nd wind-powered ergy sources were seriously considered in America but fel l
p u m ps go back thousands of yea rs. Solar energy, the most o u t o f favor d ue t o u n prove n, bad ly i n sta l l ed tech nology, a nd
promising for residenti a l u se, was capt u red by the G reeks a d rop i n the price of o i l .
and Rom a n s who oriented b u i l d i n g s to capt u re s u n l i g ht for Today, more renewable energy i n sta l l ations than ever before
rad i a nt heat i n the wi nter but not so i n the hotter s u m mer a re showing u p a l l over the world, some of them qu ite massive.

Home Renewable Energy System

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• A renewable solar electric • Battery back-up provides

system incl udes a solar array power in the event there is
or series of solar col lectors/ no solar or utility power avail­
panels, components to con­ able due to bad weather.
vert the solar energy i nto
• Some systems include gas or
usable household electricity,
d iesel generators as back-up
and batteries to store power.
energy sou rce.
• This system cal l s for more
maintenance than a uti lity­
su pplied system and may
requ i re the help of a n expert.

11 8
Residential systems a re more rel i a b le, better i nteg rated, and
even better l ooki ng. Nationwide, however, renewable energy
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

accou nts for less than 2 percent of a l l generated electricity. : Solar electric installations require experienced contrac- :
Is it wo rth i nsta l l i ng a solar energy system in yo u r ho me? : tors familiar with the components and a track record of :
Wi l l you ever recover the cost? What a bout tax c redits? Some : satisfied customers. This is not a job for any electrician :
system s se l l power back to you r uti l ity, g a i n i ng some s m a l l : or roofer. Look for an installer certified by the North :
fi na nc i a l adva ntage. I nc reasing ly, i n t a x cred it-frie nd ly states : American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NAB- :
such as Cal ifornia, new construction offers so l a r i n stal latio n s. : CEP) and ask to talk with previous customers. :
• •
There a re a lot of factors to consider when it comes to re­ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

newa ble energy, but it's defi n itely worth looki ng i nto.

Componen ts

Home ReV\ew�ble EV\er5� S'�s+em P�rk

S'ervice p�V\el

• A home renewable energy up, and separate panels with

system starts with the home's their own circuit breakers.
service panel, wiring, and
• The system can be adj u sted
fixtu res.
as conditions and power
• Additional components demands change for maxi­
include a sou rce of energy­ mum efficiency.
usua lly a solar array-an
• It's i m portant that the sys­
inverter/charger for convert­
tem is sized properly for the
ing the a rray's DC power
amount of power req u i red.
to AC, a battery charger for
systems with battery back-

1 19
 KNOW YO U R MICROO RGANISMS
Identifying unwelc ome life -forms in your home makes it easier to get
rid of them
You're n ot the o n ly one l iving in yo u r house. U n derneath a n d g rowi ng o n the roof. When it's rea l ly bad, yo u get true rot,
on t o p o f the su rfa ce a re m i c roorg a n isms, wind-blown seeds, the eating away of wet wood beca use of an u n seen wate r
a nd fu n gi that can g row out of control . Norma l ly, we a l l coex­ p rob l em. Wh i l e you ca n't e l i m i nate the sou rce of spores a nd
ist tha n ks to soa p a nd wate r, good ventilation, a n d d ry con­ fu n g i, you can control them i n you r house.
d itions. So meti m es, the re l at i o n s h i p breaks down, and yo u All of these i nvisible-to-the-eye freeloaders feed off wood,
fi n d black sta i n s on a bath room cei l i ng or g reen fuzzy stuff pa per, d rywa l l, a n d some pai nts, and they can wreak havoc

Mold Mildew

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• Mold is a fu n gus, a type • Good houseclea n i n g prac­ • Mi ldew, also a fu ng u s, is a only effective cure i s g ood
of plant that prod uces a i r­ tices, i n c l u d i n g keeping type of mold-the terms are ventilation after c l ea n i n g
borne spores that a re ev­ outdoor decks swept clean, often u sed i ntercha ngeably. a n d removi n g any existi n g
erywhere a n d s u rvive only can h e l p keep the presence m i l d ew a n d sea l i n g t h e
i n damp, moist areas while of mold to a m i n i m u m . • G rowth occurs i n a reas su rfaces it g rew on.
l iving on org a n ic materi a l s of high h u m i d ity, poor
• Mold, w h i c h comes i n d i f­ ve n t i l a t i o n , and warm Synthetic fa brics resist
such as wood or the pa per •

ferent colors, can i rritate m i l d ew, but cotton, l i nen,

coveri n g on d rywa l l . tern peratu res.
a l l erg ies and asth ma. rayon, s i l k, wool, leather, pa­
• You m u st fi x the moisture • Bath rooms a re a favorite per, a n d wood do not.
problem that su pports the
for m i l dew g rowth, a n d the
mold.

1 20
on you r home. On roofs, m oss g ets a n a n chor hold on the
edge of s h i ng les a nd never lets go. Rot ca n ca u se stru ctu ra l
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT •
• •
•
• • •
•
• • • •

da mage that a l so needs t o b e add ressed . I n extre me cases of Be s u re to wea r protective latex g l oves when scru bbing
i nterior mold, yo u r health can be endangered, a n d the mold away mold and m i ldew. You don't wa nt to cha nce a skin
s hou l d be professio n a l ly removed. reaction to the fu ngi nor expose you rself to the strong
U n dersta n d i n g these biological men aces wi l l help you e l i m­ soa ps a nd bleach used d u ring the clea n i ng. If you're es pe­
i nate them a nd protect you r home fro m fut u re p rob l ems. cia l ly sensitive, an a ppropriate respi rator m i g ht be needed
as wel l . •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • •

Moss Dry Rot

• Moss is a plant without a • Moss is very h a rdy a n d • "Dry rot" descri bes crum­ from a source several feet
normal system of roots, s u rvives d rought conditions bl i ng, d eteriorated wood away.
ste m s, a n d leaves that l ives as well as conditions i n that had been a food source
in moist locations and is Anta rctica. for fu n g i when it was wet, • The fu n g i brea k down
spread by a i r-borne spores. but once the wood d ried, it the wood's cell wa l l s and
• When moss is fou nd in beca m e soft and powdery. wea ken them.
• The edges of wet roofi ng lawns, it's a n i n d icator of
s h i n g les attract moss, and overly wet conditions, too • Some wood-rotting fu n g i • The moisture that enabled
as it g rows, the s h i n g les m uch shade, acidic soil, or req u i re the wood t o be wet, the rot must be controlled i n
stay wetter longer and poor wateri n g practices. w h i l e other stra i n s settle on order t o repair its da mage.
deteriorate. d ry wood a n d obtai n water

12 1
INTERIO R MO LD & MILD EW
A good cleaning and ventilation are your main weapons against
these p esky fungi
The terms mold a nd mildew a re ofte n u sed i ntercha ngea b ly at worst to those sen sitive to them. Both l i ke wet, wa rm en­
for nasty g reen stuff yo u never wa nt to see aga i n . I n fact, viro n m e nts and food-wa l l s, cei l i ngs, fa brics, and carpet­
eac h is a type of fu n gi , m i c roorg a n i s m s spread by spores re­ a l l of which ca n be wet long enoug h to s u p port mold and
leased from pl a nts. I n the outside world, they're a g ood t h i ng, mi ldew l ife.
a s they help to break down org a n ic materi a l . I n side, however, The obvious cand idates for mold a nd mi ldew a re poorly
they're a n u n sig htly n u isance at best a n d a health concern ventilated bathrooms a nd kitchens as we l l as air condition-

Hea t and Ven tila tion

• Controlling i nterior temper­ • Observe you r windows for

atu res and h u midity levels mold g rowth in the winter,
throug hout the year goes a a n d i n c rease you r fu rnace
long way toward controlling tem peratu re to red uce
mold and m i ldew growth. w i ndow condensation.

• Closets on non i n su lated

• Be selective a bout storag e
exterior wa l l s have a h i g her
i n a n u n h eated basement­
h u m id ity l evel i n cold
cloth i n g a n d books can
weather-leave their doors
become m i ldewed u nder
open to keep wa rm a i r cir­
the right conditions.
cu lating a n d clot h i n g d ry.

122
i ng u n its a n d deh u m idifiers. Any u nseen da m p a rea d u e to a
roof or pi pe leak ca n su pport fu n gi g rowt h .
MAKE IT EASY
A good clea n i ng w i t h h ot water a nd a strong cleaner/bleach Kee p a sq u eegee or extra towe l i n the sh ower t o wi pe
m ix wi l l re m ove m ost mold a n d m i l dew, but you m u st correct dow n ti l e wa l l s after s h owe ri ng. Th is hel ps the g rout
the conditions that a l l owed them to g row as we l l . C l ea n i n g d ry out fa ster and d i m i n i s hes the c h a nce fo r m o l d to
c u res the sym ptoms b u t does n't c u re the ca use. A sol ution g row. As a p l u s, yo u r s h ower is easier to clea n when
could be a s i m p l e matter of t u r n i ng the heat u p h i g h e r d u r­ you do yo u r wee kly h o u sec l ea n i ng, a n d the sea l e r o n
i ng the wi nte r months or i n sta l l i n g a ventilation fa n (or u s i n g the ti le l a sts longer.
a n exi sti ng fa n more ofte n a nd for longer periods of ti me). • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ven tila tion Fan Pain ting a Wall

• A large-capacity bath room • Whole-house venti la­ • Thoroug h ly clean any with your supplier before
fan w i l l remove moist u re tion system s a re timer­ su rface with mold before purchasing.
fast a n d is especia l ly effec­ control led to i n itiate a i r repa i nting to prevent the
tive if set on a timer. excha n g es on a user­ mold from g rowi n g u nder • Some advise agai n st paint­
d eterm i ned basis. the new pai nt. i n g any a reas a c h i l d could
• Any ventilation fan m u st chew or suck on with pa int
be d ucted to the outside • Before i n sta l l i n g a ventila­ • Many new paints formu lated conta i n i n g m i ld ewcide.
either t h rough the roof or tion fa n, confi rm whether for exteriors, bathrooms, and
a n exterior wa l l . you r exi sting wiring can kitchens conta i n mildewcide • I n expensive pai nts a n d
be used o r whether a n ew to resist mold and m i l dew those conta i n i n g l i n seed o i l
c i rcuit w i l l be req u i red. g rowth, but always check a re suscepti ble t o m i l d ew.

123
 EXTERIO R MO LD
Mold can damage the outside of your hous e , s o remove it when
you see it
As m u c h as mold l i kes l iving i n side, it m a i n ly exi sts outside tib le to the fu ng i. Decks in d a m p c l i mates or ove rshadowed
on the su rface of pl a nts. As spores a re rel ea sed, mold fi nd s a l l by trees a re eve n more i nviting. Reg u l a r sweeping a n d scru b­
kinds o f new hom es, i nc l u d i ng decks a nd sid i ng. Why decks? b i n g with a m i ld household cleaner go a long way to keep­
They're often n ot m a i nta i ned especia l ly we l l, a nd the typical i n g mold at bay.
coati n g of sta i n-a n d its fu ng icide-is n't l o ng-lasti ng. As the Sid i ng ca n be susceptible to mold g rowth, too, especia lly
spores l a n d on a deck, all the exposed wood i s more suscep- when it's on a shaded sid e of a house. S h ru bs and bushes

Landscaping

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• La ndsca p i n g too close to • Cut down a ny ta l l bushes or

a house, especia l ly on the s h ru bs or replace them with
north side, wi l l not a l low s horter pla nts.
enoug h heat and l i g ht to
d ry out wet s i d i n g a n d • Be s u re the g round a ro u n d
w i ndows. the h o u s e slopes away from
it a n d that no d i rt touches
• Consider leaving at least 1 8 a ny section of wood.
i nches between the pla nts
and the house.

124
pla nted close to the house ca n add to the problem. Some
qu ick work with pru n i n g shea rs to cut back the pla nts and spot
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

scru bbing on the siding should help control the problem. Pressu re washing wi l l remove su rface mold, but you ca n't
Exterior mold sta rts slow but ca n g row if l eft a lone. It's more depend on it to do a com plete job. The mold oftenti mes
than a n u n sig htly problem; it ca n destroy paint a nd, u n less has to be scru bbed to remove it. To do so with a pressure
it's c l ea ned off a nd e l i m i n ated, it w i l l affect fut u re re pa i nting washer a lone wou l d l i kely req u i re so m uch pressu re the
as wel l . Catc h i ng mold early a nd kee p i n g it u nder control ca n sid i ng or fi n ish cou l d be damaged. •
•
easi ly be part of normal yea rly m a i nte n a nce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deck Sweeping Siding Cleaner

• Keep decks reg u l a rly • Sea l the deck once a yea r • To clea n exterior mold from • R i n se with a g a rden hose,
swept so spores ca n't get a before the weather turns wa l l s, m i x a solution of a g a i n avoid i n g a ny pla nts.
foothold. cold with a n exterior stai n disi nfectant cleaner, 1 q u a rt
or clear coat conta i n i n g of l a u n d ry bleach, and • Repa i r a ny d a maged paint
• Wash decks reg u l a rly with fu n g icide. enough hot water to fill a a reas by sta n d a rd scra p i ng,
a m i l d soa p and water 1 -g a l lon bucket. prim i ng, and applying two
sol ution-a reg u l a r g a rden • If a deck is in poor but re­ coats of new paint with
hose will do; a pressure stora ble condition, consider • Scru b the affected s u rfaces added fu n g icide.
washer isn't necessa ry for sa n d i n g the boards s mooth with a soft scru b brush,
m a i ntena nce clea n i n g s. so they're less l i kely to tra p avoid i n g n ea rby pla nts.
a n d hold spores a n d water.

125
 SERIOUS MO LD
Regularly inspe ct your home for mold or mold-friendly conditions to
avoid unwanted health problems
In a home without ve nti l ation or moist u re prob lems, a ny people, such as those with serious a l lerg ies to mol ds, may
mold that shows u p is m ost l i kely yo u r sta nd ard u nsig htly h ave more severe reactions. Severe reactions may i n c l ude
a n n oya n ce. Some peo ple, thou g h , a re sen sitive to molds. Ac­ fever a nd s h o rtness of breath. Some people with c h ro n i c
cord i ng to the Environ menta l Protection Agency, " For these l u n g i l l nesses, such as obstructive l u ng d i sease, may develop
people, exposure to molds ca n ca u se sym pto ms such a s na­ mold i nfections i n their l u ngs."
sal stuffi ness, eye i rritation, wheezi ng, or skin i rritation. Some That's the sca ry ta l k. U n less you have had flood i n g, ex-

Serious Mold Black Mold

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• Serious mold resu lts from a l lergies, asth ma, or other • So-ca l led black (toxic) • These molds g row i n wet,
ongoing water leakage or lung d i seases a n d can res u l t mold prod uces haza rdous h u m i d conditions a n d are
seepage problems that go i n sym ptoms from a skin m icrotoxi n s and can be a e l i m i nated when the wet
un noticed or u nattended to. rash to d i ffi c u lty breat h i n g h ea lth risk. cond ition s a re e l i m i n ated.
a n d na usea, depend i n g on
• S u re signs a re softened the mold. • Black mold, as referred to • B l u e, black, or g reen sta i n s
d rywa l l, soggy floors, and in the media, is one of the on cei l i n g s and wa l l s a re
l a rge affected a reas. • If you even consider remov­ Stachybotrys types of mold, s i g n s of black mold, as a re
i n g da maged a reas you rself, shown to be h a rmfu l to brown, o ra n g e, or g reen
• Extensive mold can be a wea r protective clothi ng, h u ma ns. sta i n s on tiles and g rout.
health issue for people with g l oves, and a respirator.

126
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
tre m e l y h i g h h u m id ity, a lea k i n g roof, or ot her m o i st u re •

pro b l e m s, t h e c h a nces of yo u r hom e h a rbo r i n g toxic m o l d The main c u l prit when referring to toxic mold is :
a re s l i m . Vig i l a n ce i s sti l l i m porta nt, a n d reg u l a rly i n s pecti ng Stachybotrys chartarum, a fu ngus that produces
you r pre m i ses for a ny m ol d-fri e n d l y co n d i t i o n s should b e toxi n s harmfu l to h u ma ns. It beca me known
on yo u r l i st of t h i n g s to do. I f y ou c a n smell m o l d-it wi l l a s "black mold" i n the 1 990s. It is a concern in
b e a n ea rthy or m u sty s m e l l -explore for t h e sou rce. I f you flooded homes a nd is not a common occurrence.
d i scover a m ajor so u rce of m ol d, wa l k away and ca l l a re me­ See the Resou rces section for more i nformation.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
d i ation contra ctor who i s eq u i pped to p roperly rem ove and
c l ea n the affected a rea. Afte r th at, m o istu re contro l wi l l be
the key to p reventi n g m o l d 's retu r n .

Hiring a Professional

• Removing and deconta m i­ l icensed contractor a n d

nati ng extensive mold aren't c h ec k a l l references with
a do-it-yourself activity. t h e Bette r B u s i ness B u re a u
a n d yo u r state's l a bo r a n d
• With widespread mold, h i re i n d u stries d e p a rtment.
a consu ltant to eva l uate the
problem and a sepa rate, • Be s u re the clea n i n g a n d
u n related contractor to do abatement process and
remova l. costs a re clearly spel led out
i n advance as wel l as any
• H i re a n experie n ced,
wa rra nties that apply.
b o n d ed, i n s u red, a n d

127
 ROO F MOSS
Moss can deteriorate your shingles , s o kill the moss to preserve
your roof
Moss is a su rvivo r. I t does n't come with conventi o n a l roots, ops on the more sh aded side of the roof, which d oes not d ry
g rows o n ly in moist locati ons, a nd does n't req u i re d i rt to out as fast as the s u n ny side. The same is true for its g rowth
g row, so it pl a nts itself in a l l kinds of c revices a nd ba rren on trees: In northern latitud es, it mostly g rows on the north
spots. Moss sta rts as w i n d-d riven spores a nd, i n da m pe r c l i­ side of trees.
mates, ends u p on the roof as roof s h i n g l es stay wet long Moss may be a welcome ad d ition to some g a rdens a nd
enoug h for it to get a foot hold a nd g row. I t norm a l ly devel- between pavi ng ston es, but it's not welcome on a roof, pa r-

Roof Moss Scraping Shingles

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• There a re two m a i n ways to • After removi ng the moss, • Com posite s h i n g les a re d u­ • Be cautious movi n g a ro u n d
remove roof moss: gentle add a d i l uted solution ra ble but v u l nerable at the on you r roof-you don't
scraping and pressu re of water a n d bleach to a edges if you scrape them want to s l i p or damage any
was h i ng. g a rden sprayer to k i l l any too a g g ressively. s h i ng les as you wa l k across
rem a i n i n g moss. them.
• Scraping ca l l s for a l i g ht • Lig htly scrape off a ny
• U n less physica l ly removed
touch with a putty kn ife. It's moss with a narrow putty • After scraping, blow off the
from the roof, dead moss
ted ious but effective a n d kn ife, bei n g ca refu l not to loose moss with a g a rden
can retai n moisture on
doesn't req u i re renti n g a scrape g ra n u les off n ea rby blower, being s u re to clean
the edges of the s h i n g l es,
compressor and sprayer. s h i n g les. out the g utters at the same
attract n ew spores, and
time.
u lti mately g row n ew moss.

12 8
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
tic u l a rly one with com pos ite or fi berg lass s h i n g l es. Even if
the m oss d ies out ove r the su m mer months, the dead moss se extrem ) c dV n VvhE\n c 1ea n . riq a coyr posite
holds wate r once the ra i ny season sta rts a nd deteriorates yoof witt"' a pre ..,ure was'ler. I .. \ easy :c damage
you r s h i ng les, as they wi l l stay wet, which loosen s the m i n­ trl ..,hlr'!CJ\t:<, and r reate biqqer pyoblems tha n
era l g ra n u les e m bedded i n the s h i n g les. Ki l l the moss a n d thE ort'')E.'r r (' ot r"lOSS. N ever shoot up at shinqles,
h e l p prese rve yo u r roof. alway... d owyl, c Y d USE' a low press,J re. Pressu re
wc.Jsh nu roof<, 1s J u>rltroverc:.1J c:.Jl ject Consider
ess "lCJ�rE -,SiVP tt>C r m q JP f dt -1 1 1 POS'Jible
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pressure Washing

• If you h i re out a pressu re • Trying to blast the debris

was h i n g job, be s u re you r out of you r g utters with the
contractor does t h i s work a s pressure washer can fill the
a specia lty, not as a sideli ne. downspouts with moss and
g ra n u l es from the shin­
• Fol l ow u p the pressu re g les-be s u re to block off
wash i n g by spraying the the top of the downspouts
roof with a mild bleach with leaf g u a rds.
solution or other biocide to
kill any rem a i n i n g moss.

129
WOO D ROT
Rotting wood isn ' t only gross-it ' s unsafe and must be repaired
right away
The term rot is tossed a ro u nd too ca s u a l ly. Seve rel y weath­ observed res u lts of rot once water a nd moisture p roblems
ered wood that's rou g h and s p l i ntered after yea rs of weather have been e l i m i nated.
exposu re is not rotted wood. Wet wood is not a utomatica l ly Rot res u lts when certa i n fu ng i fi nd wet wood to d i n e on
rotted. Rather, soft, "pu n ky" wood that pu lverizes i nto powder i n a d a m p, prefera bly d a rk environ ment. Fung i a re sel ective
or disi nteg rates when poked w i th a screwd river is considered d i ners when it comes to wood a nd prefer the cel l u lose or
rotted. Another m isused term is dry rot, which is rea l ly the l i g n i n-pa rts of wood's ce l l struct u re-d epe nd i ng on the

Rotted Wood

• Wood rot is fou n d in d a rk, either epoxy or with new

moist areas, such as crawl wood.
spaces, and a nywhere d i rt
doesn't d ra i n wel l . • U se caution a ro u n d rotted
struct u ra l l u m ber.
• Remove a l l damaged wood,
bleach or a pply a nother • Repa iring struct u ra l fra m i n g
fu ngicide to the rotted a rea, ca l l s for a ca rpenter's exper­
a l low it to d ry, and replace tise a n d possi bly a b u i l d i n g
the damaged wood with department permit.

130
fu ng us. As they c h o m p away, the ce l l wa l l s wea ke n a nd
eventu a l ly col l a pse.
MAKE IT EASY
Rot m a n ifests itse lf with wh ite or brown sta i n i ng a nd very You m ig ht not have rot now in a c rawl space or in
soft wood. The worse the rot, the more da maged the wood. the enclosed a rea u nd e r a porc h , but why n ot head
The fi rst step when re pairing is to sto p the wate r p roblem. off futu re p ro b l e m s ? Check that g u tters and down­
The rot wi l l return as long as wet conditions a l low it. The s pouts a re i n tact a n d not l ea k i n g i nto these a reas.
wood should then be replaced or treated a nd repa i red with Redo a ny la n d sca p i ng g raded towa rds the hou se. I n­
epoxy fi l ler. Exte n sive rot that has i nfested a l a rg e section of a s pect p i pes fo r lea ks o r corroded sectio n s that n eed
house fou ndation ca l l s for profession a l rep a i rs. • mon itori n g .
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spraying Bleach Epoxy Repair

• After removing a l l rot- • Dryi ng can be sped up with • S m a l l a reas of rot can be • B u i ld u p the epoxy i n layers
ted wood, spray or apply a heat g u n . repa i red with any n u m ber accord i ng to the package
chlorine b l each (wea r of epoxy products ava i la b l e i n structions.
g l oves a n d eye protection) • As with a n y water-re lated at p a i n t a n d m a ri n e supply
or a commercial fu ngicide repa i r, be s u re you've e l i m i­ stores. • Sand or file the repa i red
l i bera l ly over the da maged nated the l ea kage or expo­ a rea smooth if it's fi nished
a reas. s u re that caused the rot i n • E poxies set up very wood and sea l with primer
t h e fi rst place i n add ition to q u i c kl y-fu l ly pre p a re t h e a n d pa i n t; otherwise,
• Al low the area to completely repa iring the da mage. a rea before m i x i n g t h e concea led a reas ca n be left
d ry before continuing the epoxy i n g red ie nts. with a roug her appeara n ce.
repairs.

131
 INSTALLING A PET DOO R
A properly installed p et door allows your p ets to come in but keeps
weather out
A pet door provides an opportun ity for yo u r pet to enjoy a Pet d oors match pet sizes a nd come i n a wide va riety of
more natural e nvi ro n ment a nd, at least with dogs, e l i m i n ates styles. Some a re m a n u a l l y operated-the pet p ushes it
the need to "hold it" a l l day u nt i l someone comes home. Pet open-a nd others have electro n i c locks on them that re­
doors a re conve n ient for both the pet a nd the owner a nd, spond to a sensor on the pet's col l a r. A pet can come a nd go
when i n sta l led properly, m i n i m ize cold air fro m entering a at w i l l with either type of door. A pet door ca n be i n stal led
wa rm home. t h ro u g h an exterior door or t h rough an exterior wa l l .

Wall Installa tion

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With a stud fi n der, check Pen c i l straight l i nes among

that a wa l l stud isn't l ocated the corners a n d score (if
where you want to i nsta l l plaster) or cut t h ro u g h (if
t h e door. d rywa l l ) with a util ity knife.

• Level the tem plate that • Push i n and remove cut

comes with the door on the d rywa l l ; d r i l l a hole in each
wa l l a n d use it to locate and plaster corner and cut the
mark its fou r corners. plaster out with a keyho l e
s a w or a j i gsaw.

132
 A wa l l i n stal lation provides more opt io n s a nd can more ea s­
i l y be fi l l ed in l ater if the pet door is ever removed. Properly
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT ·············
i n sta l led, a pet door wi l l be sea led to the weather, be nefit Pets ta ke to pet d oo rs at thei r own pace. Don't expect
you r pet, a nd buy yo u some time if you're ever ru n n i ng late you rs to insta ntly master the door. Some ta ke, see m i ng ly,
return i ng home. fo rever, but there a re strategies to h e l p them a long. Don't
assume you ca n neg lect d og-wa l ki n g d uties the sa me day
the door g oes i n -they'l l adapt to it when they're ready.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wall Installa tion (Con tin ued) Door Installa tion

• Cut away a n d remove any a n d cut the s i d i n g a n d s u b­ • I n sta l l i n g i n a door is s i m i l a r • If a pa neled door is used,
wa l l i n su lation. s i d i n g away u s i n g a jigsaw t o wa l l i n stal lation except the gap between the pet
o r reciprocati n g saw. there's no cha nce of run­ door fra me and the panel
• Ca refu l ly line u p a long d r i l l ning i n to a wa l l stud, wiring, m i g ht have to be fi l l ed i n
b i t with t h e fou r corners of • Tri m out the i n sta l led door or p l u m b i n g . w i t h na rrow stri ps o f wood.
the cut-out a rea a n d d ri l l with wood m o l d i n g and
t h rough t h e exterior wa l l . ca u l k as needed, especia l ly • Remove t h e entry d oo r • Ca u l k a round the edge of
on the outside for weather for e a s i e r cutt i n g a n d the cut-out a rea a n d press
• M a r k the outside wa l l protection. i n sta l l ation. the pet door i nto the ca u l k
betwee n t h e drilled holes, t o assu re a good sea l a n d to
checking with the tem plate, protect the wood.

133
 SQUIRREL & RACCOO N DAMAG E
S ome animal damage you can tackle on your own , and some needs
professional help
Sq u i rrel s a n d raccoo ns, l i ke a ny a n i m a l , wa nt to su rvive. They Aside from the chewi ng a n d clawing away at sid ing a n d
snoop a rou n d for a good place to set up house, a nd if it's i nsu lation, sq ui rrels a n d raccoon s ca n d amage w i r i n g a n d
you r house, they 're u s u a l ly wi l l i n g to s h a re it with you, but a ny items sto red i n the rooms they infi ltrate and l eave a fetid,
you don't wa nt to be sharing with them . Sq u i rrel s a nd rac­ u n healthy m ess of u ri ne a nd feces that wi l l d a mage the s u r­
coons use i n s u l ated attics a s their own private getaway w h i l e rou nd i ng a reas. They also rep rod uce. Depen d i ng on you r
leavi ng a path of destruction i n t h e i r wa ke. state laws, it m a y or m a y not b e l eg a l t o k i l l th ese tres passing

Removing the Damage

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• A l l nesting materia l s s h o u l d • After clea n i n g and the a rea

be removed a n d the a rea is d ry, replace any dam­
san itized with bleach or aged i n su lation with n ew
other disi nfecta nt. material.

• Wear g l oves, a d ispos­ • Any wiring damaged by

a b l e protective s u it, and a sq u i rrel s from chewi n g
respi rator-a n i m a l d rop­ m u st be repai red-ca l l
pings a re a health haza rd, a l i ce nsed electricia n for
particu la rly if they've d ried replacement.
and becom e a i rborne.

134
rodents, a n d it's dou btfu l you wa n t to do it you rself i n a ny
event. H i re a professi o n a l exte r m i n ator a nd then dea l with
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

the clean-up, repa i rs, and preventative mea s u res that w i l l Never seal up access holes used by rodents, birds, bees,
keep other sq u i rrel s from fi nd i ng t h e i r way i nto yo u r home. or any other animals or flying insects that have gotten
Al so, n ever try to h a n d l e a l ive a n i m a l, parti c u l a rly if the a n i­ into your house until you're sure they have all been re­
m a l is a cti ng stra nge or is a ctive at a n odd h o u r (a raccoon moved. Trapping them inside without an escape route
wa l ki ng a rou n d d u ri n g the day, fo r exa m p le). Ca l l a n i ma l will make matters only much worse. A professional ex­
control t o deal with these pesky c ritters. terminator will guarantee the job-call one.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spraying Insecticide and Fungicide Calling a Professional

Whe"' h� Ct"' exfermi "'etfor,

check for:

· lice"'se

• Spray the enti re a rea with • Li m it you r time in enclosed • I t's one t h i n g to remove a tion work, repai rs, a n d
i nsecticide to ki l l off a n y attic spaces when sprayi ng s m a l l amount of damage, rodent prevention control
bugs or parasites t h a t were i nsecticide a n d afterward or q u ite a nother to remove a l l in one package.
l iving with the wi l d l ife. consider havi ng a n extermi­ l a rge areas.
nator do the job. • As with any contractor,
• Ca refu l l y fol low the i n sec­ • If the infestation is exten­ check for l icen se, bond,
ticide i n structions a n d be • A second appl ication m i g ht sive, ca l l a specia l i st i n pest a n d i n s u ra nce as wel l as
s u re it's appropriate for be cal led for, depend i n g on remova l and restoration. references.
parasitic bugs. the extent of the infestation
a n d the chosen i nsecticide. • Some services w i l l extermi­
nate as wel l as do restora-

13 5
 BIRD DAMAG E & REPAIRS
B irds can damage more than j ust your property-they can also
spread disease-so remove them quickly
B i rds, l i ke rode nts, wi l l l ive wherever they can fi n d accepta ble B i rd s a l so d o c o n s i d e r a b l e d a m a g e fro m feces a n d u ri n e,
shelter. Oftentimes, t h i s m ea n s u s i n g you r home for their w h i c h ca n tra n s m it d i seases to h u m a n s fro m bot h p hysi­
nestin g g rou nds. An attic or a rea protected by a roof ove r­ ca l conta ct and i n h a l a t i o n . B i rd s re p rod u ce q u i c k l y, so you
h a n g m a kes a g reat sh elter: It's re latively d ry, concea led, a nd e n d up with two g e n e ra t i o n s i f you d o n't g et rid of them
c lose to food. However, their nestin g h a bits l eave you with a l l e a r ly. Yo u m i g h t need to ca l l an exte r m i n ator if yo u fi n d
t h e c lea n-u p. you rse l f u p a g a i n st p a rti c u l a r l y st u b b orn b i rd s . Remem-

Birds in A ttic

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• Bird s and bats wi l l conta mi­ • Somet h i ng as s i m p l e as

nate attics a n d any nesting playing loud music i n a n
places with urine a n d feces, attic s pace c a n d rive a d u lt
both of which a re health birds out, but be s u re no
hazards. offspring a re left beh i nd .

• Pigeons o r other birds roost- • Ru bber owls a n d snakes of-

ing in covered roof areas wi l l fer o n l y tem pora ry rel ief.
stay away while you remove
a nest but can return later
un less the area is blocked off.

136
ber, t h ey a re n ot yo u r fri e n d s- d o n't l et t h e m n est o n o r
i n yo u r h o m e.
MAKE IT EASY
Any time you see the beg i n n i n g of a b i rd nest nea r you r
If there i5 exteV)5ive dc11-Y1 et 5 e , leetve the roof, remove i t i m mediately. Emotions set i n when you
cleetV)-1.Ap fo Ct pro fe55ioV)etl. who wi l l tetke see a nesting pa i r of bi rd s and then thei r offs p ri ng, a n d
CtwCt� CtV)� hCt2etrdo1.A5 metteriet l . the tende ncy i s t o l eave t h e m u nti l the you ng a re o l d
enou g h t o s u rvive. Mea n wh i le, they 're d a m a g i n g you r
house. Sto p i t before they get sta rted .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Installing Rails, Bars, and Spikes

• B i rd d roppi n g s a re d a n g e r­ • All conta m i nated debris • Sea l i n g every possible • Another m ethod is i nsta l l ­
ous in both wet a n d d ried should be double-bagg ed access point should keep i n g sta i n l ess steel bird
form, but especi a l ly d ry a n d d i s posed. bird s and other a n i m a l s out. spikes, which a re attached
beca use they can pu lverize with ad hesive.
d u ri n g remova l a n d be­ • Exte n sive damage s h o u l d • A s i m p l e sol ution to pre­
come a i rborne and i n h a l ed. be l eft to professional vent bird s from retu r n i n g to • Do not n a i l a ny bird
w i l d l ife and pest remova l roosti n g a reas u nder roof contro l s i nto the roofi ng
• Protective gear i n c l u d i n g experts who w i l l vacu u m overhangs or porch cei l i n g s s h i n g l es-attach them to
g loves, d isposa ble covera l l s, o u t a l l haza rdous materia l s is i nsta l l i ng a series o f wood the s i d i n g or wood tri m .
a n d a respi rator with H E PA a n d c l e a n the structu re. ra i l s or ba rs, spaced so bird s
fi lters s h o u l d be worn. ca n n ot p a s s thro u g h .

13 7
 B EES & WASPS
It isn 7 t enough to eliminate these inse cts ; you have to eliminate
what they leave behind , too
Accord i ng to H a rva rd U n ivers ity's D r. E. 0. Wi lson, there a re as bees a nd wasps. A l l t h ey n eed is a s m a l l opening thro u g h
nea rly 1 0 q u i nti l l io n i n sects i n the wo rld. We wi l l neve r l ive the sid i ng t o get sta rted.
without them nor wou ld we wa nt to, but you d on't wa nt to Honeybees wi l l not do struct u ra l da mage, but they wi l l
l ive with them buzzing i n side you r wa l l s or attic or eve n too l eave honey a nd wax com bs that ca n attract rode nts a nd
close to you r lawn fu r n i tu re. Once a g a i n , yo u r h ome ma kes a other i n sects that ca n do da mage to a wood structu re. It is n't
conven ient a nd sheltered l iving a rea for f1ying squ atters such enough to remove or ki l l the bees; you have to get i nside the

Wasps Insecticide

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• Locate active wasp nests but in an awkwa rd spot to • Like any poison, i nsecti­ • Always store i nsectic ides
during the day, but spray at remove, you m i g ht decide cides m u st be hand led care­ safely where c h i l d re n ca n­
n i g ht when the n est is fu l l . to leave them alone and fu l l y and used effectively. not access them.
remove the em pty nest i n
• Wasps ca n often be elimi­ c o l d weather. • Read a n d fol low l a bel • Some sprays have a n oil
nated with over-the-counter d i rections for you r chosen base and leave a residue
aerosol i nsecticides. • After sprayi ng an outside i nsecticide and a lways that s h o u l d be washed off
nest a n d confi rming no spray from a safe d i stance, any pai nted su rfaces the
• Yel low jacket nests last wasps have retu rned, re­ bei ng s u re no other people next day.
one season-if they're not move with a long pole a n d or pets a re nea rby.
particularly bothersome, r i n s e w i t h a hose.

13 8
wa l l a nd remove a ny honey a nd deodorize the a rea . As with
other home i nvaders, you don't wa nt to sea l off the e ntry
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

po i nt u nti l a l l the i n sects h ave been re moved. Wasps are aggressive. You don't want to approach a
Yel l ow jackets, a type of wasp, do n't leave honey, but t hey nest during the day to exterminate it. Wait until evening
do sti ng a n d can c hew t h roug h d rywa l l . If you ca n l ive with when the nest is full before spraying with an appropri­
their prese n ce u nti l wi nter comes, freezing tem peratu res ate insecticide. Use a projectile spray for elevated nests.
s hou l d k i l l them off a nd provide you with time to remove old These sprays will shoot 1 5-20 feet or so, keeping you a
nests, which wi l l n ot be reu sed by the i n sects i n a ny event. safe distance away.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Trap Bees in the Wall

• Severa l disposa b l e a n d • Wasp traps a re genera l l y • Destroyi n g an esta bl ished a n y wax com bs a n d honey
reusa ble yel low jacket nonpoisonous and m a ke honeybee colony is not a created by the bees.
traps a re ava i l a b l e that d isposi n g of dead wasps do-it-you rself job.
attract yel l ow jackets away s i m ple. • To do this remova l and
from you r home for easy • The bees m ust be removed clean-u p you rself, you
remova l . • Tra ps can not q u ickly coun­ or kil led without being wi l l mostly l i kely have to
ter a n enti re n est worth of tra p ped i n si d e you r home. remove sections of a wa l l .
• D i rections for homemade wasps but can be effective Com plete remova l is critical
traps a re ava i l a b l e on the for n u isance wasps in you r • Ca l l a n experienced exter­ to prevent damage from
I nternet when sea rc h i n g yard or p i c n i c a rea. m i nator, some of whom fermenting honey that can
u nder "yel low jacket traps:' m i g ht i n c l u d e remova l of attract other i nsects.

139
 TERMITES & WOO D EATERS
These insects not only move in , but also eat your home out from un­
der you
Term ites a re the m ost destru ctive wood-destroying i n sects Te rm ite i nfestation is considered more of a problem i n th e
in the country, causing over $2 bi l l i on in da mage each yea r. south ern states, but term ites can be fo u n d i n every state in
I n natu re, term ites a re h e l pfu l . They break down org a n ic mat­ the cou ntry except Alaska.
ter, which then re bu i lds soil a n d sta rts the p l a nt l ife cycle a l l Te rm ites su rvive i n wa rm, moist soi l a n d travel i n t h i n ly con­
ove r a g a i n . I n you r home, they m u n c h on fra m i ng l u m be r, structed m ud tu n nels to th eir food sou rce. Any wood with
wi ndow s i l l s, trim boa rds, a nyth i n g that su its them. g ro u nd contact is a n espec i a l ly i nviti ng ta rget. Wet fou nda-

Termite Damage

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• Signs of term ites i nc l u de • Exterm i nators i nject an

penci l -t h i n m u d l i ke t u n n e l s i nsecticide around a house
(term ite tu bes) a long a specifica l l y for termites,
house fou ndation, cel l a r exposing them to poison as
wa l l s, wood posts, a n d they return to their nest.
exterior wood tri m .
• In extreme cases, whole
• Beca u se term ites d estroy house eradication ca l l s for
a n d hol low out wood from tenti ng a residence and ei­
the i nside, damages go ther ki l li n g the term ites with
u nseen for yea rs. fu m igation or extreme heat.

1 40
tions a l so attra ct term ites, as does a ny wood-fi rewood or
l u m ber-stacked too c l ose to a h o use.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Term ites have some com petition for you r wood: Ca rpenter Masonry buildings are not immune to insect damage.
a nts, powder post beetles, and other borer-type i n sects a l l ta ke Termites and other wood-boring insects will fi nd any
their tol l a n d req u i re professional extermi nation. Consider pre­ wood source as long as conditions are attractive. The
ventative treatment through a re lia ble loca l exterminator, who wood framing behind a brick or stone facade will be the
is an expert in hand ling poisons, before the destruction sta rts. target, as will cardboard or paper, including the paper
Although yo u shou Id not attem pt to rid you r home of term ite covering on drywall.
and woodeater i nfestation on you r own, you can recog nize • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

term ite cl ues a nd e l i m i nate what attracts them.

Repairing Damage

• Once the i nsects a re e l i m i­ • Contact the m a n ufact u rer

nated, repai r the d a maged of you r i nsecticide for i n for­
wood with epoxy or cut mation on a safe t i m e l i n e
out damaged sections a n d for working a ro u n d sprayed
replace w i t h n ew wood. a reas.

• If the wood was sprayed • Extensive fou ndation dam­

with i nsecticide, spray the age m i g ht req u i re a permit
a rea with a bleach sol ution and i n spection before
fi rst a n d a l low it to d ry. repai rs can be started.

1 41
 CRITTER- PROO FING YO U R HOM E
Keeping p ests out early is easier than trying to evict them later
An o u n ce of prevention may be worth a pound of c u re, but Look for any hole, ope n i ng, or g a p-for i n sta nce, between
when it co mes to keepi n g a n i m a l s out of yo u r house, a few a p i pe a nd the su rrou n d i n g concrete fou n dation. Rats a nd
boa rd s a n d some scree n i n g ca n save yo u a b u n d l e of money m i ce can squ eeze i nto i m possi bly sma l l hol es. Pay atte ntion
not spent i n clea n i ng out a nd repa i ri ng a d a maged attic or to a ny wood that a p pears to have been g n awed at or is rot­
wa l l space. If you haven't had a n y fou r-footed or wi nged visi­ ted. H ol es s h o u l d be fi l led a n d com pro m i sed wood sho u l d
tors, the fi rst step is to do a co m p lete exterior i n spection. be repa i red. The goa l is t o com pletely sea l off yo u r house.

Installing a Chimney Cap Installing Screening

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• Chim ney caps protect the • For easier c h i m n ey clean­ • Use premade lattice to • Steel wool and aerosol spray
inside of the chim ney from i ng, look for a cap with a block off roof sections from foam work only as temporary
rain and animals while al­ h i nged top. raccoons a n d b i rds. fi llers in holes and gaps.
lowing the normal chim ney
functions to conti nue as long • Fi nd the cap you wa nt a n d • I n stal l 1 /4-inch 1 6- 1 9-gauge • Check for gaps between the
as the cap isn't too close to i n q u i re w i t h the m a n ufac­ hardwa re cloth across bottom of garage, basement,
the top of the chimney. t u rer for the needed c h i m ­ louvered open ings and to fi l l and utility room side doors
ney m ea s u re m ents before gaps between t h e exterior and insta l l thresholds or
• The heavy scree n i n g on the p u rchasing. wa l ls and the g round, bu ry­ weather stripping sweeps
cap's fou r sides is sufficient i n g the hardware cloth at (see page 1 72) if needed.
to keep critters out. least 2 i nches deep.

1 42
 B i rds wi l l roost u nder sma l l overha n g s if they have a roof or
other su pport to rest o n . Any probable l a n d i ng spot sho u l d
MAKE IT EASY
b e c losed off with l attice or scree n . Water d ra i nage i s critical. Sea ling off you r home is an i n expensive proposition.
You don't wa nt soggy a reas next to fou n dations or sta nd i n g For the price of some screen, lattice, ca u l k, and concrete
water u nder downspouts. Anyt h i n g that attracts a n i m a l or patch, you can e l i m i nate m a ny if not a l l of the possi b l e
i n sect l ife is fa i r g a m e, i nc l u d i n g restricti ng access to food entry poi nts for u nwa nted a n i m a l s a n d i nsects. T h e key
sou rces. A com post pile is a fi n e idea, but an ope n one i s a n is being d i l igent a n d remem bering that a ny opening
i nvitation, particu l a rly i f you i nc l ude food scra ps i n the m ix. presents a n opportu n ity, so atte n d to them a l l.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pa tching Concrete Founda tion Securing Trash Cans

• Seal up a l l ope n i n g s with • Rats a n d mice can squeeze • Remove food sou rces that • Leaving food out for a ny
su itable materia ls: holes in i nto very s m a l l spaces attract i nsects or other form of w i l d l ife w i l l a l so
concrete foundations fi lled a ro u n d pi pes and con d u it pests, i n c l u d i n g fi rewood, attract a n i m a l s you don't
with concrete patch, holes i n pa ssing t h rough outer trash not secu red in trash want to feed.
s i d i n g fi l led with epoxy fi l ler wa l l s-be s u re to fi l l a n d cans, pet feed i n g bowls,
or new siding, and so on. sea l these. a n d bird feeders. • Col l ect a n d d i spose of
fa l len fruit and vegetables
• If appearances aren't too • Seal any g a ps between roof • Add a rag soa ked i n a m mo­ from g a rdens if rodents a re
i m porta nt, use sheet metal vents a n d clay ti les. n i a i nside a fu l l trash can to a problem.
to cover large gaps i n siding. d i scourage raccoons from
getting i nto the cans.

1 43
 PICKING TH E PAINT & SH EEN
Anyone can p aint , but first know what you ' re p ainting with
Wa l k i nto a ny paint sto re, a n d you ' l l be confronted with a re either water-based (l atex) or oi l-based (a l kyd). O i l -based
cans a nd more ca n s. They a l l look very s i m i l a r u nt i l you sta rt paint is ra re ly used now, a lthough there a re ap pl ications it's
read i ng the l a bel s: h ig h-g l oss en a m el , l ow-l u ster acry l i c wa l l q u ite su ited for.
pai nt, fl at matte e m u lsion, a nd a l kyd modified latex. It ca n be For painting that bed room, latex paint i s easier to ap ply
confusing when a l l yo u wa nt is to pa i nt a bed roo m . So let's than oil-based, d ries faster, is more forgiving d u ring the ap­
wa l k th ro u g h what yo u'l l need. Basica l ly, consumer pa i nts pl ication, a nd has fa r l ess odor t h a n the so lvent i n oi l-based

Ba throom Living Room

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• Flat pai nts a bsorb l i g ht so • Sat i n and eggshell a re l ow­ • Flat paints are easier on the for woodwork, doors, a n d
fewer i m perfections show, l u ster pa i nts with moderate eye, especia l ly i n wel l-lit cabi nets i n o l d e r homes
give room s a softer feel, g l oss, m a k i n g them easier rooms. and are u sed for recoati n g
have less resi n than g lossier to clean than flat pa i nts. i n t h e s e homes.
paints, and do not clean • Semigloss enamel has more
especi a l ly wel l . • Pa i n t these fi n ishes in resi n than low-luster pai nts • Beca u se of its reflective
bath rooms, kitchens, c h i l­ and sta nds up wel l to wea r properties, sem i g l oss
• Cei l i n g s and a reas o f least d ren's rooms, and h a l lways, and tear and clea n in g s. paint h i g h l ig hts a su rface's
wear and tea r a re good a nyplace that wi l l g et a lot i m perfections, so thoro u g h
candidates for flat pai nts. of hands on the wa l ls. • Semig loss a n d h i g h-g loss prepa ration work is a m ust
pai nts a re common choices before a pplyi ng this fi n ish.

1 44
pai nt. Pa i nt is com posed of th ree m a i n i n g red ie nts: pig m e nt
that g ives it color, a binder or res i n th at fo rms the fi l m, a n d
MAKE IT EASY
a vehicle t h a t kee ps the pa i nt i n a l i q u id form. I n latex pai nt, If a s u rface need s reg u la r wa s h i ng -doorways, for
wate r is the veh icle. As the water eva porates the p aint fi l m i n sta nce, beca u se of h a n d pri nts-do n't u se a flat
fo rms to a sol id fi n ish. Other i n g red ients a re added by each pai nt. H i g h-g loss pa i n t w i l l s h ow every i m pe rfection,
m a n ufacturer for d ifferent pu rposes such as to p rovide sta b i l­ so consider this befo re a p plyi n g . I f yo u're u n certa i n
ity or to reg u l ate the d rying time. A h i g her g loss has more a bout a g l oss c h oice, p a i n t a s a m p l e fi rst with a p i n t
binder i n the pai nt. More pig m ent genera l ly mea ns a lowe r o f pa i nt before ord e r i n g it i n g a l lons.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
g l oss a n d better h i d i ng power.

In terior Door

• H i g h-g loss paint is the • Experiment with h i g her­

most d u ra b l e a n d h a rd est g loss fi n ish ( i n a s m a l l
paint as it has the h i g h est bath room, for i n sta nce) to
percentage of resin. test out the s h i ne.

• H i g h-g loss oi l-based paint • You ca n a lways recoat a

demands more ski l l from new fi n i s h with a g loss that
the pa i nter applying it, has is more su ita ble.
a longer d rying time than
latex pa i nt, and h a s more
long-lasti n g odor.

145
INTERIO R PREPARATION
The best paint won ' t cover up a lack of preparation work
Repa i nti ng a room that bad ly needs it is g ratifyi ng-a nd Prep p i n g ra nges from fi l l i n g n a i l holes to was h i n g the
the g ratification is i m medi ate. The contrast between a fresh, woodwo rk to exten sive s a n d i ng, d e pe n d i n g o n the con­
clea n coat of lemon yel low a n d the d i rty, sca rred pine g reen dition of the s u rfa ces and t h e res u lts you're looki ng fo r. If
c a n be sta rtl i ng. But bad prepping will sti l l show t h rough on you hate o l d brush ma rks, for i n sta nce, they wi l l have to be
a fresh paint job. No one wa nts to prep; do it anyway if you sa n ded out u nt i l the s u rface is smooth . C racks in the c e i l ­
want the pa i n t to last a nd get the best resu lts. i n g bot h e r yo u ? Re p a i r them before y o u p ai nt, o r you ' l l re-

Washing Walls Ligh tly Sanding Woodwork

• Paint adheres best to c l ea n cleaner as wel l to remove • Lig htly ha nd-sa nd a l l wood­ • Dry sa n d i n g lead-based
su rfaces. a l l g ri m e a n d g rease. work to provide a better paint w i l l release a i r-borne
"tooth" for the n ext coat of l ead particles-wet sand
• Woodwork should be • Althoug h TSP (trisod i u m paint a n d to smooth over on ly.
washed with a nonsudsy phosphate) has l o n g been n icks and gouges.
cleaner to remove d i rt, oil, recom mended for clea n i n g • Repa i r wa l l a n d cei l i n g
and fingerpri nts. prior t o painting, the p hos­ • Vac u u m the d ust a n d wipe cracks, ca u l k woodwork
p hates in TSP can actu a l ly the wood with a tac k cloth, sea ms, prime bare spots
• Wash bathroom a n d serve as a food source for a waxy piece of cheesec loth and fi l l holes with Spackle
kitchen wa l l s a n d cei l i n g s m i ldew a n d promote its ava i l a b l e at paint stores. or other fi l ler, sand s mooth,
with a nonsudsy household g rowth. and prime.

1 46
g ret it l a ter. Kitc h e n a n d bath room wa l l s a n d cei l i n g s get
g r i my eve n if you do n't q u ite notice i t with t h e passage of
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
time. Wa s h and r i n se them befo re p a i n t i n g . B rass h a rd wa re It's safe to assume any house built before 1 950
has some •
•
with pa i nt d r i ps on it c a n either g et more p a i nt d ri ps or be lead-based pai nt in it. Even l ight sanding can spread •
st r i p ped, c l ea n ed, and p o l i s hed, but you have to re move contaminated dust. Wet sanding alone is impractical :
it fi rst. It a l l ta kes ti me, a n d you won't reg ret a m i n ute of it for removing deep brush marks. Special sanders with :
w h e n y ou fi n i s h pa i nt i n g with s u perior resu lts. vacuum attachments plus containment procedures will :
be necessary for this type of prep. :
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Removing Hardware Plastic/Drop Cloths

• Remove as much w i nd ow • With masking ta pe, ta pe off • Remove as m uch fu rnitu re • Tape plastic a round l ig h t
and door hardwa re as i s door h i n g es, door knobs, as is practica l a n d cover fixtu res, but keep the plas­
practica l. and other h a rdwa re that the rest and the floor with tic away from the poten­
isn't removed. pai nter's plastic and tarps. tially hot l i g ht b u l bs.
• While the h a rdwa re is
removed, it's a n ideal time • After removi n g l i g h t switch • Pile the rem a i n i ng pieces • Be s u re to cover the entire
to clean, polish, a n d a pply and receptacle covers, of fu rn itu re on top of each a rea to avoid messy d ri p­
a clear coat of fi n ish, espe­ ta pe over the switches a n d other, leaving e n o u g h room ping pai nt.
cia l ly to old, brass window receptacles. to pai nt.
a n d door ha rdwa re.

147
 PAINTING WALLS & CEI LINGS
You can cover a lot of area fast with the right tools and a plan
You h ave a room to pai nt. Where do you sta rt: the trim, the i ntrod uced, when a l l su rfaces were pai nted with brus hes off
windows, the cei l i n g ? There is so me d ifference of opi n ion re­ ladders a n d scaffolds. With today's too l s, rol l i n g out a room is
g a rd i ng painting the wa l l s or the tri m fi rst, but most wou ld m uc h less ted ious with more even resu lts.
ag ree to do the cei l i n g fi rst. No m atter h ow ca refu l you a re, With a rol l er a nd extension po le, you ca n paint most wa l l s
there wi l l be some d ri ps a nd s patte r from t h i s, the h ig hest a nd cei l i n g s from t h e floor, u s i n g a stepl adder t o reac h cor­
section of a roo m . There was a ti me, before paint rol l ers were ners a nd cut-i n work where the wa l l s meet eac h ot her a nd

Start with the Ceiling

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• Before rol l i ng, paint a 2"X3" • Rol l a 3-4 foot sq u a re "W"

stripe around the edge to d i stri bute the paint a n d
where the cei l i n g meets the then rol l i n one d i rection.
wa l ls.
• G l idden Cei l i n g Pa int con­
• U s i n g a 3/8-inch or 1 /2-i nch ta i n s a pink dye that a l l ows
rol l er a n d a n extension the pai nter to easily see any
pole, sta rt at one corner of m i ssed areas while pa i nt­
the cei l i n g a n d work a long i n g ; when d ry, t h i s pai nt
the shortest d i rection to the turns wh ite.
other side.

1 48
the cei l i ng or to pai nt a ro u nd l i g ht fi xt u res.The textu re of yo u r
su rfaces o r t h e degree o f text u re you wa nt t o i m pa rt with
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

paint wi l l deter m i n e the ro l le r nap used. A stucco rol ler wi l l A s p ray-on textu red cei l i n g that has never been pai nted
cover u n sig htly a reas on a re l atively s mooth wa l l that m i g ht ca n loosen when fi rst pai nted with a rol ler. Some painters
have seen better days a nd has been repeated ly patched. The wil l only s p ray these cei l i n g s, whil e others clai m ca refu l roll­
key to painting a ny wa l l or cei l i n g is to aim fo r eve n a nd com­ ing w i l l a lso work. If rol l i ng, u se a deep-na p roll er without
pl ete cove rag e, u s i n g ple nty of pai nt, a n d avoid rol l e r ma rks. p ressing excessively i nto the texture. Pri me fi rst and rol l as
It is n't a race-ta ke you r t i m e u nti l it looks rig ht. close to the wa l ls as poss i ble. •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cu tting In

• If the wa l l s are a different • Work from one corner of

color from the cei l i ng, a l low the wa l l to the other, rol l i n g
the cei l i n g to d ry and then horizonta l l y at the top a n d
do the wa l l s, "cutti n g in" bottom a n d fi n i s h i n g with
where the wa l l s meet the vertical rol l ing, m a i nta i n i n g
cei l i n g with a pai ntbrush, a wet e d g e from one pai nt­
i n each corner where two ed section to the other.
wa l l s meet, a n d aro u n d a l l
woodwork. • Apply e n o u g h paint for fu l l
coverage w h i l e avoid i n g
sags.

149
 WOO DWO RK & TRIM
Some fancy brush work will make your woodwork and doors stand out
Even tho u g h there is less woodwork in most roo m s tha n d ry­ often the l ess-expe n sive brushes a re a l so of poorer q u a l ity.
wa l l or plaster, it ca n be more noticea ble beca use of its g loss­ For latex pai nts, u se top-end nylon brushes, not blended
ier fi n is h. U n less you r woodwork is sprayed, which leaves a nylo n/po lyeste r brushes. Oil-based fi n is hes, both pa int a nd
bea utifu l, s mooth fi n ish, you rs wi l l be brushed. It's i m porta nt va r n i shes, ca l l fo r a C h i n a bristle or bad ger h a i r brush. The
to use a q u a l ity brush, a nd that means h i g h e r-priced. one-type-fi ts-a l l -fi n ishes brush doesn't do a good job with
Ski m pi ng on brushes m i g ht affect yo u r hand iwork, si nce any fi n ish but o n ly a passa ble one.

Brushing the Window Casing Pain ting the Window Sash

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• Paint woodwork after the • Work from the h i g h est hori­ • Open the window sash­ • If n ecessa ry, tape off the
wal l s and ceil ings when zonta l section of woodwork the mova b l e pa rt-any way g lass to avoid getting paint
brushes and rol lers, rather down, painting in long, necessa ry to completely on it.
than paint sprayers, are used. even strokes. paint it and the su rrou nd­
i n g fra me. • If possi b l e, leave each sash
• Dip the brush i nto the pa int • Brush out any d rips before s l i g htly open overnig ht-if
no more than halfway u p the paint d ries. • New wood windows with any pa int does h i nder after
the bristles, ta pping both i nteg ra l weather stri pping d rying, you can break the
sides of the brush a g a i n st ca l l for very carefu l painting bond by movi n g the sash.
the i n side of the can to to avoid getting paint on
remove excess pa i nt. the weather stri pping.

1 50
 Althou g h there's less sq u a re footag e to woodwork, it's a l l
c ut-in work a nd a l most a lways ta kes more t i m e than the
MAKE IT EASY
wa l l s and cei l i ng . With a ca refu l a nd steady ha nd, you can Pa i nt op era bl e wood w i n d ows o r exte ri o r doors ea rly
avoid taping off the wa l l where it m eets the woodwork a nd i n the d a y so they c a n be d ry e n ou g h to close a t n i g h t
j u st paint freely. Yo u'l l know after you paint you r fi rst door if needed . M ove s l i d i n g w i nd ows every hou r o r s o to
casing whether yo u prefer ta ping or going freehand. Fol low p revent them fro m d ry i n g s h u t in a n open position
whatever is comforta ble fo r you to g et the res u lts you want. a nd kee p mov i n g them u nt i l the time t h ey have to
Kee p i n m i nd that ta ping is time consu m i n g, perhaps more be locked for the n i g ht.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
so than the time needed to paint s lowly a nd carefu l ly.

Pain ting the Door Pain ting a Staircase

• When painting doors, • Pa i n t t h e top, h i d d e n edge • Sta i rcase rai l i n g pa rts • Next, paint the top and
paint panels fi rst, then the of the door as wel l-th i s i nclude the newel posts, the sides of the rai l ing.
horizontal sections of the h e l ps prevent it from stick­ rai l ing, and the balusters
door, a n d fi n a l ly the vertical i n g later. ("spindles"); brushing them • If the rai l i n g is stai ned a n d
sections. as a un it is a challenging job. va rnished with pai nted
• If the door has m u ltiple lay­ ba l u sters and n ewel posts,
• The edge of the door that ers of pai nt, scrape or sand • Sta rt on the vertical n ewel tape off each section before
opens i nto a room s h o u l d down the vertical edges to posts and ba l u sters a l o n g coati ng the other.
be painted the same color prevent it from sticking in w i t h the bottom o f t h e
as that room's tri m . the j a m b. rai l i ng, g etting the fi n ish as
even as possi ble.

151
 EXTERIO R PREPARATIO N
When p aint has to withstand the weather, prep work is
even more critical
Exterior pa i nt preparation ra n g es from a s i m p le wash a n d Older homes with m u ltiple layers of pa i n t can present m u l­
rinse with a hose t o fu l l- bore p a i n t rem ova l w i t h sanders, t i p l e problems: fi a king, b l i sters i n the pai nt, checking, c h i p­
heat, a nd chem i ca l s. Newer homes with o n ly the orig i n a l ping, a n d cracki ng. Overfiowi n g g u tters ca n send so m u c h
pa i n t coatin g on it sti l l i ntact often need j u st e n o u g h scru b­ water down the side of a house t h a t entire sheets of paint
bing to re move su rface d i rt a n d po l l ution to get them ready wi l l l i ft off. If a house has too m a ny laye rs of pai nt, it beco mes
for a recoat. more d ifficult for a new coat to stick to the old.

Power Washing Scraping Pain t

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• Power was h i n g m i g ht and s pray carefu l l y, keeping • Fla king, pee l i ng, and • Va rious g overnment­
req u i re using a rented the sprayer fa r e n o u g h from bubbling paint s h o u l d be documented preca utions
sprayer; be s u re to clean the pai nted a reas so they scra ped a n d sanded off as m ust be ta ken before re­
off a ny m i l dew separately get cleaned, but the wood n eeded and all bare a reas movi ng lead-based pa i nt­
before power was h ing. doesn't get damaged. primed. see Resou rces on p. 228 for
more i nformation.
• A 1 ,200- 1 ,500 PSI model • Th is req u i res ladder work, • Older homes have a good
pressure washer should which can be awkwa rd at chance of having some lay­ • Pai n t remover can a l so be
safely wash wood siding. fi rst due to the pressure of ers of l ead-based paint, so u sed, but the remova l pro­
the sprayer. Be s u re to use wea r protection. cess is q u ite ted ious.
• Sta rt from the top down caution.

1 52
 l ntercoat a d h esion-the a b i l ity fo r o n e coat of paint to stic k
t o a n other-is jeopard ized b y l a c k o f pre pa ration, s o p rep­
MAKE IT EASY
ping is a m u st. Exte n sive pre p work ca n be messy and t i m e As a n a l ternative to powe r wa s h i n g, u se a car wa s h i n g
con s u m i ng, but it's extremely i m portant not t o s ki m p on t h i s b r u s h set, a te l escop i ng or series o f a l u m i n u m poles
step-both o n yo u r o w n a n d w i t h a contractor. T h e most ex­ with a scru b brush atta c h m e nt. Some kits have soa p
pensive pa i n t ca n n ot d i sgu ise n o r h ave a long life without d i s pe n sers a nd attac h to a hose, a l lowi ng both soa py
the req u i red prep wo rk fi rst. This is exterior painting-you a n d r i n se water t h ro u g h the b r u s h . M a n u a l ly scru b­
wa nt it to l a st! bing the h o u se s u rface ca n rem ove more d i rt t h a n
power wa s h i n g without the poss i bi l ity o f d a mage .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Caulking and Spa ckling

• Ca u l k any sea m s between • It i sn't necessary to ca u l k

trim and s i d i n g, and fi l l na rrow g a p s under s i d i n g,
holes with Spackle or a uto­ which can ca use problems
motive body fi l ler (see page by sea l i n g the house too
46), sa n d i n g smooth a n d tightly.
pri m i n g w h e n d ry.
• If spackl i n g a reas where
• Cau l k wi ndow g lass where paint has been scra ped off
n eeded, fol lowi n g the to achieve a level a ppea r­
d i rections for curing times ance, pri m e fi rst, Spackle,
before painting. a n d pri me a g a i n .

1 53
 EXTERIO R PAINTING
It 's a big j ob , s o break it up into smaller j obs
To m a ke pai nti ng the exterior of you r house more doab le, T h e s i d i n g ta kes u p the most a rea b u t is the ea siest t o pai nt.
break the whole project i nto sections a nd work on it d u ring Like with i nteriors, sta rt at the top and work yo u r way d own.
sched u led h o u rs. Yo u'l l g et it done w h i l e the weather i s sti l l If you have a l a rge home, you m i g ht wa nt to get some pai nt­
wa rm a nd d ry without tax i n g you rself. Most homes wi l l have i n g bids i n stead of d oing the job you rse lf.
tri m, soffits-the u nderside of the roof that extends over the How long wi l l exterior pai nt last? It a l l depends on weather
sid i n g -windows, doo rs, a nd sid i n g to pai nt. exposure, the condition of the wood, the q u a l ity of the pai nt,

Pain ting the Exterior Pain ting Shingles

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• Wide s i d i n g can fi rst be an entire length of siding, • S h i n g l es a re a n ideal can­ cially the bottom open gra i n,
rol led to d i stribute the especi a l ly when u s i n g sta i n . d idate for spray painting­ which real ly soaks up pai nt.
pa int qu ickly a n d then they req u i re a lot of paint
brushed. • H a n g you r p a i n t bucket d ue to their rou g h su rface • Watch for d ri ps between
from a n exte n sion ladder and have a lot of spaces to s h i n g les-go back and
• Brush i n long, even strokes, u s i n g a n S-sha ped bucket fi l l between s h i n g l es-but catch them before movi n g
working the pa int up a n d hook-this is m uch more they can a l so be rol led and too far down the wa l l .
i nto the sid i n g edges. conven ient than tying the brushed.
bucket to the ladder or us­ • If you r s h i ng les a re sta i n ed,
Never stop i n the m i d d l e i n g wire. Work the paint i nto a l l three they will a bsorb a lot of
o f a wa l l, a lways com plete exposed shingle edges, espe- new fi n ish.

154
a nd its a p p l ication, a l l of which deter m i n e the l ife of a paint
job. To i m p rove the odds, u se q u a l ity pai nt with a h i g h per­
• • • • • • • • • • • YELLOW LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . .
•

centage of solids. Apply d u r in g wa rm, d ry weather a n d brush • Ladders can s l i p ea sily, so remembe r to fu l ly secu re a ny
on a fu l l, t h ick coat. ladder, especia l ly as you work higher u p. It's a good idea to
i n sert a screw eye in an i nconspicuous but sec u re place­
Be pre e t1red to vt)e t1 lot of behind a barge rafter, which ru ns a long the roof l i ne, is
pt1ivJ for )tvtc.c.o . good-for tyi ng off the top of a ladder. •
•
•
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Stucco is u s u a l ly pai nted ized fi nishes, a re increas­

with a coa rse roller, one i n g ly pop u l a r for residential
with a thicker n a p, or fi rst stucco fi n i shes a n d have
sprayed and then rol led. the added benefit of fi l l i n g
i n a n d sea l i n g h a i rl i n e
• Pri me any repaired stucco cracks.
areas, including newly sealed
cracks, before painting. • Stucco's roug h textu re
req u i res a lot of pai nt, but
• Elastomeric pai nts, which it rol l s out faster than wood
a re th ick, protective ru bber- siding.

1 55
 B UI LDIN G SH ELVES
Adding shelves multiplies your space and makes finding the things
you need easy
Th i n k of shelvi ng as m u lti plyi ng you r floor space over a nd over The bea uty of shelvi ng is there a re virtu a l ly no l i m its to
again. Without shelvi ng, everyth i ng wou ld be on the floor, the styl es, d i m ensions, a nd load-ca rryi n g a bi l ity of shelving.
stacked one box on top of a nother, a nd horribly inconven ient From the fi nest china teacup to a n a uto mobile engine block,
to access. Put u p a few shelves, a nd a mess of a garage becomes there's a s helf that wi l l hold it safely a n d sec u rely.
manageable, you're able to fi nd you r shoes in the closet again, Aside from the sh elvi ng materi a l -wood, metal, pl astic­
a nd the kids no longer have a n excu se for a messy room. the shelf su pports r u n the ra nge from stra nds of wi re a nd

Studs and Supports

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• I nexpen sive meta l util ity nels cal led sta n d a rd s, screw
L-sha ped shelf brackets w i l l i nto the studs and have
s u pport a ny length s h e l f as adj usta ble brackets so the
long as they a re screwed s h elves can be i n stal led in
i nto wall studs. m u ltiple l ocations.

• The other side of the "L" • It's a s i m p l e ca rpentry job

screws i nto the s h elf. to m a ke you r own brack­
ets out of short pieces of
• Shelf su pport tracks, verti­ l u m ber.
cally i n stal l ed steel chan-

1 56
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
c a bles with atta c h i ng h a rdwa re to 4"X4" posts. H idden s u p­
ports ca n a l so be used for a clean, f1 oati ng look, a nd adj ust­ Plywood makes excel lent shelvi ng and is less
a b l e su pports a l l ow s h elves to be m oved a nd repositioned as prone to bowi ng than pressboa rd, particleboa rd,
sto rage needs c h a nge. or oriented strand boa rd, a l l of which a re made
Shelving d i m ensions match the s h elving material to the from wood c h i ps or fi ne sawd u st m ixed with d if­
weig ht it m u st bea r, so there a re some desig n l i m itatio n s, ferent com bi nations of resi n, g l ues, a nd bi nders.
but they a re few a nd fa r between, g iven the materi a l s a n d For either materi a l , a 3/4-inch thickness should
desig ns ava i l a ble. be considered m i n i m u m for most shelving.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Shelving Types Sample Installa tion

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• Lig htweight h a n g i ng • Free-floating shelves have • You r shelf s h o u l d be at stu d s; rest a shelf on each
shelves hold s m a l l ite m s hidden su pports for a clean, l east 1 6 i nches long a n d l edger and screw the shelf
a n d h a n g from s m a l l n a i l s contem pora ry look yet a re constructed from 3/4-inch to the ledger, l i n i ng u p the
or picture hooks. sti l l strong e n o u g h to s u p­ to 6-i nch-wide board s. ends.
port moderate loads.
• B u i lt-i n shelves ca l l for • Cut one ledger boa rd for • Keeping the shelf ends
removing wa l l studs a n d • Corner s h elves m a ke good each shelf. level, cut two boa rds long
s h o u l d n't be constructed i n u se of u n u sed space. enough to screw i nto the
load-bea ri n g wa l l s without • Level each ledger board ends of a l l the shelves and
a n engi neeri ng plan and a g a i n st the wa l l a n d attach reach the floor to provide
proper support. with d rywa l l screws i nto the support.

157
 MO RE SH ELVIN G
Shelving kits , both preassembled and custom sized ,
are easy organizers
Shelvi ng kits, some i n the form of brackets a nd s u p ports o n ly both worlds: a fi n ished look with mounting strips or clips se­
a nd ot hers with the shelves also i nc l uded, have been a ro u nd cured to the sides-where they're barely visible-for adj usti ng
fo r decades. They m a ke sense for m a ny i n sta l l ations, a l low the location of the shelves. In some older homes from the 1 950s
maxi m u m flex i b i l ity a n d a re cost effective, but do not offer a nd earlier, the bui lders i ncl uded bui lt-in shelving with nicely
the fi n ished look of fitted wood sh elvi ng. detai led wood cutouts for inserti ng shelves in va rious locations.
Some fi n ished, self-conta i ned bookshelves offer the best of Wi re sh el f kits a re a more conte m pora ry featu re i n both

Channels and Brackets

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• Steel c h a n n e l s or sta n d a rd s • Shelf sta ndard s a re the

a re ava i l a b l e i n different s i m plest and most versatile
m eta l fi ni shes and colors, attached shelving ava i l a ble,
lengt h s, a n d design a n d ca n but they do not offer a n
be p u rchased by the piece. especia l ly fi n ished a ppea r­
ance.
• The brackets a re not a l ways
i nterchangea b l e-be s u re • The key to i n sta l l i n g
the brackets you p u rchase sta ndard s is that they a re
a re made for you r sta n­ vertica l l y stra ight as wel l as
d a rds. level with each other.

1 58
new homes a n d as i nd ivid u a l i n sta l lations. Vi nyl -coated wi re
she lves with meta l b rackets a re q u ite stu rdy, but the g a ps be­
• • • • • • • • • • • YELLOW LIGHT • • •
• • • • • • • • •
•

tween the wi res pose a few l i m its as to what the shelves ca n Reg a rd l ess of the type of shelves you insta l l, the b rackets
hold (they're n ot g reat fo r t h i n paper fi les, for i n sta nce). or s u p po rts should be fastened into wal l stud s for the best
On the other ha nd, wire shelves do n't accu m u late as much s u p port. If a stud simply isn't ava i la ble, va rious a nchors, i n­
dust as solid shelves, nor do they hold food cru m bs or other cluding molly bolts a n d togg l e bolts, a re man ufactu red for
sma l l bits of food that tend to show u p i nside pa ntries and sec u ri ng o bjects to wa l l s a n d cei l i ng s when no fra m i ng is
kitchen c a bi nets. Th e qua I ity of the shelves va ries, I i ke a nyt h i ng ava i l a b le. •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
el se, with the com mercial, heavy-d uty wi re shelves being very
good qu a l ity.

Wire Shelving Unfi.nished Shelving

• Wire shelving kits, complete • Anchors, i n c l u d i n g m o l ly • The easiest fi nish for a ny cha nce l i q u i d s wi l l leak
with brackets, fasteners, and bolts a n d togg l e bolts, unfinis hed wood shelves is on them or if they'l l be s u b­
anchors, are sold i n presized can be u sed to sec u re several coats of mod ified oil. ject to reg u l a r clea n i ng.
sets or by the foot, with low weight-bea ring shelf
i n stal lation and assem bly s u pports to wa l l s when no • If possible, fi nish wood • Extensive b u i lt-i n shelving
hardware sold separately. studs are ava i lable. shelves before i n sta l l i n g can be pai nted more ef­
t h e m for ease o f a ppl ication. ficiently with a spray g u n .
• Wi re shelving is conve n ient • If you n eed a l ot of shelvi n g,
a n d fi l l s many shelvi n g cutting you r own wood • Particleboard shelves
n eeds, b u t plywood s h elv­ assem blies can be more s h o u l d be sea led with paint
i n g is more versatile. economical. or polyurethane if there is

159
 CLOSET FIXES
Closets are big business , but you don ' t have to spend a fortune
on yours
Cl osets come in a l l d iffe re nt sha pes a nd sizes, ra n g i ng fro m etry and elegant l i g hti ng. Other closet ma keovers a re s i m ply
sma l l reach-in c l osets to room-sized wa l k- in cl osets. An en­ more thoug htfu l ly placed shelves a n d sto rage b i n s to help
t i re m u lti b i l l ion-dol l a r i nd u stry has evolved a ro u nd closet maxi m ize s pace. The size of you r cl oset determi nes the vo l­
storage, expa nsion, and org a n ization, but yo u do n't have to u me of c l ot h i ng you can store, a nd the desig n determi nes
spend a lot of m o ney to reva m p a nd repa i r you rs. how m uc h of that vo l u m e you ca n p ractica l ly use. I n sta l l i n g
Some c l oset ma keove rs a re wo r ks of a rt with fi n e cabin- clot h i n g rods a t d iffe re nt heig hts t o h o l d clothes o f d ifferent

Additional Closet Rods

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d ifferent heig hts m a kes rod; the fi n ish w i l l only get
better use of space. scratched a n d wea r off
every time a hanger s l ides
• Closet rod s req u i re their across it.
own mounting ha rdware,
both for rod s that g o from • A steel pi pe-not copper­
one wa l l to a nother a n d cut to size with its own
t h o s e req u i ri n g a bracket mounting ha rdwa re wi l l
pa rtway across the wa l l . resist bowing better than a
wood closet rod.

160
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
hang i ng lengths can d o u b l e the a mo u nt of stora b l e clothes.
B u i lt- i n d rawers and shelves a l l ow you to actua l ly fi nd a l ot of Cons1de" tong L.e and-g roove a ro matic ced a r
ite ms that end up on the floor. And extra shelving h e l ps yo u paneis for panel i ng close: wa I s. Ced a r is a natu­
store out-of-season c l ot h i ng i n a n out-of-th e-way location. ra : i n sect repel lent with a very a g reea ble scent.
Wi th these practica l a nd i nexpen sive sug gestions, you ca n As the pa n e s a rc exposed to a i r, the pores of the
tu r n you r o rd i n a ry c loset i nto an extrao rd i nary space. wood cc m close cind restrict the ced a r smell. Run­
n i nq very liqht san d paper (220 o r so) over the
ced a r wil l reactivate the cedar o.I.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Professional Closet Upgrades Shoe Storage

• Some busi nesses special ize • An online search under • Shoe racks ra nge from • Mod ular shoe racks that
in closet system s a n d b u i l d "cl oset org a n izing" will sma l l, adj usta ble s h elves snap together a l low for a n
custom storage u n its that bring u p a l l the closet stor­ for a few pairs to m u lti-shelf expa n d i n g s h o e ward robe.
are beautifu l yet expensive. age options you could ever shoe racks that hold dozens
imag i ne. of shoes. • The least expensive m ethod
• Other compa n ies pro­ i s stacking the ori g i n a l shoe
vide do-it-you rself closet • Keep a budget in m i n d • H a n g i n g shoe shelves a re boxes with photos of the
design too l s and b u i l d a n d and stick t o it-the price ava i l a b l e for closet doors i n shoes on the side for better
s h i p storage u n its o f you r varies g reatly depe n d i n g both soft-style shoe holders org a n ization.
desig n. on the type o f closet, so do and h a rd -wi re style.
thoro u g h resea rch.

16 1
 GARAG E STO RAG E
With new shelving and storage systems , the days of the overflowing
garage are gone
Ga rages were on ce uti l ita ri a n pl aces. Ca rs, lawn mowers, fl oor fi n ishes have come a long way from ba re concrete and
bi kes, g a rden tool s, a nd boxes fu l l of mysterious a n d fo rgot­ latex pa i nts that never q uite held u p u nder automobi le traffic.
ten conte nts pac ked g a rages i n a fi rst come, fi rst stored m a n ­ U pg rad i n g you r g a rage ca n be as expensive or modestly
ner. Now, entire c om pa n ies a re devoted t o g a rage storage priced as yo u wa nt. The m a i n th i n g is to get as m uch as pos­
needs, i n c l u d i ng i n sta l lation s. s i b l e off the floor for conve n i e nt, d ry stora ge and a safer ga­
Garage ca binetry can riva l that fou nd i n kitchens. Garage rage envi ron ment (yo u wo n't trip on sports eq u i pment if it

Modern Garage Storage Modern Overhead Storage

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• Premade storag e system s • B u i l d i n g a custom-sized loft • Heavy-ca pacity shelving • Com mercial overhead
l o o k great but a re typi­ storage u n it, s u p ported by can be supported by steel shelving is desig ned to fit
cally more expensive than posts, cou l d sti l l a l low a car h a n g i n g h a rdware fastened above garage door tracks
do-it-yourself storage a n d to park u nderneath. to cei l i n g joists. without i n terferi ng with the
a re l i m ited t o the m a n ufac­ operation of the door.
tu rer's d i mensions. In earth q u a ke a reas, ite m s • Pulley and hoist systems
al low overhead storage of • Overhead storage req u i res
stored overhead m u st b e
bulky objects such as kayaks, strong ha rdwa re a n d
• Because garages aren't s u b­ secu red to prevent s l i ppage
extension ladders, and large shelvi ng-consider buy­
ject to as much scrutiny as a n d fa l l ing.
garden equ ipment with easy i n g a commercial system
living areas, you don't need
raising and lowering. i n stead of fa bricating you r
to produce fancy storage.
o w n from wood.

162
is n't lying a l l over the fl oor). On the m ost basic leve l, a g ood
clea n i n g a n d so rti n g g oes a long way towa rd s org a n izing a
MAKE IT EASY
g a rage. Spray painting the wa l l s a n d cei l i n g (whether th ey're Consider h ow fa r you wa nt to ta ke you r g a rage storage
fi n i shed with d rywa l l or n ot) a nd then prep p ing a n d painting before you beg i n i n sta l l ing. Do you wa nt a more fi n­
the fl oor wi l l brig hten u p a ny g a rage fo r a low cost. ished look with pa i nted shelves? Wou l d ca b i net doors
Plywood shelving ca n be p recut at a l u m ber store to a ny be p referred over o pen s helvi ng? Com plete i nsta l l-it­
desi red width fo r c u stom she lvi n g . Sh elvi n g ca n r u n u p close you rself system s a re ava i l a ble at home centers. C heck
to the cei l i n g to store those ra rely u sed but m u st-keep ite m s. with a store e m ployee to g et the set kit you need.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
With some pl a n n i ng a n d good execution, you m ig ht eve n be
a bl e to put yo u r ca r i n you r g a rage aga i n .

Hanging Equipmen t Plywood Shelving

• Bicycles, sports equipment, • If bikes a re h u n g on a wa l l, • An 8'X4' plywood s h eet • The vertica l supports w i l l
and garden tools can be hung attach stri ps of carpet fi rst can be cut i n to two 8'X2' rest on a concrete floor
on walls or a ceiling with so the bike tires don't m a r shelves, plenty for most where moist u re can be
hooks or other hardware. pai nted su rfaces. bu l ky items. present-use treated
l u m ber or coat the ends
• Account for the people in the • If you need more read - • Su pport these s helves with of u ntreated l u m ber with
home so that equipment can i ly access i b l e eq u i pment, 2"X4" wa l l-mou nted ledgers wood preservative.
be h u ng up and removed by freesta n d i n g racks rest and 2"X4" horizonta l a n d
children or shorter people, a g a i n st a wa l l, req u i ri n g no vertical side supports. • When in doubt, add more
who wou ld be better served fasten ers. supports.
by wall hooks.

163
 WO RKB ENCH
Build a workbench for additional storage and for a clean ,
professional look to your work space
Every home need s a workbe n c h . Where e l se ca n y o u stash a nd genera l a b use. More e l ega nt ones a re fi n ished off with
you r tools, di sasse m b l e a ba l ki ng vac u u m clea ner, or paint a scra ps of ha rdwood fl oori ng, but this is mostly for show.
c h a i r you fou n d at a n estate sa le fo r $2 ? A wo rkbench does n't A workbench can be ela borate with b uilt-i n d rawers and
have to be h u g e; even 4 feet in length wi l l do, but it d oes ca binets or a b asic fou r-legged affa i r with room for storage
have to be stu rdy. Typical ly, a workbe nch is b u i lt out of fra m­ u nderneath. Meta l ind u strial workbenches desig ned more for
i n g l u m ber, i nc l u d i ng the top, so it ca n withsta nd ha m meri n g asse m bly work come with va rious a rra ngements of shelves

Simplest Workbench

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made from sawhorses a n d a someti mes m a ke their own
s h eet of plywood. sawhorses and can m a ke
you ta l l er ones for a reason­
• Most preassem bled wood able price.
sawhorses a re too short fo r
comfortable workbench • Folding sawhorses are appro­
activity-they're con­ priate for a workbench that
structed i n part to lay down will be used for l ight work;
plywood for cutting with a they fold up for easy storage
circ u l a r saw. when the job is fi nished.

164
a n d d rawers as wel l as prewi red receptacles that p l ug i nto a
sta ndard wa 1 1 receptacle. Typica I ly these a re somewhat na rrow
MAKE IT EASY
• •
but ca n be a ba rg a i n at surplus sa les or goi ng-out-of-busi ness If you have the room, consider going longer rather
: :
ind ustria l pla nts if you need only a sma l l workbench. : than shorter with you r workbench . It ca n a lways be :
•
B u i l d i ng a workbench is a g ood exe rcise i n beg i n n i n g car­ : u sed for sto rage, fut u re p rojects, a nd m u ltitasking. •
• •
pentry. The materia l s a re i nexpen sive, so a n i n correctly cut • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

boa rd is n't a nyth i n g to wo rry a bout. You can even use old or
scra p l u m ber, w h i c h keeps it out of a la ndfi l l and g ives yo u
somet h i n g u sefu l at the same ti me.

Basic Corner Workbench

• B u i l d i n g a workbench in a • Construct you r workbench

corner of you r workspace with screws rather than
provides you with two wa l l s nails if you're u ncerta i n its
for s u pporting the t o p a n d location will be permanent.
for h a n g i n g tools.
• Exq u isitely made work­
• Workbenches s h o u l d be benches can be ordered
b u i lt near a 20-a m p circuit o n l i ne-they're bea utifu l
GFCI receptacle a n d have but expensive.
ple nty of l i g ht for safe
worki n g conditions.

165
 KITCH EN ISLAN D
Whether movable or fixed in place , an island is a
great kitchen addition
Modern kitchens a re a m a rvel . They a re l a rger t h a n ever a n d Newer kitchens are very open, with their own d i n i ng areas and
conta i n every a ppl i a n ce i ma g i n a b l e. A s the twentieth cen­ usua lly adjoi ned to a fa mily room. Older homes that have not
tury developed, kitchens evolved fro m rooms solely for p re­ had their floor plans modernized norma l ly have closed kitch­
pari ng food with sepa rate d i n i n g roo ms to the m ixed-use ens with a doorway i nto a d in ing room. Either design can ben­
gatheri n g pl aces th ey a re today. We prepare food, eat it, a nd efit from an island addition, but a closed kitchen must be large
enterta i n a l l i n the same roo m . enoug h to accommodate an island without bei ng cram ped.

Premade Islands

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• M u ltiple styles of mova b l e • Resta u ra nt s u ppl iers offer

kitchen islands on casters, com mercial sta i n less steel
both with and without stor­ work stations as a nother
age, a re ava i l a b l e in a ra nge a lternative for a n island.
of prices.
• Custom-sized butcher
• For the u lti mate i n porta bil­ block cou ntertops a re a
ity, fol d i n g kitchen work food-friendly a lternative for
ca rts provide solid work fi xed i s l a n d s that also act as
s u rfaces and easy fold-away cutting boards.
storage.

166
 An i s l a nd c a n conta i n a stove top a n d/or a ra nge a n d a sec­
ond s i n k, or it can be so lely for sto ra ge with a countertop for
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
food prepa ration a n d eati ng. You ca n b u i l d a s i m p l e i s l a n d A fixed island should be far enough away from other cabi-
w i t h a butcher bl oc k t o p or buy one of m a ny porta ble i s­ nets and major applia nces to a l low for traffic flow and not
l a n ds, a l so cal led kitchen work ca rts, with a ra nge of feat u res h i nder doors open i ng towards the island. Wheelchair ac- •

a nd prices. The adva ntage of a wheeled i s l a n d is porta b i l ity cess is a l so a consideration for some households. Recom-
to m ove it aside or m ove it to a n other res idence. When you mendations va ry, but fi g u re a m i n i m u m 'of 36 i nches of
t h i n k you r kitchen is maxed out with cabi n ets a nd cou nters, c leara nce outwa rd from the isla nd. •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
an i s l a nd offe rs easy expa nsion.

Freestanding Islands

• Cut out a n d tape a paper or • A kitchen island's cou nter­

ca rd boa rd tem plate of you r top does not have to match
proposed i s l a n d t o t h e floor the rest of the kitchen­
to get a feel for it as a work consider a contrasting
space. material or one that's lower
m a i ntena nce.
• I nclude the bar stools or
c h a i rs i n you r measuring • Stu rdy a ntiq u e shop fu r­
as they have to be wa l ked n i s h i n g s can be ada pted as
a ro u n d as wel l . i nteresting mova ble islands.

167
 EN ERGY PRIM ER
Learn daily habits to cut the cost of energy used in your home
When it comes to e n e rgy, we a re wel l fed . We have bo u n ­ we're n ot u s i n g -a l i g ht, t h e TV, a ve n t i l a t i o n fa n-i n ­
tifu l el ectric ity, heat, a i r co n d i t i o n i n g , a n d hot water fro m s t e a d of i g n o r i n g it. O t h e r t i m e s i t 's a m atte r of d e g ree:
re l i a b le s o u rces. Do w e wa ste some? Of cou rse, it's u navoid­ H ow wa r m o r cool d o we n e ed the ro o m te m pe ra t u re,
a b le; n o system i s perfectly effi c i en t, bu t t h e re a re ways to how m a ny l i g hts d o we need to pe rfo r m a t a s k, o r do
conserve e n e rgy and c u t down o n yo u r spend i n g . we rea l l y need an e l ec t r i c can o pe n e r i n stead of a h a n d ­
Ofte n t i m e s i t 's s i m p l y a m atter of t u r n i n g off a d evice o pe ra ted o n e ?

Typical Losses

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Protection Agency studies, ers can red uce l i g hting and
air leakage in the average i n d ivid u a l l y ru n ni n g venti­
American house accou nts for lation fan usage (and heat
25-40 percent of the energy loss caused by ventilation).
used for heating and cooling.
• While control ling heat losses,
Air l ea kage typica l ly occ u rs
a certai n level of ventila­
•

at g a ps a ro u n d w i ndows,
tion and a i r exchange is
doors, pi pes, atti cs, joi nts,
n eeded for a hea lthy i ndoor
and c h i m neys without
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fi rep lace d a m pers.

168
 Adj usti ng to a s l i g htly cooler home by l oweri n g a thermo­
stat one degree a month or i n s u lati n g a water heater ta n k is
MAKE I T EASY
not a lifestyle-be n d i n g c h a nge. Awa re ness is the key. I n stead N ot s u re where t o sta rt i n eva l uati ng yo u r energy u s­
of conti n u i n g old ha bits, exa m i n e them a nd decide which age? The re a re p rofessi o n a l e n e rg y a u d itors who, for
need c h a n g i n g a n d which dese rve to get booted out a lto­ a fee, wi l l test you r h o u se fo r heat l oss, check yo u r fu r­
gether. One a p proach is to l i m it h ow m uc h you a l low you r­ nace a n d a i r co n d itio n i ng, a n d exa m i n e past energy
self to spend each month on e nergy a n d then fi n d ways to b i l l s. You r loca l uti l ity co m pa ny m i g ht cond u ct a u d its
m eet you r budget a s wel l fo r free o r for a s m a l l cost.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wa ter Hea ters Air Conditioning

• Water h eating is the l a rgest • Demand (tankless or i n stan­ • Reduce ru n ni n g you r a i r • I n d ividual, cei l i ng, a n d
e nergy user i n homes after taneous) water heaters pro­ condition i ng a n d save whole-house fa n s can
h eating a n d coo l i n g . vide hot water only as it is e nergy and cost by u s i n g increase summer comfort in
needed without the stan d by other coo l i ng methods. hot c l i mates.
• A conventiona l storage­ energy l osses associated
style water h eater ta n k with storage water heaters; • Wi ndow shades, i m proved • Eva porative (or swa m p)
s h o u l d b e sized t o you r hot this can save you money. i n su lation, a n d sea l i n g coolers p u l l hot, d ry outside
water usage-too big of a preserve cool i n terior tem­ air through moist pads,
ta n k wastes energy. • Demand system s cost peratu res j u st as they do coo l i ng the a i r by eva pora­
more and last longer than warmer ones i n the winter tion and using less e nergy
conventio n a l tan ks. months. than air cond itio n i ng.

169
 SEALING YO U R H O US E
Keep the heat and the c ool where you want them-inside your home

We ca n't l ive i n a i rtight homes. We need ventil ation, but we I nd ivid ual ly, each missing sea l doesn't seem l ike much, but cu­
don't need i nfi ltration or air lea kage. We can control venti­ mu latively sea ls ca n add up to respecta ble savi ngs. According to
lation with i n d ivi d u a l fa ns, both in kitc h ens a nd bath rooms, the U.S. Department of Energy, air infi ltration can amount to as
a n d whole-house fa ns. Control leakage with ca u l ki ng, gas­ m uch as 30 percent of home heati ng and cooling costs.
kets, a n d weather stri p p i n g . Th is is a l l l ow-tech, section-by­ Some c l a i m that new ho mes can be too tig ht, that they
section tas king. do n't "breathe" as i n the g ood old d ays of less tig htly con-

Sealing Switches and Receptacles A ttic Ha tches

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• I nsu late switches a n d re­ • Use foam backer rod, sold in • Attic hatches s h o u l d be • Self-powered solar attic fa ns
ceptacles by removing the pieces and rol l s of d ifferent both i n s u l ated and weather do not requ i re wiring to vent
cover plates a n d i n sta l l i n g thickness, to fill deep gaps stri pped a ro u n d their hot attics; this is an excel lent
foam gaskets, precut t o fi t between window tri m and peri m eter. use of solar energy.
(ava i lable at home centers). brick wal l s and then cau l k
right over t h e backer rod. • In add ition to i n su lation, • A properly ventilated attic
• Sea l i nd ivid ual room air u n fi n ished attics need helps red uce air condition­
conditioners with foam tape • U se a pai nta b l e elastomeric adequate ventilation to ing costs a n d prevent roof­
weather stripping i n sta l l ed ca u l k for wood-to-masonry prevent excess h eat b u i ld­ i n g s h i n g les from warpi ng.
between the air conditioner appl ications. u p a n d to a l low moisture to
and the window frame. esca pe.

1 70
structed dwe l l i n gs. New hou ses, howeve r, exc h a n g e a i r i n a
contro l l ed, ti med fa s hi on i n stead of leaking 24/7, l i ke older
MAKE IT EASY
• •
houses often do t h ro u g h wa l l s, windows, a nd roofs.
: O l d e r h o m e s ty pica l ly h ave o p e n fi re p l a ces, w h i l e :
New hou se or old, m ost ca n u se some i n spection for a i r : newer o n e s have g l a s s doors to p reve nt heat fro m :
leakage. Eve n i n su l ated attic spaces s h o u l d b e reco nsidered : g o i n g u p t h e c h i m n ey. Keep the d a m pe r cl osed :
as i n s u lation sta n da rd s have c h a n ged ove r the yea rs. If the : i n a n o l d e r c h i m n ey, w h i l e re m e m be r i n g to open :
job seems overwhe l m i ng, b rea k it down a nd do one ta sk­ • it w h e n yo u h ave a fi re (a s i g n i n d i cat i n g "d a m pe r :
weat her stripping, for i n sta n ce-at a t i m e. Savi n g energy • o pen" a n d "d a m pe r c l osed" i s h e l pfu l ) or i n sta l l a •
• •
does n't need to be compl icated. • te m pe red g l a s s door. •
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Caulking Fireplace Doors

• I nspect the exterior of you r • Examine areas where corners • If you have a fi replace with • Relig hti ng some fi replace
house for separations be­ or dissimilar materials meet, a pilot l i g ht, consider s h ut­ pi lot l i g hts can be tricky­
twee n the fou ndation a n d such as a concrete fou nda­ ting it off for the spri n g a n d be s u re you know how to
the wa l l s. tion and wood wal l s. s u m mer months. do you rs safely.

• Cau l k these spaces with • Never ca u l k the d ra i nage • A gas pi lot l i g ht costs u p • Heat-resista nt, tem pered
pai nta ble, exterior aerosol holes at the base of storm t o a few d o l l a rs a m o n t h to fi replace doors a re both a
i n su lati n g foam and pa i nt windows-these prevent run, depending on the a p­ safety feature and an en­
the foam after it c u res. moist u re from b u i l d i n g up plia nce m a n ufacturer. ergy saver a n d ca n be fitted
between the storm sash to older fi replaces.
and the m a i n sashes.

1 71
 WEATH ER STRI P PING
A range of weather stripping will seal up even the leakiest openings

Wherever you h ave a n opera b l e door or window, you have assem b l ed accord i ng to u n ifo r m specificati ons i n a factory,
some a i r lea kage. If yo u di d n't, the ope n i n g wou ld be so res u lting in tig hter tolera nces a nd less a i r i nfi ltration.
tig ht you cou ld n't open the door or window. Older s l i d i n g Old windows wi l l a l most always benefit from some type
wood wi ndows a re the worst offenders. They were i n sta l led of weather stri pping. Modern windows m i g ht need their
on-site, a nd n o two i n sta l lations were exactly the same. New weather stri pping rep laced, depending on its condition. Some
windows a re i n sta l l ed as fi n ished, weather-stri p ped u n its, homeowners ca u l k s h ut windows they're not using. Th is wi l l

Wea ther Stripping

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• There a re m u ltiple weather • Avoid felt weather strip­

stri pping options for every ping-there are superior
appl ication, but some vinyl and ru bber a lternatives.
are much easier to paint
around than others. • N ew wood entry doors with
self-a d h esive vi nyl weather
• An improper instal lation or stri pping reg u l a rly have
the wrong weather strippi ng ga ps; check you rs for ad­
can prevent a door or win­ d itional weather stri pping
dow from completely closing needs.
and forming a tight seal.

1 72
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
certa i n ly stop leakage but ca n be short-sig hted . Do you rea l ly
want to go without the summer venti lation each window of­ For insta l lation, the easiest weather stripping is
fers beca use ca u l king is easier than weather stri pping? self-ad hesive foam, vi nyl, or ru bber. Meta l weather
Newer homes have weather-stri pped exterior doors but may stri pping that req uires fasteners for insta l lation is
not be completely sealed. Look for gaps a nd replace the strip­ the longest lasti ng and req u i res more precision
ping with something more effective. Weather stri pping sliding when instal l i ng. Meta l is also more forgiving when
patio or deck doors ca n be problematic depending on the type pai nting nea r it-pai nt spatters clean off more
of door-wood, meta l, or vi nyl-a nd the original stripping. easily than off the self-adhesive products.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Replace worn or da maged stri pping with material of similar di­
mension that won't i nterfere with the operation of t h e door.

Metal, Rubber, and Vinyl Strips Rope Caulk

• Spring bronze m eta l • Vi nyl windows with dam­ • Rope ca u l k is an i n expen­ a re no longer opened a n d
weather stri p p i n g i s aged brush-type weather sive, soft, clay- l i ke tem po­ removed i n the spri ng.
extremely d u ra b l e a n d a stri pping can be repa i red ra ry ca u l ki n g compound
good option for o l d wood with self-a d h esive vi nyl sold i n m u ltiple-stra nd rol l s • Rope cau l k stays flexi b l e,
windows a n d doors. weather stri pping. as a n a lternative t o more a d heres to clean su rfaces,
perma nent ca u l king. fi l ls ga ps, and req u i res no
• Self-adhesive vi nyl weather • Rigid metal nailing strips with tools for i n sta l lation.
• The strands a re sepa rated
stri pping i nsta l l s and sticks rubber, vinyl, or silicone beads
from the rol l a n d pressed
wel l to clean s u rfaces and work when well-fastened to Once rope ca u l k is i n sta l led,
i nto gaps between win­
•

can be easily replaced. jambs and pressure fitted the window should stay
dows a n d j a m bs i n the
against closed doors. closed.
late fa l l when windows

1 73
 CHOOSING N EW WIN DOWS
D ep ending on your need , storm windows might do the trick and
help save energy
The re's no esca p i n g the adverti sements for n ew i n s u l ated u n l i ke ea rly wh ite-on ly versions, vinyl wi ndows a re now ava i l­
windows. Energy savi n g s a nd l ow m a i nte n a n ce a re prom­ a b l e i n a l i m ited ra nge of colors.
ised, co mfort is a ss u red, a n d the cost is ra rely mentioned. Some peo ple a re opposed to them beca use they're not
Vi nyl windows d o m i n ate the new home a n d rep lacement wood a nd c l a i m they have a l i m ited life before the sea l s give
ma rkets, a n d there's m uc h to be said fo r them: They never out a nd leak, req u i ri ng the entire window be re pl aced.
need pai nti n g, resist i n sects, and come fu l ly asse m b l ed, a nd, Storm windows wi l l effect th e same or better energy sav-

The Ins and Ou ts of Windows Wood Storm Windows

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• Older windows, either sea l s an i nert gas between • Wood, a l u m i n u m, a n d vi nyl • Wood storm windows often
meta l or wood, have a the g lass panes. storm windows a re ava i l­ push out at the bottom for
single pane of g lass, which a b l e, with wood bei n g the modest ventilation.
doesn't meet modern b u i ld­ Heat loss occu rs primarily most expensive.
i n g standard s that ca l l for th rough gaps between win­ • Vi nyl i nterior storm win­
i n su lated windows. dow sashes and their ja m bs. • Some a re fixed, mea n i n g dows offer ease of i n sta l­
t h e y do not open, w h i l e lation and c l ea n i n g but do
• An insu lated window has • It ta kes yea rs before the others have scree n s a n d not offer a n exterior storm
two or t h ree panes of g lass e nergy sav i n g s from n ew mova ble g lass or plastic window's protection of the
sea led together with a windows m a ke up for the sections for ventilation. m a i n window sashes.
special ca u l k, which a l so cost of the windows.

1 74
i ng s as new i n su l ated u n its, but there is the l a bor of i n sta l l i ng,
re movi ng, a nd storing re mova ble-style storms, a n d the less­
• • • • • • • • • • • •
•
GREEN 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

than-appea l i n g look of the fixed meta l style. I nte rior storm : Retaining original wood windows and adding storm :
windows a re ea sier to m a n euver than exteriors that ca l l for : windows not only maintains architectural integrity, :
ladders, but they do n ot protect the exterior side of the win­ : but also reduces land fi ll refuse. Wood windows can :
dows from wi nter weather, a big plus for exterior storm win­ : last for decades with regular painting. The number :
dows. N ew windows or storm windows-it's a p ractica l a nd : one reason they deteriorate is a lack of paint. Keep :
aesthetic decision. : them sealed, like all exterior wood, and they should :
: never need replacement. :
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alumin um Storm Windows

• A l u m i n u m storm windows • Vi nyl storm windows expand

are l i g htweight and long­ and move i n hot, d i rect
lasting, but as a meta l they sun light and can crack i n
conduct heat i n stead of extremely l o w temperatu res.
i n su lating a g a i n st it.
• U n less they're easy to
• Wood sashes a re heavier, remove, storm windows w i l l
req u i re pa i nting, and can­ i nterfere w i t h painting t h e
not acco m m odate bui lt- i n windows, a n d h eat b u i ld-up
screens. on wood sashes can cause
the paint to b l i ster.

1 75
 AD DING INSU LATIO N
Check to see if your house is up to national insulation standards
Accord i ng to stud ies done by Ha rva rd U n iversity's School e m i ssions. Con s u lt with a p rofessional to m a ke s u re you r in­
of P u b l i c Health, i n crea s i n g residentia l i n su lation i n existi ng su lation sta n d a rd s a re u p to par.
housing to meet the 2000 I nte rnati on a l Energy Conservation B l a n ket i nsu lation is the most common and is norm a l ly made
Code ( I E ECC) m i n i m u m leve l s could save more than 800 tril­ of fi berg lass fi bers attached to a kraft pa per or foil faci ng. The
lion BTU s of energy each yea r. Tra n s lation: That mea n s you facing acts as a va por barrier that keeps the insu lation d ry.
wi l l save more m o ney. I n a ddition, the enviro n ment wi l l be B l a n ket i n su lation i s sold i n rol ls, w h i c h you cut to length
clea ner because less fu el wou l d be bu rned a n d t h u s lower before i n sta l l i ng, a nd a s batts, which a re precut 4- a n d 8-

A ttic Blow-In Insula tion

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• An insu lated attic prevents • Fol l ow the man ufactu rer's

heat from escaping in winter recommendations for
and prevents outside heat vol u m e of material per
from affecting air condition­ sq u a re foot of attic space
i n g systems i n s u m mer. for proper coverage.

• Pou r in l oose-fi l l fi berg l ass, • A lways wea r protective re­

m i nera l wool, or cel l u l ose spi ratory gear when i n sta l l­
i n su lation or b l ow it i n with i n g any kind of i n su lation.
a rented machi n e; the ma­
chine is easier and faster.

1 76
foot sections. Both ro l l s a nd batts a re wide e n o u g h to fit be­
tween floor joists a nd wa l l studs. The t h i cker the i n su lation,
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
the h i g her its thermal resi sta n ce, or a bi l ity to keep heat from When your blanket insulation faces a heated room- •
•
esca p i n g . I n s u lation is a l so sold as l oose fi l l or s m a l l bits of whether it's an attic fl oor facing bedrooms or an ex- •
•
fi ber, foa m , a nd other materi a l s that a re blown i nto attics a nd terior wall facing living space-the facing or vapor •
•
wa l l spa ces with com merc i a l bl owers. I n su lation pays back barrier should face the heated area. If you're adding •
•
i m mediately i n comfo rt and energy savi ngs. blanket i nsulation on top of existing attic insulation, •
•
remove the facing or use insulation without facing. •
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wall Blow-Jn Insula tion How to Blow In Insula tion

• You can blow i n su lation • Before blowing i n su la­ • Keep the machine outside • Wra p a rag around the end
i nto the wa l l s of older tion i nto the outer wal l s, to avoid blowi n g i ns u lation of the hose to prevent in­
homes without removi n g com plete any wiring a n d d ust inside you r house. s u lation from blowi n g back
either the s i d i n g or t h e p l u m bi n g projects, as you i n to the room.
i nterior plaster. ca n't pass wires or pi pes • This is a two-person job­
t h ro u g h the materia l once one to feed material to and • Fill the i nterior holes with
• Dri l l a hole near the top it's i n stal led. control the machine and aerosol foam fi l ler, cut the
of the wa l l a n d blow the one to hold the hose to the d ried fi l ler flush to the
i n s u l ation between the wa l l • Avoid using b l own-in i n su­ holes and fill the wa l l s. wa l l, and smooth over with
studs. lation near c h i m neys or wa l l d rywa l l com pou nd.
sconces.

1 77
APPLIANCES & EN ERGY SAVINGS
Look for energy-saver appliances to help lower your monthly bills
Applia nces defi n itely m a ke l ife easier, but you do n't need them models a n d a utomatic p ilot l i g hts for gas ra n ges. New EN­
to suck out all you r h ouse energy. New energy sta ndards-es­ ERGY STAR-rated refrigerators use less tha n one-fo u rth as
pecially the EN ERGY STAR prog ra m, a set of energy efficiency m u ch el ectricity a s they d id i n 1 972. A modern EN E RGY STAR
g u ideli nes set by the EPA a n d U.S. Depa rtment of Energy­ clothes washer u ses l ess water a n d el ectricity than models
have i m p roved some of the major power consu mers. m a n ufactured a mere fifteen yea rs ago, a nd E N E RGY STA R
Kitchen ra n g es offer more ove n i n s u lation t h a n p revious clothes d ryer model s use less el ectric ity. S h o u l d yo u rep l ace

Install a Programmable Thermosta t Wa ter Hea ter Tempera ture

• Prog ra m m a b l e therm ostats conditioner before remov­ • Accordi n g to the U.S. • If you have an electric water
are sta ndard in new homes ing the old thermostat. Department of Energy, for h eater, consult the owner's
and ca n be retrofitted to each 1 0-deg ree reduction in m a n u a l for preca utions for
many older system s. • Mark the old wires accord­ water tem perature, you save adj u sti n g the thermostat.
ing to where they were at­ 3-5 percent in energy costs.
• I n sulati ng accessi ble hot
• Ca l l an electrician to i n sta l l tached on the old thermo­
• A hot water tem perature water pipes reduces heat
a ny thermostat ru n n i n g off stat and tape them to the
of 1 20 deg rees F is recom­ loss and can raise water
hig h-voltage wiri ng. wa l l to prevent them from
mended for most house­ temperature 2-4 degrees
fa l l i n g i nto the wa l l cavity.
holds, although some more than non insu lated
• Tu rn off the power to the
dishwashers m i g ht requ i re pi pes.
thermostat, fu rnace, and air
1 30 deg rees F or more.

1 78
for the sake of effi ciency? It depends on the age of the a p p l i­
a n ce yo u're replacing a n d the a mo u nt of energy it consu mes . . . • • . • . . • . •
•
GREEN 9LIGHT . • • • . . . • . . . • .

versu s the cost of a new a p p l i a n ce and the cost savi ngs from : Do you really need to keep your old refrigerator in the
its lower energy u se. : garage or basement as an "extra"? This more than ne­
You can fu rt her cut down e lectricity con s u m ption a n d costs : gates any energy savings with a new model. Better to
by u s i n g yo u r a p p l i a nces s m a rtly. For i n sta nce, ru n fu l l loads : buy a larger kitchen refrigerator if you need the extra
of c l othes and di shes or use a refrigerator to its fu l l capacity. : capacity than maintain a second one.
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lowest-Flow Showerheads Exha ust Fans

• Showering acco u nts for 25 • Another option is a shower­ • Energy saving a n d exha ust • R u n you r exha u st fa ns o n l y
percent of i n d ivid u a l water head with a b u i lt- i n shut-off fa n s are somewhat m utu­ as long as y o u need t o clear
usage. or soa p-u p va lve, which ally excl usive. the bath room a n d keep
a l l ows the user to decrease h eat loss to a m i n i m u m .
• Low-flow showerheads with the water flow down to a • You want a powerfu l fan
a flow rate of 2.5 g a l lons l i g ht m ist or shut off com­ that d raws fu mes and mois­ • A bath room fa n t i m e r can
per m i n ute or less include pletely. t u re out fast, which means control and red uce excess
aerati ng, which mixes air it removes heat q u ickly, usage.
with water, and nonaerat­ • I n sta l lation is easy a n d too; it's better to vent faster
ing models. req u i res o n l y a wrench a n d a n d for a shorter a m o u nt
Teflon p l u m ber's tape. of time.

1 79
 FENCE REPAIRS
Wood fences can ' t stand up forever-they need help from
time to time
Wood fen ces go back to the ea rly colon ists. Picket fences t h a n 8 feet a pa rt, 2 "X4" boa rd s a re n a i l ed to the posts as ra i l s,
were b u i lt to esta b l i s h bou nd a ries but not p rivacy. Some a n d then 1 "X6" boa rd s, freq ue ntly rou g h cut, a re nai l ed to the
were q u ite ela borate, m u c h m ore so than most a nyth i ng ra ils. More ofte n t h a n not, these fences a re then sta i ned or
you' I I fi nd today. eve n l eft a l one to "weat her:'
Sol i d fen ces b u i lt for privacy a re po p u l a r now a n d s i m ple Th is type of fence does n't req u i re e l a borate ca rpentry s ki l l s
to construct: 4"X4" posts a re sunk i nto the g ro u n d no more t o b u i ld, b u t once it's u p, it req u i res ca re a n d feed i n g . Wood

Signs of a Failed Fen ce Loose Fen ce Boards

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• A fence fa l l s i n to d i s repa i r • Wood fences a re expensive • Loose boa rd s can be • Prestai n or paint any
w h e n the posts rot, the post and time con s u m i ng to secu red with small deck replacement boa rd s before
holes a ren't deep enough, b u i l d-it m a kes g ood sense screws or g a lva n ized nai ls. i n sta l l i ng.
the ra i l s come loose from to m a i ntain them.
the posts, or the i n d ivid u a l • If a n i n d ivid ua l boa rd is • Be s u re the ends of all the
fence boards c o m e loose. • Fig u re on resta i n i n g a fence broken or otherwise too fence boa rd s a re wel l sea led
every t h ree to fou r yea rs deteriorated to secu re, n ew and none comes i n contact
• Unsealed fences d eteriorate depe n d i n g on weather ones a re ava i l a b l e at any with the g round.
faster, and they often have exposure. l u m ber store.
loose boards a n d faste ners.

1 80
fen ces a re exposed to the weather a nd need to be treated
l i ke a ny other outdoor wood . They m u st be sea l ed reg u l a rly
MAKE IT EASY
with paint or sta i n a n d checked fo r deterioration. Recoati ng a fe nce i s t i m e con s u m i ng, but the ta s k
Trad ition a l picket fen ces a re pai nted, p rovi d i n g them with ca n be s ped u p u s i ng a pa i nt s p raye r, pa rticu l a rly
bette r protection, if the paint i s reg u l a rly ren ewed, t h a n when pai nti ng a picket fen ce. An a i rless s prayer wi l l
sta i ned s o l i d fen ces, which a re often i g n o red. Given the cost pa i n t pickets fa r faster t h a n b ru s h i ng, a n d overs p ray i s
a nd time i nvolved to constru ct a fen ce, recoating to extend l e s s a n i ss u e outs ide i n a ya rd t h a n i n side you r h ou se.
the l i fe of a fe n ce more t h a n pays for itself. Solid fen ces ca n be ro l l ed or s p rayed.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Reinforcing Loose Rails Fence Caps

• Rails that are nailed at a n a n­ • Or i n sert a g a lvan ized a n g le • Fence caps become loose • When the cap is d ry, a pply
gle (toenai led) to the posts i ron under the ra i l a n d when they rem a i n u nfi n­ exterior wood g l u e to the
commonly come loose. screw it t o both the ra i l and ished a n d the n a i l s rust a n d top of the post, a n d center
the post. deteriorate. the cap on it.
• Reinforce a loose rai l by
n a i l i n g a s m a l l wood block • A nailed section of 2X4 • Remove l oose post caps • Sec u re with two deck
to the post; butt it u p across the post and i nto and their fasten ers. Sand screws or two ga lvan ized
a g a i n st the ra i l and toe n a i l each rai l prod uces the stu r­ the cap's bottom side and n a i l s longer than the origi­
the rai l t o the block. d iest but most vis i b l e repai r. the top of the post. Brush n a l ones.
away d ust a n d seal all sides
of the ca p with wood sea l er.

1 81
 FENCE REPAIRS (CONTIN U E D)
Fences in disrepair need more than recoating-p osts , rails , boards ,
and pickets can all be fixed
A properly b u i lt fen ce u ses posts that a re treated for g ro u n d wood, i n d ivid u a l posts can be re pl aced or su pported a nd
contact. Lu m ber m a n ufa ctu rers pressu re-treat l u m ber with b raced u nti l rep l acement ca n be sched u l ed .
chemica l s that render the wood resi sta nt to fu ng i fou n d i n Rails eventua l ly loosen if they don't have a ny s u p ports to
the g rou n d. Some pressu re-treated l u m ber is not s u ita ble hold them or if the n a i l s secu ring the ra i l s corrode. The same
for g ro u nd contact a n d s h o u l d not be u sed for fe nce posts, is true for the pickets or ve rtica l boa rd s. A section of a fence
nor should u ntreated l u m ber be used. In the event of rotting either can be secu red with addition a l faste ners or rep l aced

Bad Fence Posts Removing Rails and Posts

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• Reinforce fence posts with • To q u ickly repair a lea n i n g • R a i l s a re either toena i led • Dig out the old post a n d
i n expen sive fence-post post, screw one end o f a (nai led at an a n g l e) to posts a n y concrete attached t o it.
repa i r bracket kits, which wire or s m a l l chain near the or nailed to m etal c l i ps,
save the time and cost of top of the post. Stra i g hten wh ich a re nai led to the • If a ra i l end is bad, cut out
post replacement. the post, p u l l the wire tig ht, posts. the bad section, i n sta l l
and attach to a p i pe ham­ a n ew piece o f 2X4, a n d
• Repa i r kits req u i re existing
m ered i nto the g ro u n d . • Remove the ra i l s and tem­ secu re it t o the rem a i n i n g
concrete (to be ham m ered
porarily n a i l a vertical 2X4 2 X 4 w i t h a ga lvan ized shelf
i nto) or new concrete if the
to each pa i r of rai l s to keep bracket.
post sta nds i n d i rt on ly;
the fencing u prig ht.
they do not work for posts
with extensive rot.

1 82
completely if necessa ry. Th is can be a s ma l l p rob l em if a
picket is a n u n u s u a l design that req u i res d u p l ication. How­
• • • • • • • • • • •
• YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
• •
eve r, n ew 1 "X6" fence boa rd s a re com mo n ly ava i l a ble at a ny Treated l u m be r is soa ked i n a chemica l solution that wi l l
l u m ber store. ru b off on you r s k i n d u ri ng h a n d l ing. Wea r wor k gloves
Anywhere a fen ce is feel i ng wo bbly or is otherwise in need a n d long-sleeve s h i rts w h e n working with treated fen ce
of su pport, bra c kets, blocks, ca b les, or other mea n s of shor­ posts. Wea r a n a pp ropriate d u st mask to avoid b reat h i ng
i ng u p the wea k a rea can be i n sta l l ed to extend the life of the a ny sawdu st w h i le cutting the posts. Was h you r h a n d s af­
•

fen ce. As long as the repa i r is prese nta b l e, it's s i m pler than a ter h a n d l i ng treated l u m be r. •
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
fu l l rep l a ce ment.

Digging Post Holes Positioning and Installing Posts

• Dig post holes with a narrow • Before d i g g i n g holes for a • A post hole should be at fence ra i l s and with the
shovel, a post-hole digger, n ew fence, ca l l you r local least 24 i nches deep for a other posts; if the posts a re
a hand-operated a uger, or a util ities to check for pipes 6-foot-h i g h fence. on sloped g rou nd, it should
hand held power a uger (but and wiring (the North fol low the slope as the oth­
beware of usage hazards). American One Ca l l Referra l • The hole s h o u l d a l so be ers do.
service provides a l isti n g of wide enough for you to
• An a lternative is a 24- or local uti l ity compan ies; see pack down you r d i rt or • A l l ow concrete to set before
30-i nch fence post spike Resou rces). concrete packing. atta c h i n g the rai l s, fol l ow­
topped with a 4"X4" open i n g the m a n ufactu rer's
m eta l box for secu ring a • The new post s h o u l d be curing d i rections.
fence post. straight, l i ned u p with its

1 83
 D ECK REPAIRS
With some attention , decks can last for years-here ' s how

A lot is asked of a deck. It's l a id out horizo nta l ly so water ca n't tered ? Sa n d i n g a deck wi l l bring it back to l i fe a nd p repa re it
run off a nd is lucky if it gets recoated every few yea rs. It bakes i n for a new fi n ish. Deck boa rd s that a re too fa r gone to be saved
t h e sun a n d freezes i n t h e wi nter. Lucki ly, l i ke a ny other wood ca n be removed a nd re placed ea sily e n o u g h . Not as easily re­
structu re, each da maged component of a deck is replacea ble. p l a ced a re deck joists, the su p ports that the deck boa rds a re
A deck that's seen bette r days but i s structu ra l ly solid ca n nai l ed i nto. S m a l l a reas of each joist edge a re exposed to the
a lways be clea ned a nd refi n ished. What if it's rou g h a nd s p l i n - weather a nd u s u a l ly d on't d i rectly receive a ny fi n ish d u ri ng

Replacing Deck Sections Repairing or Replacing Joists

• Decking and deck ra i l s a re s u re t o place a b l o c k of • If a section of a joist is • G l u e and fasten the fu l l

frequent candidates for wood u nder the pry ba r to deteriorated, cut away length joist t o the o l d a n d
replacement d ue to water avoid m a rring the adjo i n i n g the da maged a rea with a sec u re at the ends i n t h e
exposu re. boards. reciprocati n g saw and coat same man ner as the others.
the exposed wood with a
Each piece of decki ng, typi­ Replace with the same preservative. If joist ends are da maged,
ca l ly a 2X4 of some ki nd, is d i mension a n d wood type cut away the damaged
nai led twice at each joist. and sta i n to match the rest • Cut a new joist the same material, coat the exposed
of the deck (see page 38). length as the damaged joist. wood with preservative,
• With a large pry bar, remove a n d run a new joist the
a ny da maged board s, bei n g entire length of the old.

1 84
recoats as they're n ot easily accessi b l e. Not s u rpri s i n g ly, these
a reas ca n deteriorate.
. . . . . . . . . .
YELLOW LIGHT
Posts a re a lso main s u p po rts but a re rep l acea b l e or can Before sa nding a d eck, set a l l the nails i n t h e decking. Often
have new sections spl iced to them. Replacing a n entire deck times the nail heads a re sticking u p far enou g h to catch a
is expensive a nd a l ot of work, so you m i g ht consider h i ri n g piece of sa ndpaper and tea r it. You'll h ave to set the p ro­
a d e c k contractor. Refi n i s h ing a n d patching the neg lected tru d i ng nai l s a nyway after tea ring you r san d paper, so save
a reas w i l l go a long way in exten di ng the l ife of a deck. you rself the aggravation and set them f ost. •
•
• • • • • • • • • •

Repairing or Replacing Deck Railings

• Deck ra i l i n g s s h o u l d be • Prefi n i s h any replaced pa rts

fu nctional fi rst and d ecora­ with sta i n or pa int to match
tive second w h i l e m eeti n g the rest of the deck.
loca l safety codes.
• Replacing a n entire ra i l i n g
• The top ra i l i n g is s u bj ect to and s u pports wi l l u pdate
deterioration a n d can be you r deck a n d can be done
replaced with a n ew 2X4 or with a d ifferent m ateri a l,
2X6 as n eeded (attach with i n c l u d i n g low-mai ntena nce
deck screws) . PVC or meta l.

1 85
 OUTDOO R LIG HTING
With a little lighting , your yard becomes a lot more usable

In the su m m er months, our ya rd s become our person a l pl ay­ Extra l i g hti ng ca n a l so bring a sense of secu rity, partic u l a r ly
g rounds a nd weeke n d gatheri ng spots d u ri ng the dayl i g ht for those l ivi n g a l one a nd concern ed a bout entry doors a nd
h ou rs. When n i g ht ro l l s a rou nd, a l ittle extra l i g hting a l lows entry-leve l windows. The types of l i g hti n g va ry g reatly.
fo r extra use of the back ya rd . A ya rd ca n be as l it up as a Outdoor l i g hts can be mou nted on a structu re, on or at the
kitchen or as s u bd u ed as a ro ma ntic resta u ra nt, depe n d i n g base of trees, or at a ny g ro u n d location. H a rd-wi red l i g hts re­
on w h a t yo u l i ke. q u i re trench i ng i n order to ru n the wi res but offer a g reat

Hard- Wired Ligh ts Wireless Solar Ligh ts

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• Hard-wi red outdoor l i g hts • If a n i nterior electrical circuit • Solar outdoor l i g hts a re the every one to t h ree yea rs,
offer the brig htest i l l u m i na­ can accom modate a n ad­ easiest to i nsta l l a n d req u i re there is no m a i ntena nce for
tion options but a re the ditional load (see page 1 1 2), no electrica l permits. solar outdoor l i g hts.
most d ifficult to i n sta l l . an exterior mou nted light
can be wired to it instead of • Full l i nes of l ig hts and styles • Beca use they're not perma­
• Wi ring m ust m eet local running new wiring from the a re ava i l a b l e, i n c l u d i n g path nently wi red, these l ig hts
electrical codes, a n d the service panel. l ig hts and spotlig hts. can be rel ocated to other
work m ust be i nspected pa rts of you r yard.
• I n add ition to outdoor
and approved. • Other than occasion a l ly
l i g hts, consider a d d i n g
wi ping the solar panel clean
outdoor-rated electrical re­
a n d replacing the batteries
ceptacles for convenience.

1 86
va riety of l i g hti n g styles a nd brig htness. A wi reless solar l i g ht
has a s m a l l so l a r pa nel. Th is pa nel a bsorbs daylig ht, w h ich
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

charges a n i nterna l n icad batte ry. The battery powers an LED, U nderg ro u nd wiring can be i nsta l led i n meta l o r pla stic •

which provides a s m a l l a mou n t of i l l u m i nation, nowhere cond uit o r a d i rect b u rial ca b le. Each req u i res a differ­
near as m u ch as a wi red l i g ht can provide. ent b u ryi n g depth. The l ocatio n of you r l i ghts should be
Which type of l ig hting is best? I t depends on what yo u're plan ned with the w i ri n g path in m i n d . Some paths wil l be
tryi ng to do. Sola r l i g hts do a g ood job m a rking sidewa l ks more d ifficult to dig than others or be more susceptible to
a nd d riveways, a nd wi red l i g hts let yo u see more, a n i m por­ futu re d is ru ptions (tree roots, for insta nce).
• • • • • • • • • • •
ta nt con sideration fo r secu rity. Co m bi n i n g both offers more
options with less com prom ise.

Motion Detectors and Timers Loca tion of Ligh ting

• Motion d etector-activated • Ti mers a l low you to contro l • I nsta l l l i g hts for safety a l o n g tion w i l l d eterm i n e the de­
l i g hts a l low l i g hting when desig nated l i g hting, both h i g h -traffic areas and espe­ sign and style of the fixtu re.
you n eed it i n stead of i ndoor and outdoor, accord­ cia l ly near steps, wh ich a re
rem a i n i ng on a l l n i g ht. i n g to seaso n a l ly adjusted h a rd to view in the da rk. • For p u re d ecoration, choose
da rkness. a focal point or two, such as
• For secu rity l i g hts, i n sta l l • The l ocation of you r power a l a rge tree, for additional
t h e m h i g h e n o u g h that a n • You can control hol iday source w i l l affect where you l i g hting.
i ntruder can't disable t h e displays or fou ntain p u m ps i n sta l l h a rd-wired l i g hts.
motion d etector mecha­ with timers, too.
nism or remove the bu l bs • The type of l i g hting you
from the fixtu re. want in any specific loca-

187
COM POSTING
Why pay to have yard debris hauled away when you can easily
reuse it?
Nature recyc les itself. Pla nts die a n d decom pose, e n ri c h i n g What ca n you com post? Most any org a n i c materia l, but
the soi l . Seeds blow or d rop i n , a n d the cycle sta rts a l l over they're not a l l c reated eq u a l . Leaves, g rass c l i ppi ngs, wood
a g a i n . I n a n effort to better the enviro n me nt, cities h ave i n­ (but not coa l) as hes, kitchen veg eta b l e a nd fru it refu se, ma­
crea s i n g ly ca l led for sepa rating ya rd waste from household n u re from veg eta rian a n i m a ls, seaweed, a nd eve n d ryer l i nt
trash fo r l a rge-sca le com posting. Homeowners ca n d o the a re a l l good com post cand idates. The s m a l ler the materia l
sa me t h i ng a n d save the ha u l i ng fees. can be g rou nd or chopped u p, the fa ster it w i l l decom pose.

Differen t Composting Bins

• A com post b i n ca n be a n • Plastic com post bins work

u n secu red heap, a sea led wel l to control verm i n at­
plastic bucket, or a fenced­ tracted to com post; they
i n corner of you r yard. a re ava i l a b l e in tumbler
models for c h u rn i n g the
• The incorporation method contents.
cal l s for small amounts of
nonfatty food wastes (no • An open wire-mesh com­
meats or bones) to be mixed post bin is appropriate for
with soil and directly buried ya rd waste, less so for food
8 i nches down or deeper. scra ps.

1 88
 A com post p i l e req u i res as m u c h or as l ittl e work as yo u
wish. A pile l eft to its own w i l l eventu a l ly b reak down, w h i l e
MAKE IT EASY
•
a m a n ag ed p i l e that you rotate a n d water w i l l decom pose G rass c l i p p i n g s ca n be recyc led by leav i n g them o n :
m u c h faster. Concerned a bout u n s i g htly p i les of dead stuff the l a w n . C l i p p i n g s a d d n utrients, hel p with wate r :
i n you r ya rd attract i n g ve rm i n ? C l osed p l astic com post b i n s rete ntion i n h ot weather, a n d red uce the need fo r :
a re ava i l a ble i n severa l styles a n d sizes. S e t one u p i n a corner ferti l ize r. S h o rt c l i p p i n g s work best, w h i c h ca n mea n :
of you r ya rd, save the city some truck fuel, a nd e n rich you r more freq u ent m owi n g or the u se of a m u l c h i n g lawn :
g a rden a t t h e sa me time. mowe r. C l i p p i n g s c a n a l so be u sed i n g a rd e n s. :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Worm Bins

• Worm com posting ca n re­ • Each bin req u i res moist­

d uce food waste and create e n ed bed d i ng, redworms,
rich com post. and a su pply of nonfatty
food scra ps, especia l ly fru it,
• In an aerated plastic con­ vegeta bles, crushed egg­
tainer, you r worms ca n l ive shel ls, and coffee g rou nds.
i ndoors or out as long as
the tem peratu re is 40-80 • M i n i ma l m a i ntena nce
degrees and they're kept i ncludes refresh i n g the
out of d i rect s u n l ig ht. bed d i n g a n d removing the
com post a few times a year.

1 89
RAIN BARRELS
Save rainwater for a sunny day and help the environment
Accord i ng to the Am eri ca n Water Wo rks Association, the d a i ly ter. One i n c h of ra i n fa l l i ng on 1 ,000 sq u a re feet of roofi ng is
i ndoor per ca pita water use i n the typical s i n g l e-fa m i ly home u p to 500 g a l l o n s of wate r.
is 69.3 g a l lons. B i l l io n s of g a l lons of water co u l d be saved ev­ Some ra i n-co l l ection system s a re noth i ng more t h a n a
ery day if water-efficient fi xt u res were i n sta l led. Ra i n barrels plastic ba rrel i nto which a downspout is i n serted. Water col­
a ren't considered wate r-efficient fi xt u res, but they i ndeed l ected between periods of ra i n ca n sup p lement ta p water for
save water by cutt i n g down on the dem a nd fo r p i ped-i n wa- g a rden a nd lawn u se. Other system s a re q u ite sophisticated.

Rain Barrels of Any Style

• Rain barre l s are ava i l a b l e for • Ra i n ba rrel water is not

p u rchase in a pprox i mately pota ble but can be used for
S0-80-g a l l o n sizes and a va­ watering indoor a n d out­
riety of styles and designs. door pla nts and was h i n g
outdoor fu rniture, wheel
• You can m a ke you r own barrows, etc.
using a S S-ga l lon food­
q u a l ity recycl ed ba rrel, • Keep barre l s covered at a l l
which w i l l req u i re a spigot t i m e s t o prevent mosq ui­
a n d an overflow control be toes from laying eggs i n the
i n sta l l ed. water.

1 90
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
They i nc l ude l a rg e storag e ta n ks a n d fi ltration syste m s ren­
dering ra i nwater reusable fo r wa s h i ng m a c h i nes a n d toi let Colorado law d isal l ows ra i n ba rrels d ue to water
f1 u s h i ng a n d in some cases as d r i n ki ng water. rig hts laws. U n less you have a rig ht to the water
I n sta l l i ng a n d m a i n ta i n i n g ra i n ba rrel s a re not com p l icated. fa l l i ng on you r property you ca n't keep it. Water i n
Va rious ve ndors offe r barre l s in a ra n g e of sizes (typica l ly 50 Colorado is assig ned t o water rig ht holders, a nd
g a l lons to ove r 1 00) with s pigots a nd overf1ow va lves. Con­ ra i nwater prevented from ru nn i ng i nto streams
nect a hose to each, a nd excess wate r i s d i rected away fro m a nd rivers is not going to its rig htfu l owner.
the barrel a n d the house fo u ndation, a nd the re ma i n i ng wa­
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
te r sta nds ready for l ater use. It's u nco m p l icated w h i l e red u c­
i ng demand on you r loca l water fac i l ity.

Sa ving Money and Wa ter

• Rain barrels wi l l not provide • Rain barre l s a re not a lways

enough water or water pres­ ava i la b l e at g a rden a n d
sure to water a large lawn home su pply stores-ca l l
but can water gardens and a head fi rst.
su pply soa ker hoses.
• Kits for converti ng o r
• Some m u n icipa l ities offer retrofitti n g a ba rrel m i g ht
rai n ba rrel rebate progra m s be stocked at these stores
as wel l as i nformation on more often than the barre l s.
where to purchase rai n bar­
rel s and how to i n sta l l them.

191
 SAFETY GATES
S et one of these up to keep young children out of harm 's way
You ng kids l i ke to wa nder-a nd they s ho uld . Eve ryt h i ng is stitutes for pa renta l care a nd oversig ht, but they're a terrific
i nterest i n g to them. Once they become m o b i l e, l ittle stops parent hel per.
them from snooping a rou nd. You wa nt to keep them safe, That said, m a ny safety gates a ren't a l l that attractive. Differ­
of cou rse, without h i ndering them too m u c h . Safety g ates ent models come with d ifferent means of attaching them
restrict access but n ot c u rios ity, a nd they'l l keep kids from to wa l l s and woodwork (some of the p ressu re type ru bber
goi ng i nto u n su pervi sed pa rts of the home. They a ren't s u b- contacts can p u l l paint off woodwork u n less you put t h i n

Safety Gates

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• Pressu re-style safety • If the gate is moved

gates a re appropriate for d a i ly, consider a h a rdwa re­
doorways with sol id-wood mou nted gate i n stead.
j a m bs to press the ru bber
ends a g a i n st for a tight fit.

• These do not req u i re a ny

tool s for i n sta l lation and a re
expa n d a ble to fit d ifferent
size openings.

1 92
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
card board agai n st the paint fi rst) . Today on l i n e se l l ers of baby
safety produ cts offer g ates for every confi g u ration a nd need, Safety gates come i n two categories: press u re­
i nc l u d i ng fu rn itu re q u a l ity ha rdwood models. Safety gates mou nted a nd those with screw-in h i nges for
a l so kee p pets where you wa nt them a n d p reve nt elderly atta c h i n g to woodwork and door fra mes. Be
persons with mental i m pa i rment from leaving safe a rea s of a s u re you r gate works for the i ntended location .
home a nd poss ibly leavi ng a ltogether. Pressu re-mou nted gates, for exa m pl e, a re i n a p­
propri ate for the to ps of sta i rcases as they can
be pushed over. For nonsta nda rd-size open­
i ngs, a dj u sta ble gates a re ava i la ble .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hardware-Moun ted Safety Gates

• A h a rdwa re-mou nted gate • I n stal lations at the top of a

is secu red with screws a n d sta i rcase s h o u l d keep the
h a rdware t o a wa l l stud, gate from swi n g i n g towa rds
post, or door j a m b. the steps.

• At the top a n d bottom • To avoid i n sta l l i n g h a rdware

of sta ircases, h a rdware­ in a fi n ished wood post,
mou nted a re the o n l y consider tig htly c l a m p i n g a
safety gates considered to 2X4 boa rd to the post a n d
be secu re. faste n i n g the gate t o it.

1 93
 WIN DOW PRECAUTIO NS
Make windows in your home child-safe while keeping them
functional
Fo r the most pa rt, kids a re carefu l a ro u nd windows, but ac­ denta l ly tumble out a nd be sure they genera l ly play away from
cidents happen. Accord i ng to the Consu mer Prod uct Safety windows, even when they're closed; don't depend on window
Co m m ission, more t h a n fou r thousand c h i l d ren end up i n screens to prevent fa l ls; if you're i nsta l l i n g new windows, con­
emergency room s every yea r d u e t o window-related fa l l s. sider how you wa nt them to open (top openers are safer).
The basics should be addressed fi rst: Move fu rn itu re that kids What about old windows? Dou ble-h u ng windows open from
might play on away from operable wi ndows so kids don't acci- the top a nd bottom. Freeing up the top sashes provides plenty

Limiting Window Openings Types of Guards

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• I n warm weather, be awa re to 4 inches for safety and • H a rdware is ava i la b l e that • I nterior window g u a rd s
of open windows, wh ich adequate venti lation. l i m its how far a wi ndow offer the fu l lest protection
cou l d prove da n gero u s sash wi l l open, w h i l e other and ventilation.
for sma l l c h i l d ren, pa r­ • Windows without l i m iti ng styles a re mova ble, a l low­
ticu l a rly in m u ltiple-story devices should be open i n g optional fu l l open i n g . • Exterior g u a rd s a re i ntend­
a pa rtment b u i l d i n g s a n d only when c h i l d ren i n those ed as a ntiburg l a ry d evices
condom i n i u m s. rooms a re mon itored. • Casement windows can b e and a re fi xed in place u n less
contro l l ed w i t h a sta ndard they remotely u n lock for
• In b u i l d i n g s without a i r door chain loc k, i n stal led esca ping fi res.
con d itioni ng, l i m it wi ndow high enough so a child can­
ope n i n g s a round c h i l d ren not reach it.

1 94
of ventilation. I nstalling a ha rdware stop ca n keep the lower sash
closed u ntil you wa nt to open it, or a safety guard ca n be in­
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

sta l led. Casement windows a lso accommodate safety guards. : You must be able to remove child protective guards and :
Pivot i n g w i n dows can n ot be ada pted to conventio n a l w i n­ : locks quickly should your family need to escape a fire. :
dow g u a rds, but their m ovement ca n be l i m ited with b l ocks, : Older children and all adults should practice removing :
a door c h a i n lock, or other h a rdwa re attached to the j a m b. : and releasing them. We have far fewer fires than twenty :
Pivoti n g windows a re u ncommon but a re occasiona l ly fo u n d : years ago, but never take a chance that one won't occur :
i n s o m e o l d e r h o mes. Ta ke the rig ht preca utions t o keep you r : in your home. :
• •
c h i l d re n safe. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ven t Locks Window Blind Cords

• Safety locks work on s l i d i n g • These locks a re i nexpensive • Window b l i n d s whose pu l l provides consumers with free
windows, i n c l u d i n g dou ble­ a n d easy to i n sta l l . cords have loops have been cord stops, tassels, tie-down
h u ng style, as wel l as s l i d i n g identified as a stra n g u lation devices, and a safety brochure
patio doors. • S o m e styles o f vent wedges haza rd to you n g c h i l d ren. with retrofit instructions to
a d h e re using their own prevent child-related ac­
• Some ventilation locks have ad hesive and a re meant to • Pull cords with loops were cidents (see Resources).
a movable pin or other stay fi xed i n one l ocation. eliminated, but older prod­
metal section that prevents ucts can still have this feature. • As an a lternative, i n sta l l
a sash from open i n g u ntil cord less window coveri n g s
the p i n i s moved. • As a free service, the Window ·i n c h i l d ren's rooms and
Covering Safety Council playrooms.

1 95
 ROOM & CABIN ET DOO RS
With specialized hardware , doors can remain s e cured while your
kids stay safe
Cabi net door latches have been a rou nd for years. I n add ition to choose to keep one kitchen cabi net available for exploration.
keeping prying eyes a nd hands out-a nd a cabinet's contents Locks and latches come in d ifferent styl es, most of them
i n-safety latches are usefu l in the event of an earthquake in h idden be h i nd ca b i n et d oors or d rawe rs, while others lock
preventi ng these s a m e contents from spi l l i ng out. Very you ng stra i g ht t h ro u g h side-by-side cabi net door hand les.
children l i ke to empty cabinets a nd d rawers. Latches keep Loc ks a nd latc hes also p revent room a nd entry doors from
things in order as a conven ience to you, a lthoug h some parents accidenta l ly bei ng s l a m med on l ittle fi n gers or toes. Finger

Protecting Fingers Cabinet Locks

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• Doorknob g u a rd s a n d locks • Plastic door stops and plas­ • P lastic latches that m o u nt • Su rface-mou nted U-sha ped
prevent sma l l hands from tic s l i p-on devices prevent on the i nside of ca binet plastic l ocks secu re side­
open i n g doors, but con­ doors from s l a m m i n g i nto doo rs and d rawers keep by-side d rawer knobs or
sider any elderly household walls when opened a n d both accessible to adu lts cabinet knobs, preventing
mem bers who m i g ht have from d a m a g i n g fi ngers near but not c h i l d ren. their opening.
trouble with these d evices. the door j a m b when closed.
• Some d rawer latches re­ Self-ad hesive oven and
• Latches and locks i n sta l led • Door-positioning hardware q u i re o n l y self-a d h esive i n­ refrigerator door l ocks are
above the doorknob a re i n sta l led at the bottom of sta l lations, a n d others a l low a l so ava i l a ble.
out of c h i l d ren's reach yet the door wi l l keep it open the d rawer to open s l ig htly
maneuvera ble by a d u lts. and prevent it from closing and then lock i n place to
accidenta I ly. avoid pi nched fi ng ers.

1 96
g u a rd s of va rious types a re ava i l a bl e to prevent d oors from
comp letely s h utt i n g a nd s l a m m i n g onto vu l nera b le fi n gers.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
RED9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•

For bifold doors, a very s i m p l e a nd i n expensive plastic sto p : Installing safety latches doesn't guarantee a child won't :
i n serted at the top of the doors where they come tog ether : get past them and grab at toxic cleaners and chemicals :
preve nts them from ope n i n g . Locks a re a l so ava i l a b l e for sl id­ : kept in lower cabinets. Dangerous products should :
ing doors. I f a door needs to stay open, door-positi o n i n g h a rd­ : be kept out of reach of children-period. When your :
wa re i n sta l l s on the botto m edge to prevent movement. : children are old enough to understand the dangers of :
J u st a few s i m p l e adj u stments to yo u r doors wi l l h e l p pre­ : these products, you can move them. :
• •
vent accidents. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Locks Ba throom Emergency Door Keys

• C h i l d safety locks a re i n ex­ • Besides storing toxi c clean­ • Newer bat h room door lock­ • These i n expensive keys
pensive and easy to i nsta l l . i n g s u bsta nces i n h i g h e r sets secu re with a button or a re sold separately where
cabi n ets, consider storing lever to activate the locki n g locksets a re sold-be s u re
• T h e l ocks m ust b e d eter­ brea kable g lass a n d sharp fu nction. to put the key in a known
rents to c h i l d re n as well as kn ives a n d scissors away place a n d u se if you r child
worka ble by adu lts-this from c u rious c h i l d ren, too. • The outside of these lock­ accidenta l l y l ocks the
m i g ht not be the case if sets have a s m a l l hole in the bath room door a n d ca n not
a rth riti s prevents easily • Sec u re medici ne a n d medi­ doorknob for i n serti n g an open it.
working the lock. c i n e cabi n ets as wel l . emergency or privacy key,
which should come with
the lockset.

197
 ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
Take preventative measures against electrical mishaps to ensure the
safety of your family
You n g c h i l d ren l ove poking fi n gers, pe ns, a nd keys i nto elec­ The oldest preventative measure is inserti ng plastic pl ugs i nto
trica l receptac l es. It's easy a n d i nviti ng, g iven receptac l es a re u n u sed receptacles, but newer prod ucts a re availa ble to main­
so c lose to floor level. Over a th o usa nd c h i l d ren, most fou r tai n safety a nd a l low easier use of receptacles. Some com pletely
yea rs o l d a n d yo u n ger, g et treated each yea r i n em ergency cover receptacles and the cords pl ugged into them. Others
roo ms for i nj u ries fro m playi ng with receptacl es, accord i n g protect fi ngers from a plug if it's partia l ly pul led out from a re­
t o t h e U.S. Con s u mer Prod uct Safety Co m m ission. ceptacle. For a modest cost, you can retrofit any or a l l of you r

Cord Organizers Securing Loose Wires

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• Organizing multiple electri­ • Another prod uct encases • Although not as protective as • Replace any frayed or worn
cal cords behind computers cord s i n a h a rd plastic con­ using cord covers or casings, cord for the fa m i ly's safety.
and electrical systems ben­ ta i n er and wi n d s them up taping or binding m u ltiple
efits children and adu lts by so a cord is less of a tri p p i n g cords together with wire • Don't leave p l u g ged-
keeping wires neat and safe. hazard. twist ties will make individual i n kitchen a p p l i a nces
cords d ifficult to pull at or u nattended when you n g
• O n e a pproach is a plastic • Self-adhesive plastic cord chew on. c h i l d ren are present.
tu be-type product that covers enclose single wires to
encases m u ltiple cords in both protect and hide them. • Use adhesive-backed wire
a n eat g rouping and away clips or screw-in cable clamps
from s m a l l hands. to secure wires to baseboards.

1 98
receptacles a nd protect you r children from shock a nd bu rns.
Cords a re a n other attraction , espec ia l ly when babies a re
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

c rawl i ng . Cord org a n ize rs a re ava i l a bl e for m u ltiple cords No a mount of protective devices ca n replace a n attentive
(so u nd syste ms, comp uters a nd pe rip hera l s, etc.) as we l l as pa rent or g u a rd i a n . L i ke cabinet l atches a nd safety g ates,
•
protective cove ri ng s for cords ru n n i ng a l ong baseboa rds. these d evices a re a big h e l p b ut only su pplement a watch-
One of the safest actions you ca n take is to have you r el ec­ fu l a d u lt. Sec u re you r electrica l a rea a s best you can but •

trician i n sta l l switc h-co ntro l led receptac les. You r receptacles unde rstand the l i m itations of the h a rdwa re a n d d evices
a re control led by a wa l l-mou nted switch the sa me way a ceil­ you i nsta l l.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
i ng l i g ht i s control led. U n less you're i n th e room to mon itor
yo u r c h i l d ren, the power can rem a i n off.

Power Strip Safety Cover Ou tlet Covers

• Power stri ps that feature • These a re not o n l y a safety • The most basic outlet covers • Another style uses a s l i d i n g
m u ltiple outlets have safety device but a l so prevent cu­ are traditional plastic plugs mecha nism t o cover t h e
covers ava i l a ble, a l l ow- rious c h i l d re n from ya n ki n g that i n sert i nto a recep­ receptacle-it moves aside
i n g a l l cords to be safely a l l the p l u g s o u t o f a stri p. tacle; they're effective and when a p l u g is i nserted.
pl ugged i n and i n accessi b l e i nexpensive but m ust be
t o s m a l l hands. • Check that the cover you're removed before u se. • One h i g h-tech cover ac­
buyi n g w i l l fit you r power cepts p l ug s, detecting
• Some covers a l low one or
• These covers a l so work for stri p-there is some sl i g ht them with sensors before
two cords to be pl ugged
s u rge protectors. difference in size a m o n g a l l owi ng e l ectricity to flow
i nto the receptacle w h i l e
the ava i l a ble covers. to them.
preventing them from be­
ing touched.

1 99
 PLU M BING SAFEG UARDS
C ontrol the flow of water to stop messes and p otential burns on
children
Kids love water. It's fu n to s pla s h a n d i nteresti ng when it usage with some rea d i ly ava i l a b l e kid-proofi ng ha rdwa re and
keeps com i ng out of a tap. Toi lets a re i nterest i n g, too. Push devices.
a ha n dl e, a nd t h i n g s di sa ppea r. Toys a nd wa shc loths a l so A key to c h i l d safety a ro u nd water i n side you r home is
d i sa ppear. As m u c h as you wa nt to l i m it water p lay to bath checking the water te m peratu re. Acco rd i n g to the McKes­
time or outside with a h ose, yo u r kids h ave different idea s, son Ped iatric Advisor, it ta kes o n ly six seconds of expo s u re to
but you can contro l the water fl ow a nd extracu rric u l a r toi let 1 40-deg ree F water to cause a seri ous burn but ten m i n utes

Toilet Lid Locks Safety Tap

• Self-cla m p i n g toi l et l i d • Different styles are ava i l ­ • Even with water heater tan ks • Soft protective tub spout
locks prevent the you ngest a b l e, but s o m e do not fit a l l set to lower temperatures, covers, usua l l y i n the shape
c h i l d ren from ope n i n g the toi lets as their promotional children can stil l get i njured of toy a n i ma l s, protect
l i d but not adu lts or older materia l suggests. by uncontrol led hot water when fa l l i n g a g a i n st the
c h i l d ren. coming out of a tap. faucet's h a rd edge.
• N o tools a re req u i red to
For the price of one visit by i n sta l l toi l et lid l ocks. Safety tap prevents c h i l d ren Cushioned t u b g u a rd s
a p l u m ber, you cou ld buy from accessing sing le­ protect when fa l l i n g a g a i n st
a dozen l ocks or more, so fa ucet t u b va lves by cover­ the edge of a meta l t u b.
they a re easily worth the i n g them with a plastic box
i nvestment. accessible to a d u lts.

200
of expos u re at 1 20 deg rees. Water heater ta n ks have adj u st­
a b l e thermostats for resett i n g the water tem peratu re.
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fi l l i ng up a tub or s i n k with the d ra i n closed p resents a n­ Some stud ies mention concern for bacteria l g rowth if the
other d i le m m a . Either fi xt u re c a n fi l l with water fa ster t h a n water tem peratu re is l ess than 1 40 degrees F, but this a p­
the overf1ow p rotection can d ra i n it. pl ies more to people with com prom ised i m m u n ization
Ease of exiti n g a wet tub is n't a concern o n ly fo r the elderly. systems. C h i l d ren have d evelopi ng systems, and if this is a
I n sta l l g ra b ba rs for kids to use when leavi n g the bath . Wa l l­ concern, discuss it with you r ped i atrici a n a nd bala nce the
mou n ted models a n d c l a m p-on styles a re worth co nsider­ risks of bu rns versus possi ble water q u a l ity problems.
i n g . It's the l ittle t h i n g s that wi l l m a ke the biggest i m pact i n
safety i n you r home.

Grab Bars Garden Hoses

• Grab bars or safety bars • To fasten to a ti le wa l l, u se • M a ny hoses a re made from • A lead-free hose wil l be
come in a va riety of sizes a g lass a n d tile d r i l l bit PVC, which u ses lead as a marked as "Safe for Drinking:'
and designs to accom mo­ for d ri l l i ng the hole a n d sta b i l izer; lead can a l so be
date people with different sta i n less steel screws for fou nd in brass hose fittings. • Flush any hose out for
physica l needs. securing. a m i n ute or two before
• Although lead levels have d ri n ki n g from it or fi l l i n g a
• Having a g ra b bar ma kes • H a rdwa re is ava i l a b l e for been reduced in recent years wad i n g pool.
sense for a nyone sta n d i n g i nsta l l i n g i nside a fi berg lass due to legal action against
u p i n a s l i ppery t u b; i n sta l l a or acrylic shower sta l l . hose makers, some lead stil l
long one so both adu lts a n d remains a n d is noted o n hose
c h i l d re n can use it. warning labels.

20 1
 OTH ER CH I LD CO NCERNS
Homes are built by and for adults-a little child orientation helps
With c h i l d ren, accidents ha ppen, but the aim s h o u l d be to c i n e cabi nets. A good p ractice to keep p i l l s out of the c h i l d 's
prevent the m i n d less and tra u matic accidents more than the reach is locki ng medicine cabi nets.
b u m ps a n d bruises fro m normal pl ay. Observe a c h i ld for a Safety g ates on outside decks wi l l keep tod d l ers from t u m­
day, a nd yo u'l l get a good idea what you have to lock u p, l i m it b l i n g d own the sta i rs, but decks that a re n't b u i lt to cu rrent
access to, or ban from you r kids. code can have ope n i ng s in their ra i l i ng s l a rge enou g h for a
Medicine looks l i ke ca n dy, a nd ped iatric versions ca n taste c h i l d to pass t h ro u g h them (o pe n i n g s between pickets or
a ppea l i ng. It's l ittle wo nder c h i l d re n wa nt to exp l o re medi- other ve rtica l mem bers should be 4 i n c hes or less).

Space Hea ters Video and Audio Monitoring

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• Both porta ble space h eaters • Look for a h eater with sen­ • M u ltipu rpose baby • Mon itor size varies from
and hard-wi red i n d ivid u a l sors that turn a heater off m o n itors differ in bui lt-in very porta ble-about the
room heaters can get d a n ­ when objects a re too c lose features, worki n g ra n g e, size of a home phone- to
gerously hot t o the touch as or if c h i l d ren or pets move a n d price. the size of a sma l l TV set.
wel l as be fi re haza rds. too near.
• Some mon itors feature two­ • Some monitors sound
• Select a space heater with • Use heaters on the floor a n d th ree-way receiving, a l a rm s if a child stops mov­
a guard around the heating only and avoid hooking up while others offer video i n g a ltogether for longer
element or fla m e a rea to with extension cords. monitoring of two separate than twenty seconds, and
prevent c h i l d ren from get­ room s. others offer n i g ht-vision
ting bu rned. features.

202
 Ba by a u di o mon itors a re n't new, but the newest gen eration
of a u d io/video mon itors a l l ows you to watch child activity
MAKE IT EASY
from a nywhere i n the hou se u s i ng a m o n itor the size of a When t i m e i s at a p re m i u m , a home c h i l d p roofer
cel l pho ne. These a re n't a su bstitute for bei n g i n the same m ig h t be the way to go. A c h i l d p roofer is a s peci a l ty
room, but l i ke all safety devices, they're a g ood s u p p lem ent. contracto r who d oes a home s u rvey, p rovides a n es­
M a k i n g you r home safe w i l l keep the c h i ld out of trou ble a n d ti mated cost fo r l a bor a n d safety m ateria l s, a n d d oes
ea se you r fea rs. the i n sta l l ations. With o n l i n e resou rces, you ca n do
the sa m e job i f the co ntract cost i s too h i g h .
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cushion Edges for Furniture

• Kids can often get h u rt • N o tool s a re req u i red, a n d

by sharp fu rniture edges, the c u s h i o n s a re remova ble
particu l a rly shorter c h i l d re n when no longer needed.
w h o are at eye level to
these edges. • To prevent c h i l d re n from
pu l l i n g over books h elves
• Cushioning the edges with and s m a l l cabi n ets, sec u re
self-a d h esive soft material them to wa l l studs u s i n g
protects without leaving a n g l e brackets (a usefu l
ma rks on the fu rn itu re. idea in a reas of earth­
q u a kes, too).

203
 REFRIG ERATO R
Even new, sophisticated refrigerators need some basic care
and feeding
New refrigerato rs ca n cost t h o u sa n d s of d o l l a rs, d e pend ­ Reg a rd l ess of the age, style, or model of you r refrigerator, it
i n g on t h e m odel a n d feat u res, w h i c h i n c l u d e ice a n d water wi l l need some atte n d i n g to if you wa nt it to ru n efficiently,
dispense rs, water fi ltration syste m s for these same water n oth i n g more tha n reg u l a r clea n i ng and i n spection. As fa r as
d i s pe n se rs, m u lt i p l e defrost optio n s, and zon ed coo l i ng, repa i r i n g wate r pu m ps or re placing a condenser fa n, these
a n d at least o n e model h a s a b u i lt- i n TV that is sate l l ite- and ca n be exercises i n frustratio n . Yo u'll have to d iag nose the
I nter net-com pa ti b l e. p roblem, track down the pa rt from a n a p p l ia nce store, and

Checking Seals

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A refrigerator door gasket there's any presence of

has to be kept i ntact, clean, mold; use warm water
a n d su pple to rema i n a n and l i q u id d i s h soa p (use
effective sea l . a bleach-based cleaner for
mold).
• Condensation on the sea ls
suggests they a re lea k i n g • When it is clean and d ry,
a n d n eed t o be replaced. coat the sea l with a sma l l
a m o u nt o f petroleum j e l l y
• C l ea n the sea ls month ly, t o keep it soft a n d prevent
after sticky s p i l ls, or when it d rying out.

204
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
do the i n sta l l ation. And, w h i le a p p l ia n ce repa i r tec h n icians
a re expensive, they a re often worth it. A job l i ke t h i s m i g ht To ca cu late whether a refrigerator i s worth re­
be best left to a profession a l u n less you have the time a n d pa i ri ng, fi g u re the cost of a service ca l l, additional
patience to do it you rself. labor, pa rts, a nd the age of the applia nce versus
replacement with a unit u nder wa rra nty that uses
less energy. One repai r can cost over $ 200, and a
new basic refrigerator can cost over $ 500.
Yo1A mi 5 ht wC1V\t to weC1r 5 love5 while • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
doiV\ 5 thi5 proce55 .

• There's no getting a round a nythi n g that even loo ks

reg u lar refrigerator clean­ q uestionable.
i n g if you wa nt to avoid bad
food smells a n d u n i n ten­ • Clean i n side and out with
tional rotten food. wa rm water and l iq u i d d i s h
soap-use baking s o d a on
• U n plug the refrigerator a n d stubborn s p i l l s.
remove everyt h i ng, storing
items that m ust be kept • R i n se and d ry a l l washed
cold in a porta ble bever­ su rfaces.
age cooler and tossing out

205
 DISHWAS H ER
While they are convenient and reliable , dishwashers do require
some low maintenance
A study done a t t h e Un iversity o f Bonn is often quoted in the if the d i s hes a re not excessively rinsed-or ri n sed at a l l­
debate a bout dishwasher versus washing dishes by hand. The before load i n g them, the d i shwasher is fu l l before ru n n i ng
study fou nd a dishwasher used less energy, water, and soap than it, a n d the d ry cycle is skipped i n favor of a i r d rying with the
hand-washing a nd got dishes clea ner. One study on its own ra rely door open after the ri n se cycles a re fi n ished . Al so, skipping
settles a nything, but this one seems to be u nchal lenged. a ny ri nse-hold a nd p reri nse cycles w i l l save ad d itiona l e nergy
A d i shwasher ca n be espec ia l ly efficient a nd energy-saving and not affect clea n i ng the d i s hes.

Checking Gaskets Rust on Dish Racks

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• Dishwasher door g a s kets • Replace leaking gaskets; • When a d i s hwasher rack's • Wrapping smal l strips of alu­
can harden and c rack with p u l l the da maged gasket vi nyl coating wea rs out, the minum foil around the rust
age, a l l owi n g water to leak. out with a pa i r of p l iers, a n d exposed sections of the will protect dishes resting on
take it t o a n appl iance pa rts metal rack w i l l rust. those spots from rust stains.
• Wipe the gasket clean store for a replacement.
once a month with a warm, • Special brush-on sea l a n ts, • Com pare the price of
soapy water sol ution, a n d • Soften the new gasket i n ava i l a b l e at appl ia nce parts replacement racks with a
w h e n it is d ry, r u b on a wa rm water a n d i n sta l l stores, offer l i m ited partia l n ew d i s hwasher-by the
sma l l a mount of petroleum accord i n g to the m a n ufac­ repa i rs, as the sea la nts ti m e they sta rt rusti ng the
jelly to keep it soft. turer's i n structions. eventua l ly wa sh away. d i s hwasher is old enoug h
to n eed other repa irs.

206
 Dishwa s hers a re wonderfu l a pp l i a n ces a n d ca n have a very
long l i feti me if yo u do some m i n i m a l routi n e mai nte n a nce.
MAKE IT EASY
Li ke a ny motorized, wet enviro n me nt, d i shwa s hers wea r When replacing a d ishwasher, consider whethe r the ex­
down, es pecia l ly ones that a re u sed for more t h a n o n e load a tra featu res, such as m u ltiple clea n i n g cycles and elec­
day, which is n't u n common i n fa m i ly setti ngs. tronic controls, a re worth the money. These featu res can
Dishwa s he rs do n't need m u c h m a i nte n a nce, but pe riod ic add to repa i r costs or the frequ ency of repairs, depend­
i n spectio n s ca n help keep them ru n n i ng . With prices sta rti n g ing on the manufactu rer a nd a ny history of warra nty
a ro u nd $ 300 for a basic model, you h ave to eva l uate wheth­ p roblems su rrounding certai n featu res or models.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
er it's worth repa i ri n g a n older u n it. You m i g ht fi nd it's more
cost-effi cient to buy a newer, energy-savi ng model.

Drains and Filters Wa ter Sprayer

• Depen d i n g on the model • If it's d ra i n i n g slowly, look • Dishwasher water sprayers • Remove the u nit and soa k
a n d age of you r d i s hwas her, at the d ra i n screen and may become clogged with it in warm wh ite vinegar to
you m i g ht have very l ittl e remove any bits of food, m i nera l s from the water or loosen m i neral deposits.
mai ntena nce t o do-check broken g lass, or other detergent.
you r owner's manual for debris. • A spray arm is either secu red
recommendations. • Clean the water sprayer­ with a bolt or is sim ply fitted
• Dra i n hoses ca n a l so get i n c l u d i n g the u pper sprayer, over the pump and l ifts off
• When a d i s hwasher fi l l s clogged-be s u re to have if present-as needed or with a little bit of back-and­
s l owly, check the water a bucket ready when you every few months. forth movement.
stra iner, wh ich is probably loosen the end u nder the
clogged. s i n k.

207
CLOTH ES D RYER
For your safety, perform regular maintenance to make sure your
dryer is up to speed
Before c l othes d ryers, homema ke rs h u n g c l othes t o d ry, a nd clot h es saves some energy as wel l si nce the d rye r does n't
it too k forever. Today, c l othes d ryers a re a h u g e conve n ience have to completely wa rm up from a co ld sta rt.
a n d a re one of you r home's biggest energy users. Like d i s h­ D ryers exh a u st l i nt from the clothes they d ry. Li nt clogs
wa shers, d ryers s h o u l d be r u n with fu l l loads for most effi­ l i nt scree ns a n d ex haust hoses a nd n eeds to be reg u l a rly re­
cient use but n ot so fu l l that the c l othes do n't easily tu m bl e moved for safety (you wa nt to avoid a l i nt fi re) a nd efficie ncy.
with sufficient a i r fl ow. D ryi ng back-to-back l o a d s of washed Dryer pa rts can eventua l ly fa i l after yea rs of u se. Heat i n g ele-

Lin t Trap Exha ust Hose

• The U.S. Cons u m e r Prod uct • Vac u u m beh i n d the d ryer • P lastic d ryer hoses should • With you r d ryer ru n n i ng,
Safety Com m ission esti­ once a month or so to get be replaced with either check the vent outlet to
mates there are over fifteen u p any loose l i nt and other solid m eta l or flexi ble be s u re hot air is easily
thousand d ryer-related fi res d e bris. a l u m i n u m (gas d ryers have exha u sted a n d the vent is
every year. other req u i rements). not clogged with l i nt.
• Certai n fabric softener sheets
• Clean the l i n t screen after can build up a residue on the • Do not attach the d ryer • Clean the hose and d ucti n g
every load and routi nely l int screen and clog it-be hose to the exha u st d ucti ng w i t h a n e l ectric blower from
vacuum out the l i nt tra p sure to wash the screen once with meta l screws-th ese the i n s i d e after d i scon nect­
itself. every few weeks with warm can catch and tra p l i nt. i n g the d ryer hose from the
water and soap. d ryer.

208
ments break i n el ectric d ryers, as do switc hes, fu ses, a nd, i n
t h e worst ca se, m otors. A s with a ny major a pp l ia nce repa i r,
• • • • • • • • • • • • • RED 9LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

wei g h replacement vers u s a visit from a n a pp l ia nce tec h n i­ Never vent a dryer inside your home, as tempting as
cia n . Kee p i n m i nd that new d ryers sta rt at less tha n $ 300. that might seem. Some argue it's all right, especially in
Consider the d ryer's age a nd repa i r h i story before decid i ng . dry climates where the humidity would be welcome,
but the moisture would be excessive and damaging. Al­
ways vent a clothes dryer outside and keep the exhaust
hose and vent cover clean of lint.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hea ting Elemen t

• When an electric d ryer • Before remov i n g the e l e­

stops heating u p, a reg u l a r ment, u n plug the d ryer­
source o f the problem is never work on an electrical
the heatin g element, wh ich component with the power
is fou n d at the bac k of the con n ected.
d ryer.
• A da maged heating ele­
• H eati n g elements are ment wi l l have bu rned-out,
ava i lable at a p p l ia nce part d i scon n ected m eta l wi re(s).
stores a n d a re relatively
i n expen sive.

209
 GAS FU RNACE
Keep your furnace working on the coldest days with some
preparation before winter
The va st majority of h o m e heati n g syste m s u se n a t u ra l Gas fu rnaces a re sold i n two major categories: mid-efficiency
g a s fu r n a ces. G a s i s effi c i ent, c l e a n , a n d rea d i l y ava i l a ble. (approxi mately 80 percent efficient) a nd hig h-efficiency (90-97
Before t h e d o m i n a n ce of n a t u ra l g a s, coa l and l ater home­ percent efficient). H ig h-efficiency fu rnaces are more expensive
d el ive red o i l were t h e main e n ergy sou rces for h o m e heat. than mid-efficiency models by a pproxi mately a thousand dol­
Who wa nts to g o back to havi n g oil d e l ivered or s h ove l i n g lars or so and a re apt to be a better i nvestment in a cold cli mate
coa l ? tha n a moderate one. A high-efficiency fu rnace does req u i re

Changing Filters Oiling the Furnace Motor

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• Newer gas fu rnaces a re a b l e fi lters or d isposa ble • Some older fu rnaces the motor and add only the
far more efficient than fi lters. req u i re their motors be req u i red amount of oil­
older models, but they l u bri cated with oil periodi­ usua l l y j u st a few d rops.
sti l l req u i re attention such • Besides general d u st, cal ly-check you r owner's
as reg u la rly c h a n g i ng the shed d i ng pets a re a noth e r manual. • N ever use a spray l u bricant
fi lters. reason to change fi lters. such as WD-40 to l u bricate
• D o not attempt t o l u bricate a a fu rnace motor; use only
• Some fi lters are washa ble • Reusable fi lters ra nge from motor that doesn't requ i re it. l u bricating oil.
and can be reu sed, but they basic fi berg lass to costlier
eventua l ly tear and n eed a l lergy, electrostatic, and • Look for a l u b ricati n g port
replacement with n ew reu s- H E PA-type fi lters. accessible on the outside of

21 0
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
sepa rate venti ng throug h a PVC pipe i nsta l led through the side
of you r house instead of using the c h i m ney. New h omes h a ve p rog ra m ma b l e t h e rmo­
Is it wo rth goi n g for the h i g hest efficiency fu rnace? Some stats, but o l d e r homes often h a ve m ec h a n i c a l ,
i n sta l lers c l a i m a h i g h-efficiency fu rnace is more p rone to m e rc u ry-switc h t h e r mostats t h a t fu nction by
repa i rs beca use it's more compl icated than a m id-efficiency reacti n g to the a m bient tem pe ra t u re. A p ro
fu rnace. g ra m m a b l e therm ostat contro l s heati ng a n d
Any fu rnace wi l l work better with reg u l a r mai nte n a nce, i n­ cool i ng b y m u lt i p l e t i m e sett i n g s a s wel l a s
c l u d i ng atte n d i n g to the fi lte rs, h avi ng a n n u a l i n s pections tem pe ratu re. A n e w t h e rmostat m u st match
by a heati ng tec h n ician, a n d, if needed, having profession a l t h e voltage rati ng (l ow-volta g e, m i n i-volta ge,
or l i n e vo ltage) of the o l d t h e rmostat.
d uct c lea n i n g.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Inspecting the Exha ust Ducting

• Both the exha u st d ucti n g • If there is any l oose o r bro­

and the heat d u cts s h o u l d ken cement sea ler a ro u nd
be i ntact, completely con­ the exhaust pi pe/c h i m n ey
n ected, and without a ny connection, repa i r it before
corrosion. ru n n i n g the fu rnace.

• Replace a ny corroded • Check that the manual

d ucti ng-most l i kely it w i l l dampers i n a forced-air
be exha ust d ucting. system's d uctwork are open
and work-they ba lance the
system's hot air flow.

21 1
 WATER H EATER
Keeping tabs on your water heater ' s condition means fewer
surprise cold showers
You r water heater provides you with wa rmth a n d sta b i l ity E N E RGY STAR prog ra m, heati ng water accou nts for ap p roxi­
a nd w i l l do so for a longer period of t i m e if you mainta i n it mately 1 5 percent of a home's e nergy u se. A hig h-efficiency
properly. Accord i n g to the Fed era l Home Loa n a nd Mortgage water heater u ses 1 0-50 percent less e nergy tha n a sta n d a rd
Corporation, y ou can expect a g a s wate r heater to last u p to heater. Most water heaters have a sto rage ta n k, which is a n
twelve yea rs. Routin e m a i n te n a n ce wi l l maxi m ize its life. i n s u l ated ta n k (30-80 g a l l ons for t h e majority o f ho mes) fu l l
Most water heaters a re g as-powe red. Accord i n g to the E PA's o f hot water. These ta n ks i nc u r sta n d by losses from energy

Checking the Pilot Ligh t Other Checks

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• If a gas water heater stops • When an electric water • Even m i nor m a i ntena nce • Test the pressure release
provid i n g hot water, check heater coo l s down, be s u re should extend the life of a va lve (a safety device) once
the pilot l i g ht. the breaker hasn't tri pped; water ta n k. a yea r, but be forewa rned
check the h i g h tem perature testi n g it m i g ht reveal the
• Gas water heaters have cutoff in the water heater • Em ptyi n g a few buckets va l ve needs replacement.
pilot l i g hts, rather than (open the panel and push fu l l of water from the d ra i n
electronic i g n itions, to help the reset button). va lve at the bottom o f t h e • Electric heaters wi l l ta ke
m a i ntain the tan k's water ta n k wi l l a l e rt y o u t o t h e longer to heat up than gas
tem peratu re. • Fol low the steps posted on presence o f rust (sug­ models.
the side of the ta n k when g ests the a node rod needs
rel i g hting a gas pilot l i g ht. replacement).

2 12
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
used to kee p t h i s water h eated whether it's bei ng u sed or •

n ot. Less po p u l a r on-de m a n d, or ta n k less, wate r heaters heat : A water heater's tem perature c a n be set as h i g h
water as it pa sses t h ro u g h a heat i n g mecha n i sm i n stead of : as 1 60 d eg rees but is typically factory set at 1 20.
storing it in a ta n k. : Extremely hot water can scald . If you r water
Sometimes a water heater w i l l let yo u know the relation­ : heater h a s a "vacation" setting on its tem perature
ship is t u r n i ng l u kewa rm, a n d you'l l know it's t i me to ste p in : knob, set it if you'l l be a way for five d ays or more
a n d patch t h i n g s u p. Keep c l ose tabs on the heater to see : to lower you r energ y bill.
•
if repairs a re needed. Some m i nor m on itoring a nd mai nte­ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

n a n ce w i l l keep it goi ng for yea rs.

2 13
 VACU U M CLEAN ER
Empty and check your cleaner regularly to maximiz e its
cleaning cap abilities
T h e fi rst practical h o m e va c u u m c l e a n e r wa s m a n ufactu red M o d e r n va c u u m c l e a n e rs a re l i g h t-ye a rs beyo n d e a r­
in the early 1 900s by the E lectric Suction Sweeper Compa ny, l i e r m o d e l s . They're q u i eter, h ave stro n g e r s u c t i o n a n d
which eventu a l ly beca me the H oove r Compa ny. Va cu u m l a rg e r d u st a n d d i rt sto rage, a n d c o m e w i t h atta c h ments
cleaners took t h e d rudgery out o f carpet a n d r u g clea n i ng . fo r c l ea n i n g fu r n i t u re, wi n d ow coveri n g s, a n d sta i rs. After
The i nvention o f the d i s posa ble d u st b a g m a d e l ife easier for yea rs of d e pe n d i n g o n b ags fo r d i rt d i s posa l , t h e bag l ess
those with a l l ergies a nd made d i sposa l fa ster. des i g n has g a i n ed a l ot of t ra c t i o n , a l t h o u g h e m ptyi n g t h e

Emptying the Bag Belts

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• Fu l l bags cause the vacu u m • I ncreasing ly, home-style • Belts need reg u l a r replace­ small objects that can dam­
cleaner t o work h a rder a n d vacu u m cleaners a re bei n g m ent, once a yea r or so age the fa n or the motor.
vacu u m l ess-em pty t h e replaced w i t h bag l ess ca n is­ with reg u l a r use-no tool s
b a g when the vol u m e i s u p ter models. req u i red. • Cords can go bad from
t o t h e i n d icator l i ne. being repeatedly bent as
• Bags come rated for sta n­ • Keep extra belts on h a n d they're wou nd u p-replac­
• It's a bit messy, but you can d a rd fi ltration and h i g h i n c a s e o f u nexpected i n g a cord can salvage a
pu l l the contents out of a fi ltration for those with brea kage. dead vac u u m cleaner.
bag and reuse it if you're a l lerg ies.
out of replacements. • Avoid vacu u m i n g u p
screws, pen n ies, a n d other

21 4
ca n i ster exposes the u ser to d u st a n d debris.
M a ny a vac u u m cleaner gets tossed out beca u se it's
• • • • • • • • • • •
•
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

•
clogged u p with d u st or the cord gets p i nch ed a nd g oes bad. Do you r resea rc h before buyi n g a bag less vac u u m
If you r cleaner is picking u p less and stra i n i ng more, it's time cl ea n e r. One i m ported b ra nd w i t h exte n sive ma rket i n g ,
fo r some mai ntena n ce. Obse rve you r cleaner's performa n ce w h i c h h a s promoted the bag less des i g n, i s more expen­
ca refu l ly to check fo r a ny i nconsisten c ies. These i nconsiste n­ sive t h a n wel l-rated domestic mod e l s. Th e d i fferen ce ca n
cies wi l l tip yo u off to a ny repa i rs needed. Reg u l a r clea n i ngs be a cou ple of h u n d red dol l a rs-e n o u g h to buy a spa re
wi l l keep a va c u u m c l e a n e r wo rki n g to fu l l ca pacity wit hout vacu u m clea n e r fo r cl ea n i n g u p a fter repai r jobs i nstead
of u s i n g you r good vacu u m .
u nd ue stra i n on the motor. •
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brushes Electric Blower

• A vacu u m cleaner's brushes • Althou g h u prig ht vacu u m s • Electric blowers a re h i g h ly • The best way to clean out
get ta ngled u p with strings, a re more pop u l a r, the ad­ versati le tools that extend vacu u m clea ner hoses,
rubber bands, a n d so on­ va ntage of a ca n i ster model the l ife of other tool s brushes, and ca n i sters is
cut these away to keep the is a l a rger motor can be a n d appliances as wel l as u s i n g a blower.
brush roller movi n g freely. ava i l a b l e for vacu u m i n g. perform sta ndard clean-up
chores. • When g u tters a re d ry, blow
• Whenever a vacu u m • Replace or c l ea n any b u i lt­ the leaves a n d twigs out
cleaner suddenly stops in fi lters accord i ng to the • U se a blower to clean i n stead of scooping.
operati ng, check the fuse or man ufactu rer's recom men­ sawd ust from d r i l l s, sanders,
circ u it breaker fi rst. dations. and saws.

215
 SU M M ER
Make this the time for vacations , barbecues , and the ines capable
warm weather repairs
Let's face it: If we co u l d skip home mai nte n a n ce, we wou l d, Pace you rself so you d on't get b u ried by the jobs a nd let the
espec ia l ly d u ri ng the s u m mer. When a su n ny weeke nd s u m mer pass you by co m p l etely.
comes a rou nd, who wa nts to be working o n the hou se? No Sta rt with the outside. Th i s is the time to do a ny sid i ng and
on e, but yo u do n't wa nt to be reg rett i n g it when the weather roof re pa i rs w h i l e it's d ry a nd you're not fi g hti n g wet weather
turns in the fa l l a n d certa i n ly not in the wi nter when it's fa r conditions. You m i g ht fi nd out after re movi ng trashed sid i ng
too cold to tou c h u p the paint or repa i r a broken g l ass pa ne. that the damage is more extensive than yo u thought and

Pain t Exterior Window and Siding Repairs

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• Touch u p a ny areas where • If the enti re house needs • Damaged or rotten siding • Wi ndow repair can m ea n
the paint is m i ssing, fl a ki ng, painting, sched u l e ca refu l ly can be covering a l a rger removing a sash for more
or bubbl ing. and pace you rself so you're problem u nderneath-sta rt than a day-be prepa red
done in a timely m a n n e r these repa i rs early in the to secure the open i n g with
• Pa int entire l engths of sid­ without g iving u p a l l you r season. plywood.
i n g or whole sections when free t i m e or consider ca l l i n g
touc h i ng u p so the n ewly a painting contractor. • Pri me both sides of any • Be s u re to paint any new
pai nted a rea doesn't stick replacement sid i ng and g lazi ng compound; oth­
out too much. • Get you r painting done by prepaint the fi rst coat be­ erwi se, it w i l l d ry up a n d
early Septe m ber, even if fore i nsta l lation. eventu a l ly fa l l out.
you expect a m i l d autu m n .

2 16
req u i res rem ovi n g the su b-sid i ng as wel l .
S u m mer is t h e obvi ous ti me fo r pai nti n g, b u t i t a l so has its
MAKE IT EASY
l i m itati ons. Too m u c h heat or h i g h h u m id ity affects both i n­ In hot weathe r, p a i n t won't f1 ow and l eve l p roperly
terior a nd exterior pa i nts. Pa i nt i n g i n h ot s u n l ig ht ca n cause stra ig ht out of t h e ca n , b u t it ca n be d i l u ted, a s m u c h
the pai nt su rface to d ry too fast a nd form a s k i n before the a s 1 0 p e rce nt, if n ecessa ry for e a s i e r a p p l icatio n . It's
rest of the coati n g is com pletely d ry, resu lting i n p i n holes, te m pt i n g to p a i n t l a te i nto t h e eve n i ng , b u t ove r n ig ht
bl iste rs, a n d excess ive brush m a rks in the fi n i s h . As with a ny d ew m i g ht affect t h e p a i nt g l oss. Sto p you r p a i n t i n g
project, set u p a timel i n e for g etti ng the work d on e. a bout two h o u rs b efore s u n set t o be safe.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Deck, Roof, and Gu tter Repairs Filters

• If you're up on the roof re­ • After g utter repai r a n d • Replace or clean you r a i r • Routi nely check on a n d
placing d a maged s h i n g les, clea n ing, run a h o s e to condition i n g fi lters a t t h e get you r a i r condition i ng
i n s pect the s u rro u n d i n g check you r work a n d look sta rt o f t h e season a n d then system serviced.
a rea a n d replace a ny q u es­ for a d d itional leaks. every one o r two months
tionable s h i n g l es as wel l. thereafter-more often • S u m m e r is the best time
• Recoat you r deck for extra if the s u m m e r is d ry a n d for fu rnace servici ng-if a
• The less walking a ro u n d protection, even if there d usty. part h a s to be ord ered, you
y o u do on a n old roof, t h e isn't a pressing need for it. won't go without h eat si nce
better since j u st bei n g u p • Clean or replace fu rnace the fu rnace i sn't in use.
there can d a mage s h i n g les. fi lters as wel l .

217
 FALL
Take advantage of the cooler (yet not cold) weather to do s ome
maintenance around the house
Fa l l is sort of a batte n down the h atches t i m e i n m a ny pa rts loosen pa i nt on t h e sid i ng a nd the reta i n ed water weig hs
of the cou ntry. Wi n ter cold a nd wet a re comi ng, the wa rm d own the g utters, stra i n i ng their faste ners and joi nts. It's time
weather is hea d i ng south, a nd daylight is sl owly disappea r­ to bring i n the g a rden hoses a n d d ra i n the outside p ipes a n d
i n g. A l l those lovely colorfu l leaves a re fa l l i ng a n d too many hose b i bs to avoid freezi ng a nd s p l itting .
of them end u p i n you r g utters. Ig n ore them a n d you r g ut­ Do you have rem ova ble window screens? Removi ng and
ters a re l i kely to overfl ow in wet weather. The overflow can storing them a l lows yo u to wash the windows one more

Screens and Storm Windows Chimney and Gutters

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• As soon as the bugs a re l u bricate the tracks as you • I n s pect you r c h i m ney a n d • Clean the gutters thoroug hly
gone, remove you r wi ndow change the screen s for c l e a n it if t h a t wasn't done and be prepared to do it
screens, wash them, a n d storm windows a n d was h earlier i n the year. again once all the leaves are
store t h e m u nti l spri ng. the outside o f the storm down.
windows. • Be s u re the masonry joi nts
• While the screen s a re down, a re i n g ood shape and con­ • In cold c l imates, shut off the
wash the windows, i nside • I n sta l l any remova ble storm sider i n sta l l i n g a c h i m n ey water to all outside hose
and out. windows, checking that cap if you don't a l ready bibs, d ra i n them at the fau­
they're clean fi rst. have one. cets, and put the hoses away
• If you have combi ned in a garage or basement.
screen/storm window u n its,

218
time before it tu r n s freezi n g outside.
In cold c l i m ates, we a l l spend more time i ndoors a ro u n d
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
t h e wood stove or fi replace. You don't wa nt t o ta ke a cha nce Ca rbon monoxide poiso n i n g from fu rnaces a nd other
on a c h i m ney fi re or a n electrica l fi re for that matter. Fa l l is a sou rces of i ncom plete com bu stion contri butes to more
g reat time for a n a n n ua l safety check of a l l syste m s, i n c l u d i ng tha n two thousan d deaths a n n ua l ly, accord i n g to the
water a n d g a s sh ut-offs a nd smoke detectors. Journal of the American Medical Association. A sta n d a rd
fu rnace i ns pection should i nclude checking ca rbon mon­
oxide levels. Consider a ca rbon monoxide detector, which
sou nd s an a la rm when detecti n g u nsafe levels of ca rbon
monoxide. •
•
• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Odds and Ends

• To avoid loosen i n g their • Check that the m a i n water

wires, tig hten a ny recep­ shut-off is fu ncti o n i n g a n d
tacles that have cords reg u­ t h a t it moves easi ly.
larly i nserted a nd p u l led
out (mostly i n the kitchen • Replace a l l you r smoke
and the bat h rooms). d etector batteries, checking
to see if you r com m u n ity
• Replace a ny burned-out light has a battery col l ection or
bu lbs in outside lighting and recyc l i ng prog ra m, a n d test
check that motion detectors the detectors.
are properly aimed.

219
 WINTER
Winter ' s here , s o start up some routine cold weather maintenance
I f t h e s now is fa l l i ng, it's a l ittle late t o p a i n t t h e windows o r the winter and keep corrosion to a minimum. Furnaces are heav­
c l e a n t h e g utters, so here's h o p i n g a l l t h a t mai nte n a n ce is fi n­ ily used in the wi nter and ca l l for monthly fi lter changes. If your
ished. Wi nter m a i ntena n ce chores a re l i m ited, but there a re fu rnace hasn't been inspected in a few years and you missed it
sti l l some pesky tasks to atte nd to. d u ring the past summer, ca l l a technician now and be prepared
Do you have air condition ing? Snow, ice, a nd pine need les to wa it. Th is is the busy season for heati ng contractors, but you
don't do your air condition i ng u n its a ny favors. Cover them up for wa nt your fu rnace checked before it d ies on Ch ristmas Eve.

Replace Furnace Filter Mon thly Car Check

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• Replace or clean you r and you have flexible duct­ • You r car works h a rder • Ca rry an extra scra per a n d
fu rnace fi lter monthly d u r­ ing ru nning in a crawl space, i n cold weather, a n d a battery cables.
i n g the heating season a n d check that the ducting is sti ll breakdown in the snow can
check t h a t a gas fu rnace tight to the register. stra nd you. • In severe wi nter c l i m ates,
flame is blue and b u r n i n g at ca rry road salt or Kitty Litter
a consistent rate-a yel l ow, • Repa i r or th row away any • Be s u re you r car has been for traction, a tow rope, a n d
u n steady fl a m e req u i res a da maged hol iday l i g h ts. serviced for wi nter d riving possi bly a s m a l l shovel for
technician i m med iately. with a n antifreeze check, d i g g i n g out of s now.
• Have one operable window proper tem perature-rated
• If you don't feel sufficient per bed room for emergency windshield fl u id, and a
heat coming out of a register esca pes. healthy battery.

220
 Are you prepared to be housebo u n d for a day or two or
th ree i n heavy sn ow, possibly without power? Be a p repared
• • • • • • • • • • •
YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
homeowner a n d h ave n o n perish a b l e food, wate r, fl a sh l ig hts, Wood-burn i ng fi replaces present possible haza rd s. Creo- •
•

a n d cand les sto red away. sote bui ld-u p in maso n ry a nd metal ch i m neys can even-
Cold wi nter drivi ng is haza rdous a nd demanding on car bat­ tua l ly catch fi re. Hot fi res ca n wea ken c h i m ney morta r. The
teries. Do you have a wi nter surviva l kit in you r car tru n k? Getting Ch i m ney Safety I nstitute recommends homeowners who
stuck i n a bl izzard can happen to a nyone, and it's not difficult have t h ree or more wi nter fi res a week should have thei r
to prepare for it. Like with a ny other season, bei ng prepa red for c h i m neys inspected and clea ned once a year. •
• • • • • • • • •
wi nter weather wi l l keep you r home and life ru n n i ng smooth ly.

Ice Dams

• When ice d a m s form at the • Do not aggressively attack

edges of roofs, they can i ce d a m s with pou nd i ng
cause melting snow to back tools-there's too m uch risk
u p a n d leak i nto the attic of damaging the roof and
space. ca u s i n g a leak.

• Ca refu l l y clearing off snow • When pi pes freeze, open

with a snow ra ke or push the taps and u se a hair
broom w i l l tem porarily ease d ryer, not a torch, to thaw
the problem. them out.

221
 SPRING
Spring brings the yearly maintenanc e cycle full circle-it 's time to
start again
You th i n k of spri ng, a nd spri n g clea n i ng comes to mi nd, a m u c h bigger defe rred p roblems later, so be m i ndfu l of rou­
fresh sta rt now that the s now a nd cold a re gone. You may d o tine check-u ps. Spen d i n g a weeke nd i n the spring on a chore
yo u r ow n repa i rs or pa y to h ave them don e, but there's no l ist is a s m a l l p rice to pay to kick off a n ew, wa rmer season .
way a ro u nd m a i nte n a n ce if y ou wa n t a safe, a ppea l i n g p l ace Fi rst, i n s pect the outside o f you r house for wi nter wea r a n d
that l ives u p to basic expectations. tea r. Give it a b a t h w h i le you're at it a n d wa sh off a ny soot,
A reg u l a rly m a i nta i ned house means yo u don't get hit with g ri m e, or other seaso n a l g u n k. Take you r storm win dows

Cleaning Up Win ter Messes

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• The wi nter leaves gru nge, • Clean out a ny fi replace

a n d the spring is a good ashes, screens, g rates, a n d
ti m e to renew the outside glass doors a nd, if present,
with a scrub and wash. shut off the gas pi l ot l i g ht
as soon as the weather is
• As soon as you r soil sta rts too warm for fi res.
to d ry out, rake out a n y
decom posing l eaves a n d • Clean and store a l l winter­
twig s from t h e g a rd e n related ite m s, i n c l u d i n g
beds. cloth ing.

222
 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
down, put screen s u p, a nd turn outside wate r o n . Th i n ki ng
a bout painting i n the s u m mer? Sta rt co n s idering the a mo u nt D u ri ng the d ays of wood- a nd coa l - b u rn i ng
of preparation, color selection, a n d budget for the project stoves, s p r i n g cl ea n i ng was necessa ry to c l ea n
n ow. Ca l l for some pa i n t i n g bids if you're h i ri ng it out befo re a wi nter's wo rth of accu m u l ated soot. Modern
pai nters get booked for the season . Do the same with roof­ heat i n g syste m s h ave e l i m i nated this sou rce
i ng contractors if yo u r roof need s re placing. of g r i m e, but s p r i n g is sti l l viewed a s a t i m e to
And do n't forget to th row the wi ndows op en, air you r home renew a n d refres h a home after bei ng cl osed
out, a n d enjoy the spri ng . up a l l wi nter.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Exterior Checks

• Check the roof for winter cycles of freezing a n d

da mage as soon as possible. thawing-look for sandy
textu re, cracks between
• Check the attic space for rows of bricks, a n d missing
leaks and wet spots on the c h u n ks of mortar.
rafters or i n s u l ation as wel l
as t h e roof s h i n g les a n d • Confi rm you r fou n dation
fla s h i n g for da mage. is d ry without any puddles
a n d the g utters a re i ntact.
• Maso n ry mortar can req u i re
repai r after going t h rough

223
 MONTH LY
Make monthly maintenance a regular event like cooking
or doing laundry
Life is fu l l of repetition: sleeping, shopping for g roceries, eati ng must do now before the floor caves i n" lists later. We accept
big hol iday mea ls and regretting it later. To keep your mai nte­ that d ishes have to be washed d aily and clothes washed once
nance and repairs to a ma nageable level, treat them the sa me or twice a week so accepti ng that smoke detectors shou ld be
way. I nstead of wa iti ng for problems to a ppea r, try to prevent checked month ly isn't m uch of an i magi native stretch.
them. Having trou ble fol lowi n g a reg u l a r mai ntena nce l i st? Set
As despised as "to-do" l ists a re, they're better thar:i "a bsol utely up a sched u l e a nd post it on the refrigerator or as a ti med

Check Smoke Alarms

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• FEMA a n d other govern­ • When a smoke detector be­

ment agencies state that g i n s ra ndomly beeping, it
smoke detectors should usua l ly means the batteries
be tested once a month by need replacement.
pressing the test button
(do not test with a n open • Smoke a l a rm s have a u sefu l
fla me). l ife of about ten yea rs, at
wh ich poi n t they s h o u l d
• If the a l a rm fa i l s to sound be replaced, even if they
off, replace it i m m ed iately. a ppea r to be worki ng.

224
rem i nder o n yo u r com puter or wi re l ess device. Th is visua l re­
m i nder wi l l h e l p you set up a mont h ly routine. M a ke a n ote
• • • • • • • • • • • YELLOW LIGHT • • • • • • • • • • • •

to check the l i st every m onth, ta ke care of the task, a n d be Pou ring boi l i n g water down d ra i n s is a g reat way to keep
done with it. No s i n g l e tas k is especia l ly onerous a nd i s cer­ them clea r, but water this hot ca n crack molded one-piece
ta i n ly easier t h a n dea l i n g with the consequences of not at­ si n k/va nity top com bi nations. Use a fu n nel i nserted i nto
ten d i n g to it. these d ra i n s to pou r boi l i n g water. Never pou r boi l i ng wa­
ter i nto a toi let as there is some cha nce it cou ld crack the
bowl. •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Drains Filters

• Every d ra i n has a tra p to • I n general, m a i nta i n d ra i n s • Change or clean the furnace/ heads-remove a ny rust
hold water, which acts as a with a b a k i n g soda a n d air conditioning fi lters once a pa rticles and soa k aerators
barrier a g a i n st sewer gases v i n e g a r mix fol l owed b y hot month, depending on use. and shower heads i n vinegar
com i n g u p t h ro u g h the water to fl u s h it down. for a few hours to break u p
d ra i n l i nes. • Clean the kitchen exhaust a ny hard water deposits.
• Grind ice c u bes and a meta l mesh fan fi lters (put
• Pou r water down u n used lemon wedge in the food them i n the d i s hwasher or • If your refrigerator has a
or rarely used d ra i n s once disposer to h e l p e l i m i nate let them soak) . removable drain pan, remove
a month to compensate for odors and clean away and clean it according to the
eva poration. sl udge. I nspect and c lea n fau­ manufacturer's recommenda­
cet aerators and shower tions and vacuum the coils.

22 5
 YEARLY
Once a year isn ' t much to ask for these important j obs
S o m e j o b s co me a ro u nd o n ly o n c e a yea r-preparing taxes Yea rly jobs tend to get done d u ri ng decent weather, some
and clea n i n g up after New Year's Eve come to m i nd-and i n prepa ration for colder, wetter weather to come and others
they va ry i n i m porta nce a n d how m uch time they' l l con­ because after a yea r of use, d u st or l i nt or moisture can accu­
su me. If you use yo u r wood-bu r n i ng c h i m ney each fa l l a n d m u late in pl aces you do n't wa nt it, and it behooves you to take
wi nter, i n spect i n g it once a yea r-not j u st for creosote but ca re of them.
a lso the raccoon s a nd b i rd s that someti mes set u p home in If yo u l ive a l o ne, you a re stuck with doing this you rself or
c h i m neys-i s i m porta nt. h i ri ng out. Otherwi se, get yo u r partner a nd kids i nvo lved .

Clean and Seal Tile Grou t

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• Grout is a long-lasti n g ma­ • If any g rout deteriorated,

terial, but it ca n n ot sta nd remove it with a g rout saw
u p i n d efi nitely to water i n or s i m i l a r tool, remove a ny
shower a reas. loose ca u l king, reg rout, a n d
then sea l a l l the ti l e.
• Seal ti le g rout once a yea r
fol lowi n g the m a n ufactur­ • After g routing, a pply new
er's d i rection s for applica­ ca u l k rated for tub and
tion and d rying ti mes. tile u se.

226
Once they're o l d enough, c h i l d re n can lea rn to check p l u m b­
i n g va lves a nd the condition of bath room t i l e the same a s
MAKE IT EASY
•
a n a d u lt. Whether th ese lesso n s a nd res po n s i b i l ities stick w i l l Sched u l e a ny yea rly chore that m i g ht i n volve a con- •

rema i n t o b e seen, b u t at l east y o u s h a re the chore l i st, a nd t ra cto r fo l l owi ng u p ea r l y e n o u g h that a ny n eeded
t h i s i n itself is a good lesso n . work ca n be done befo re the contractor's b u sy sea­
A n d , n o , yo u proba bly don't wa nt you r eig ht-yea r-old so n . If it's pa i nti n g, you h ave t i m e to ta l k with m o re
c l i m b i n g a rou n d on the roof, but taking an electric b lower tha n o n e pa i nter a n d m i g ht even g et a better esti­
a nd bl asti n g the d u st out of the g a ra ge wi l l get a ny c h i l d 's mated p rice by booki n g ea r l y.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
attention.

Inspect Chimney Service Furnace

• Wood-b u r n i n g fi replaces fla s h l ig ht or lower a work • Yearly furnace servicing • Check that all p l u m b i ng
and wood stoves create l i g h t down with a rope. might seem unnecessary, but sh ut-off va lves at every fix­
creosote, wh ich can b u i ld it's inexpensive insurance, t u re a n d the m a i n shut-off
up to dangerous levels • Check for creosote b u i ld-up especially as a furnace ages. sti l l fu nction properly a n d
inside c h i m n eys. (it w i l l a ppea r as a s h i ny i n spect toi l ets for sta bil ity.
g laze on the c h i m ney • An i n s pection s h o u l d cover
• To inspect these c h i m n eys, wa l l s). fu nction, a i r testing, the • Look in the basement, crawl
sta rt from the roof and condition of the fi re box, space, and attic for pest and
check the condition of the • If you suspect damage or b u rners, d rafting, a n d ca r­ rodent infestation.
masonry and then look creosote, ca l l a c h i m n ey bon monoxide levels.
down the fl ue with a strong specia l i st.

227
 RESO U RCES
W h e n it comes t o i nfo rmation o n h o m e repa i r a n d m a i n ­ Home Security:

te n a nce, there a re plenty o f webs ites t o turn t o for fu rther www. homesecu rity i nformation.com
rea d i n g or man ufactu rer suggestions. Althou g h this l i st i s The Federa l A l l i a nce for Safe Homes:
b y no mea ns exha u stive, it wi l l get yo u sta rted on other www.fla s h .o rg
sou rces of i nformation for home repa i rs a nd m a i ntenance,
whether it's looki ng for the rig ht too l s, p roper safety tech­
Chapter 2 : Vital Tools
niq ues, or a l ternate home m a i ntena nce options.
Tool Safety and Ergonom ics:
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Chapter 1 : Problem S olving
l/)
Ham mers:

� P l u m b i n g Lea ks: www. h a m m e rnet.com

a:::
::J www.homea n d g a rdenadvice.com Screwd rivers:
0
� Repa i ri n g Pi pes: www.doityou rself.com/screwd rive rs
a::: www.howstuffworks.com P l iers:

Gas Lea ks: www.h a rdwa restore.com

www. h a n n a bery.com Wre n ches:
www.aceh a rdwa re.com

Pry Bars:
www.tool softhetrade. net

J a pa n ese Saws:
www.j a p a nwoodworker.com

Scra pers:
www.j a m estownd i st r i butors.com

Dri l l s :
www.homeenvy.com

El ectric Sa nders:
www.doityou rself.com/sa nders

Mea s u ri n g Ta pe:

www. pe rfectta pe .com

Wood C h isels:
www.sawd ustm a k i ng.com

Nail Sets:
www.lowes.co m

228
Pres s u re Wa sh ers:
www.ulti matewasher.com

C h a i n saws:
www.sti h l usa.com/c h a i n saws

Other:
www.boschtools.com
www.sta n l eyworks.com
www.wag ne rs p raytech .com

Chapter 3 : Vital Hardware

Screws:
www.n utsand bolts.com

Bolts:
www.boltscience.com

N a i l s:
www.d iydata .com

Ca u l k:
www.va n sicklepai nt.com
www.da p.com
www.pai nt.org
G l ue:
Other Wood F i n i shes:
home.howstuffworks.com
www. h a rdwa restore.com
S a n d pa per:
S h e l lac:
www.abra sivesoasis.com
www.zi nsser.com
Hearing Protection:
www.woodworker.com
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Recycled Pa i nt:
Res p i ratory Protection:
www.metropai nt.org
www.cdc.gov/niosh www.d u n nedwards.com
www.vi sionsrecyc l i ng.com
I nformation a bout Lead-Based Pa int:
www.boomera n g pa i nt.com
www.epa.gov/lead www.ecospai nts.com
www.h otzenviron menta l .com/pai nt
www.recyclepai nt.com
Chapter 4: Vital Products www. loca lcolori nc.com

Automotive Body F i l ler:

Pa i nt, Primer, S heens, & G l osses:
www.natu ra l ha ndyma n .com
www.beh r.com
www.benj a m in moo re.com Wood F i l l e r:

www.sherwin-w i l l i a m s.com www. d a p.com

229
 Chapter 6: Inside Leaks/Clogs

Q u i c k Fixes for Lea ky Fa u cets:

www.doityou rself.com
www.deltafa u cet.com

Tips for Repa i ri n g Toi lets:

www.aceh a rdwa re.com

Fixi ng a Lea k i ng Wa s h i n g M a c h i ne:

www.repa i rc l i n ic.com

Chapter 7 : Outside Leaks/Clogs

G utter Covers:

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www.a ndersenwindows.com

C hapter 8 : S queaks/
Sticky Issues
Chapter 5 : S cratches & Chips Fi xi ng Floor S q u e a ks:

www.hometi ps.com
Refi n i s h i n g : www.bobvila.com
www.refi n i shfu rn i t u re.com
Fixing Sta i r Squea ks:
Wood Floor Repa i rs: www.bobv i l a .com
www.woodf1oordoctor.com
Fixing Sticking Doors:
Pl astic L a m i n ate: www.l owes.com
www.form ica.com www.repa i r-home.com

Tips for Fixing C rac ked Tile: Ta pe for Sticky D rawers:

www.tool-wa rehouse.com
www.hometi me.com
D rawer G u ides:
Tips for G rout i n g Ti le:
www.slided u m my.i nfo
www.hometi me.com

230
 Concrete Crac ks:
www.con c retenetwo rk.com

Cracked G lass:

www.cornerhardwa re.com
www.gtg l a ss.com

Chapter 1 0 : E lectrical Systems

E lectrical System I nfo rmation:
www.nfpa.org
www.cpsc.gov
www. n a h b.org
www.nationa l g r i d us.com
www.ge.com

Fuses a n d C i rc u it Breakers:

www.pge.com
www.fuses.cc
Door Loc k Repa i rs: C i rc u it B rea kers:
www.hometips.com www. pge.com
Sticking D rawers: www. nationa I switchgea r.com
www. ron hazelto n .com Fuses:
Wi nd ow Repa i rs: www.fuses.cc
www.wi ndowrepa i r.com
Resett i n g a Breake r:
www.ehow.com

Chapter 9: Cracks & Holes Chapter 1 1 : Fungi Issues

P l aster Damage Repa i rs: Mold a n d M i ldew:
www.homedepotmovi n g .com
www.epa.gov/mold/m o l d reso u rces
P l a ster C rack Repa i rs: www.b ra d l ewis.com
www.hometi ps.com Wood Rot & Repa i rs:

Drywa l l Holes: www. h a m m e rzone.com

www.ewoodc a re.com
www.askt h e b u i l der.com
www.epotek.com

Large Drywa l l Repa i rs:

Chapter 1 2 : Pets & Pests
www.ea sy2d iy.com I n sta l l i n g a Pet Door:

Drywa l l C ra cks: www.lowes.com

www.aceha rdwa re.com www.cornerha rdwa re.com
www.g u ndog hou sedoor.com

23 1
 H ow to Pa i nt: www. p a i ntq u a l i ty.com

Exterior Preparation:
www.corner h a rdwa re.com

Chapter 1 4 : Vital Storage

B u i l d i ng Shelves:
www.as kthebu i l d e r.com
www.i kea.com

C l oset Storage:

www.easyclosets.com
www.closetorg a n izersu sa.com
www.stacksa ndstacks.com

G a rage S h e l v i n g :
(./')
Ll..J www.tidyga rage.com
� Raccoons a n d Sq u i rrels: www.ca rg uyga rage.com
::::> www.pop u l a rmecha n ics.com www.ga ra getek.com
� www.a a a n i m a l control.com
Workbench:
Ll..J
o:::: Bees and Wa sps: www.workbench-ideas.com
www.pestworld.o rg
www.orki n.com
C hapter 1 5 : E nergy E fficiency
Birds:
www. b i rd bgone.com E nergy Losses:
www.ds i re u sa.org
Extermination:
www.pestworld.org
www.doyou rown pestcontrol .com
www.ter m i n ix.com

Other:
www. r u b berma id.com

Chapter 1 3 : Painting
All a bout Pa i nt:

www.pai nt.org
www.sherwi n-w i l l i a ms.com
www.benj a m i n moore.com
www. beh r.com
www.g l idden.com

Wood F i n i shes:
www.woodzone.com
www.woodfi n i s h s u pply.com

232
Sea l i n g You r Home:
www.energysta r.gov

Weather Str i p p i n g :
www.eere.energy.gov

Energy Efficient A p p l i a nces:

www.energysta r.gov
www.koh le r.com

Chapter 1 6 : Outside Repairs

Fence Repa i rs:
www.fenceporta I.com
N o rth American One-Ca l l Referral Center: 888.258.0808

Com post:
www.com postg u i de.com
www.epa.gov

O utdoor L i g h t i n g : Ra i n Barrels:
www.ra i n barre l g u ide.com
www.aceh a rdware.com
www.besthomeled l i g hti ng.com
www.electrics u pplieso n l i ne.com
www.y l i g h t i n g .com Chapter 1 7 : Childproofing
Replaci ng Deck Boards:
C h i l d proofi n g :
www.decks.com
www.trex.com www.cpsc.gov
www. n a c h i .org
www.correctdeck.com
www.safety l st.com
www.totsafe.com

Chapter 1 8 : Appliances

A p p l i a n ce M a i nten a n ce:

www.repa i rc l i n ic.com
www.a p p l i a ncea id.com

C hapter 1 9 : Timeline Maintenance

www. n a h b.org
www. bobv i l a .com
www.statefa rm .com
www.homein spectorl ocator.com

233
 G LOSSARY
A/C: An a b b reviation for a i r cond itioner or a i r cond itioning. Blow insu lation: Fiber insu lation i n loose form a nd used to
i n s u late attics and existi ng wa l l s where fra m i ng mem bers a re not
exposed.
Aerator: The round screened screw-on t i p of a s i n k spout. It m ixes
water and a i r for a smooth f1ow. Brace: An i n c l i ned piece of fra m i ng l u m ber a p p l ied to wa l l or floor
to strengthen the struct u re. Often used on walls as tem pora ry
Aggregate: A m ixtu re of sand and stone, and a major com ponent
bracing u ntil fra m i ng has been completed.
of concrete.
Breaker panel: The electrica l box that d i st ri butes electric power
Anchor bolts: Bolts to sec u re a wooden s i l l plate to concrete, or
enteri ng the home to each bra n c h c i rcuit (each p l u g a nd switch)
masonry floor or wall.
and com posed of circ u it brea kers.

>- Attic access: An opening that is placed i n the d rywa l led cei l i ng of
Building codes: Com m u n ity o rd i na nces govern i ng the m a n ner i n
0:::: a home provid ing access to the attic.
<( w h i c h a h o m e m a y b e constructed or modified.
l/')
l/') Attic ventilators: In houses, screened openings provided to
0 Cap: The u pper member of a col u mn, pilaster, door cornice,
_J venti late a n attic space. molding, or fi replace.
l!J
Backing: Frame l u m ber instal led between the wal l studs to g ive
Casement: Fra mes of wood or meta l enclosing part (or a l l) of a
additional s u p po rt for d rywa l l or an i nterior trim related item, such
window sash that may be opened by means of h i nges affixed to
as h a n d ra i l brackets, cabi nets, and towel ba rs. In this way, items a re
the vertical edges.
screwed and mounted i nto solid wood rather than wea k d rywa l l
that may a l low t h e item t o break loose from t h e wa l l . Casement window: A wi ndow with h i nges on one of the vertical
sides and swi ngs open l i ke a norma l door.
Balusters- Vertical members i n a ra i l i ng used between a t o p ra i l
a nd bottom rai l or t h e sta i r treads. Sometimes referred t o as pickets Casi ng: Wood trim molding i n sta l l ed a ro u nd a door or window
or spindles. ope n i n g.

Base or baseboard: A trim board placed against the wa l l a round Cau l k: A flex i b l e material used to seal a gap between two su rfaces
the room next to the floor. e.g., between pieces of siding or the corners in t u b wal ls.

Base shoe: Molding used next to the f1oor on i nterior base boa rd. Ceil i ng joist: One of a series of para l lel fra m i ng members used
Someti mes cal led a ca rpet strip. to support cei l i ng loads and supported in t u rn by l a rger bea ms,
g i rders or bea ring wa l l s. Also ca l l ed roof joists.
Batt: A section of fi ber-g lass or rock-wool insu lation measuring 1 5
or 23 i nches wide by 4 to 8 feet long and va rious thicknesses. Ceramic tile: A man-made or machi ne-made clay tile used
to fi n ish a floor or wa l l. Genera l ly used in bathtu b and shower
Bea m: A struct u ra l mem ber tra nsversely s u p po rti ng a load. A enclosures and on cou ntertops.
struct u ra l mem ber carryi ng b u i ld i ng loads from one s u p port to
a nother. Ci rcuit: The path of electrical f1ow from a power source t h rough an
outlet a nd back to g rou nd.
Bearing wal l : A wa l l that s u p po rts any vertical load in addition to
its own weig ht. Circuit breaker: A device which looks l i ke a switch and is usually
l ocated i nside the electrical brea ker panel or c i rcuit b reaker box.
Blankets: Fiber-glass or rock-wool insu lation that comes i n long It sh uts off the power the house and l i m its the amount of power
rol l s 1 5 or 23 inches wide. f1owing t h ro u g h a c i rc u it (meas u red in a m peres).

234
Condensation: Beads or d rops of water that acc u m u l ate on the Downspout: A pi pe, usua l ly of metal, for ca rrying rai nwater down
i nside of the exterior covering of a b u i l d i ng. from the roof's h orizonta l g u tters.

Conductivity: The rate at which heat is tra n s mitted t h ro u g h a Drywa l l : A man ufactured panel, com mo n ly 1 /2-inch thick and
material. 4X8' o r 4X 1 2' i n size, made out of gyps u m plaster and encased in
heavy paper. The panels a re n a i led o r screwed onto the fra m i ng
Conduit: A pi pe, usually meta l, i n which wi re is instal led. and the joi nts a re taped and covered with a joint compound.
Contractor: A company l icensed to perform certai n types of
Ducts: The heating system. U s u a l ly rou nd or recta n g u l a r meta l
construction activities. pipes i nsta l led for distri buting wa rm (or cold) a i r from the fu rnace
to rooms in the home. Also a tu nnel made of ga lva n ized metal
Counter flashing: A meta l fla s h i ng u sed on c h i m neys at the
o r rigid fi berg l a ss, which ca rries air from the heater o r ventilation
roof1 i ne to cover shingle fla s h i ng a n d u sed to p revent m o istu re
opening to the rooms in a b u i l d i ng.
entry.
Face nail: To i n sta l l nails into the vertica l face of a bea ring header
Crawl space: A s h a l low space below the l iving q u a rters of a house,
norma l ly enclosed by the fou ndation wa l l and having a d i rt floor. o r beam.

Crown molding: A molding used on cornice or wherever a n Fire retardant chemical: A chemical o r preparation of chemicals

i nterior angle is t o b e covered, especia l ly at t h e roof a n d wa l l corner. used to red uce the fla m m a b i l ity of a materi a l or to retard the
spread of fla me.
Da m per: A metal "door" placed with i n the fi replace c h i m ney. It is
normally c losed when the fi replace is not i n use. Flashing: Sheet metal or other material u sed in roof and wa l l
construction t o protect a b u i l d i ng from water seepage.
Dead bolt: An exterior secu rity lock i nsta l led on exterior entry
doors that can be activated o n ly with a key or t h u m b-tu rn. U n l i ke a Flat pai nt: An i nterior paint that contains a high proportion of
latch, which has a beveled tong ue, dead bolts have sq u a re ends. pigment and d ries to a flat o r l u sterless fi n ish.

Door jamb: The surro u n d i ng case i nto which and out of which a Foundation: The s u p porting portion of a structu re below the fi rst
door closes and opens. It consists of two u prig ht pieces, cal led side floor construction, or below g rade, i n c l u d i n g the footi ngs.
jam bs, and a horizonta l head j a m b. These t h ree j a m bs have a door
Fuse: A device often fou nd i n older homes desig ned to prevent
stop i n stal led on them.
overloads in electrical l i nes. Th is protects against fi re.
Door stop: The wooden style that the door slab wi l l rest u pon
when it's in a closed position. GFCI or GFI: (Gro u nd Fa u l t Circ u it I nterru pter) An u ltra sensitive
p l u g designed to s h ut off a l l electric cu rrent. Used in bathrooms,
Dormer: An open i ng in a sloping roof, the fra m i ng of which kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, g a rage outlets, and wet a reas.
projects out to form a vertical wa l l su ita ble for wi ndows or other
openi ngs. General contractor: A contractor who enters into a contract with
the owner of a project for the construction of the project and who
Double glass: Window o r door i n which two panes of g lass a re ta kes fu l l responsi b i l ity for its completion, a lthough the contractor
u sed with a sea led a i r space between. It's a l so known as i nsu lating m ay enter i nto s u bcontracts with others for the performance of
g l ass. specific pa rts or phases of the project.

Double h u ng window: A window with two vertically s l i d i ng G ra i n : The d i rection, size, a rrangement, a ppeara nce, or q u a l ity of
sashes, both of which can move u p a n d down. the fi bers in wood.

23 5
 Grout: A wet mixtu re of cement, sand, and water that flows Lattice: An open fram ework of criss-crossed wood or meta l strips
i nto masonry or cera m i c crevices to sea l the cracks between the that form reg u l a r, patterned spaces.
d ifferent pieces.
Mason ry: Stone, b rick, concrete, hol low-tile, concrete block, or
Gutter: A shal low channel or con d u it of meta l or wood set below other similar b u i l d i ng u nits or materials.
and a long the eaves of a house to catch and ca rry off rai nwater
from the roof. Mold ing: A wood stri p having an eng raved, decorative su rface.

Gypsum plaster: Gypsu m form u lated to be u sed with the NEC ( Nationa l Electrical Code): A set of rules governing safe
addition of sand and water for base-coat plaster. wiring methods. Local codes, which a re backed by law, may differ
from the N EC in some ways.
Hardware: A l l of the meta l fittings that go i nto the home when it
is near com pletion. Nozzle: The part of a heating system that sprays the fuel of fuel-a i r
mixtu re i nto t h e com bustion c h a m ber.
Humidifier: An appliance norma l ly attached to the fu rnace, o r
porta ble u n it device desig ned t o increase the h u m id ity wit h i n a Panel: A t h i n flat piece of wood, plywood, or s i m i l a r materia l,
room or a house by means of the d ischarge of water vapor. fra med by sti les and rai ls as in a door (or cabinet door), or fitted into
g rooves of thicker materi a l with molded edges for decorative wa l l
>- HVAC: An a b b reviation for heat, venti lation, and a i r cond itioni ng.
0::::: treatment.
<(
(./") I-beam: A steel bea m with a cross section rese m b l i ng the letter
(./") Particleboard: Plywood su bstitute made of coa rse sawd ust that is
0 I . It is used for long spa n s as basement bea ms o r over wide wa l l
.....I mixed with resi n a nd pressed into sheets .
I.!) openi ngs, s u c h as a double g a rage door, when wa l l a n d roof loads
bea r down on the ope n i ng. Pi lot hole: A s m a l l-diameter, pre-d ril led hole that g uides a nail or
screw.
I-joist: Manufactured structu ra l b u i ld i ng com ponent rese m b l i ng
the letter I. Used as floor joists and rafters. Pilot l ight: A s m a l l, conti nuous fla m e (in a hot water heater, boiler,
or fu rnace) that i g nites gas or o i l bu rners when n eeded.
I nsulation: Any material h i g h in resista nce to heat tra n s mission
that, when placed i n the wa l l s, cei l i ng, or floors of a structu re, w i l l
Plywood: A panel (norm a l ly 4 X 8') of wood made of t h ree or more
red uce the rate o f heat flow.
layers of veneer, com pressed and joi ned with g l u e, and usually laid
with the g ra i n of adjoin ing pl ies at rig ht a ng les to give the sheet
Jamb: The side and head li n i ng of a doorway, window, or other
strength.
open ing. I t i n c l udes studs as wel l as the fra me and tri m .

Joint: T h e location between the tou c h i ng s u rfaces o f two Post: A vertical fra m i ng m e m ber u s u a l ly desig ned to ca rry a bea m.

mem bers or com ponents joi ned and held together by nai ls, g l ue, Often a 4x4''. a 6x6''. or a meta l pipe with a flat plate on top and
cement, morta r, or other means. bottom.

Joint compound: A powder that is u s u a l ly m ixed with water and Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) : A device mou nted on a hot water
u sed for joint treatment i n gypsum-wa l l boa rd fi nish. I t is often heater o r boiler which i s desig ned to release a ny h i g h steam
ca l l ed spackle or d rywa l l mud. pressu re i n the ta n k to prevent ta n k explosions.

Joist: Wooden 2XS's, 1 O's, or 1 2's that ru n para l lel to one a nother Primer: The fi rst, base coat of paint when a paint job consists of
a nd su pport a floor or cei l i ng, and s u pported i n turn by l a rger two o r more coats. A fi rst coating form u l ated to seal raw su rfaces
bea ms, girders, or bea ring wa l ls. and holding succeed i ng fi n ish coats.

Kilowatt (kw) : One thousand watts. A kilowatt h o u r is the base Putty: A type of dough u sed in sea l i ng g lass in the sash, fi l l i ng
u nit used in measu ring electrica l consu m ption. s m a l l holes and crevices in wood, and for s i m i l a r pu rposes.

236
PVC or CPVC: (Poly Vinyl C h l oride) A type of white or light g ray Soffit: The a rea below the eaves and overh a ngs.
plastic pipe someti mes used for water s u pply l i nes and waste pipe.
Strike: The plate on a door fra me that engages a latch o r dead bolt.
Radiant heati ng: A method of heating, u s u a l ly consisting of a
forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, o r Stucco: An outside plaster fi n ish made with Portland cement as its
cei l i ng. base.

Rafter: Lu m ber used to su pport the roof sheeting and roof loads. Stud: A vertical wood fra m i ng mem ber, a lso referred to as a wa l l
Genera l ly, 2Xl O's and 2X l 2's a re u sed. The rafters of a flat roof a re stud, attached t o t h e horizontal sole plate below a nd t h e top plate
someti mes cal led roof joists. a bove.

Receptacle: An electrica l outlet. Subfloor: The fra m i ng components of a floor to include the s i l l
plate, floor joists, and d e c k sheeting over which a fi n i s h floor is to
Sash: A single l i g ht fra me conta i ni ng one or more lig hts of g lass. be laid.
It is the fra me that holds the g lass in a window, often the mova ble
part of the window. Taping: The process of covering d rywa l l joi nts with paper ta pe and
joint com pound.
Sealer: A fi nishing material, either clear or pig mented, that is
u s u a l ly a ppl ied d i rectly over raw wood for the pu rpose of sea l i ng Termites: Wood eating i nsects that s u perficially resemble a nts i n
the wood su rface. size and genera l a ppeara nce, a nd live in colonies.

Semig loss paint or enamel: A paint or enamel made so that Terra cotta: A cera mic material molded i nto masonry u n its.
its coati ng, when d ry, has some l u ster but is not very g lossy.
Toenailing: To d rive a nail in at a sla nt. Method u sed to secu re floor
Bath rooms and kitchens a re norma l ly pai nted semi-g loss.
joists to the plate.
Service entrance panel: Main power cabi net where electricity
Tra p: A p l u m bi n g fitting that holds water to prevent a i r, gas, and
enters a home wiring system.
vermin from backing u p i nto a fixture.
Shim: A s m a l l piece of scra p l u m ber or shing le, u s u a l ly wedge
Tread: The walking s u rface boa rd in a stai rway on which the foot
shaped, which when forced behi nd a fu rring strip or fra m i ng
is placed.
mem ber forces it into position.
Veneer: Extremely t h i n sheets of wood.
S h i ngles: Roof covering of aspha lt. asbestos, wood, tile, slate, or
other material cut to stock lengths, widths, and thickness.
Vent: A pipe or d uct which a l lows the flow of air a nd gasses to the

Shi ngles, siding: Va rious kinds of s h i n g les, u sed over sheathing

outside. Al so, a nother word for the movi ng g lass part of a window
for exterior wa l l covering of a structu re. sash, i .e., window vent.

Vo ltage: A m ea s u re of e l ectrica l pote n t i a l . Most h o m e s a re

Short circu it: A situation that occu rs when hot and neutra l wi res
come in contact with each other. Fuses and c i rcuit brea kers protect w i red with 1 1 0 a n d 2 2 0 volt l i n es. The 1 1 0 v o l t power is used
against fi re that cou ld resu lt from a short. fo r l i g ht i n g a n d m ost of t h e ot h e r c i rc u its. The 2 2 0 volt power
i s u s u a l ly used fo r the kitc h e n ra ng e, h ot water h eater, a nd
Siding: The fi nished exterior covering of the outside wal l s of a d rye r.
fra me b u i l d i ng.
Weatherstrip: Na rrow sections of t h i n meta l or other materi a l
Single hung window: A window with one vertically s l i d i ng sash insta l led to prevent t h e i nfi ltration o f a i r a nd moist u re a round
or window vent. windows and doors.

23 7
 PHOTO CREDITS
C h a pter 1 37 (l eft): A n n a Adesa nya
vii (left): © Vi ncent Giord a no/sh utterstock Cha pter 3 38 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
vii (rig ht): © photos.com 24 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 38 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
1 (left): © Georg e Peters/istockphoto 24 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 3 9 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
2 (rig ht) : © Amy Wa lters I 25 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 40 (left): A n n a Adesa nya-
Drea msti me.com 25 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 40 (ri g h t): A n n a Adesa nya
3 (left): © Mark Eva ns/istockphoto 26 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 4 1 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
4 (left): © Vis u a l Field/i stockphoto 26 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 42 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
4 (rig ht): © Rya n Klos/i stockphoto 2 7 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 43 (left) : © p h otos.com
5 (left): M a r i lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 2 7 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 44 (left): © M i sty D i l ler I Drea msti me.com
6 (rig ht): M a r i lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 28 (right): A n n a Adesa nya 44 (right) : © Peter G a l braith I Drea m sti me.
7 (rig ht): © N o r m a n Pogson/i stockphoto 29 (left): A n n a Adesa nya com
8 (left): © J i m Lopes/s h u tterstock 30 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 45 (left): A n na Adesa nya
8 (rig ht): © Ga utier Wi l l a u me/istockphoto 30 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 45 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
9 (left): © Jonathan Lenz/s h u tterstock 3 1 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 46 (l eft): A n n a Adesa nya
9 (rig ht): © Ol ivier Le Quei nec/ 32 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 46 (rig ht): A n na Adesa nya
sh utters tock 33 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 47 (l eft): A n n a Adesa nya
1 0 (left): Ma ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 33 (rig ht): A n na Adesa nya 47 (rig ht) : A n na Adesa nya
1 0 (rig ht): M a ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 34 (left): A n n a Adesa nya Cha pter 5
1 1 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 34 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 48 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
35 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 48 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
Cha pter 2 35 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 49 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
12 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Bosch 49 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
13 (right) : © G i l l ia n Mowbray/istockphoto 50 (l eft): A n n a Adesa nya
14 (left): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n ley Works 50 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
14 (rig ht) : Cou rtesy of The Sta n l ey Works 5 1 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
15 (left): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n l ey Works 5 1 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
15 (rig ht) : Cou rtesy of The Sta n l ey Works 52 (left): A n na Adesa nya
16 (left): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n l ey Works 52 (rig ht): A n na Adesa nya
16 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of The Sta n l ey Works 53 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
17 (left): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n l ey Works 53 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
17 (rig ht): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n l ey Works 54 (l eft): A n n a Adesa nya
18 (left): Cou rtesy of Bosch 54 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
18 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Bosch 55 (l eft): © Elenat I Drea mstime.com
19 (left): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n l ey Works 5 5 (rig ht): © Yva novich I Drea msti me.com
19 (rig ht): Cou rtesy ofThe Sta n ley Works 56 (left): Anna Adesa nya
20 (left): Cou rtesy of Bosch 56 (rig ht): © Jon Mcl ntosh/istockphoto
20 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Bosch 57 (left) : © C h risti na R i c h a rd s/istockphoto
21 (left): Cou rtesy of Bosch 58 (l eft): © Stephen R. Sya rto
21 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Bosch 58 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
22 (left): Cou rtesy of Wag ner 5 9 (l eft): © C h ristopher H udson/
Chapter 4
22 (right): Anna Adesa nya s h u tterstock
36 (left): A n na Adesa nya
23 (left) : Cou rtesy of Bosch 36 (rig ht): © Dewayne Flowers I 5 9 (rig ht): © Ro bert Redelowski/
23 (right) : © Ki ngjon I Drea mstime.com Drea m sti me.com
s h utterstock

238
 88 (left): Stephen R. Sya rto 1 03 (left) : Jack Tom
Chapter 6 88 (rig ht): Ma ri lyn Zel i nsky-Sya rto 1 03 (rig ht): M a ri lyn Zel i nsky-Sya rto
60 (left): Cou rtesy of The Delta Fa ucet 89 (left): © Va n D e n E s ker/istockphoto
Company 89 (rig ht): Stephen R. Sya rto Chapter 1 0
60 (rig ht) : A n n a Adesa nya 90 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 1 04 (left): M a ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Syarto
61 (left): A n na Adesa nya 90 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 1 04 (rig ht): Ma ri lyn Zel i nsky-Sya rto
61 (rig ht): Ma rilyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 91 (left): Cou rtesy of Andersen Windows 1 05 (left): M a ri lyn Zel i ns ky-Sya rto
62 (left): J a c k Tom 91 (rig ht): Ma ri lyn Zel i nsky-Sya rto 1 06 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
63 (rig ht): Jack Tom 1 06 (right) : © photos.com
63 (left): Jack Tom 1 07 (left): © J o h n Wol lwerth/s h utterstock
64 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 1 08 (right) : © Lisa F. You ng
65 (left): A n n a Adesa nya 1 09 (rig ht): © La u ra Scudder/Wi ki ped ia/
66 (rig ht) : M a ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto Wiki-med ia Commons
67 (left): Jack Tom 1 1 O (left): J a c k Tom
67 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 1 1 O (right): J a c k Tom
68 (rig ht) : A n n a Adesa nya 1 1 1 (rig ht): Stephen R. Sya rto
69 (left): Jack Tom 1 1 2 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Genera l Electric
1 1 3 (left): Anna Adesa nya
1 1 4 (left): © Tom Tomczyk/istock photo
Cha pter 7
1 1 4 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of General Electric
70 (left): M a ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto
1 1 5 (left) : Cou rtesy of Energy Sta r
70 (rig ht): M a r i lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto
71 (left) : © M a rc Pi nter I Drea mst1 me.com
71 (rig ht) : Anna Adesa nya Cha pter 1 1
72 (left): Stephen R. Sya rto 1 1 6 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
72 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 1 1 6 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
73 (left): Mari lyn Zel i n sky-Sya rto 1 1 7 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
.
73 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya 1 1 8 (rig ht): Cou rtesy of Genera l Electric
Cha pter 9 1 20 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
74 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
92 (left): © robcocq uyt/sh u tterstock 1 20 (rig ht): M a ri lyn Zel i ns ky-Syarto
74 (rig ht): Jack Tom
92 (rig ht): Ma ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 1 2 1 (left): M a ri lyn Zel i nsky-Sya rto
75 (left): A n n a Adesa nya
93 (left): M a rilyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 1 2 1 (rig ht): © Pa u l Senyszyn/istockphoto
76 (left): Cou rtesy of Anderson Wi ndows
93 (rig ht): M a ri lyn Zel i n s ky-Sya rto 1 22 (rig ht): Mari lyn Zel i n s ky-Syarto
76 (rig ht): A n n a Adesa nya
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 IN D EX
A c o m posti n g , 1 88-89 fu ses a n d c i rc u it b re a ke rs, 1 1 0- 1 1
a p p l i a nces com pwood g ra i n i n g , 44 l a m p, cord, and p l u g re p a i r, 1 1 6- 1 7
c l othes d ryers, 208-9 contact c e m e nt, 33 ove r loa d i n g c i rc u its, 1 1 2- 1 3
d i s hwa s h e rs, 206-7 cord repa i r, 1 1 6- 1 7 ove rview of, 1 08-9
e n e rgy efficient, 1 78-79 c o u nte rs, scratc h e d , 54- 5 5 renewa b l e e n e rgy, 1 1 8- 1 9
g a s fu m a ces, 2 1 0- 1 1 c ra c ks savi n g e l ectric ity, 1 1 4- 1 5
refrigerators, 2 04-5 c o n c rete floo rs, 1 04-5 e m e rg e n c i es, 3
vac u u m c l e a n e rs, 2 1 4- 1 5 d rywa l l, 1 02-3 e n e rgy efficiency
water heate rs, 2 1 2- 1 3 g l a ss, 1 06-7 a p p l i a nces, 1 78-79
a uto motive body fi l l e r, 46 p l a ster, 98-99 i n s u l ation, 1 76-77
c utti n g too ls, 1 6 overvi ew, 1 68-69
B sea l i n g h o u se, 1 70-7 1
bees, 1 3 8-39 D weather stri p p i n g , 1 72-73
x da mage w i n d ows, 1 74-75
UJ b i rd d a m a g e, 1 3 6-37
Cl b ro ke n g l a ss, 9 e rg o n o m i cs, 1 2- 1 3
b l owers, 2 1
z
� bolts, 2 7 power l i n e, 9 eye p rotecti o n , 24
roof, 8
c sec u ri n g h o u se, 1 0- 1 1 F
ca u l k, 30-3 1 sto rm, 8-9 fa l l m a i ntena n ce, 2 1 8- 1 9
c h a i n saws, 2 2 t ree, 8 fa u cets, l ea k i n g , 60-6 1
c h i l d proofi n g d e c k re pa i rs, 1 84-85 fe nce re p a i rs, 1 80-83
e l ectrica l p reca u t i o n s, 1 98-99 d i s hw a s h e rs, 206-7 fi l es, 1 7
i d ea s for, 202-3 d oor l o c ks fi l l e rs, 46-47
p l u m b i n g, 200-20 1 re pa i rs, 1 0 fi n i s h n a i l s, 29
room and ca b i n et d oo rs, 1 96-97 st i c k i ng, 94-95 fi n i s hes
safety g a tes, 1 92-93 d oo rs, s t i c k i n g , 88-89 c h i p ped, 58-59
w i n d ows, 1 94-95 d ow n s pouts c l e a r, 40-4 1
c h i ps c l o g g ed , 80-8 1 fa ux, 44-45
fi n i s hes, 5 8-59 l e a k i n g , 74- 75 flood i n g, 2
t i l e, 5 6-57 d ra i n s, o ut s i d e, 82-83 fl oori n g
c h i se l s, 1 9 d rawe rs, stic k i ng, 92-93 crac ks, 1 04-5
c i rc u i t b rea kers, 1 1 0- 1 1 d r i l l s, 20 scratch es, 5 2- 5 3
c l og s d rywa l l floors, s q u ea ky
downspo u ts, 80-8 1 c ra c ks, 1 02-3 i n it i a l steps, 84-85
g u tte rs, 78-79 h o l es, 1 00- 1 0 1 strateg ies, 86-87
o u t s i d e d ra i n s, 82-83 d rywa l l screws, 26 fra m i n g n a i l s, 28
s i n ks, 66-67 fu n g i
toi l ets, 68-69 E exte rior, 1 24-25
t u bs and s h owe rs, 7 0- 7 1 e a r p rotect i o n , 24 i d e n tification of, 1 2 0-2 1
c l oset sto rage, 1 60-6 1 e l ectrica l syste m s i nterior, 1 22-23
c l othes d rye rs, 208-9 c h i l d p roofi ng, 1 98-99 roof moss, 1 28-29

242
 s e r i o u s m o l d , 1 26-2 7 0
wood rot, 1 30-3 1 i n s u l at i o n , 1 76-77 o i l -based fi n i s h es, 40
fu rna ces, g a s, 2 1 0- 1 1 i n s u ra n ce, 9, 1 1 outdoor l i g ht i n g , 1 86-87
fu r n i t u re, s c ra tc h e d , 50-5 1
fu ses, 1 1 0- 1 1 K p
kitc h e n i s l a n d s, 1 66-67 paint
Krazy G l u e, 32 c h oice of, 1 44-45
G
exte r i o r p re p a ration for, 1 5 2-53
g a ra g e door o pe n e rs, 1 1
L exte r i o r tec h n i q u es, 1 54-5 5
gas
l a m p repa i r, 1 1 6- 1 7 fi n i s h e s, 36-37
a p p l i a n ces, 7
l e a ks i nterior p re pa ration for, 1 46-47
fu rna ces, 6, 7
fa u cets, 60-6 1 recyc l ed , 42-43
l ea ks, 6-7
g utte rs a n d d o w n s po u ts, 74-75 wa l l s a n d cei l i n g s, 1 48-49
meters, 7
roofs, 72-73 woodwork a n d t r i m , 1 5 0-5 1
g lass
to i l ets, 62-63 pests
b ro ke n , 9
wa s h i n g m a c h i ne, 64-65 bees and was ps, 1 38-3 9
c ra c ked, 1 06-7
w i n d ows, 76-77 b i rd d a m a g e, 1 3 6-3 7
g l ossa ry of terms, 2 34-3 7
l i g ht i n g p reventative m ea s u res, 1 42-43
g l oves, 2 5
outdoor, 1 86-87 s q u i rrel and raccoon d a mage,
g l ues, 3 2- 3 3
re p l a c i n g fi xtu res, 1 1 34-3 5
g reen i d ea s
term ites a n d wood eate rs, 1 40-4 1
com post i n g , 1 88-89
M pet d o o rs, 1 3 2-33
e n e rgy effi c i e n cy, 1 68-79
m a i nte n a nce pi pes, lea k i n g, 4
ra i n ba r re l s, 1 90-9 1
fa l l , 2 1 8- 1 9 p l aster
recyc led pa i nt, 42-43
m o n t h ly, 2 24-25 c ra c ked, 98-99
ren ewa b l e e n e rgy, 1 1 8- 1 9
p reve ntative, 1 h o l e s in, 96-97
g u tters
s p r i ng, 222-23 patc h i n g, 47
c l og g ed, 78-79
s u m m e r, 2 1 6- 1 7 p l i e rs, 1 5
l e a k i n g , 74-75
w i n t e r, 220-2 1 p l ug repa i r, 1 1 6- 1 7
yea rly, 226-27 powe r l i n e d a m a g e, 9
H m a r b l e fi n i s h es, 44 powe r outag es, 3
h a m m e rs, 1 4 m a s ks, 2 5 p ressu re wa s h e rs, 2 2
h a n d p rotecti o n , 25 meas u ri n g, x i i p r i m e rs, 3 6
h a rdwa re m i l d ew. See fu n g i p ry ba rs, 1 6
ca u l k, 30-3 1 m o l d . See fu n g i
n a i l s, 28-29 m o n t h l y m a i nte na n ce, 2 24-25 R
sa n d pa pe r and stee l woo l , 34- 3 5 moss. See fu n g i raccoon d a m a g e, 1 34-35
sc rews a n d bolts, 26-27 ra i n ba rrels, 1 90-9 1
tapes and g l ues, 3 2- 3 3 N refr i g e rato rs, 204-5
heat g u n s, 1 8 nails repa i rs
holes g u n s, 2 2 eva l u ation of, 2-3
d rywa l l , 1 00- 1 0 1 sets, 1 9 g u id e l i nes for, 1
p l a ste r, 96-97 types of, 28-29 resou rces, 228-33
h o m e secu rity syste m s, 1 1 n uts, 27 res p i ratory p rotecti o n , 2 5

243
 roof sto rage was ps, 1 3 8-39
d a m a g e, 8 b u i l d i n g s h e l ves, 1 5 6-5 7 wate r h ea te rs, 2 1 2- 1 3
lea ks, 4, 72-73 c l osets, 1 60-6 1 water l ea ks, 4-5
m oss, 1 2 8-29 g a ra g e, 1 62-63 water s h u t-off va l ves, 5
kitc h e n i s l a n d s, 1 66-67 wax fi n i s hes, 4 1
s s h e l v i n g kits, 1 5 8-59 weat h e r str i p p i n g, 1 7 2-73
safety wo r k b e n c h , 1 64-65 w i n d ow
gates, 1 92-93 storm d a m a g e, 8-9 l ea ks, 76-77
g e a r, 24-25 s u m m e r m a i n te n a n ce, 2 1 6- 1 7 sti c k i n g, 90-9 1
g l a s ses, 24 S u pe r G l u e, 3 2 w i n d ows
sa n d e rs, 20 b ro ke n g l a ss, 9
sa n d pa per, 34-35 T c h i l d proofi ng, 1 94-95
saws, 1 7, 2 1 tape m e a s u res, 1 8 e n e rgy effi c i e n cy a n d , 1 74-75
scra pe rs, 1 7 ta pes, 32-33 sec u r i n g, 1 0
scratc hes te r m ites, 1 40-4 1 wi nte r m a i nte na n ce, 220-2 1
cou nte rs, 54- 5 5 ti l e, c h i pped, 5 6 - 5 7 wiring
x fu r n i t u re, 50-5 1 to i l et c h i l d proofi n g, 1 98-99
lJ..J
0 wood fl oori n g, 5 2-5 3 c l og s, 68-69 fu ses a n d c i rc u it b rea ke rs, 1 1 0- 1 1
z:
1--4 woodwork, 48-49 lea ks, 5 , 62-63 l a m p, cord, and p l u g re pa i r, 1 1 6- 1 7
sc rewd rive rs, 1 4 tools, x i i ove r l oa d i n g c i rc u its, 1 1 2- 1 3
screws a n d bolts, 26-27 basic s m a l l , 1 8- 1 9 overview of, 1 08-9
security, 1 0- 1 1 e rg o n o m ics, 1 2 re newa b l e e n e rgy, 1 1 8- 1 9
sheet m eta l screws, 2 7 h a n d , 1 4- 1 5 sav i n g electri city, 1 1 4- 1 5
s h e l l a c, 4 1 m a i nte n a n ce, 1 3 wood
shelving power, 20-2 1 eate rs, 1 40-4 1
b u i l d i n g, 1 5 6-5 7 re ntal, 22-23 fi l l e r, 47
k its, 1 5 8-5 9 safety, 1 2- 1 3 , 24-25 g l u e, 32
s h owe rs, c l og g ed, 70-7 1 s h a rp, 1 6- 1 7 rot, 1 3 0-3 1
s i n ks, c l og g ed, 66-67 we i g ht of, 1 3 sc rews, 26
S pa c k l e, 46 tree d a m a g e, 8 wood work
spring m a i n te n a n ce, 2 2 2-23 tu bs, c l og g ed , 70-7 1 pa i n t i n g, 1 5 0-5 1
s q u i rrel d a m a g e, 1 34-3 5 scratc h e d , 48-49
sta i n s, 38-39 v wo r k b e n c h es, 1 64-65
steel woo l, 34- 3 5 vac u u m c l e a n e rs, 2 1 , 2 1 4- 1 5 wre n c hes, 1 5
sti c k i n g va r n i s h , 40
d oo rs, 88-89 y
fu r n i t u re d ra we rs, 92-93 w yea r l y m a i nte n a n ce, 226-27
keyed d oo r loc ks, 94-95 wa l l pa pe r stea m e rs, 22
w i n d ows, 90-9 1 was h i n g m a c h i n e, l ea k i ng, 64-65

244