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Since the 1940s, most house chimneys have been built with a chimney liner -- often called a flue liner -- surrounded by a utilitarian “box” made from cement block or cheap, unattractive brick. Enclosing this box with an attractive, watertight exterior veneer or sheath is a common practice. Such an enclosure, when run up the outside of a house, is properly called a chimney chase.
Exposed wires outside a house are not only in danger of damage from weather and animal life but offer a potential electrical hazard. Covering the exposed wires is a priority as well as a legal requirement, according to most building codes. With an electrical conduit, you can cover exposed wires from the point of attachment inside your home to the point where they attach to an outside device. When covered, the wires present less of a hazard, with the added benefit of lasting years longer before needing replacement.
GPA brand horse riding helmets are an essential piece of equipment for safe horse riding. Similar to other types of sports equipment, a horse rider's helmet is exposed to dirt, dust and other stain-causing materials that leave the helmet dirty. Clean sports equipment contributes to the presentation you make when riding your horse. You can clean the outside of your GPA helmet with simple supplies that remove dust and dirt without damaging the surface.
If you're on the market to remodel the exterior of your home and you're interested in creating a traditional look, consider installing red brick veneer siding. Brick veneer offers the look of natural brick, yet is far easier to install than full-sized bricks. Similar to tile, brick veneer is thinner and more lightweight than the full-sized material that it replicates, making it easier to work with and install.
The areas outside your home are prime locations for a variety of pests, including small fungus gnats. These tiny insects can become especially annoying during certain times of the year. Fungus gnats that live close to your home may enter the inside environment and set up house in your potted plants. Fungus gnats thrive in moist mediums that contain an abundance of rotting vegetation.
An annoying exterior problem for many homeowners, algae grows in locations where high humidity levels and an abundance of rain are common. If left untreated, algae will leave ugly stains on surfaces such as siding, walkways and walls. In addition, algae will turn sidewalks into a safety hazard with its slippery texture. Several items will remove the algae safely from the outside of your home.
Whether your home uses a city water system or a septic system, it is critically important to learn the telltale signs of sewer gas leakage into or outside your home and what to do about it. By learning some careful preventive and reactive steps, you can protect your family from the potential dangers of sewer gas exposure.
There are two species of moths responsible for damages to clothes and fabrics: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth. These moths are destructive in the larvae stage of development, feeding on protein fabrics such as wool, cotton, silk and other natural fibers. Eliminating the destruction caused by moths requires taking steps to exterminate existing eggs and larvae of the moth and taking steps to keep the infestation from reoccurring in the future.
Clothes moths are tiny and harmless-looking, but they, or rather their larvae, are capable of being a real nuisance, eating their way through all sorts of delicious natural fabrics. It is advisable to check for clothes moths before you discover your entire wardrobe has become a collection of holes held together with thread. Should you find signs of moths, there are a variety of effective repellents to keep them at bay.
The larvae of clothes moths target closet items derived from animal products such as fur, silk and wool. According to the Pest Control Canada website, adult clothes moths are rarely visible as they prefer dark conditions and do not feed. Clothes moths are usually gray in color and are around 1/4-inch long. They can develop from egg to fully fledged moth in a month. There are steps you can take to cure clothes moth infestations.
Properly maintaining a fireplace is extremely important. Over the course of repeated use, a very flammable residue called creosote builds up on the inside of the flue. While the fireplace itself is built to contain fire, the flue is only built to contain exhaust, and a fire starting there can damage the flue and set the building itself on fire. Offset flues (flues with bends as opposed to being perfectly vertical) require special flexible brushes to clean, but are otherwise cleaned in much the same way as standard flues.
Spigots located on the outside of a home allow for convenient water access for flowers, gardens, lawns, and exterior cleaning purposes. Exposure to the elements, yearly freezes and thaws, and impacts from lawn equipment can damage the spigot over time. Similarly, a spigot may develop a leak or the valve could loosen to where it continually drips and requires replacement. This project takes approximately an hour to complete and requires basic household tools for installation.
A flue is the part of a chimney that vents smoke and other byproducts from a fireplace. These are usually simple door mechanisms with pull handles that raise and lower a metal panel that allows you to adjust how much venting is used. Over time, soot, ash, foreign debris and byproducts from burning build up and affect the smooth operation of the flue. This causes the mechanism to freeze up at the handle or hinges and requires maintenance.
Decorating with rustic items is a way to celebrate fall and is easy to do with a few simple and inexpensive natural elements. Bales of hay are a perfect decor material that are found almost everywhere and cost little money. By incorporating several autumn design items with hay bales, such as pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks and mums, an ordinary bale of hay becomes a wonderful display element to welcome a changing season in style.
Moths in the attic may be feeding on your stored clothes or seeds and nuts, depending on the type of moths. Clothes moths eat natural fibers, such as wool, feathers or felt. They also eat the dirt or stains on synthetic clothing materials. Clothes moths only feed on stored clothes that you don't frequently use. Pantry moths eat stored grain products. If you have no such products in your attic, the moths may be feeding on the seeds and nuts left there by wild animals. You can get rid of moths in the attic using several methods.
"The ants go marching one by one." If only this were true. When dealing with an ant infestation, it can seem that your whole house is under attack by swarms of these pesky creatures. But certain foods naturally repel ants. When determining which foods ants don't like to eat, you must first look at which foods attract ants. According to the University of California's Pest Management Program, ants prefer protein-rich, sweet foods, as well as insect corpses and certain plants. Additionally, some ants seek out household water, found in the sink and in pet's bowls.
Because the outside of your home is the first thing guests see, it is important to take your time decorating it. Give your yard a natural look in the fall with hay bales. These can be purchased at many farms, or home goods and gardening stores during autumn. Make a plan for your outdoor space to best utilize the hay bales.
If you've noticed black ants in or around your house, there is a good chance they are carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are typically between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch long and make their nests in hollowed out areas of trees. If a carpenter ant colony makes its nest in a tree close to your home, you can expect to see the ants scurrying around on your floor. The ants will make satellite colonies around your home to supplement the main nest in the tree. The best way to get rid of the ants is to locate the nest and use pesticides to…
There are over 12,000 known species of ants on earth and chances are you probably have a few living in your yard. While most ants are not extremely harmful, they can be annoying, especially if they decide to invade your home in search of food and water. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of any unwanted ants. Most of the items you will need are readily available at home improvement centers and hardware stores.
Combine hay bales and pumpkins and turn your yard into the hit of the neighborhood. Hay bales and pumpkins are budget-friendly and work well with other fall items such as scarecrows, Indian corn and wheat shafts. Make the yard whimsical with friendly faces on the pumpkins or carve smiling faces to make the display welcoming for young visitors.
Ants in your backyard may seem benign, but their nest building can create structural damage in trees and other woods. It is important to get control of these yard pests by spraying the appropriate pesticide. Pesticide will deter the ants from re-entering the sprayed area. To get rid of the pests successfully, you must locate the nest. Pesticide is poisonous, so apply it with caution around areas where children and animals play.
Closet moths tend to either look pale golden with no markings -- the webbing clothes moth -- or appear dark brown with dark spots -- the casemaking clothes moth. Most control methods are effective for both types, but not all. Infestations are controlled through several methods that include heating or cooling, laundering, trapping or using an insecticide. Most times you can control the infestation, but call in professional help in more serious situations or if you can't kill the closet moths.
Meerschaum, a German word meaning "sea foam," is a highly porous form of magnesium silicate. Meerschaum pipe bowls have frequently been carved to imitate calabash pipes, which are pipes with bowls made from a kind of gourd called a calabash. Real calabash pipes must be rested between smokes so they do not sour, whereas meerschaum pipes can be smoked over and over. Consequently, meerschaum has been popular with people who smoke often, including Sherlock Holmes.
Once the fire heats the water in your boiler, the excess gases have to go somewhere and that somewhere is up your boiler's flue. Only coal, wood or pellet boiler flues need cleaning, since they build up ash and creosote over years of use. A dirty boiler flue is a fire hazard and keeps the smoke from exiting your house properly. Clean your boiler flue at least once a year before winter.
Your home's gutter system removes water and debris from the roof and guides it to your yard. The system includes vertical and horizontal gutters as well as downspouts at the bottom of the gutters. Gutters, both metal and plastic, need cleaning at least yearly to remove dirt and debris and to keep water flowing freely through the system. Failure to clean your home's gutters can lead to mildew and dirt building up on the gutters' surface as well as debris forming on the areas around the gutters.
To get the most money possible from the sale of your home, you should invest a little upfront by remodeling your home to prepare it for the viewing. The practice is commonly called "home staging," and involves making several improvements to both the interior and exterior of your home. In most cases, homeowners are able to sell their home at a higher value than if they made no improvements at all.
Ants build nests that consist of tunnels in soil. They are attracted to aphids, scales or mealybugs often found on potted plants and flowers. Ants build their colonies in the soil of plants that host these insects.
If you see ants crawling around after you have baited, you may be tempted to use an insect spray instead. But by persevering with bait, you can kill the entire colony as opposed to just a few individuals because foraging ants deliver poisoned food back to the thousands of ants remaining in the nest. Troubleshoot the baiting process to stamp out ants in your home for good.
The larvae of clothes moths feed on a variety of organic materials, including silk and wool. They can make their home in a rug and slowly work on destroying it. Regular vacuuming can remove moth eggs and larvae. Some chemicals can also help repel moths.
Outdoor ants are known for building unsightly mounds in gardens and causing structural damage by hollowing out wood for their nest. If you happen to find a couple of ants in your garden, very likely you are dealing with an ant infestation since ants live in colonies. An ant infestation is hard to control and in order to control the colonies you must eliminate queens and other colony members found within the nest. Finding the actual nesting site is therefore key to controlling outdoor ant colonies.
Moths in the closet usually feed on organic materials such as wool, fur, silk and leather. Sometimes they also eat inorganic fabrics with food stains or body oils. Adult clothes moths don't damage textile items, as only the larvae eat animal-based materials. Larvae like to feed in quiet, dark areas such as closets -- usually preferring items that you store for long periods -- over items that you regularly use.
For many dog owners, cleaning up hair is a daily event. Dog fur is thin and comes to a point, which makes it stick between the fibers of clothing, from a cotton T-shirt to expensive wool coat. There are several methods that any dog lover can use to keep his wool coat free of dog fur that does not involve keeping the dog at a friend's house or shaving your furry friend.
Months or years of weathering can leave your home's exterior looking worse for wear. Keep your house looking good by taking a power washer to the outside of it. A power washer pushes a high powered stream of water through a small hose. You are not cleaning the house with any chemical mixtures -- although you have the option to add cleaner to the machine if you wish -- the high pressured water is enough to leave your siding, brick or any material looking like new.
The Toro CCr 2000 is a gas-powered snow blower designed for home use. It takes a gas-and-oil mixture of 10:1. The snow blower pushes snow up to 30 feet and is made to handle up to 1,000 pounds per minute. Over time, these units can become hard to start. Several troubleshooting tips can be followed to get the Toro CCR 2000 back up and throwing snow.
Donating old washer and dryer appliances is a convenient way to unload them once you've upgraded, give back to someone else and save money on your taxes. Connecticut residents have a range of donation options. You'll receive a tax break by donating to a 501(c)3 organization and can even schedule a pickup, saving you time and effort. Choose the most convenient donation option based on where you live.
Chimney flues are the tubes that carry smoke from a fireplace or furnace out of the building to the top of the chimney. They are typically lined, either with ceramic flue tiles or metal. Regular cleaning of a chimney flue is important, especially if it vents a wood fireplace. Burning wood releases creosote, which is deposited inside the flue and can ignite, causing a chimney fire that can permanently damage the chimney and flue liner. Cleaning a flue is a strenuous job and involves climbing up onto the roof.
Even the most robust of lighters can have maintenance issues, and require a little home repair. Normally, there is little in the way of repair you can do for a disposable lighter, but there are several ways to fix up a wind-proof lighter. Whether you simply need to add a little more fuel, or you need to replace a part on you lighter, you can usually find the problem, and fix it, in just a few minutes.
Prior to fastening wires on the outside of your house, research local building codes in your area. Local laws will determine the type of fasteners and conduit, if any, you should use. Conduit is either metal or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material that surrounds the wire. Using a conduit is common in wire installations that are lower than 7 feet from the ground. Whether you use a conduit or not, you'll need clamps to secure the wires to your house. Use clamps that are designed to slip over or around the wiring and conduit and then attach with one or two…
Mold is a fungus that grows both inside and outside your home. The fungus thrives in damp, dark and humid locations and can grow on a variety of surfaces. Outdoor mold can stain, discolor and damage your siding, decks, concrete and other structures. If the mold is not removed, the mold will eat away at the surface and, over time, deteriorate the item. When mold is found growing on the outside of your house, you should remove it as soon as possible.
Moss is a small plant that does not have flowers or seeds and typically grows in areas where the light is dim. Moss grows on a variety of surfaces including trees, roofs and house siding. Moss is not only unsightly, it can stain your wooden siding as well as trap moisture against the house. Excess moisture can increase the chance of your wooden house siding developing mold and mildew growth.
When you have an awning on the exterior of your home, it can either create an attractive outdoor addition when properly cared for, or quickly dull the appearance of your home when you do not keep the awning clean. Bird droppings, dirt, pollen, mildew and other outdoor weathering elements are some of the many things that dull the canvas awning over time, making it important to clean it every few months.
Ants are constantly in search of food and water and may eventually find a way inside the house if they are not controlled. There are several effective methods to exterminate ants outside the house that do not require the use of harmful chemicals. It is important to remember that eliminating an ant colony does not mean the battle is over. According to Andrew Lopez in "Natural Pest Control: Alternatives to Chemicals for the Home and Garden," eventually a new colony will arrive. However, successfully removing one colony may assure you of your ability to control future infestations.
A home stereo system provides a lot of enjoyment for homeowners. Not only does a stereo improve the sound quality of your favorite music, it can also be hooked up to a television or DVD player to increase the sound experience when watching television shows and movies. Once a stereo is hooked up, it requires little maintenance aside from occasional cleaning. Dust can collect on a stereo system quickly and affect its appearance, as well as damage its components over time. Cleaning the outside of stereo components should be done often.
Colloidal silver is a natural product made from nanoparticles of silver that are liquefied. Colloidal silver is used as a homeopathic, alternative medication, antiseptic, disinfectant and an algae and mildew prevention method. It is a colorless, scentless liquid. Adding a small amount of colloidal silver to a birdbath can prevent mildew and algae from forming in the water. When it's time to clean or change the water, there are no special precautions that need to be taken. Colloidal silver is a natural product.
Allowing water to remain in your outdoor spigot after below-freezing temperatures set in can severely damage it. As water freezes, it expands. With nowhere to expand within the plumbing, the frozen water can crack and damage the spigot. Once your spigot is cracked after being frozen, you will have to replace it. Rather than calling a plumber to perform this simple task, consider replacing it yourself since you can find all the material at your local home improvement store.
Set up a fall display with hay bales, mums and gourds in minutes. Hay bales are either round or square, with typical small square-bale dimensions of 2 feet by 3 feet and large-bale dimensions of 3 feet by 6 feet to 4 feet by 8 feet, according to the AgrAbility Project web page: Haymaking and Handling Made Easier. The brilliant colors and textures of the straw, gourds and mums extend your garden display through the first frost.
Trimming the outside of a house can transform a dull, ordinary home into a decorative work of art. Doors, window sashes, shutters, fascia, soffit boards, gutters, columns, porches, and rails are all considered trim on a home. Paint or stain trim to complement and contrast the focal points of your home. To begin, determine your budget, the type of home, the neighborhood, physical limitations, current condition of the home's trim and your color choices.
Insulating your home from the outside temperatures and elements may lower energy bills and provide some relief from hot summers and cold winters. Simple fixes such as the texture of the curtains in your home, or even using duct tape where needed could provide quick fixes to keeping hot sunlight from heating up the indoors or air from escaping out of cracks. Insulating your home may save energy costs, but according to the “This Land” website on insulating and sealing a home, reducing the airflow of your home from the outside could increase indoor pollution so routine air tests may…
The fastest way to paint the outside of a house is with a paint sprayer. Most people steer clear of this method simply because they are intimidated by it, but the professionals use it because it can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to get the job done. Spray rigs aren't very expensive to rent and it's easier to use a paint sprayer than you might think. There are a few masking and spraying techniques you should be aware of to get the best finish and to cut down on material costs.
An outdoor playhouse can be a fun warm-weather play item for kids and can be a good home base for a game of hide and seek or act as a secret meeting place for clubs. Making a wooden playhouse with some basic materials and tools can be a good alternative to purchasing one in a toy store, where outdoor playhouses can be pricey. With a few tips and some know-how, you can easily build a fun playhouse for children.
When deciding on what to remodel on the exterior of your home, take into consideration the financial costs associated with every single item you remodel. Remodeling the exterior of a home does not have to cost a small fortune. A coat of fresh paint immediately changes the exterior of your home. If your lawn contains numerous items, cleaning it can provide instant curb appeal to your home. Consider projects for yourself instead of hiring contractors.
Choosing the perfect colors for the exterior of your home can be quite a task. You need to consider the neighborhood and how the surrounding homes will influence and set the bar for which colors you choose. Pick contrasting colors for trim that will accent any architectural details of window and door casings.Consider pulling colors from nature or from the interior of your home.
Ants are found about anywhere in the world, and possibly 10,000 to 20,000 species exist. They're industrious and are social insects because they colonize and live in nests, which may house millions of ants. You want the destination of the poisonous particles in your ant bait to be in the ants' nest.
Brass provides a durable material that does not readily deteriorate in quality or appearance. Timeless and elegant, this material is often used for both interior and exterior door handles. While the door handles require little maintenance, a regular cleaning will remove outdoor elements, fingerprints and residue, leaving the brass door handles looking clean and polished.
Keep outside air intake vents clean to allow fresh air circulation into furnace systems, wood stoves and appliances. Clean fresh air intake vents also help maintain interior air quality and support the function of heating and air conditioning systems. Set up a routine maintenance schedule to check the intake monthly.
The primary purpose of gutters is to protect your house from water damage. Gutters protect the siding, doors, windows and foundation by allowing water to drain through downspouts and avoid contact with the house. When gutters and downspouts become cluttered with dirt and debris, the gutters are unable to function properly. They will eventually overflow, causing damage to your house and damage to the gutters as well. Gutters need to be cleaned twice a year--perhaps more if your house is surrounded by trees.You can save money by cleaning the gutters yourself.
The larvae of clothes moths enjoy consuming the keratin in wool fabric and other organic material. Prior to the 1950s, clothes moths posed a common problem in closets and houses across the world. In the 1950s, wool clothing began to be treated during manufacture with various long-lasting residual insecticides. Many of these chemicals have been found to pose a health risk and have been removed during clothing manufacture, which has caused a resurgence in clothes moths again attacking wool clothing and furniture. Prevention and maintenance can keep wool fabrics free of destruction by moths.
The hard outer shell of anodized cookware is subject to staining and burning that don't affect its nonstick interior. Cleaning the outside of anodized cookware may seem challenging, but in reality it is one of the more simple chores related to cookware. Fortunately, the outside of anodized cookware is virtually indestructible.
Cold air coming into your house through your cooking range vent compromises the containment of heat in your home. Cranking up the thermostat to make up for the chill will result not only in discomfort, but a higher energy bill. There are several causes to a cold down draft in your range vent. If the vent and ducts are not functioning properly, cold air can get trapped in the vent. Because cold air sinks, it comes into your house instead of exiting the exterior duct.
Weather can wreak havoc on your home. Dirt and debris slam against the house, creating a large mess. You garage door is helpful for keep filth, water and rubbish from entering the garage. Typically, garages are useful to store personal items, furniture or vehicles. Muck and grime can damage the door by creating dents and harming the seal that keeps rain or snow from seeping in. It is important to clean the outside of a garage door at least once a month, or as weather dictates.
One of the things that can ruin the appearance of your house is a growth of mold on the exterior walls. Unlike dirt, mold cannot simply be washed off. It is a living thing, so if you scrub it with soap and water or blast it with a pressure washer, it will probably just grow back. Instead, mold requires a disinfecting solution to clean it off walls.
Painting the exterior of your home helps prevent surface deterioration, saving you from costly repairs later on. The cost of painting the exterior of a home depends on a variety of factors.
Bricks on the exterior of a house commonly have a flat texture that does not shine. There is a way to bring a wet look or shine to masonry and concrete products. If you are planning on applying a wet look finish to the exterior of your brick home, then you should know about the tools and materials available for success.
Paint coverage is calculated by the square foot, so it is also estimated by the square foot. One U.S. gallon of exterior paint will cover 250 to 400 square feet depending on how rough or smooth the texture is and how porous the material is. Using a high quality exterior primer will help stretch a gallon of paint over a higher number of square feet as well.
Though often neglected in home care, your home's siding is highly important in the curb appeal of your residence. In dry climates, dust builds up. In wet climates, algae and mold may takes hold. These conditions make the house appear dirty rather than fresh and clean. If your house is not due for a paint job, you can still freshen its appearance by cleaning the siding.
Choosing the best paint for the outside of your house takes a little more effort than simply visiting the nearest home store and buying what's on sale. Trying to save a few dollars on paint that will quickly fade or peel makes no sense, especially when the right paint can make your house look good for many years. Pick the best paint by assessing the condition of your exterior, and do the job right the first time.
Gutters are typically white, and over time the elements can cause the outside of the gutters to dull and become unattractive. To keep your home looking pristine, you should clean the gutters a couple of times each year to remove all of the bird droppings, mud and other things that can collect on the outside of the gutter. Keep in mind that harsh cleaners can damage your landscaping, so use cleaning solutions that are safe for plants and soil.
Depending on the area you live in, it may or may not be legal to side over asbestos. The main reason why most individuals usually choose to side over asbestos is financial. Removing asbestos is often cost-prohibitive for most people. Alternatively, if you leave the asbestos on your home, you can safely seal the old siding underneath the new siding, and, because asbestos is an excellent insulator, you will actually be adding to the energy efficiency of your home by leaving it on. As long as the asbestos does not break apart and you are not breathing in the fibers,…
Having to iron clothing is bad enough. Damaging your clothing with a dirty iron adds insult to injury. Keeping your steam iron clean inside as well as on its heated surface can prevent it from spitting up gunk onto your newly laundered clothing, as well as transferring brown marks from surface dirt.
Dig out old caulk before replacing caulk on the outside of a house. Replace caulking on the exterior of a home with tips from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) certified technician in this free video on home repair.
If it hasn't been too long since the last cleaning, and the mildew has not become stuck tight, it might be removed with a simple pressure washing. Use caution on certain types of exteriors, such as stucco, as the high pressure could damage the exterior, and use extra caution around windows, doors and moldings. Spray directly at the mildew to remove it.
Painting the exterior of your house every few years is an important step in maintaining its visual appeal. A good paint job can also extend the life of your home's siding and trim, saving you money in the long term. Getting the job done right involves more than just applying a new coat of paint to your home's exterior. It requires careful planning and prep work. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and you will achieve professional-looking results.
Ever feel the need to double check the meter reader once your new gas bill has arrived? Just follow these simple steps.
Stone fireplaces make a wonderful cabin-like feel to any home, but when it's in need of repair, you need some specialized tools and a little knowledge to get the job done right. Here is how to repair a stone fireplace so that you and your family can enjoy the warmth and homey feeling that these types of fireplaces offer.
If you have a leaky basement no matter how diligent you are about having gutters and downspouts in good repair, the problem might be the grading around the outside of your home. Low spots in the soil next to the foundation makes it very easy for water to run down through your foundation and into the basement. Here's one easy fix using plain sand.
Caulk and other sealants safeguard your house against rain and snow at vulnerable points such as cracks and open joints, wherever flashing and other approaches can't do the job. Keep the weather outside where it belongs by making sure your exterior caulking stays in good shape.
