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The type of foundation crack sealant you use depends on the type of crack you need to repair. Materials, chemicals and how you apply them vary according to the method you use to fill the crack. When it comes to repairing your foundation, it's best not to take a "one size fits all" approach. It's better to understand the problem, then fix it with the right solution. Also, you should seriously consider calling in a professional to help with your foundation repair. A buckled foundation is much more expensive to repair than a simple crack, and getting the job done…
Caulking wide gaps requires you to understand that caulk isn't exactly flexible. Get tips on caulking wide gaps with help from the president and owner of Source Development Inc. in this free video clip.
Moisture can indirectly affect a foundation’s integrity. Hydraulic pressure in the earth may not be high enough to bow walls and crack foundations. However, water working in concert with soil can impact a home. That impact may be even more pronounced in soils that tend to absorb water, causing them to expand.
Even though your pooch has plenty of toys, he continues to mosey over and chew right through your walls. Many things can cause this quirky and destructive habit. Get Buster in for a checkup right away to ensure he’s not suffering from some kind of medical condition. Once you get a clean bill of health from the vet, go through and doggy-proof your home so Buster can’t destroy it anymore.
If you can do situps easily and perform high repetitions, then congratulations on this impressive feat of strength and endurance. Now you may be wondering how to make situps more difficult while training at home, and the answer to this is doing situps on an incline. All you need access to is an incline board, which you can add to your home gym setup. Your abdominal and hip flexor muscles may hate you while doing incline situps, but they will surely thank you later. By continually challenging your core muscles, you will continue to increase their strength and endurance. And…
Cracks in a concrete foundation can’t be prevented. They occur because of thermal contraction, drying shrinkage, and settlement of the soil beneath the foundation. Vertical cracks caused by your home’s foundation settling can indicate a structural problem, depending on factors such as width, location and number of cracks that occur. In most situations, homeowners should call a professional to inspect the cracks and the foundation.
Learning to make the portable mailbox in "World of Warcraft" requires you to be an engineer. Train to make the portable mailbox in "World of Warcraft" with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
Removing floor caulking can be done with a razor blade and a 5 and 1 trial. Remove floor caulking with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
Intermatic makes plug-in timers for lamps and low-voltage timers for exterior landscape lighting. The company also makes mechanical timers for items such as pool pumps, water heaters and sprinkler systems. Each timer uses either plastic or metal trippers to tell the timer when to turn an item on and off. Depending on the timer, it could have two sets of trippers giving you the ability to turn an item off and on twice during a 24-hour period, or just one set of trippers to activate the timer only once during 24 hours.
Caulk is typically applied along joints or seams to seal out moisture. Over time caulk can dry out, stain or break away from the joint, and must be replaced to prevent moisture from seeping between the joints. Many caulks are available in squeezable tubes or in rigid plastic tubes that you apply with a caulk gun. Most homeowners can replace caulk themselves with a few simple tools.
No one wants to see a crack in a home's foundation. Any indication of weakness in the structure that holds up your house seems to be an extremely ominous portent, but if you see a crack, you shouldn't panic. A crack in a foundation wall, especially a vertical one, could be nothing serious and may not even require a repair.
Hanging vines can direct your eye away from -- or to -- a particular object. If trained properly, the vines can act as a curtain to shade other plants from the sun or provide a border for an outdoor living area. By using different techniques, you can create the visual impact you desire in your landscape.
Containing the damage from a water heater flood requires you to act very quickly. Contain damage from a water heater flood with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
Caulking large gaps in bathtubs requires a caulking gun, a razor blade and a few other key tools. Caulk large gaps in bathtubs with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
There are few additions to your kitchen that will come in handier than a juice bar, if the unit is installed properly. Learn about the specifics of juice bar installation with help from a raw and healthy food expert in this free video clip.
Many builders only “damp-proof” a home’s basement, although waterproofing is needed to keep down toxic mold growth. Water that accumulates inside the pockets of blocks can grow mold inside the pockets, for example. By properly constructing the exterior and interior wall space, you can ensure that your utility or living space in the basement will have little or no mold. It’s possible to redo an existing wall to waterproof it, but it's best to construct an exterior wall correctly in the first place.
How you will get insurance to pay for a flooded basement is a process that varies depending on what type of insurance you have. Get insurance to pay for a flooded basement with help from an attorney that runs his own practice in this free video clip.
Once you’ve installed granite countertops, you need to caulk the areas where the counter and backsplash meet so that water and dirt cannot get in the cracks and create problems in the future. Sanded caulk primarily is primarily for larger cracks than you’ll have after installing countertops. You may need to use sanded caulk for large areas between appliances or when the counter abuts a large space next to a wall. Ideally, you want to get as little caulk on the granite as possible when applying, but it is fairly easy to remove once it happens.
A crack in the subflooring of your wood floor might be enough to induce panic as you wonder whether you will be required to fix the entire floor space. Don't fret. A crack -- particularly a small one -- can be repaired without pulling up the entire floor. The decision to replace the entire span of wood will ultimately depend on how well the fix holds and whether you have other cracks -- large or small -- around the floor.
A window casing is the frame that surrounds the window both inside and outside. Cracks in exterior window casing or gaps between the siding or brick of the house and the wood are common. They form as the sun, wind and rain cause the wood to expand and contract. Unless the crack is accompanied by signs of rot such as mold and mildew or sponginess in the wood, you can patch most cracks without removing or replacing the window casing.
Corian is the trade name for a material made by DuPont composed of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. It is used primarily to make kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops. Cracks in a Corian vanity can be repaired without special tools or techniques. To minimize the appearance of the repair, you must match the color of the vanity. A Corian repair kit, available wherever bathroom refinishing supplies are sold, comes with the materials needed to mix the appropriate color sealer to fix the crack.
A bowing fieldstone retaining wall is a sign that you have a problem. A retaining wall supports uneven soil and provides proper drainage for that soil, which keeps the earth from eroding. A bowing wall might indicate uneven drainage or that the wall is not strong enough to support the dirt. The best way to support the bowing or leaning wall and to keep it from suffering further damage is by reinforcing the fieldstones.
A brick wall may begin to fall as a result of poor craftsmanship, the elements or a combination of both. In a residential home, an unsteady wall can pose a significant hazard for those living inside. Repairing the wall by adding new mortar to the existing structure can often help the wall regain its integrity and reduce the risk of collapse.
Founded in 1997, Yahoo Mail claims to deliver "46,500 emails per second worldwide" as of January 2012. If some of Yahoo Mail's website components fail to load when you log in to your account, it's likely that an error has occurred with your browser, your Internet connection or, in some cases, both.
Around 2009, widespread complaints from users signaled a disturbing trend in Apple MacBooks – cracks, often hairline fractures that developed into full-on chips, had begun to appear in the plastic casing of the laptops in large numbers. Hinges, port areas, rear corners and palm rests typically were susceptible to this design flaw. If you find it necessary to repair a cracked palm rest on your own MacBook, you can go about in two ways: replace the entire bottom chassis yourself or contact Apple to repair the device for you.
A hexagonal aquarium has a hexagon for the bottom with eight vertical sides. There is a seam between each side. The more seams you have, the more of a chance of leaks due to failure of the sealant. If you seem to be adding water more frequently to keep it at the correct level, you may have a leak. Leaks most commonly occur on the vertical seams of an aquarium, but may also be at the bottom under the black plastic trim. Removing the trim will expose all of the leaks at the bottom, so you can find and repair…
Wall sweeps are a tool in the Autodesk Revit Architecture program used to add a variety of features to walls. Wall sweeps are used to represent architectural features that extend out from the surface of the wall. Some of the items you can create using walls sweeps include cornices, molding, baseboards and many other features. Adding wall sweeps to your architectural designs allows you to precisely plan the layout of your walls and the materials needed to build them.
Also called the Dana 60 high pinion, this axle can be used for the front or rear of a vehicle. This axle type was first released in early 1977 for the Ford F250 and 350. It is a reverse spiral axle that has a center line with a pinion contacting a ring gear in the center of the vehicle. This type of axle offers an increase in strength for forward movements. Due to its benefits, many car enthusiasts today prefer the Dana 60. It is possible to narrow the Dana 60 to fit other types of vehicles.
Curved interior walls add drama to a room, at once projecting a feeling of elegance and style. Rather than sticking with the traditional squared room construction, add a rounded interior wall in the mix and totally transform the look -- and feel -- of your entire home. Once thought of as labor-intensive and difficult to build, modern building methods and plywood make the job exacting but easily possible for even the newcomer to carpentry. The biggest challenge, laying out the curve and creating wall plates to build it, requires little more than thinking outside the box. Well, and a tape…
Shelling out the money for a new desktop mailbox isn't necessary when you can create one using a single piece of paper. By folding the paper properly using origami techniques, you can easily create your own mailboxes. This project can be completed with a large piece of paper or poster-board. When finished, you can use your mailbox to hold letters, bills and other forms of mail. If you have the time, consider making several mailboxes to help organize your documents.
Wall mount mailboxes provide a convenient way to hang your mailbox without necessarily having to have a mailbox post that you mount in the ground. These types of mailboxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most can generally be hung on the wall of just about any type of building with the right type of mounting system.
Interior building leaks do not always connect directly with an outside source. Repairing an entire exterior wall is often the best solution to recurring minor leaks inside. While professionally applied hot and cold "waterproofers" may require scaffolding, more manageable do-it-yourself materials rely on cold adhesives and impermeable fabric coverings. With some planning and, ideally, a helper, a homeowner can use these recently developed waterproofing materials to protect exterior building walls from weather damage.
Repairing a bowed brick foundation wall is a task for a skilled do-it-yourselfer as the ramifications of an improper repair could be quite severe. Outside of removing and rebuilding the bowed section of wall, there are two main options for repairs to prevent further damage. Whichever method is chosen, the underlying problem and cause of the bowing wall will need to be corrected. Make sure that the grade of the soil against the foundation slopes away from the house so that water does not drain towards the wall. Check gutters overhead as well. If there is blockage, the water may…
Concrete-reinforced walls provide a practical way to prevent soil erosion, although they may not make a particularly attractive addition to the landscape. They also have a considerable vulnerability to moisture when the last row of block, or caps, is not installed correctly. One method of repairing your wall is to install decorative, overhanging flagstone caps. Your reinforced wall is now protected from moisture damage, while it's visual appeal is greatly enhanced.
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, panels can be used indoors or out. PVC panels can be cut and worked like wood but are not affected by moisture and do not require painting. PVC panels and lumber are made of cellular PVC, which is filled with tiny air bubbles that make it flexible and relatively lightweight. The panels can be affixed to studs or other surfaces with nails, like their wood counterparts. And just like wood, when nail heads are countersunk for a clean, finished look, they need to be patched with caulking or filler.
Fixing a violin belly crack doesn't have to be the most difficult thing you try to do all day. Fix a violin belly crack with help from an experienced musician and educator in this free video clip.
Water softeners are found in many homes and will last for years without needing replacement. However, they have a fiberglass shell that can crack if something is banged into it. Superficial cracks can be fixed using a fiberglass patch but you should not try to fix cracks that damage the casing underneath the outer shell. This can cause structural damage in the water softener and void your warranty. Check your warranty before doing any work on your softener.
Residential sidewalks use many of the same features as public sidewalks to make using them and getting in and out of vehicles easier. Sidewalk ramps are depressions in the concrete that make sidewalk access easier for people and vehicles. Nubs, on the other hand, extend a sidewalk by projecting it outward toward a driveway or driving lane. Turning a sidewalk ramp into a nub involves pouring concrete into a new form that shapes the nub, covering the ramp and part of an existing paved surface.
Maintaining the foundation of your home is extremely important in protecting your home, as a foundation that becomes unstable can cause major structural damage to the house. Foundations constructed of brick often have issues with mortar cracking and falling out from the joints between the bricks, which can cause the foundation to deteriorate. Patching these cracks can stabilize the foundation and prevent larger problems from occurring.
The 2010 Goldwing was the last year of production for Honda's second-generation GL1800 touring motorcycle. The Goldwing's reputation for providing an unparalleled level of comfort during long-distance rides has garnered a large following around the world. As comfortable as the Goldwing may be, many Goldwing owners customize their motorcycle to their own needs and tastes. To increase comfort, some riders may choose to replace their Goldwing's stock foot pegs and passenger floorboards with aftermarket, vibration-damping units. This is a relatively quick job that requires just one tool.
Like concrete walls, a concrete porch may develop cracks and broken edges. Though it's possible to repair a 6-foot-high concrete porch, the method of repair depends upon the damage. Cracks and other small spots of damage have a fairly simple repair process; more extreme issues, such as crumbling walls or large holes, require a significantly more in-depth means of repair.
Spring is a time of change and renewal -- and a good time to perform maintenance that might keep your home in tip-top shape for years to come, saving you the expense of costly repairs. These intermediate-level projects require a modicum of skills with tools (including those of the power variety) and repair materials. They entail more than just slapping on a coat of paint, but they don't require that you rent a backhoe. The range of expenditures is wide, from a few dollars for a furnace filter to a few hundred dollars for lumber with which to revamp a…
You don't need to hire an expensive contractor to repair a gyprock wall. Repair a gyprock wall with help from a home improvement expert in this free video clip.
Just because you've painted over or stripped a particular screw doesn't mean you can't remove it. Remove painted over and stripped screws with help from a home improvement expert in this free video clip.
Stripped wood screws don't necessarily need to be replaced - they can be repaired. Repair stripped wood screws with help from a home improvement expert in this free video clip.
Wood will eventually crack over time, especially if it is exposed to changes in humidity, stress or abuse. This is particularly true if the wood is allowed to dry out and is not maintained properly. Wooden railings are particularly subject to cracking since they are used so often in your home. Instead of replacing a cracked wood railing, you can repair it. With the right color of wood putty and wood stain, no one will ever know the crack existed.
An uneven caulk line between the backsplash and counter top makes the area look messy. The unevenness may also allow moisture to seep into the crack, causing damage to the wall behind. Repairing the caulk gives the joint a clean look while protecting the area. Before a new caulk bead can be put into place, the old caulk needs to be removed and the area cleaned in preparation for the new caulk. Tackle the prep work thoroughly for the best results.
Sealing basement walls reduces the risk of moisture seeping through the concrete and into the basement. The best time of year to waterproof a basement is when the temperatures are warm enough for the moisture-resistant product to form a waterproof seal, but Mother Nature doesn’t always comply with building schedules. Construction continues year-round, even in cold climates, but when it’s freezing outside, you’ll have to use cold-resistant sealant or make provisions to heat the masonry walls and keep the product warm.
Hidden hangers are virtually invisible from the outside, which makes the look of rain gutters more attractive. They are also fairly simple to install, and have become standard for rain gutter installation. Hangers “hide” inside the gutter itself, bracketed to the front lip, then screwed into the fascia board under the drip edge. For most installations gutter, hangers are attached every 2 feet, but in cold climates with heavy snow and ice, it makes good sense to use a hanger every 12 inches.
A cracked or sagging plaster ceiling is not only unsightly but also poses a structural hazard unless immediately repaired. Ceiling cracks and droops occur for a variety of reasons, including improper installation, moisture damage and a slipped foundation. Left untreated, ceiling cracks will enlarge, or the weight of a sagging plaster ceiling can pull the surrounding ceiling down with it. However, the ceiling will need to be replaced if the entire section is sagging. Spread drop cloths on the floor, and set a sturdy stepladder under the section of the ceiling you want to repair.
