Protect the investment you have made in your pool by staying on top of common problems.
Roofs are the most important part of a home's weatherproofing -- a leaking roof can cause incalculable damage in a relatively short time. When people spot a leak, they may discover that finding an available roofer can be difficult. Obviously, a roofer makes more money doing a replacement than he or she does doing simple repairs. But this isn't the main reason roofers avoid repair work.
A shingle roof may need repair for a variety of reasons. Whether it be improper installation, seal failure or weather damage, you will want to make sure that your roof is in good condition. Ultimately, the roof protects us from the outside elements and it's important to maintain its structure. If there is a problem, consider a few options to get your roof back intact. If you have a fear of heights or climbing onto the roof, you may want to call a professional. Otherwise, strap on your tool belt and get to work.
When installed correctly, slate is often considered to be the most durable and permanent roofing material available. In addition, its natural beauty is timeless. Slate roof structures have many positive qualities. Durability, low maintenance and resistance to fire and staining have made this natural material desirable to many. If maintained properly, the majority of slate roofs can be repaired as they have the capability to last a lifetime. Slate is a natural stone and it does have the potential to break or crack. If this should happen, repairs will be needed to prevent a leak or other structural problem.
After the rainy season is over, homeowners tend to turn their attention to spring and summer related home repairs and maintenance, such as landscaping and painting. However, if it's doubtful how much longer you can dare to ignore repairing or replacing you roof, check with a reputable roofing contractor now during the fair weather. You'll find their services more available and economical than in late summer and the fall when their waiting lists and prices inevitably grow.
Working on your roof, including repairing rolled roofing, can be a dangerous job. Before getting started, make sure that your ladder is strong and secured. Avoid working on the roof if it is raining or wet, as this can be hazardous. With the presence of water, the roof becomes slick and increases the likelihood of a serious fall. When repairing rolled roofing, always try to choose a day with nice weather in the forecast. If you have a fear of heights or just do not wish to do the work yourself, call a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. If you decide to take on the job yourself, here are a few tips to help guide you through the process.
As homeowners, we are vulnerable to Mother Nature every day. When misfortune lands at our doorstep or, in this case, our rooftop, we can be thankful for insurance coverage and the availability of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. When purchasing insurance, it is advisable to check with your insurance agent about your policy's coverage as it relates to storm damage.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about roofing repair.
The roof is the one part of a house that really protects occupants against the elements. Wind, rain, snow, sun and any inclement weather are constantly beating down on the roof of your house and this combination can have dire effects. Using a quality roofing firm and superior roofing materials means that you will be protected from all but the harshest conditions. However, when bad weather really strikes there is little we can do to ensure the integrity of our roof. Storm damage repair can be costly, however, it is much cheaper than leaving it to get worse and worse.
Since many ceiling fan motors have long warranties, be sure to check the owner's manual before proceeding with repairs. Let the manufacturer deal with a faulty motor if it's still under warranty.
Q: I'm interested in having my duplex repaired. I have already been in contact with a roofing contractor who gave me an estimate on replacing the roof. I understand he also has a general contractor's license so I wonder if he can also install the bathroom tile and fixtures? There is also work to be done in the kitchen. Can you help me find people to do all of this?
Q: I am in need of someone to do sheetrock repair, new countertops, and painting inside my home, but do not know where to start. Is there a particular place to start and do I contact a contractor or a handyman?
Here is some information about getting your phone system repaired.
When a piece of your home theater system goes out, chances are you won't know what wires go to what. A service professional can easily diagnose and repair problems in complex home entertainment systems.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about landscape sprinkler systems.
Q: This past September I replaced two windows in my son's room. I installed a double hung insulated window, which tilts in for easy cleaning. Yesterday, my 15 year old son and a couple of his friends were tossing around a hard ball and. yes you've guessed it! The ball broke the inner glass of the top window. The outer glass is fine. Is it possible to make the repair without removing the entire window from the house?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about window hardware repair.
Q: Can you tell me what I should be looking for in a replacement window? For instance, the space in between the double pane, fully welded, insulation on the frame and in the frame and sash?
I've been shopping and have received a range of prices, even for the same thing. The only thing I know is that I should make sure the window is fully welded. What else should I be looking for to make sure the window is sound and heat efficient?
This checklist should help you decide whether window replacement makes sense for your home.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about common skylight problems.
Dual pane windows are great to reduce energy loss and to make homes more comfortable by insulating against noise and drafts. But when moisture forms between the panes of glass, homeowners often don't know whether to call a window expert, the local glass company or a general handyman.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about furnace repairs.
Q: I started my furnace and set it at the temperature I needed. It ran fine and did reach the temperature, but after a few minutes it kicked on again. It would run for approximately ten minutes and shut off. The furnace is about 20 years old, and I had it cleaned and serviced last year.
Regular cleaning is the way to minimize any repairs needed to an outdoor acrylic sports court surface. It's a good idea to keep the court clean at all times to minimize the amount of dirt ground into the surface by foot traffic.
A home maintenance contract is a service agreement or insurance that protects the working items and systems in the home. It provides protection through repairs or replacement of a home's major systems, appliances and more, should an item break down due to normal wear and tear-regardless of that item's age. It gives homeowners assurance that they will not be ambushed with outrageous bills to repair or replace protected items.
Basic sauna problems: If your sauna's heater unit isn't working at all, test it first, but if it is still malfunctioning, you'll probably need to have it replaced. When the water in your unit is too hot or too cold, it's probably a malfunctioning thermostat.
Be sure and check with local officials about what kinds of backflow valves can be used in your area. There are many different kinds of backflow valves, including an atmospheric vacuum breaker, a cheaper valve installed on the pipe right after the control valve. It needs to be installed higher than the highest sprinkler head operated by that valve-check with local officials to find out if there's a code. You probably need to use this kind if you have six or more valves.
Q: When I turn on any cold water faucet in my home, I frequently get hot water instead. After about 30 seconds, the water runs cold again.
Rather than the standard hot water heater in most homes, my home uses a boiler and a heat exchanger.
Sooner or later we all need to call a plumber. A plumber is expensive and there's no way around that. But there are a variety of ways to get the most value for your money. This guide will highlight the most effective ways to save money on plumbing.
Q: My bathtub is leaking. We pulled the faucet but could not fix the leak. Is there a washer somewhere? What do you suggest?
If you suddenly don't have hot water, there are several things that could have happened.
Q: The shower handles in our 24-year-old home are getting harder and harder to pull out to turn the water on! What should we do?
Q: I have a problem with hot water in the shower. The hot water comes on quickly. It seems the hot water starts to shut itself off after about three minutes. I have changed the faucets from the pipes without any results. Only the shower seems to be affected. What is my problem?
Q: What kinds of plumbing emergencies could occur that a homeowner should know about? What should we do while waiting for the plumber?
Q: Our water heater is only giving us cold water. My husband has worked with the pipes under the house and even tried using a hair dryer. What else should we do?
Q: I have a furnace that is 30 years old. I called a company to have the ducts and furnace cleaned. The service person did not turn the pilot light on and 2 days later I smelled gas. I called the company and they said they would come out but no one showed. So I called Puget power and light. A service man came and said I had a leak and red tagged it. I did not sign the tag. The second day I got a letter from the gas company stating that a gas leak was not found. It was very confusing to me so I called the gas company and the same thing happened. This time I signed it. The service man said it needed a new gas valve. I have not given up thinking that the reason I smelled gas was because the pilot light was off. And it does not need repair. Who can I talk to for an honest answer? And is there a reputable company that will make the repair? I am willing to pay a reasonable price and I do not want a new furnace. I am a senior. Should I call a consumer protection agency?
Good design help is essential when making home improvements. Most people need help making decisions about options, and in determining what is feasible in terms of the existing structure and the overall budget. A design professional can help make sure that the end product is attractive and meets all the objectives. As a general rule, the larger the project, the more important it is to have design help.
General contractors licenses are required for home improvement and construction projects that include work in three or more trades, including plumbing, electrical, concrete, insulation, drywall, carpentry, painting, tile, flooring, etc.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about your boiler heating system.
Q: We have a small hole in our wall. Can we repair it ourselves?
Q: What is the best way to go about sealing our windows? The drywall is slightly cracked around the windowpane. Is there anything we should do to prep this area before caulking?
Q: I have a cinder block wall in a finished basement in a house built in 1978. Behind the paneling, the drywall and the studs were rotted out from moisture. A sump pump was added at some point before we bought it, but there is no evidence of standing water. There are hairline cracks in the wall on the outside, below ground level, but no large cracks (as far as I can tell). After removing the drywall and insulation, the cinder blocks were damp, not wet, but dried out eventually. Do I need to trench around the foundation and re-coat with waterproofing, or is waterproof paint on the inside good enough?
Asbestos siding, also known as cement asbestos siding or slate siding, isn't manufactured anymore and is only found on older homes. Though it's just finely ground asbestos particles mixed with cement, since it's mixed with the cement, it can't be breathed so isn't usually a health threat.
Q: How do I repair a hole (approximately three inches in diameter) in the vinyl siding on my garage?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing metal siding.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing wood shingle siding.
Q: I need to replace both a redwood deck and a rotten exterior wood panel. What is the most durable material to use for both projects?
Vinyl siding looks similar to horizontal wood siding but doesn't require as much maintenance. These systems can be applied right over old siding but are easier to apply over solid sheathing. Vinyl siding doesn't rust or corrode, but vinyl, which is actually polyvinyl chloride (PVC), does become more brittle as it gets older.
Siding problems: Cracks and holes in your siding will allow moisture and pests to get in. You should always make sure that the underlying problem is fixed before you repair the siding; otherwise the problem may crop up again later.
Although plaster can be extremely durable, stress cracks can come from movement in the framing of the house. Holes are generally caused by impacts or water. Over time, plaster walls and ceilings may develop stress-cracks.
Q: I have a question concerning the interior of my 1950's cinder block home. I am peeling wallpaper and finding some settling cracks. Some of the cracks are in the mortar which is covering the cinder blocks while some of them are a little more pronounced. Is there a general repair that I could find at my local store?
Before hiring a general contractor, do your research. This will ensure that you are hiring a reliable, competent firm who can complete the task for which you are hiring them. Use this list as a guide.
Loose banisters, a hole in a wall, a closet door that doesn't shut right, a rotted board in the back porch. These are the tiresome little problems that can drive a homeowner crazy. In days long gone, we all knew a local person we could call to fix such small, tedious problems.
As many homeowners know, small repairs and fixes around the house can add up quickly. Most people don't want to call a plumber out to their house simply to fix a leaky faucet, or have a carpenter make a special trip to tighten a loose kitchen cabinet. So how can a homeowner make the most of a visit by a handyman or woman?
Q: How can I avoid an expensive service call for a simple repair?
Loose banisters, rotted steps, a door that won't latch -- little problems are often big headaches for homeowners. Contractors don't seem interested in returning calls for small repairs, let alone actually making the repairs. Many people used to rely on some nice, retired fellow down the block who was happy to make small repairs for a modest hourly rate, but times have changed. Modern licensing and insurance rules have cut back on the number of "casual" handymen.
Finding a contractor or handyman to fix small repairs can be a challenge. This checklist provides some tips to make your search easier.
Handymen are often unlicensed but have long-established, trusting relationships with regular customers. These days more and more licensed companies are getting into the handyman business, and though they may charge more than the old neighborhood handyman, these companies are still handy for small jobs, especially if you save up the tasks. Home Advisor can help connect you with a handyman in your area.
In most states it is not necessary to use a licensed contractor if your project cost is under $300-$500 (depending on the state).
Through general daily wear or tear or accidents, our favorite furniture occasionally may need repair. Wobbly chairs often benefit from being taken apart and reglued, and new legs and spindles can be carved to replace cracked or missing ones.
Q: The front of my home is supported by two cinder block pillars, creating a five-foot high crawl space, which is under my porch and part of the front bedroom. One pillar has slipped over time and needs to be replaced. I'm not sure if the footing needs to be redone. Will this project require someone to use a house jack to bear the house while work is being done? Who can I trust to take care of this properly for me?
Q: We have had some foundation damage as a result of a flood. We have been advised that we need to have slurry pumped underneath the house, to fill the large voids that were washed away.
Q: The west half of my home is falling from the foundation. I have had two estimates and they are vastly different. One person thinks that I need 13 piers and recommends a concrete piling driven into bedrock or refusal with a lifetime warranty. The other is recommending eight duel shaft concrete, 20-year limited warranty, driven nine feet into rock, which would be a budget saver if I plan to sell my home in the next ten years. Why the difference in the number of pilings?
Q: The back wall of my fireplace has a rather large crack almost from the top to the bottom. When we had the chimney cleaned, we were told the problem could be taken care of by adding a firewall instead of replacing the back wall.
What can you tell me about firewalls? Is this a good solution?
Squeaky floors are caused by wood rubbing against wood or wood rubbing against nails in a floor that has loosened. The rubbing creates the squeak. If you can get to your floor from a basement or crawl space, most homeowners should be able to repair a squeaky floor easily with the following fix:
Repair methods for vinyl flooring depend on the type of floor as well as the type of damage. With vinyl tile, it's best to replace the damaged tiles. With sheet vinyl, the surface can be fused or new material can be patched in. When vinyl flooring is badly worn or the damage is widespread, replacement is the only answer.
Many times minor damage can be repaired on hardwood floors. Here are some common problems.
Q: We have a one-year-old hardwood floor that started cupping in the spring or earlier. The boards are four-inch red oak. The installer is claiming no responsibility for the problem. He blames customer abuse and moisture problems as the cause.
Here are some common professional carpet repair techniques.
Every home needs electrical repairs from time to time, but, because of the dangers involved, these repairs don't make safe do-it-yourself projects. Most folks will be better off hiring professionals. And because these services are expensive, here are some tips on how to get the most mileage for your money.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing a door.
Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a few months ago. My wife dropped a bowl on the floor and chipped one of the tiles. I have the chip, is this repairable with glue? My contractor said if he replaced one tile it may loosen the ones around it.
Q: I purchased a one year old home from a builder. The ceramic floor tile makes a crunching eggshell type noise when walked on and the grout is cracking. What might be the problem? There is 3/4 plywood subfloor with a cement scratch coat on wire mesh.
Repairing tile is a cumbersome job that can be done by the average homeowner. But it is a messy, dirty job. Professionals can do your repairs in a quick and timely manner, saving the pain of doing it yourself.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing stone tile.
Q: We just purchased a house that is about 35-40 years old. There are 4x4 plastic tiles applied with a glue base in both bathrooms. The shower in the master has plastic tile that is in great shape, but we aren't sure if this should be sealed somehow. The inspector who looked at the house said that moisture would get behind the tile and ruin the drywall. Any suggestions?
As with all projects, doors can have problems all their own. Do not be intimidated or discouraged at things that may be minor issues. Here are some questions and answers that may help you fix your door problems on your own.
Replacing a bad deck board.
Q: I have what they call cool deck around my pool and it has lifted in certain spots. There is about a ten square foot area that has to be replaced. Can it be replaced or does the whole pool area have to be redone? How much will it cost and who do you recommend to do the job?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing your deck.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing concrete flatwork.
Poured concrete foundations are created by pouring concrete into moldings. The footing for the foundation wall is generally wider than the wall, and it must rest on firm soil or on a gravel bed, with the base of the footing below the frost line (or in no-frost areas, at a minimum depth of 12 inches for a one-storey house.) The footing should also have two half-inch reinforcing bars or rebar.
Concrete is one of the most durable building materials, but it does require occasional repair and maintenance. Problems can be caused by outside forces such as freezing water, structural problems or surface damage, which is usually caused by improper finishing methods or poorly mixed concrete.
Concrete injection, leveling, or mudjacking is a process which hydraulically lifts an existing damaged concrete walk, drive, steps, etc. to its original position. Since it typically costs about half as much as total replacement, it is often an alternative worth exploring.
Sometimes a cabinet repair can involve little more than finding the right screwdriver to tighten loose door hinges and drawer pulls. Examine the door hinges; they may have adjustment screws you can use to realign crooked doors.
Q: Who do I call about fixing water damage in my bathroom?
Q: The bathtub in our front bathroom seems to have a leak somewhere. The caulking continues to crack at the head of the tub no matter how dry and completely we re-caulk it. I have also noticed that a water stain has started and is spreading at the top of the tub between the wall and tub. I have tried putting in shower guards, to insure no leakage from the shower at the head of the shower onto the floor.
I am afraid there is a leak somewhere behind the tub and do not even know what or who to ask about this. I would like to replace the floor, but am sure the leak would only ruin the new floor as well.
Q: I have a leak in my bathtub. I attempted to change the stem but cannot remove the handle of the faucet. I am afraid to force it and break a pipe inside. What can I do to loosen the handle?
Q: My dishwasher is leaking into my basement, which is finished. I need to get my dishwasher out in order to repair it or to replace it. Our countertop which goes right up the wall is tile, therefore it can't be lifted. The previous owners installed a hardwood floor, which is preventing me from getting the dishwasher out. Any suggestions?
Your disposal can jam if something solid, tough or stringy gets lodged between the spinning plate and the inside wall of the disposal.
Dryers are classified according to the kind of power that provides their heat -- either electricity or gas. But even a gas dryer uses electricity for all its non-heating actions. When your dryer doesn't do its job, look first to the basics. Is it plugged in? Is the cord defective? Has the dryer's fuse blown or has the circuit breaker tripped?