Repair Roof Framing

Keeping the roof frame in good repair is essential to a long-lasting roof.

It is essential to make needed repairs to the frame before installing new decking or shingles. The roof frame serves as a foundation of sorts, and no amount of patching on top can prevent further depreciation if the frame is out of alignment or sagging. Most frames are accessible through an attic or crawlspace above the rooms on the top floor. If yours is not, the decking will need to be removed to allow the frame to be accessed for repairs. The two most common repair procedures are reinforcing joints and adding parallel and vertical cripples. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Reinforcing Open Joints

1. Examine the joints between the peaks of your rafters, the ends of your rafters where they meet the wall and the floor joists of your attic space at each end of every board for loose joints. Mark any joint that has more than a 1/8-in. visible gap with chalk to make sure they all get attention.

2. Hammer joint members back into position as much as possible to restore the joint. Hold boards together with clamps wherever you can.

3. Install nail-down mending plates designed for rafter joints to the face of any loose rafter peak joint. Lay the plate flat against the face of the rafters and pound the barbs in firmly with a framing hammer. Install a second plate on the reverse side of the joint if there is room.

4. Place a hurricane tie, available in lumber yards, in the corner of any rafter end joint or floor joist joint that needs reinforcing. Fit the tie into the corner so that it connects the joist or rafter firmly to the perpendicular frame piece it was attached to. Drive 1-1/4-in. treated deck screws through every available screw hole, seating them firmly.

Adding Horizontal Cripples

5. Attach a piece of lumber the same width and thickness as your rafter or alongside any split or damaged piece. Cut the cripple as long as the space beside the framing member will allow, and lay it flat against the damaged face.

6. Hold it in place with C-clamps, with the edges of the two boards flush with each other.

7. Drive 3-in. treated deck screws through the cripple into the rafter or joist in two rows, an inch in from each long edge. Space the screws every 12-in. Countersink the heads to ensure a snug fit.

Adding Vertical Cripples

8. Cut 2-by-6 lumber to fit between any rafter that has a cripple attached or appears to be sagging, and the joist below it. Cut the piece a little long and hold it up to the space. Mark the ends against the joist and rafter for accurate angle and dimensions. Cut it with a circular saw.

9. Cut a second piece 7 to 10 in. longer than the first, and nail them together with 16d nails so that the angled cripple is centered in the second board's length.

10. Position the cripple between the rafter and the joist with the cripple below the rafter and above the joist. The longer piece should overhang them at each end. Hammer the cripple firmly into place to lift the rafter up. Attach with screws through the ends of the longer board into the rafter and joist.

Tags: rafter joist, screws through, between rafter, deck screws, deck screws through, flat against, into rafter

Reconstruct And Make A Patch Panel For A Severely Rusted Fender With Fiberglass

Rotten through the core!

The left front fender on this old British car definitely has seen drier times. The lower quarter is so deteriorated with rust, that whole sections are missing and it is nearly impossible to define its overall shape. The whole section will need to cut away and replaced.

The quick and easy way to fix this would be to purchase a used fender in better shape and replace the whole unit, however the going price of a used unit on eBay is $250 to $400 and that doesn't include shipping. That is $240 to $390 more than I wanted to afford ... shipping included!

What I have done here, are the steps taken to recreate the missing areas and then form a new patch to replace the rusted area.

Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean both sides of the rusted area with soap and water to removed any dirt, oil or grime. Carefully, wire brush away as much of the surface rust as possible. Leave as much of the metal as possible, even if it is razor thin and can be bent with a sneeze. You will need every little bit to help recreate what was the shape of the panel. The photo shows just how little metal was really left. Do not remove any paint or filler on the face of the area...that may be the only thing holding the rest together.

2. Next, come up with a paper template of what the shape should be. I was able to find an old fender from the opposite side of the car and with a sheet of wrapping paper and some carbon soot, was able to make a rubbing of the area. Using spray adhesive, glue the rubbing down to a piece of poster board or, as I have done here, pieces of adult beverage cartons that somehow, mysteriously appeared in my shop. Cut out the image and keep this as a master template for two reasons: a) Mistakes can be made and you will need to rely upon it again and, b) you will probably need this for the other fender.

Using the template, trace and cut two more sections of poster board.

3. Trim each poster board piece to fit snuggly and conforming to the curvature of the inside of the fender. Coat the inside of the fender and one side of the poster board piece with spray adhesive, and when the coating is tacky press it into place. When that is dry, repeat with the second cardboard piece and tape in place. This will help hold the curvature and strengthen.

4. Turn the panel over and work on the front.

5. Lay several layers of masking tape to give the area some uniformity and more strength.

6. Cut 1" strips and tape in place around the outer edges to form a mounting lip and fender inner lip.

7. Coat the entire area with a coat of catalysed resin to give a workable surface and let it harden.

8. Coat the entire area with body filler, sand and shape until you have the look that you want. Make sure to fill all small holes and sand smooth with a very fine grit sandpaper. Coat the entire area with several coats of car wax. This will be your 'plug'.

9. Coat the area with vaseline or any other release agent, lay on the fiberglass cloth and coat the glass with two coats of catalyzed resin.

10. When the resin has fully hardened, slowly and carefully pull the fiberglass away from the fender. This is the mold by which you can cast your new patch. Clean away any release agent from the mold. Fill any air pockets and voids with bondo and sand smooth. Recoat the inside of the mold with several coats of car wax and release agent, lay in another layer of fiberglass with several coats of resin. When this hardens, carefully separate this from the mold.

11. Trim the excess glass away, fill all the voids with bondo and sand smooth. The front or face of your cast with be an exact replica of your plug, so any additional fiberglass should be added to the back of inside of the cast.

Cut or grind away the rusted area from the fender. Remember to leave mounting faces on each piece in which to rivet and bond the new patch.

12. Clamp in place and mount with pop rivets or screws, mold it to the rest of the fender.

Tags: area with, poster board, Coat entire, Coat entire area, entire area, entire area with

Repair Singer Sewing Machines

Some sewing machine repairs can be done at home, especially with older Singer sewing machines. If you have an older machine in need of work, or perhaps have inherited or purchased a vintage Singer sewing machine, learn the basic steps to take your machine from clanking and rattling to purring along. Repairing a mechanical Singer sewing machine is a useful do-it-yourself project.

Instructions

Repair a Singer Sewing Machine

1. Determine the model of your sewing machine. Look on and under the machine for this information. Visit Singerco.com to purchase a manual if you do not have one. The manual will include schematics, threading diagrams and information on use your Singer sewing machine. This information can make it much easier to diagnose and repair your sewing machine.

2. Use the handwheel to make the needle rise and fall. Repeat this process with the foot pedal, treadle or knee press. Wind a bobbin and thread your sewing machine. Sew several test seams to assess the problems with your machine. The most common problem is a tight or sticking handwheel and machine movement.

3. Unplug your Singer sewing machine and dismantle it. Remove visible screws and take the machine apart as far as you are able. If the motor is mounted on the back of the machine, remove it. Repairing a Singer sewing machine, regardless of the problem, will start by taking apart the machine, cleaning it and oiling it.

4. Use tweezers to remove any loose threads from the bobbin area and threading assemblies. Compressed air may also be used in small amounts; however, you should be wary of pushing lint further into the machine.

5. Use a rag with a lubricant like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench to clean all accessible gears and moving parts. Wipe the lubricant away thoroughly and apply a drop of sewing machine oil on moving parts of the machine. Examine your Singer sewing machine carefully for broken gears or pieces. Check the belt, if visible, for signs of wear.

6. Use an emery cloth to smooth away any burrs or rough spots on the bobbin assembly or feed plate. Often a small burr can cause significant problems with thread breakage.

7. Reassemble you Singer sewing machine, assuming you cannot see any visible broken parts or damage. Try sewing with your machine again. If you have noted problems with the motor or gears, your local Singer repair shop may be able to order parts for you if you want to handle a more involved sewing machine repair on your own.

8. Use a mild solution of water and a basic soap, such as Dr. Bronner's or Ivory dish liquid, and a clean, well-wrung rag to wipe down the outside surfaces of your Singer sewing machine. Dry the sewing machine well. Very old machines may benefit from an application of sewing machine oil to the exterior of the metal sewing machine casing. Rub in well and wipe away the excess.

Tags: sewing machine, Singer sewing machine, Singer sewing, your Singer sewing, your Singer

Level A Wood Frame House On Blocks

Pre-1950 wooden frame houses were often built on pier and beam foundations.

Wood frame pier and beam houses provide a convenient crawl space under the structure of the house. This is useful when you have need to deal with water damage, termites and other nuisances that lie below the ground and are hard to access in structures with a concrete slab foundation. The downside of pier and beam houses is that with time footings may settle and wooden beams may sag, which causes the house to no longer be level. Leveling a house with blocks is enough to scare the most adventurous of do-it-yourself aficionados. Only attempt it if you have the necessary tools, help and experience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hire a structural engineer to check the extent of the damage to your foundation. You don't want to crawl under a house with footings that are about to collapse or beams that won't resist the stress of raising the structure.

2. Crawl under the house and place a spirit-level on the beams of the foundation. If the bubble is not in the center of the level, the structure needs leveling.

3. Check the condition of the wooden floors and beams. In some cases the foundation may be level but the wooden floor or beams are warped and cause the house to appear off level. Replace any wood elements that are rotten or warped.

4. Run a line outside the house and mark the low spots in the foundation. Place heavy-duty floor jacks under the low spots. Assign a person to each jack and raise the jacks slowly and at the same time until the spirit-level shows the house is level.

5. Measure the new height between the ground and the beam created by the heavy-duty jacks. Build new piers out of blocks and place them next to the jacked-up low-spots. The size of the blocks will depend on the height of the pier and the weight it must hold. Use 8- by 8-inch concrete blocks for shorter piers and 12- by 12-inch concrete blocks for taller piers.

6. Lower the jacks simultaneously and remove them from under the beams. Confirm the house is now level.

Tags: pier beam, beam houses, concrete blocks, house level, house with, pier beam houses, under house

Boy Scout Service Project Ideas

Service projects can help Boy Scouts become better citizens.

Community service is an important part of being a loyal Boy Scout. Whether Boy Scout service projects take a day or a year, they can have a major impact. Service projects allow Scouts to develop leadership skills, learn to work as a team and make a difference in their community.

Improvement

Give the community a pretty place to exercise.

Making the community more livable and attractive could be an ongoing service project. Get permission from the city and clear a nature trail for hiking and biking. Give community schools a "facelift" by repainting the exterior and classrooms, mend fences and spruce up the landscaping. Put up fences around recreational athletic fields. Visit area churches and repaint the lines in the parking lot or fix the landscaping. Build a memorial gazebo in the city cemetery or lay a commemorative brick path.

Outreach

Work with local at-risk children.

Engage with community members to make a difference in many lives. Organize outings or socials for shut-ins and events for nursing home residents. Recruit adult volunteers and put together an after-school program for latchkey or at-risk children. Create a mentoring program for younger boys or a tutoring program for struggling elementary school students. Start a weekend soup kitchen for the needy or create a carpool program for local workers. Initiate an informational presentation on Boy Scout projects and let the community know how they can contribute.

Events

Auction off manual labor.

Work with the local Red Cross to organize a community blood drive. Hold a carnival and donate all the proceeds to a local charity. Create a list of home projects that the Boy Scouts are willing to complete, then hold an auction and complete the work for the highest bidder. Donate the profits to Habitat for Humanity. Organize a community sports day to help raise awareness about the importance of physical health. Ask local physicians or nurses to donate time to give free blood tests and physical evaluations.

Other Projects

Install new seating for public areas as part of your Boy Scout service.

Take over the stocking and sorting work at the local food pantry. Organize a book or clothing drive for the needy and set up donation boxes all over town. Assemble backpacks full of school supplies for children from needy families or full of blankets and toiletries for homeless people. Construct bus stop shelters or repair the existing ones, or a memorial for 9/11 victims in the local park. Install new benches in the park or along nature trails.

Tags: at-risk children, Give community, make difference, Scout service, Service projects, with local

Grants For Housing For Disabled American Veterans

Veterans can use a Specially Adapted Housing Grant to widen doorways for wheelchair access.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs provides housing grants to disabled American veterans. Disabled veterans are most vulnerable to increases in housing costs. Those who have become homeless can call the National Call Center at 1-877-424-3838 to connect with a housing counselor. The counselor can help the veteran locate a housing program in his area. Family members can also speak with a counselor on behalf on a homeless veteran. These services are provided at no cost. Veterans can also qualify for a grants to make their home handicap accessible and obtain supportive services to ensure they can maintain their residential stability.

HUD-VASH Voucher

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated 20,000 Section 8 vouchers to the VA. The vouchers provide a rental subsidy for homeless veterans. HUD subsidizes a portion of the veteran's rent. The veteran must agree to participate in case management services. This makes veterans with physical disabilities, a mental illness or history of substance abuse the most appropriate candidates for this program. The veteran's family is able to reside in the housing unit as long as he maintains his eligibility requirements.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program helps homeless veteran families secure permanent housing. Disabled veterans are qualified for help. The family's income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income. Also, the veteran must be the head of the household. Veterans can use the money to pay rent, security deposits, utility fees and other moving expenses. Supportive services are also provided that include child care, transportation, legal services and housing counseling.

Grant and Per Diem Program

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides funding for Grant and Per Diem Program to nonprofit organization committed to providing housing for homeless veterans. Veterans with disabilities benefit from supportive housing offered through nonprofit veteran services organizations. The grant can cover up to 65 percent of the project costs. The nonprofit must provide a 35 percent match contribution from their own resources. An eligible project would be a transitional housing facility that offers health care, housing counseling or job skills training.

Specially Adapted Housing Grant

Veterans with a service-related disability can get a grant up to $63,780 to make their home handicap accessible. The veteran can use the money to purchase an adapted home or make adaptations to a home that's already owned. The veteran's disability must include the loss of use of both arms or both legs, blindness in both eyes or a severe burn injury. Veterans with a less severe disability can get a grant up to $12,756 to adapt their home. Typical adaptations include making a bathroom addition for easy access or installing a pool for hydrotherapy.

Tags: their home, Veterans with, Adapted Housing, Adapted Housing Grant, Affairs provides, Department Veteran

Manage My Home Repairs

Many individuals educate themselves to handle their own home repairs.

An average citizen who devotes his undivided attention to a home repair project can manage to complete it with little trouble, according to Douglas Tuomey, author of "Take Care of Your Home." Consumers, who may have called on professionals in the past, are increasingly tackling their own home renovations and patch-ups. They are looking to cut costs in any way possible. With each success, the desire to accept another home-repair challenge increases. Homeowners should follow a few easy steps to ensure that home repairs are manageable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Enroll in classes that are held in your area. Check your city's newspaper or go online to find times and locations. Local hardware stores often stage "Do It Yourself" workshops. Home Depot is noted for its "Do It Herself" weekend sessions designed especially to educate women. Knowledgeable family members, friends or neighbors can be effective role models. Enlist their help but be sure to take pictures and notes so that you can manage the issue on your own next time.

2. Study do-it-yourself books and tutorials. There are seemingly limitless sources on the Internet. The library is a free resource for home repair books. Most come equipped with pictures and diagrams to guide you through just about any home repair project. You can even pick up valuable pointers by watching television programs such as those found on the Home and Garden Channel (HGTV.)

3. Take action as soon as a problem arises. Hesitating to resolve an issue often makes matters worse. When neglected, minor developments can quickly escalate to dilemmas: this is especially true of plumbing troubles. Leaks become worse and the damages compound.

4. Call professional help when needed. Accept the fact that you may not be able to resolve all concerns on your own. Particularly when dealing with electrical issues, be certain that you have the know-how for the job. Even though an expert may be expensive, it could cost more if you seriously botch a project and have to call in a professional to rectify the damages. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find reputable service personnel. Avoid scams by acquiring references.

5. Document all repairs. Write down the dates and exactly what you fixed. Take notes and pictures, when possible, for reference the next time. If you have enlisted a specialist, file all paperwork for easy retrieval. Make sure the job is guaranteed and keep copies of all contract numbers and warranties.

Tags: home repair, home repair project, home repairs, next time, repair project, their home

Do It Yourself Projection Tv Repair/ Convergence

At some point in time, the images on your projection TV may contain blue or red outlines. Many projection TV models include a convergence setting to hide colored shadows. You can save money in unnecessary repairs when you know access and use this feature. For example, if you had previously tried to erase the outlines by adjusting the other picture settings, you might think that you had already done all that you could do. When you use the convergence repair method, you increase your TV's value by helping it to live up to its fullest potential.

Instructions

1. Run your TV for at least 20 minutes -- if it was not already turned on and running for that amount of time -- and then go to the next step.

2. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control.

3. Select "Picture" and then press the "Right" arrow button to display the Picture sub-menu.

4. Press the "Down" arrow button and select "Manual Converge."

5. Press the "Down" arrow button, and select "Converge Blue" or "Converge Red."

6. Press the "Up/Down/Left/Right" arrow buttons and slowly adjust the cross-hair shaped graphic until overlaps the corresponding cross-hair outline in the background.

7. Press the "Menu" button when finished. If color outlines on the TV are still visible, go to the next step.

8. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 and then select "Multipoint Blue" or "Multipoint Red."

9. Press the "Right" arrow button, and then press the "Up/Down/Left/Right" arrow buttons and select a misaligned cross-hair outline.

10. Press the "OSD" (On-Screen Display) button and then press the "Up/Down/Left/Right" arrow buttons to align the cross-hair until the one in the background are overlapped.

11. Press the "OSD" button to return to select another misaligned cross-hair and then repeat Steps 9, 10 and this step until all of the misaligned cross-hairs are corrected.

12. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 to access the Picture menu and select "Save Multipoint." Press the "Left/Right" arrow buttons to save your new settings.

Tags: Right arrow, arrow button, arrow buttons, Left Right, Left Right arrow, Right arrow buttons

Repair A Microwave Appliance

A microwave oven is used by many households around the world. It is one of the fastest ways to get food hot and ready to eat. It saves time and is a convenient appliance for those who are busy and on the run. When a microwave stops working or is giving you problems, it can be one of many reasons. It could be a blown fuse or other defective part. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

The Process

1. Find out if the fuse is bad. Remove the outside unit cabinet to retrieve the fuse. You may need a screwdriver to get it out from near the power chord. If the fuse is burned, it will look black on the inside. Replace the fuse in your microwave with a new fuse from a local hardware store.

2. Find out if the door switch is working on your microwave. Open the microwave door to see a hook inside of the door. Check if the prong is damaged or missing. Purchase a switch from your local hardware or appliance store.

3. You must have the name of your microwave brand to make your purchase. Take the old switch to the appliance store with you to make sure you buy the correct size. Unplug the microwave, and get ready to replace the switch. Look at the wires that hook up the switch to make sure you connect it correctly. Take out the old switch, and connect the wires to the new switch.

4. Replace the magnetron in your microwave if it is defective. This may be the reason your microwave isn't working. Overheating may cause the magnetron to become defective. This task is dangerous, and you may have to hire an appliance technician to get this job done for you.

5. Clean out any food particles behind the fan motor. Replace the fan motor in your microwave by taking out the outer unit cabinet. Use a screwdriver to remove it. You will find the fan motor behind the back of the microwave on the control panel.

Tags: your microwave, appliance store, defective This, local hardware, make sure, Take switch, unit cabinet

Flat Screen Tv Troubleshooting

Flat Screen TV

Flat screen TVs use all different types of technology. To fix a problem, it is important to determine the cause of the problem. There are many issues that you can fix at home easily. However, some more serious issues cannot be fixed at home; for example, hardware failure means the TV will likely have to be completely replaced. By taking the time to do a little problem solving you may be able to save some money, depending on the problem.

Instructions

1. Unplug the power cable if the TV is having issues turning on or off. To reset the electronics, it is important to not only unplug the power cable from the outlet, but also to unplug it from the TV. Wait a few minutes for the power to drain from the TV and then plug the cable back into the outlet and TV. A TV that is not working may not be getting enough power. Try plugging the TV into a different outlet or use a different power cable. Tweets, flashes, clicks and flashing pictures are all signs that the TV is not getting enough power.

2. Check that all cables are plugged into the proper positions and are secure. Normally if there is a problem with the picture, but not the sound, or vice versa, then a loose cable is the cause. If you have spare cables, replace the cable to check if it is the cable that is the problem and not another component of the TV.

3. Change the batteries if the remote is not working properly. Reset the remote by removing the batteries and then pressing the buttons and holding them down for 30 seconds. Then install new batteries. If you use rechargeable batteries, let them charge for at least 6 hours.

4. Adjust the brightness, contrast and color settings. Many times when the color is funny or suddenly becomes unrealistic, readjusting the picture settings is an easy way to bring the picture back to normal. Adjusting the focus is an easy way to deal with a lack of sharpness in the TV picture.

5. Check the orientation of the monitor if the picture is not straight. Any sources of a strong magnetic field can also alter the orientation of the picture. Some TVs may also have an external tilt control that can be adjusted. If the TV has been jarred or knocked about, then the internal or external tile knob may have been knocked out.

6. Run an internal diagnosis on the TV. This internal diagnosis is normally found within the TV menu. It can be called different names depending on the manufacturer. The TV will check all functions and hardware. If a problem is detected, then a specific code is displayed on the screen. Write down the code and call the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be able to decipher what the code means and let you know what is causing the problem.

Tags: power cable, enough power, getting enough, getting enough power, internal diagnosis, manufacturer will

Which Way Should A Door Swing

Which Way Should a Door Swing?

There is much debate over the correct way to swing a door. Even experts can sometimes have trouble determining whether the door should be installed to swing out or in. Much of this confusion is due to the fact that the direction of swing can change based on the application, or in accordance with building codes and standards. Does this Spark an idea?

Understanding Swing

When buying and installing doors, it's important to understand that there are four ways in which a door can swing. To determine the swing, stand on the outside of the door, which is usually the side where you would need to use a key. If the hinges are on the right, you have a right hand door, and if they are on the left, the door is left hand. Now check whether the door pushes away from you or is pulled towards you. If it pushes away, it has a regular swing, which is known in layman's terms as "inswinging." If the door pulls towards you, it has a reverse swing, which is often known as "outswinging."

Residential Applications

There are little to no building code regulations governing which way a door should swing in a residential building. Because of the lack of regulations, residential doors should swing in whichever direction is most logical in any particular situation. For instance, interior doors should swing so that they rest against a way when they are open. This keeps them out of the way and frees up space. Exterior doors are more secure when they swing out, as this prevents thieves from kicking them in. These doors should only swing out when there is enough room in the immediate area to accommodate the swing of the door.

Fire Codes

Door swings in commercial structures must meet the fire safety requirements of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). According to NFPA, doors must swing in the direction of egress (towards the exit) under four specific circumstances. These include doors leading from spaces that hold more than 50 people, areas equipped with hazardous or combustible materials, doors leading from a staircase, and doors leading to the outside. All other doors may swing in whichever direction is most desirable to the building owner.

Accessibility

Doors in commercial settings must also conform to accessibility standards created by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under ADA guidelines, a door may swing out of a room as long as there is a 48-inch clear area in front of the door to allow those in a wheelchair to safely maneuver. For the door to swing in, there must be a full 60 inches of maneuvering space in front of the door, as well as 18 inches of clearance along the side of the door. The swing on a closet door or other inaccessible space is not subject to ADA guidelines.

Specialty Doors

Some doors have their own unique swings. Schools and hospitals are often equipped with pairs of cross-corridor doors. These doors are installed so that one door swings in one direction and the other door swings in the opposite direction. This allows for quick and easy access without the risk of hitting someone on the other side of the door. As a general rule, cross-corridor doors are always reverse swinging, which allows for an exit device pad to be installed on the push side of the door.

Common Sense

The majority of doors are not subject to any regulations, and can swing in whichever direction makes sense for the user. For example, a door should not block a window or interfere with another door when opened. The door should also not block cabinets or other frequently used spaces. It is almost always best to swing a door so that it will rest against a wall when opened to 90 degrees.

Tags: door should, doors leading, doors should, should swing, side door, swing door

Tips To Fix Delinquent Credit Report

Fix delinquent entries on your credit report to improve your creditworthiness. Payment history and delinquencies account for one-third of your credit score, and despite your actual score, the appearance of recent delinquencies on your report never appears in a favorable light to lenders. Fortunately, you can resolve and remove delinquent entries to increase your chances of obtaining new credit.

Request Your Credit Report

First, make a thorough review of your credit report. Though you can purchase a report directly from one or more of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), consider reviewing your credit report for free.

If you have recently received a denial for credit, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection. This letter also affords you the opportunity to request a free credit report for the reporting bureau within 45 days of the rejection notice.

Request a free copy of your credit file disclosure from each of the major agencies once every 12 months through the agencies' central source website---AnnualCreditReport.com.

Or look for other credit protection websites that will provide you with a free copy of your credit report once you enroll in a credit monitoring program. Although the request will require that you provide a credit card number, you will not receive any charges you cancel the membership within the trial period.

Review Your Credit Report

Review each section of your credit report that contains open accounts and collection records and search for Xs, frowning faces or red lettering. These notations indicate delinquent accounts, often called derogatory accounts. Derogatory marks include payments made 30, 60, 90 or 120 days past the due date. If you have not made a payment on an account within 120 days of the deadline, the credit company will likely transfer the account to a collection agency, foreclosed upon it or repossess it as defined by the account terms.

Make note of all delinquencies and derogatory marks, and look for any inaccuracies or accounts that are not yours. Unfortunately, identity theft occurs regularly and credit reports often contain inaccurate information. As you review, create a list or spreadsheet so you can organize your accounts by date and make notes.

Repair Delinquencies

Above all, continue to pay bills on time, which will show lenders that you now manage your finances effectively and and have begun to work on repairing past credit mistakes.

Everyone has fallen on bad luck in the past, and you may have old delinquencies haunting you. Collections, reposessions and foreclosures will fall off of your credit report seven years from when the situation occurred. Credit reports show payment history on open accounts spanning the past 24 months. If your delinquencies lie within months of the drop-off dates, wait until those items disappear before applying for more credit.

If the delinquencies occurred within the past 24 months or on a paid closed account, contact the lender with a letter of goodwill. Explain the circumstances that resulted in missed or late payments, and request that the lender update the reporting to remove the delinquencies. If your account is in good standing, the lender may take you up on that request; after all, you are a valued customer.

If you are currently past due on accounts facing collections action, contact the lender to work out a payment arrangement. Original lenders would rather receive full payment from you than the percentage they might receive from a collections agency.

If an account has already gone to collections, arrange a pay for delete agreement. Write to the collector offering to pay all or a portion of the balance due in exchange for removal of the collection record from your credit report. Some collection agencies respond favorably to this strategy. Depending on the age of the collection, you can usually pay less than the full balance.

Dispute Inaccuracies

If you discovered inaccurate information or possible instances of identity theft in your credit file, dispute the incorrect information as permitted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Mail or email your dispute to the credit reporting agency. The reporting agencies will investigate your query. If they deem the information truly incorrect, they will remove the record(s) from your credit report.

Tags: your credit report, credit report, your credit, your credit, your credit, contact lender, copy your

Start A Profitable Computer Repair Shop

If you spent countless hours learning work on computers and have a passion for it, you may want to consider starting a computer repair business. Computer repair businesses can be started with a small amount of capital; however, computer repair business owners must be experts at troubleshooting software issues, managing business affairs, delivering exceptional customer service and time management.

Instructions

1. Get certified. Certification is not a requirement to perform computer repairs. However, being certified adds to business credibility. Many customers that come into your computer repair business will not inquire about the certification of you or your staff. However, business clients will often want proof that your small business is competent.

2. Pick a name for the business. The name should state what you do. For example, business names like Computer Doctor or McKinley Computer Repair Shop inform potential customers about your services.

3. Determine your target market. A target market consists of people who are potential customers. Knowing this information allows you to market your services directly to the people that need them. You may choose to pursue business clients or you may decide to market services to the general public.

4. Select business location. Consider your target market. If your customers will be primarily businesses, a location in the city around other businesses would be an ideal location for your computer repair business. However, if your customer base will be home owners, you may decide to operate out of your home and make service calls when customers contact you.

5. Set repair rates. Determine the hourly labor rates that will be charged for repairs. Shop rates are charged when customers bring hardware to the business location. Field rates are charged when computer repair technicians go to businesses or homes to make repairs. In general, shop rates are lower than field rates.

6. Get business license. Go to your local city hall or courthouse and complete the necessary paper work. You may be charged a small fee.

7. Open the business and begin promoting your computer repair services. Advertise in the local newspaper, on the radio and in any other media that reaches your target market.

8. Treat customers well. Address any customer concerns quickly. Be honest with customers. Do not avoid them when unforeseen problems occur. Doing so will cause you to get a bad reputation.

Tags: computer repair, computer repair business, repair business, target market, your target market, your computer

Repair A Scratch On A Glass Table

Disguise a scratch on a glass table with clear nail polish.

A glass top table adds a modern element to any room in the home. Unfortunately, glass is susceptible to scratch marks that occur with the daily use of a dining table or from collectibles that scratch an end table. Scratch marks fill with dirt and dust, leaving ugly, skinny tendrils on the glass surface. To repair the scratches, you need to fill the marks so dirt cannot embed into the blemishes, marring your table top. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe dust and dirt from within the scratch with a damp cloth. Dig deep into the scratch to remove embedded dirt. Dry the area with a clean cloth.

2. Apply clear nail polish to the scratch. Wipe off excess nail polish from the brush by wiping it against the top of the nail polish bottle. Start at one end of the scratch and slowly brush the nail polish into the blemish. Add more nail polish to the brush if needed to fill the scratch flush with the glass table top. Allow the nail polish to dry for 30 minutes.

3. Place your index finger inside a clean cloth and wet the end of your finger with nail polish remover. Glide your finger slowly next to the scratch, removing excess nail polish from the glass table. Wipe on both sides of the scratch. Allow the glass top 24 hours to dry before cleaning.

4. Spray a glass cleaner over the table top. Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.

Tags: nail polish, glass table, clean cloth, clear nail, clear nail polish, excess nail, excess nail polish

Get Free Block Grants For Home Improvement

Block grants are grants given by the federal government to fund various programs. There are grants that pay for home improvements, but since eligibility requirements vary from state to state, you're going to need to do some research. Then, if you meet whatever eligibility requirements there are, you can get whatever home improvements you need. Soon you can have the money to fix up your home.

Instructions

1. Go to the official HUD (Housing and Urban Development) website and look at the information under "Home Improvements." There you can find information about "Federal Loan Programs," "Community Based Programs" and "Consumer Information." There is also a link that helps you find information on a state-by-state basis.

2. Visit the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) website to find out information about home improvement grants. There you can find out all the information you need about applying for USDA home improvement grants.

3. Contact your local housing agency to find out about grant programs in your area. You could be required to receive a home inspection and an interview as part of their application process, since it is up to the inspector to decide if your home is in need of repair for health or safety reasons.

Tags: find information, eligibility requirements, find information about, home improvement, home improvement grants, home improvements

Diy Deck Repair

Deck repairs are often necessary after several years of use.

Decks are exposed to a large amount of abuse from rain, ice and snow throughout the year. Regular sealing of the deck is necessary to prevent rotting of the wood. Nonetheless, it is only a matter of time before the deck will need to be repaired. Rotting wood and broken railings will need to be replaced. It is possible to cut out old boards and replace them if necessary, and wobbly posts can be secured. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cracked or Rotted Boards

1. Check for cracked boards visually, or test for rotted wood by poking a nail into the wood. If it sinks into the wood easily, without a hammer, the wood is rotted.

2. Peak through the floorboards to find the joints of the deck. Make a line at the front of the joints for cutting.

3. Set the jigsaw cutting depth to the thickness of the board and cut through the wood. Remove the cracked wood from the deck.

4. Cut a piece of lumber to act as a cleat. Drill three holes into it, one in the left end, one in the right and one in the middle. Place the cleat on the deck joist and nail it into place. This gives the new board support.

5. Set the new board on top of the cleat and hammer it into place using 3-inch deck screws.

Secure Posts

6. Drill two half-inch holes through the posts and the frame of the deck. Offset the holes to prevent splitting the post. Angle the holes downward to prevent hitting joists underneath the deck.

7. Place 1/2-inch carriage bolts into the holes. Tap them in with a hammer.

8. Cut wood blocks that fit between the joists underneath the deck. Hammer the board between the joists. These boards prevent your deck from wobbling.

9. Nail the wood blocks into place using three 16d deck nails. Do this for each row.

Tags: into place, between joists, hammer wood, into place using, into wood, joists underneath, joists underneath deck

Remove Rust From A Mobile Home Roof

Mobile home roofs don't rust with proper maintenance.

Many mobile homes have metal corrugated roofs with raised ridges. Although these roof's are fairly durable, they require periodic sealing to protect from moisture. If the proper maintenance is not performed, water stands on the metal and corrodes it, causing rust spots. To remove the rust form a mobile home roof, sand it down. After rust removal, applying sealant prevents rust form forming again. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Insert a wire wheel brush into a drill, just as you do any drill bit.

2. Put on safety glasses to protect yourself from injury and press the trigger on the drill. Hold the wire wheel at an angle and lower it until it touches the rusty surface. Move it slowly over the rusted area until it is smooth to the touch.

3. Place an 80-grit sandpaper onto a sanding block and sand the surface of the rusty area to further smooth it out. After sanding for 1 to 2 minutes, remove the sandpaper and replace it with a 120 grit. Repeat the process, sanding an additional one to two minutes.

4. Fill a bucket with a gallon of hot water and 2 to 3 tsp. of dish soap. Dip a scrub brush into the water and use it to scrub away any dirt and grease from the surface of the entire mobile home roof.

5. Rinse the roof off with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely.

6. Open a can of metal roof primer that is high in zinc. Dip a paintbrush into the can and paint over the entire area where the rust was. Extend the primer out 1 inch beyond the perimeter of the repair spot. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.

7. Pour a galvanized iron primer into a paint tray. Dip a paint roller with an extension handle into the primer and apply a single coat over the entire surface of the roof to seal it.

Tags: brush into, into paint, over entire, proper maintenance, rust form, wire wheel

Online Appliance Repair Courses

Online appliance repair courses

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the 2011 outlook for home appliance repairers, also known as appliance repair technicians, projects a steady source of excellent job opportunities. Appliance repair techs install and service home appliances such as refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves, ranges and ice makers. In addition to basic mechanical understanding of drives, belts, fans, motors, switches and gears, techs now require training in electronic diagnostics. Online courses in appliance repair offer a great opportunity to train yourself and start your own business in this field.

Uncle Harry's Appliance Repair Shop

Uncle Harry's Appliance Repair Shop offers online appliance repair courses complete with manuals, instructions and videos. Uncle Harry's training includes automatic clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, ranges, ovens and cooktops, dishwashers, microwaves, garbage disposals and on-demand hot water taps. Uncle Harry's courses also include details on starting a home appliance repair business. Pricing varies depending on the inclusion of tools, CD-ROMS and hard copies of manuals. Payment plans are available.

Uncle Harry's Appliance Repair Shop

Raker Appliance Repair Professionals, Inc.

13831 Redcoat L.

Phoenix, MD 21131

410-592-7749

rakerappliancerepair.com

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School offers an online, self-paced appliance repair course culminating in a repair technician certification. Penn Foster's curriculum includes using electrical tools and testers, repairing heating appliances and fans, ranges, water heaters, washing machines, and working with dishwashers, trash compactors, garbage disposals, clothes dryers and other small, motor-driven appliances. Penn Foster's courses prepare students to work in repair shops or start their own businesses. Tuition includes books, lessons, equipment, learning aids and online support.

Penn Foster Career School

Student Services Center

P.O. Box 1900

Scranton, PA 18501

570-961-4033 or 800-275-4410

pennfoster.com

Acme How To.com

Acme How To.com is an online resource that offers extensive online training and step-by-step troubleshooting and repair instructions for home appliances. Acme How To's free training includes detailed guides on clean and repair dishwashers, dryers, ice makers, freezers, ovens, ranges, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers and trash compactors. Acme does not offer any certification, but is a great online resource for someone to train themselves in appliance repair at their own pace and without enrolling in a formal course.

Acme How To.com

Acme Parts.com, Inc.

211 Colorado Ave.

Palo Alto, CA 94301

650-325-6450

acmehowto.com

Tags: Penn Foster, Uncle Harry, Appliance Repair, appliance repair, Appliance Repair Shop, Career School, clothes washers

About Home Equity Loans For Disabled People

About Home Equity Loans for Disabled People

Home equity loans are second mortgages against your home. If a person with disabilities has the income to support the loan, there should be no problem obtaining a loan. However, if you feel you need special help or you're being discriminated against because you have a disability, there is help for you. There are also certain loans that you can obtain to convert certain aspects of your home to make it easier for you to function.

Seek Help to Find a Loan

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a service called housing counseling. These are HUD-approved agencies that charge little or nothing to help disabled persons, among others, with their housing and mortgage needs. There are several of these agencies in each state. Find yours through Resources below.

Federal Grants and CILs

Some municipalities offer some federal grant money to low-income households through the Community Reinvestment Act. Contact city hall to see if your municipality participates. This money is generally for purchasing a home, but if you need to make renovations to accommodate your disability--such as ramps or larger doorways--check and see if your city or town will allow you to apply.

The Center for Independent Living also has programs to help people with disabilities. Their many programs include assisting in finding loans and development of barrier-free living. They also will help you find local, state and national programs if you qualify. You can find a state-by-state directory in Resources below.

Don't Allow Discrimination

The Fair Housing Act states that a lender cannot make it hard or impossible for a person with a disability to get housing due to her disability. She may not meet the criteria for a loan, but she can't be denied just because of a disability. A lender also cannot require someone to pay higher fees or meet more stringent criteria because of a disability.

Many disabled people own their own home and have enough income to qualify for a home equity loan. If you are one of these people and you have good to excellent credit, you should go to your bank and apply for the home equity loan. If you are turned down, make sure to get an explanation--in writing--from the lender as to why. If the lender can't provide the letter of explanation, you should report this to HUD.

The Home Choice Program

A Fannie Mae program called "Home Choice" provides funding for low-income and disabled people. It features a very low down payment requirement and pays most closing costs. Although this is a first mortgage, there is a possibility that you can refinance your first mortgage with this program and add the extra funds you need instead of taking out a home equity loan. Most local lenders have access to this program. You can go online to the Fannie Mae website at http://www.fanniemae.com or have the lender go on to find out more information.

Social Security

The Social Security Administration has programs for disabled people, called the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs. If you are eligible for the SSI program, you may be able to receive funds based on your need. Although this may not be in the form of a loan, it may increase your income enough to qualify for one.

There are many other organizations that are dedicated to helping disabled citizens get the information and services they need. The National Disability Institute is one whose main goal is to help people with disabilities build healthy financial futures. You can find it at http"//www.ndi-inc.org and get more information on how it can help.

Tags: equity loan, home equity loan, Social Security, with disabilities, About Home, About Home Equity

Do It Yourself Maytag Dryer Repair

Repairing your Maytag dryer yourself can be relatively simple for most people. By making your own dryer repairs, you can save a lot of money on repair bills or purchasing a new dryer. When doing your own dryer repairs it's important to follow safety precautions to prevent possible injury. Does this Spark an idea?

Repair Dryer Belt

One of the most common problems experienced with dryers is that the dryer belt that operates the drum will become worn or broken. When this occurs, the dryer will appear to function normally but will fail to tumble.

Repairing the dryer belt usually requires that you disassemble the dryer to access both the drum and the pulley system that operates the dryer belt. Consult your owner's manual to find out the correct method to disassemble the parts of your Maytag dryer, and follow the instructions for the correct method to reattach to the pulley system.

Dryer belt repairs can generally be done in a couple of hours.

Repair Squeaking Dryers

To repair dryer squeaks, it will be necessary to remove the back service panel from your dryer to inspect the condition of the pulley system that operates the dryer belt.

Over time, the pulleys can become worn, which can cause them to rub against the pulley arm, causing the dryer to squeak.

To fix this this dryer problem, you will disassemble the dryer to access the pulley system. Replace worn or damaged parts and replace lubricant as necessary.

Repair Dryer Glides

In some cases, dryer glides can become worn and cause the drum to not spin evenly. This problem can cause your dryer to mysteriously eat clothing or tear holes in items during the dryer cycle.

To repair dryer glides, disassemble the dryer and remove the drum to find the dryer glides, which are often toward the front or middle of the drum. Inspect dryer glides for signs of extreme wear, and replace if necessary.

Repair Non-Heating Dryers

Another common problem with dryers is that they will stop heating during the drying cycle.

One reason a dryer stops heating is a buildup of excess lint in the dryer exhaust. Remove the front panel of the dryer and use a vacuum to remove lint buildup inside the dryer, then vacuum any lint buildup from the exhaust leading out of the dryer.

Another cause for dryers not heating can be a faulty heating element. Consult the owner's manual to locate the heating element, typically in the rear of the dryer. To test for heating-element malfunction, use an electrical tester purchased from a home-improvement store.

Safety Precautions

When making any dryer repair, it's important to follow safety precautions and unplug the dryer from the power source. This safety measure is especially important when dealing with electrical wiring. For repair of gas-powered dryers, make sure gas supply lines are shut off and pilot lights are extinguished before making any repairs to your dryer.

Tags: your dryer, pulley system, become worn, disassemble dryer, dryer belt

Easy Way To Roof Over A Flat Mobile Home Roof

Sheet-metal roofovers are an effective way to re-roof a mobile home without ever exposing the inside of the building to the elements. Installed over the existing roof, roofovers can add beauty and extra thermal protection while leaving the integrity of the original roof intact. The procedure can be done by the homeowner with fairly common hand tools. Kits are available from metal roofing companies that will provide all the sheet metal, metal shapes, gasket materials and screws needed to complete the job. Does this Spark an idea?

Purlins

Purlins are long boards, usually treated 1-inch-by-4-inch boards at least 8 feet long, that act as supports for the new roof and as a spacer to allow an airspace between the new roof and the old. This airspace acts as insulation from solar heating by allowing hot air to escape and fresh, cooler air to be drawn in. Lay a purlin down lengthwise (horizontal) along the roof starting at the bottom edge. Screw the purlin down to every rafter it crosses with two screws. Place the next purlin in series, end to end, and screw it down. Continue to the end of the roof then move over 24 inches and start another run of purlins. Continue until the whole roof is stripped with the purlins.

Roofing

Metal roofing material comes in a variety of shapes and colors. From ribbed and colored to corrugated galv-alum, there is an appropriate style for any situation. Roofing will come in sheets that are factory cut to length. Lay the roofing across (side to side) the roof starting at one end and square with the building. Lay out and interlock the first three sheets of roofing to check for runout, then screw the first sheet down to the purlins. Remove the second and third sheets and apply the rubber gasket material to the leading edge of the first sheet. Position the second sheet and screw it down to the purlins and along the overlapping rib section. Repeat until the whole roof is covered.

Finishing

Gutters, soffit metal and ridge caps (if applicable) go on last and provide the final waterproofing and the finished look of the roof. Soffit metal helps cover any rough edges or raw wood that may need to be hidden. Ridge caps are used only on pitched roofs, not flat roofs, though mobile homes rarely have completely flat roofs. The pitch, however slight, sheds water down the metal sheeting. Attach the gutters below the edge of the roof anywhere that you need to divert water shedding off the roof.

Tags: down purlins, first sheet, flat roofs, purlin down, roof starting

Buy A Preforeclosure

Buy a home cheap during pre-foreclosure

Save money on a home purchase by finding a pre-foreclosure home to buy. Pre-foreclosure homes are also known as a short sale. The owners of pre-foreclosure homes are in default on their current mortgages. The current owner and the mortgage holder are trying to avoid foreclosure by selling the home for less than the current mortgage balance owed. A short sale is quicker for the mortgage holder by avoiding months of legal proceedings involved in foreclosure, allowing you to purchase your dream home at a discount.

Instructions

1. Obtain a letter of credit from your financial institution by arranging financing before making an offer on a pre-foreclosure home. A letter of credit helps you to know what your financial limits are when making offers and shows real estate agents and mortgage holders that your offers are to be taken seriously.

2. Find a real estate agent who will keep track of new pre-foreclosure listings and price reductions and notify you immediately so you can submit timely offers on pre-foreclosure homes.

3. Inspect the pre-foreclosure home prior to making an offer to buy. These homes are usually sold as is. Take contractors through the house to give you estimates on any necessary repairs.

4. Check with the town or city to find out what the property taxes will be, if there are any assessments, easements or public accesses that you need to be aware of before making a purchase offer.

5. Complete a purchase and sales agreement with your real estate agent to submit to the seller and their mortgage holder. Be sure to attach your letter of credit from your financial institution. If two similar offers are received, the one with the letter of credit will be accepted over the offer without the letter.

Tags: letter credit, mortgage holder, pre-foreclosure home, real estate, your financial

Repair Porcelain Enamel In Self Cleaning Oven Walls

Use porcelain enamel repair liquid to repair chips and cracks in ovens.

Self-cleaning oven walls are coated with a factory finish of a baked on porcelain enamel. Repair chips or small cracks to oven wall porcelain enamel with porcelain enamel repair liquid intended for high heat appliances and fireplaces. Porcelain enamel repair liquid comes in a bottle with a built-in brush applicator similar to a bottle of nail polish. Enamel repair liquid is available at appliance, discount, hardware and home improvement stores. The repair liquid is available in do it yourself repair kits or sold separately. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the area to be repaired with a sponge dampened with oven cleaner. Bits of grease or food debris can cause the porcelain enamel repair liquid to refuse adhesion to the exposed steel beneath the chip or the porcelain enamel surface of the oven wall.

2. Dry the chip/cracked area with a paper towel. The oven wall, like some bathtubs and washing machine drums, consists of a painted finish and steel. According to the Friendly Plumber website, porcelain enamel is baked onto a steel foundation. Porcelain enamel resists high heat and is easy to clean.

3. Unscrew the lid of the high heat porcelain enamel repair solution. According to Find a Fix website, high heat porcelain enamel repair liquid requires no mixing. Porcelain enamel repair liquid is available in a variety of colors. Choose a color to match the interior of your self-cleaning oven.

4. Hold the cap which has an attached brush applicator and paint the crack or chip with the porcelain enamel repair liquid. Completely cover the chip or crack. If the chip is deep, you will need to apply multiple layers to make the repair area level with the porcelain enamel surface of the self-cleaning oven wall. Allow each layer of repair liquid to completely dry before applying another layer. Wipe any repair liquid drips away with a damp paper towel.

5. Allow the porcelain enamel repair liquid to dry about three hours before operating the oven. Read the high heat porcelain enamel repair solution packaging carefully as some repair liquids require a longer drying and/or curing/bonding time.

Tags: repair liquid, porcelain enamel, porcelain enamel repair, enamel repair, enamel repair liquid, high heat, enamel repair

Doit Yourself Pool Tile Repair

If your pool tile cracks or breaks off, you can repair it yourself, but before replacing it, you need to determine why the damage occurred in the first place. The most common reasons tile pops off or breaks is either water getting behind it or pressure from the coping due to deck and ground movement. This pressure is also usually caused by water getting into the expansion joint or under the coping stones. Does this Spark an idea?

Finding the Source of the Problem

Check the sealant in the expansion joint between the coping and the deck. If there are voids in the sealant or if it has pulled loose, you will need to reseal it to avoid future damage. Make sure the coping grout is in good shape and that no water can seep under the coping and behind the tile.

In cold winter areas any moisture behind the tile freezes and expands, breaking or popping it off. Even in warmer climates, the water can weaken the bond between the tile and wall, and eventually, it will come off.

Preparing for New Tile

Use a hammer and chisel to remove any broken bits of tile and setting bed. You need a clean, dry flat surface to insure a good bond for the new tile. Inspect the bond beam for cracks that might be responsible for the tile breaking. Seal any cracks with silicone sealer to prevent more damage. If the crack extends behind tiles that are still in place, remove them until you find the end of the crack or you will be replacing more tile in the near future.

Applying the New Setting Bed

If you find cracks in the bond beam, use silicone for the new setting bed. It is flexible even after it sets up and will absorb some of the stress from any further movement in a cracked bond beam. If the bond beam is sound, you can use thin set for the setting bed. Apply a thin even coat of the setting material with a notched trowel to create ridges that will grab the new tile and hold it.

Setting and Grouting New Tile

Press the new tile firmly into the setting bed. Leave a 1/8-inch space between each tile for grouting. Make sure the new tile is flush and level with the surrounding tiles. If the tile on the vertical wall slips down out of alignment, use duct tape to hold it in place until it sets. Allow the tile and the new setting bed to dry overnight.

Use a grouting mixture of two parts Portland cement and one part fine white sand, or buy a premixed grout. Avoid grout with calcium carbonate. It will leach out when the tile gets wet and can form a deposit on the tile. Spread the grout and press it into the joints along each side and the bottom of the tile with a grouting trowel, making sure there are no voids.

If you suspect movement of the coping stones has caused the tile to pop off, use silicone grouting on the top joint between the coping and the top of the tile to form a flexible joint. Smooth this joint before the silicone drys. After all the grout has dried for an hour, use a wet sponge to remove any film on the tiles and clean them up.

Tags: bond beam, behind tile, between coping, coping deck, coping stones

Plant Grass Seed In Georgia

Many types of grass grows well in the acid-based soil of Georgia.

There are two climate zones in Georgia. From Atlanta north is Zone is 8, where tall fescue grass grows well.In Zone 9, from Atlanta south, carpet grass grows best. Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass grow well throughout the state. Bermuda grass dominates the majority of the state because it is able to withstand drought conditions, low or high fertility, full sun and high humidity and survives cold temperatures. According to the website Seedland: Grasses in Georgia, the soil is mostly acid based and low in fertility. Lime usually is applied to lawns to improve growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Correct soil temperature is critical for seed germination.

Check the soil temperature. Bermuda grass requires soil temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees. Tall fescue requires soil temperatures of 50 to 65 degrees, with daytime temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees.

2. Measure the part of your lawn to be seeded.

Measure the part of your lawn to be seeded. Make notes about conditions by asking a series of questions: Is the lawn sunny or shady; does the lawn drain well? Will drainage need to be installed? Will an irrigation system be installed? Does the soil need amendments? Will trees, shrubs, or flower beds be planted? Will sidewalks be added?

3. Always plan that some seeds will not germinate and buy more than you need.

Figure the square footage of the lawn to buy the correct quantity of seeds. Buy and plant extra seeds for a thick ground-cover.

4. Take a soil sample from five or six different areas of your lawn to your local county agent. The test will show what type fertilizer to buy and whether your lawn needs added elements.

5. The soil must be broken up and amendments added.

Kill existing weeds and grass if you are starting from scratch. Till the lawn and prepare the proper slope to allow water to run off gently. According to the Grassing website, the ideal lawn has a slope of 1 to 2 foot drop per 100 feet. This is a 1 to 2 degree slope.

6. Lawns must be kept moist until seedlings are well established.

Add organic amendments and/or top soil based on the results of your soil tests. Spread fertilizer and till the soil again. This would be the time to install irrigation or sidewalks, if desired.

7. Rake or drag the lawn area until it is smooth and level with the top 2 inches of soil being very fine. Use a commercial turf grass planter or hand-held broadcast seeder to sow half of the seed purchased. Sow the seed in one direction.

8. Plant the second half of your seed by walking in a direction 90 degrees to the first planting, according to the Grassing website. Rake or drag the seeded area to cover the seed about one-quarter inch with fine soil. Drag a piece of chain-link fence behind a lawnmower to accomplish this.

9. Water your lawn. Apply fertilizer at intervals throughout the growing season. Limit walking on the new lawn as much as possible.

10. Mow your lawn 60 to 90 days after the seeds germinate to keep aggressive weeds from choking out the seedlings.

Tags: your lawn, Bermuda grass, grass grows, grass grows well, Grassing website

Take An Ira Hardship Withdrawal

Many people, at one time or another, fall on financial hard times. Unexpected medical bills, lost jobs or other events can lead to financial stress. You might elect to take a hardship withdrawal from your IRA to help you through these tough times. If your plan allows, consider taking a hardship withdrawal from your IRA.

Instructions

1. Check that your particular hardship meets the criteria for a hardship withdrawal offered by your IRA. Some plans, for example, will allow for a hardship only for medical expenses, while others might include college tuition payments or other financial needs.

2. Submit a detailed explanation of your financial hardship to your plan. Provide whatever proof your IRA requires to support your hardship claims.

3. Decide how much money you will need to withdraw from your IRA to satisfy your hardship. A limit is usually set as far as how much you can withdraw from your IRA. Determine if the most you can withdraw will be enough to help you in your particular situation.

4. Consult with your IRA plan representative or a financial or tax adviser about taking a hardship withdrawal prior to making the request. Know all the details of such an action before finalizing the transaction.

Tags: from your, hardship withdrawal, your plan, hardship withdrawal from, taking hardship, taking hardship withdrawal

New Jersey Building Inspector Certification

Building inspectors employed to uphold the New Jersey Building Code require legal certification in New Jersey. Employers of building inspectors prefer them to have a mixture of practical knowledge of the building trade and formal education.

Duties of a Building Inspector

It is the duty of a building inspector to examine buildings, highways, streets, sewers, water systems and other structures to ensure that their condition complies with building regulations. In New Jersey, they ensure that the construction and alteration of all structures meet the standards of the New Jersey Building Code.

Certification in New Jersey

Home or building inspectors in New Jersey must complete 140 hours of education at a government-approved center before applying for a position. They must also spend 40 hours shadowing a currently licensed inspector as part of their training. For information on becoming licenced, an applicant must contact the Home Inspection Advisory Committee in Newark.

How is Certification Granted?

Certification is granted via the submission of training documents and papers to the Construction Code Element of the Division of Housing. The Division of Housing--who grants the license--is located in the Department of Community Affairs.

Tags: Jersey Building, Building Code, Building Inspector, ensure that, Jersey Building Code

Install An Onepiece Tub Surround In A Mobile Home

A bath is one of life's simple pleasures, and a new tub surround makes it better.

Over time, your old tub and shower enclosure can age, getting brittle and cracked. It may discolor, or simply look old. You can replace your tub surround in your mobile home simply with a one-piece surround that eliminates joints where mold can grow and water damage may sneak in. Just make sure to measure your tub enclosure carefully before purchasing a new surround, and make sure it will fit in your door as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shut off your water before beginning. Spread a heavy towel or other protective cloth over the inside of your tub and beside the tub, to protect these surfaces.

2. Remove all shower and tub hardware. Pry the plastic covers off the faucets; loosen screws underneath to detach faucets. Unscrew both tub spout and shower head; some may have small screws attaching them, but others will simply unscrew counterclockwise, turning the spout or head itself. Use a pipe wrench if necessary.

3. Inspect your current tub surround to determine if there are plastic rivets present; some installations will have plastic rivets, an attachment device with the head on the outside surround surface and an anchoring prong below, along the outside edges of the enclosure. Use a drill and fine drill bit to remove them, or pry them up with an old knife.

4. Use a utility knife to carefully cut through caulking seams along the outer edge of the old tub surround. Loosen thoroughly, then grab or use a pry bar to break it free from the wall. Remove the old tub surround completely.

5. Measure the openings for any hardware removed before tearing out the old surround. Use a piece of cardboard from the new surround's shipping box to transfer the measurements; this will serve as a template to mark your new surround for these items.

6. Set your new tub tub surround into place in a dry run: you will not glue and attach it yet. Ask a helper to assist you by holding it in place while you transfer the faucet and hardware template onto the surround. Pull the edge of the surround out from the wall, looking behind, to make sure your template lines up with the hardware openings. Drill the holes out with a drill and a hole saw bit.

7. Mark the top and edges of the surround with a pencil to use as a guide for final placement. Remove the surround after marking hardware location and edges.

8. Spread glue for attaching the surround within the outlines marked. Use a construction adhesive or specially formulated surround glue, applying with a caulk gun or notched trowel, according to product instructions. Avoid using too much glue, especially around the edges, where it will squeeze out. A thin bead or layer works best.

9. Set your new surround into place, pushing it down firmly against the bathtub to avoid gaps. Push the surround against the wall and hold firmly for a minute, then pull the edges back out from the wall again to air out the glue. Wait 2 or 3 minutes, then push in place firmly again. Double check that it is still tight against the tub edge.

10. Rub the walls down firmly and thoroughly to ensure good contact and firm grip. Repeat every few minutes for the next hour or 2 to make sure everything stays adhered and smooth.

11. Dry the surround in place for at least 24 hours. Replace all faucets and hardware, using old or new fixtures as desired. Complete by spreading a thin bead of silicone or caulk around the outer edges of your new tub surround and every fixture installed.

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House Cleaning Guidelines

Prioritizing and scheduling house cleaning tasks will make these jobs less of a chore.

House cleaning is a chore most people would like to forget. However, you can minimize hassles and maximize your efforts with simple organization, a well-planned schedule and a year-round strategy for larger jobs. Does this Spark an idea?

Organize and Prioritize Tasks

Before getting started, keep a well-stocked supply of cleaning products, such as glass and multipurpose cleaners, scrub brush and mop. To limit chemical exposure, consider using natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. Make high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, living room and entry hall, priorities over nonpublic places like bedrooms.

Schedule

A well-planned schedule will focus house-cleaning tasks. As a guideline, high-priority areas should be cleaned weekly, and family members should keep these rooms picked up and organized; for example, coats should be hung in closets and books stacked on shelves. Also assign weekly one area of the house for deeper cleaning; that way, lower-profile rooms like bedrooms and laundries are also kept tidy.

Seasonal Tips

Let the seasons be your guide for scheduling larger cleaning projects. Plan a traditional spring cleaning and sort through attics, basements and closets --- areas that we use as catchalls for odds and ends. At the start of summer, clean the garden shed and garage; in fall, weatherize your house for winter and stock the pantry with holiday favorites.

Tags: like bedrooms, well-planned schedule

Do It Yourself House Leveling

Most floor sagging occurs beneath load-bearing walls.

Over time, your home's structural support system can settle, causing the floors to sag and making it difficult to open and close doors. Typically, this occurs in the center of the home where floor joists can settle downward, and while it can happen with any type of foundation, it's more common in homes that sit on crawl spaces than it is in homes with full basements. With house jacks, you can lift the sagging floor joists back to their original height. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Pinpoint the Problem

1. Position a laser level on the floor in the center of a room, facing a corner. Make a mark on the wall where the laser dot appears.

2. Rotate the level, without moving it to the side, and make additional marks in the center of the wall and again in the opposite corner. Repeat this for all the walls in the room.

3. Measure from the floor to each mark on the wall. Where you have a higher mark, the floor beneath is sagging. For example, if the mark on one corner of the room measures 3 1/2 inches from the floor and the opposite corner measures 3 inches from the floor, the floor in the first corner is 1/2 inch lower than the floor in the second corner.

4. Locate the floor joists directly below the lowest spots in the floor. This is usually beneath a load-bearing wall, where the pressure on the floor joists is the heaviest.

Position the House Jacks

5. Place a house jack on a concrete pad directly beneath the sagging joist. If the crawl space has a concrete floor, that is sufficient. Otherwise, you can purchase precast concrete pads, or you can pour a concrete pad in place. Whichever method you choose, the pad should be at least 4-by-4 feet in diameter and 4 inches thick.

6. Raise the house jack, which is a screw-type jack, until the top of the jack is within 2 inches of the floor joist.

7. Position a 6-by-6-inch, 1-inch-thick steel plate between the top of the jack and the floor joist and raise the jack until the plate is snug against the joist. Without the steel plate, the top of the jack would penetrate the joist.

8. Place a 20-ton hydraulic jack next to the house jack and raise the top of the jack just as you did with the house jack. Use another steel plate between the jack and the floor joist. House jacks don't have quite the lift power of a hydraulic jack.

Level the House

9. Raise the hydraulic jack very slowly and go upstairs, or, better yet, have an additional worker upstairs who can continuously check the laser level to determine if the lower section of the floor is rising.

10. Lift the joist no more than 1/4 inch or less, at a time, waiting a few hours or a day between lifting sessions. This reduces the risk of cracked walls.

11. Raise the house jack until the plate is tight against the floor joist. Now, you can lower the hydraulic jack and leave the house jack in place.

12. Repeat the process if you have additional sagging spots in the floor.

Tags: house jack, floor joist, floor joists, hydraulic jack, from floor, jack until, steel plate

How Far Should A Bbq Grill Be Placed From The House

Observe fire safety laws for barbecuing

Barbecuing enthusiasts love the smell and taste of a fresh barbecue as long as the smoke does not travel inside of the house. Besides the smoke, fire safety is a major concern when it comes to how close to position a barbecue to a house. An open area that is a good distance from the house is a safe, worry-free way to enjoy cooking at your backyard barbecue. Does this Spark an idea?

Location

The New York City Fire Department recommends using a charcoal grill at least 10 feet away from a building. In fact, it declares barbecuing is illegal if this clearance is not observed along with immediate access to a working garden hose.

For propane or gas barbecue grills, the safest place to use them is on the ground, away from patios, decks, terraces or roofs. The New York City Fire Department also cites breaking this rule as an illegal violation of the city's fire codes.

The 10-foot recommended distance is a safe standard to apply anywhere. This distance would, of course, increase but never decrease, especially when the barbecue area is near shrubbery and trees. The recommended distance of a barbecue grill from a house keeps this open flame source at a safe distance and prevents the fire from catching onto a flammable part of the house.

Barbecue Grill Styles

Choose between purchasing a barbecue grill and building a barbecue grill pit in the backyard. Choosing a barbecue grill is a matter of convenience and taste preference. Charcoal grills infuse the foods with that authentic grill taste as it cooks on the natural flame but with the added preparation and cleanup of the charcoal.

Gas grills are quick and easy to set up and cook on, and the numerous styles to choose from make it relatively easy to find the right one that complements your backyard design. Since the grill does not use traditional charcoal and the flame is fed by gas, the food does not have as much of a grilled flavor as food cooked on a charcoal grill.

Constructing a barbecue pit in the backyard using brick or stone makes a permanent, stationery grill that you can depend on for many years. The barbecue pit uses charcoal briquettes, or you can have a gas grill insert installed in a barbecue pit custom-built to its specifications.

The common hazard of all of these grill types is the fire. Strategically positioning the grill to be close enough, yet far enough away, from the house will remove the worry of a potential fire hazard.

Cooking on Even Heat

Prior to placing the food on the grill, tame the fire down to a low flame that heats up the charcoal until it turns red. Cook the food over these hot coals until it is cooked thoroughly inside and out. When it is time to rejuvenate the flame, remove the food and add more charcoal. Ignite the fire to reach a high flame and maintain a consistent flame until the new charcoal briquettes are fully lit. Processing the grilled food over hot coals with a low flame minimizes the fire hazards associated with barbecuing.

Putting out the Fire

Smother the fire after grilling the last food. The charcoal briquettes will continue to burn, and throwing water on them will only generate a lot of soot-laden steam. Cover the charcoal, and close the vents. For an open barbecue grill, just allow the charcoal to burn out.

Start your barbecue early in the day so that there is enough time left at the end of the day to watch the cold charcoal burn out. If you have to leave it overnight, ensure it is contained in the grill and that there is adequate clearance from anything in the area that is combustible.

Tags: barbecue grill, away from, charcoal briquettes, from house, area that, charcoal burn, charcoal grill

Fix A Tv Antenna

Are you having trouble accessing channels or are you seeing fuzzy images on your TV? Is your sound quality distorted and unclear? You probably have signal problems. Use these troubleshooting and repair tips to solve your antenna problems, restore quality signals and get the best picture and sound possible.

Instructions

1. Check the connection from your antenna to your converter box and make sure the cables are correctly set. Check the connection from your TV to the converter box. Make sure the TV is set to channel 3 or 4 to detect the signals.

2. Replace your RF cable from your antenna to your TV if it looks corroded or worn-out. Corroded and worn-out cables prevent the transmission of signals.

3. Adjust the antenna position if the signals are still weak. The higher the antenna, the more strongly it will detect the signals. At least 30 feet high is recommended. Try scanning your channels now.

4. Install a signal booster between your antenna and your converter box. The signal booster strengthens the signal at your antenna before it reaches the converter box. Ask for help at your local electronic store on different makes and models.

5. Keep your indoor antenna close to the window to strengthen the signals sent to your converter box. Keep it far from fluorescent lights and computers, which interfere with the transmission signals.

Tags: your antenna, your converter, antenna your, from your, your antenna your, antenna your converter, Check connection