The nature of wheel wells make them ideal targets for rust.
The wheel wheel -- the housing around a vehicle's wheels -- is a prime area for rust. Whether the wheel is on an automobile, buggy or lawnmower, dirt and debris shoots up from the wheel, and by design, become lodged on the surface of the wheel well. Without regular cleaning, moisture can linger on the surface of the wheel well and eventually lead to rust or more severe damage. Repairing wheel well rust before it creates holes in the body of the vehicle is crucial. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Power the vehicle or device off.
2. Scrub the inside of the wheel well vigorously with a wheel well scrub brush, which has long handles to reach around wheels. Focus especially on any areas of large rust build-up.
3. Apply Naval Jelly to the inside of the wheel well. Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area. Allow the Naval Jelly to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe the wheel well completely clean with rags soaked in warm water.
4. Examine the wheel well for remaining rust. Scrape away any excess rust or black flecks with the wheel well scrub brush. Apply more Naval Jelly if necessary.
5. Dry the wheel well with a clean rag. Optionally, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the wheel well to protect against future rust damage.
Crosley produces a line of home appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, freezers, washing machines and dryers. If you purchase a new or used Crosley washer and dryer set you can install the units yourself instead of hiring an installation technician, saving time and money. Installation is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that requires a few basic hand tools and approximately half an hour. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Dryer Installation
1. Place the Crosley dryer in the laundry area in front of the power outlet on the wall and gas outlet, if applicable. Leave enough room to work behind the dryer.
2. Connect the dryer vent hose to the rear vent opening on the lower backside of the dryer.
3. Wrap a hose clamp around the end of the dryer vent hose, where it connects to the vent opening. Connect the slotted end of the hose clamp to the screw end and tighten using a flathead screwdriver. Tighten until secure.
4. Connect the free end of the dryer vent hose to the exterior vent opening on the wall and repeat Step 3 with a second hose clamp around the exterior vent opening and the dryer hose.
5. Turn off the gas line at the main shut off valve in your home. Turn the dryer breaker off in the breaker box in your home.
6. Connect a flexible metal hose approved for gas lines to the gas outlet on the upper rear portion of the dryer. Tighten using a wrench. Line up the threads on the hose with the threads on the dryer gas connector. Skip this step if using an electric Crosley dryer.
7. Connect the other end of the metal hose to the gas outlet behind the dryer and tighten with a wrench. Line up the threads on the hose with the threads on the wall gas connector. Skip this step if using an electric Crosley dryer.
8. Plug the power cord from the dryer into an available power outlet. If using an electric dryer the plug is 240 volt plug; if using a gas dryer the plug is a 120 volt plug.
9. Push the dryer back against the wall, leaving approximately 3 to 6 inches of space between the dryer and the wall.
10. Turn on the gas line at the main shut-off valve in your home. Turn the dryer breaker on in the breaker box in your home.
Washer Installation
11. Place the Crosley washer in the laundry area in front of the hot and cold water hookups. Leave enough room to work behind the washer.
12. Turn the washer breaker off in the breaker box in your home.
13. Connect the end of one washer hose to the hot water hookup on the wall. Connect the other end of the hose to the hot water hookup on the rear of the washer. Tighten both connections using a set of pliers. The hot water hookups should have labels on both the wall and the washer; if not the hot water hookup is usually on the left side of the washer and wall.
14. Connect the end of a second washer hose to the cold water hook up on the wall. Connect the other end of the hose to the cold water hookup on the rear of the washer. Tighten both connections using a set of pliers. The cold water hookups should have labels on both the wall and the washer; if not the cold water hookup is usually on the right side of the washer and wall.
15. Point the end of the washer drain pipe downward and hook it on the edge of the standpipe (if applicable) or edge of the laundry sink (if applicable).
16. Turn on the hot and cold water by twisting both valves counterclockwise fully.
17.Turn the washer breaker on in the breaker box in your home.
Tags: cold water, your home, water hookup, breaker breaker, breaker breaker your, breaker your
Low-income families are faced with a host of different challenges. Feeding, clothing, sheltering and entertaining children can be very difficult on a small or non-existent budget. However, there are numerous government and community resources that have been established to benefit low income families and provide for their basic needs.
Feeding America
Formerly known as Second Harvest, Feeding America is the largest domestic hunger relief charity in the United States. Every year, Feeding America provides free food assistance to more than 25 million low income people in the United States.
To receive food from Feeding America, visit one of their 63,000 networked food banks, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, or after school programs. To find a local Feeding America networked establishment, call 1-800-771-2303 or search by zip code or state on their website, http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx/.
Individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of low income families can make monthly or one-time financial donations to Feeding America online, over the phone, by mail or by wire transfer. For donating instructions, visit their website at http://feedingamerica.org/take-action/donate/other-ways-donate.aspx. Every dollar donated provides nine pounds of food to hungry families in America. Food donations are also accepted at local Feeding America food banks.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international movement of the universal Christian Church. However, every needy American can receive assistance from the Salvation Army, regardless of religious affiliation.
Services offered by the Salvation Army include disaster recovery services, emergency financial assistance, food and nutrition programs, family counseling, transitional housing, emergency shelters, music and arts programs, Church services, and youth camps.
During Christmastime, the Salvation Army stations bell ringers outside popular establishments. These individuals collect donations in bright red containers. The money is then used to provide Christmas dinners, clothing, toys, seasonal aid and basic necessities to needy individuals and families.
Families in need can search for their local Salvation Army location at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org. A search by zip code will reveal all nearby Salvation Army locations and the services they offer. Services may vary depending on location.
Catholic Community Services
Various regions of the United States possess local charities known as Catholic Community Services. These entities are sponsored by local Catholic Diocese but provide for the basic needs of people from every religious background.
Catholic Community Services offers many different types of assistance, including emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, hot prepared meals, and various homeless resources including access to showers, laundry facilities, and haircuts. In some areas, Catholic Community Services may operate a food bank, provide pregnancy or newborn needs, and addiction recovery programs.
The best way for families in need to discover if there is a Catholic Community Services in their area is to conduct a Google search with the word "Catholic Community Services" followed by their location, such as Seattle, Salt Lake City, or New York.
Community Resources
Families who are struggling to clothe their kids or purchase toys on the holidays can benefit from watching the local classifieds. Websites such as Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org) have sections dedicated to items that other people are giving away for free. Used clothes, toys, and even household appliances can be found at no cost.
To find free stuff in your area, shop online classifieds for free sections. Some newsletters, such as The Freecyle Network, allow local groups to share information on local freebies. Find a local group and sign up at http://www.freecycle.org/.
Government Assistance
Although not charities, federal and state government agencies provide assistance to low-income families. Food assistance, medical insurance, and emergency financial support may be available to eligible low income individuals and families.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food stamp benefits on an EBT card that can be used exactly like an ATM card at most grocery stores. Eligibility is primarily determined by the size of the family compared to the family's income. To find out if you are eligible, complete an online screening tool at http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/ or apply at a local SNAP office. Find an office near you by searching at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/map.htm.
Medical and financial programs vary by state. To determine your eligibility, visit your local welfare office.
Tags: Feeding America, Salvation Army, Catholic Community, Catholic Community Services, Community Services, emergency financial, United States
The electronic reader market has sorted its formats out. In the early days, companies chose like Sony, Amazon and Google didn't agree on a universal file format, and not all electronic books were supported by all readers. Sony's early Readers faced this issue, but as of publication, its newer models, like the Reader Touch, or PRS-600, support both ePub and PDF electronic book files. The improved compatibility allows for more choice when downloading books.
Instructions
1. Turn on your Reader and connect it to your PC using the included USB cable. Windows automatically recognizes the device and displays a window with some options for you. Click on "Install eBook Library." Enter your personal information when prompted, choose a directory to install the software to and click "Next" to step through the installation. This software is necessary to transfer files to the Reader and to browse for, pay for and download electronic books.
2. Look for an "eBook Library" icon on your desktop. Depending on the options you chose during the setup in Step One, you may not have a desktop icon for the software. If you don't see an icon, click "Start" and type "eBook Library" into the search bar, or click "All Programs," "Sony," "Reader" and then choose "eBook Library" to launch the program. Click on "eBook Store" on the left-hand side of the screen. The first time you launch eBook Store you will have to register for an account and enter your personal and billing information.
3. Browse through the titles on the eBook Store. You can browse by genre, author name, awards, magazines, bundles and free eBooks. Click on a title to see a plot summary and more information about the title. Free titles are listed with a price tag of "$0". Click the maroon button to download the book to your local eBook Library.
4. Use eBook Library to import books that you've downloaded separate from eBook Store. You can load your Reader with PDF, EPub, plain text (TXT), rich text (RTF) or Word (DOC) files. Click on "File" and then select "Import Files." Locate the files on your hard drive to import them into eBook Library.
5. Click "Purchased" under the "Library" heading in eBook Library to see a list of items that you've purchased from Sony's online store. Click on "Books" to see all of your book files, including titles that were added manually, separate from the Sony eBook Store. Drag files from the right-hand window to "Reader" on the left to copy books to your Reader.
Tags: eBook Library, eBook Store, your Reader, book files, electronic books, from Sony
Your annual income is one of the major factors lenders use in determining whether to approve your mortgage application. The exact amount of income you need for a $140,000 mortgage depends on your interest rate, repayment term and other debt payments. In most cases, you will need between $38,000 and $55,000. However, you might need more if you get a 15-year loan or have lots of other debts.
Debt-to-Income Limits
Your lender uses two major ratios to determine whether a particular mortgage will work with your income. Lenders generally want the ratio of your monthly housing payments to gross monthly income to be no more than 28 percent. Housing payments include mortgage principal and interest, plus property taxes and home-related insurance. Lenders also require that the ratio of your overall debt payments, including housing, to your gross income be no more than 36 percent.
Calculate Your Payment
Your monthly housing payment depends not only on the amount of the mortgage, but also your interest rate and the length of your repayment term. For example, if you are borrowing $140,000 at 5.5 percent interest with a repayment term of 30 years, your monthly principal and interest payment will be $794.90. On the other hand, if you borrow the same $140,000 at 6.5 percent interest, the payment jumps to $884.90. If you want a shorter repayment term of 15 years and get an interest rate of 5 percent, your monthly payment is $1,107.11. Get an interest rate quote from a lender and use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
Calculate Housing Expense Ratio
Add your property taxes and home-related insurance to your estimated mortgage payment to find your total housing cost. For example, it might be $794.90 for the mortgage plus $200 for the other costs, making $994.90. Divide this by 0.26 to find your minimum gross monthly income of $3,826.54 and multiply it by 12 to calculate an annual income of $45,918.48.
Calculate Total Debt-to-Income Ratio
To get your total debt-to-income ratio, add your monthly debt payments, including car payments, student loan debt and credit card debt, to your housing payments. For example, add a $300 car payment and $180 student loan payment to your monthly housing payment of $994.90 to get $1,474.90 of total debt payments. Divide this by 0.36 to calculate a minimum gross monthly income of $4,096.94, which is an annual income of $49,163.28. Compare this to the previous calculation and use the larger annual income as your requirement for getting the mortgage.
When money is tight, work clothes don't usually make the top of the priority list. Nonprofit organizations exist specifically to provide those experiencing poverty, temporary hard times, or homelessness with clothes that will be appropriate for interviews and on the job duties. Massachusetts has a couple of options for those who want to donate clothes for women at work or women looking for employment. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Donate clothes that match the current season. Organizations that specialize in supplying those in need with appropriate work clothing express the challenge of storage space.
2. Clean and press any clothing and provide it on a hanger so it is ready to wear.
3. Choose one of the following locations to donate:
Second Chances Locations:
177 Middlesex Avenue
Somerville, MA
79 Grove St.
Watertown, MA
SolutionsWear :
Roosevelt Towers Housing Complex
391 Evereteze Way
Cambridge, MA 02141
DressBarn Stores host a Send One Suit Weekend periodically where you may donate as well.
There are charitable organizations that will take women's business suits and separates to distribute to the needy. One of the best known is Dress for Success, a service that not only clothes low-income women for interviews, but assists them in job skills and placement. Of course, Goodwill and Salvation Army also accept women's business clothing for their programs and thrift stores.
Instructions
1. Visit the website for the charity and locate the nearest donation center. For Dress for Success, there is a page about donating clothing through their neighborhood affiliate service branches. Goodwill and Salvation Army also have location pages on their sites.
2. Consult the list of items that the charity accepts. Some charities also include a "Wish List" of much-needed items and sizes. Try to fill these requests first. Plus sizes are in high demand in most locations.
3. Take the clothing to the dry cleaner, or launder and iron the items. All pieces should be clean, in current style and ready to go, with no repairs necessary.
4. Make an itemized list of garments. These charities will generate a receipt at the time of donation for the value of the clothing, and require a list of items for this purpose.
5. Call the donation center before you arrive to make certain that they're ready to receive your donation. Some locations may stop donations shortly before closing, or may not accept them on certain days. A quick call will avoid a wasted trip.
Tags: Army also, Business Clothes, Donate Women, Donate Women Business, donation center
Get paid to take someone else's dogs out for a stroll.
If you enjoy walking dogs, playing tug-of-war, or just being around animals, pet-sitting could be a fulfilling part- or full-time job for you. The task is finding people who require your services. You must prove that you are a trustworthy person to get strangers to allow you in their home. Many people regard their pets as their babies, so they will be choosy about who will take care of them.
Instructions
Finding Work
1. Go online and log on to craigslist.org, angieslist.org or care.com to search for postings for pet sitters needed in your area. If you find a job that interests you, contact the person via email.
2. Create fliers and post them around your neighborhood and in pet stores.
3. Put an ad in the local newspaper or on Craigslist or Angie's List and state that you are looking for house-sitting jobs for pets. Include a list of your qualifications that you feel make you a credible pet sitter.
4. Log onto Care.com and create a free profile. Fill out the simple form that requests your name, address, email and a password. Begin searching for pet sitting needs in your area.
House-Sitting
5. Get to know the family that you are going to assist. Spend a day with them in their home to see how they take care of their animals.
6. Get to know the animals. Take the dogs for a walk or play fetch in the backyard so they get comfortable with you. If you're sitting for a cat, bring a string and play with the animal. Bringing treats for the animals can't hurt.
7. Make a checklist. Write down all the things that you need to do while house-sitting; collecting the mail, taking the dogs out for bathroom breaks, filling food dishes, etc.
8. Get emergency phone numbers. What do you do if one of the dogs gets out? These are things you may forget to ask and you'll need a number to call. Get the number for the animal's veterinarian, in case it gets sick or hurt.
During a boat's normal course of use, it tends to accumulate dings and scratches. Flotsam and detritus in the water can scrape against the hull and weather can damage the boat's surface as well, but the biggest danger is the banging a boat can suffer against the dock or tie-post at the hands of an inexperienced sailor. Fortunately, you can apply a gel coat to the hull of your boat to fill out prior damage and help protect the surface in the future.
Instructions
1. Clean the area you intend to gel coat completely. Use soap and water to remove all grime and dirt, washing firmly enough to clean the surface, but not enough to damage or scratch it. Wiping clean with acetone can help to remove oils and smaller particles as well.
2. Repair cracks, scratches, and other damages with marine blister filler. Mix the filler with about ten percent hardener so that the repaired area will dry quickly. Use the putty knife to distribute the filler evenly over the damaged area, filling cracks and scratches out to the level of the hull.
3. Wait for the filler to dry and then sand it well. Start with a coarse grain, and gradually move to a finer grain sandpaper for a smoother finish.Wipe the sanded surface clean of dust.
4. Mix the gel coat with one percent hardener and about 25 percent acetone to help it evaporate and dry quickly. Spray the damaged, sanded area with gel coat to protect the new repairs from wind and weather. Use about one liter for every five to ten square feet.
5. Wait for the gel coat to dry completely and then use a very fine sandpaper to smooth out the outer surface. For an extra smooth finish, you may wish to wax and buff the hull of your boat in the damaged area.
Tags: about percent, acetone help, coat completely, cracks scratches, damaged area, hull your
Hacking is a term used to describe a situation in which someone accesses files on your computer without your permission. If you suspect your computer has been hacked, it's likely that it was not fully protected. Unprotected computers allow hackers to gain control and ultimately take over the system. Hackers don't care who you are or where you're from. They just want access to your computer and files.
Instructions
1. Determine whether your computer was hacked. Signs of a hacked computer include, but are not limited to, a suddenly slow processor, changed settings, a decrease in Internet access speed, Internet activity when you have not used the Internet or problems with many tasks and processes that run on your computer.
2. Complete a clean installation. Install your operating system again. Disconnect all cameras, printers, scanners, tablets and any other hardware (not including your keyboard and mouse). Disconnect your computer from the Internet. Follow the instructions that came with your manual to complete a clean installation.
3. Follow all instructions on your computer's security center to keep your computer up to date. Install all updates for your computer when they become available. Enable automatic updates, if possible.
4. Download and install a firewall, anti-virus program and anti-spyware and anti-malware programs before connecting to the Internet again.
5. Change all passwords on your computer, including passwords used to access websites on the Internet. Be sure that guest accounts are disabled. Disable file sharing so that hackers cannot access files.
Tags: your computer, clean installation, Follow instructions
Deduct garbage collection expenses on IRS Form Schedule E.
If you own rental property, you must report income and expenses related to the activity to the Internal Revenue Service. You'll claim your transactions on IRS Form Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss, and attach the form to your individual income tax return. You can deduct the cost paid for rental property garbage collection as a utility expense.
Instructions
1. Gather tax documents that list your rental income and related expenses for the year.
2. Prepare IRS Form Schedule E. On page one, complete Part 1, Income or Loss from Rental Real Estate and Royalties. Report all rental income received on Line 3 of the Schedule.
3. Total your paid garbage expenses and any additional utility costs. Report expenses for paid rental property utilities on line 17 of Schedule E.
4. Total any remaining expenses and subtract the sum from your rental income. Record your profit or loss from rental activity on the first page of your 1040 individual income tax return and attach Schedule E to your 1040.
Tags: Form Schedule, rental income, rental property, garbage collection, Income Loss, income return, individual income
Many charities facilitate donations of office supplies to schools.
Donated office supplies and other items can help enhance the learning environment for students. Public schools frequently require books, computers, furniture and other supplies. Instead of throwing away office supplies that you no longer need, consider donating them to schools. You can also donate new items. A number of charities will accept office supplies and other items, and they will distribute these donations to public schools.
Instructions
1. Research charities. The Pencil Box, Tools 4 Schools, Materials for the Arts and Children for Children are charities that accept donations of office supplies ranging from paper to office furniture. These organizations distribute supplies to public schools in New York City. When researching charities, you should confirm how and where they distribute supplies, what items they are looking for and if they are registered. You should also look for independent reviews of the charities you identify in your research.
2. Call a school or a school district. If you would like to donate to a specific school or school district, contact them directly to see if they accept donations of office supplies. Explain who you are and why you wish to donate to the school. The following steps still apply if you have decided to donate directly to a school rather than a charity.
3. Make an inventory of your office supplies and identify what you might want to donate. You may want to include books, computers, furniture and other office supplies such as paper, staplers, pens and pencils. Books, computers and office furniture should be gently used and in good condition.
4. Contact the charity. Speak directly with staff at the charity or charities you are considering to better understand the mission and work they do. You can also confirm what items are needed, share a list of what you would like to donate, and ask how donations can be made.
5. Pick a charity. Your research will help you identify what items charities are seeking. It will also help you identify a specific charity serving your neighborhood, a neighborhood of interest, or a school that you would like to direct your donation. Researching the history and background of a charity will also help you decide which one you would like to support.
6. Buy new office supplies. If you would like to buy items that the charity is specifically seeking, or if you would like to add to the inventory you will be donating, considering buying supplies. Remember to always confirm which items the charity will accept before buying anything.
7. Wipe or clean any furniture you wish to donate, especially if your item has been in storage. Make sure they are safe to use and not damaged. Also ensure that any phones, fax machines, computers, printers or other equipment that you are donating is in good operating condition.
8. Drop-off the items or arrange for pick up of your donation. Confirm if the organization is willing to pick up donations from your home or office.
9. List your items on charity databases. Some charities may have a web-based database where you can list the items you wish to donate. Schools then search the database and contact you to arrange for pick up. The Pencil Box and Materials for the Arts maintain these types of databases.
10. Consider making a financial contribution. You may wish to make a financial contribution to assist charities that collect and distribute office supplies and other items for public schools. Some organizations, such as Donor's Choose and Adopt-a-Classroom, also allow donors to donate funds to specific proposals posted by teachers. Some of these proposals include requests for office supplies.
Tags: office supplies, would like, donations office, donations office supplies, office supplies other, other items, public schools
Old homes like this one may be eligible for grants to preserve Floridian heritage.
Grants provide funds for needed projects in a community. Housing grants are particularly powerful ways to support a community's growth. The federal government and state government of Florida offer myriad grant programs for home building, preservation and rehabilitation.
Florida's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program
Florida's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program is administered by the federal Department of Community Affairs. Since 1983, Florida has received between $18 million and $35 million a year from the federal government's grant. The money goes to numerous--and otherwise unaffordable--projects, particularly the rehabilitation and preservation of housing. The grant is competitive and applicants are judged in part on a three-factored system: low- and moderate-income population, the number of persons below the poverty level, and the number of housing units with more than one person a room.
Jackie Dupree
850-487-3644
jackie.dupree@dca.state.fl.us.
Front Porch Florida Initiative
Founded in 1999, the Front Porch Florida Initiative is a grant to under-served and at-risk communities. It is intended to knit a community together through projects including preserving heritage housing and building new housing. The stated mission is "to encourage, assist and support Florida's urban residents in their effort to preserve core neighborhood values and to help them identify and strengthen their existing community assets." A community applies to be designated a Front Porch community, after which it can apply for private funds and receive matching grants from the Initiative.
Adriene Burgess
850-487-9556
frontporch@dca.state.fl.us
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was created as part of the federal Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The act appropriated $3.92 billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in response to the high number of foreclosures affecting the country. Florida was allocated $541 million as part of the act. The grants are distributed on a formula to communities with the greatest percentage of home foreclosures; the highest percentage of homes financed by subprime mortgage-related loans; and that have been identified as likely to face a significant rise in home foreclosures. This money helps keep homeowners in their homes by staving off the likelihood of foreclosure.
Tags: Front Porch, Neighborhood Stabilization, Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Stabilization Program, Block Grant
Thermal glass might lower the cost of heating a home
Thermal glass works well for those looking to save energy in a home. The glass has a coating treatment that insulates windows to prevent heat from seeping out, while keeping the sun's radiation at bay. Installing thermal glass is similar to installing any glass pane. Replacing the thermal glass is a project that anyone can handle if looking to avoid the cost of professional installation.
Instructions
1. Apply tape to the outside of the window glass in a crosshatch pattern. Start in the upper corner and apply a strip of duct tape diagonally to the opposite lower corner. Repeat the process in the opposite upper corner. This will protect you if the glass breaks.
2. Put on heavy work gloves to protect your hands.
3. Pry the old window putty off the frame with a putty knife or removal tool. Heat the putty with a heat gun if necessary.
4. Pull the old glass pane out of the frame. Once the putty comes off, the glass will slip out of the frame. Place your hands flat on the glass and slide it to the side. Grasp the free end with gloved fingers, and gently move the glass to free it.
5. Use a putty knife to pry out the metal glazier's points set around the frame. Glazier's points are metal triangles that secure glass in a frame.
6. Sand down wood frames at the rabbet. A rabbet is the grove cut into the wood to hold the glass. Use a cloth to dust off the frame and brush linseed oil on the rabbet with a small paintbrush. The oil will ensure easy placement of the new thermal pane.
7. Warm the glazing compound following the instructions provided with the product. Glazing compound is a putty substance that helps secure the pane of glass. Roll out a thin rope of the compound in your hands. Press the putty compound around the inside the window frame. Use a putty knife to help press the compound into the space.
8. Press the new thermal glass pane into place. Thermal glass has a coating on one side to prevent heat from the sun. Pay attention to the look of the glass. The coated side goes on the outside. The pane sits inside the opening of the window frame and presses into the glazing compound.
9. Press the new thermal glass pane into place. Pay attention to the look of the glass. The coated side goes on the outside. Sit the pane inside the opening of the window frame and press it gently into the glazing compound.
10. Apply new glazier's points around the glass. Slide the points so they are parallel to the pane. Points should sit against the glass to secure it, but not puncture the surface. The number of points used to seat the glass will depend on the size of the window. Follow the pattern of the previous installer and apply the points in a similar manner.
11. Roll a second application of glazing compound and apply it to the outside of the glass pane. Let the putty dry thoroughly, following the directions on the label.
A moisture barrier helps insulate a mobile home by creating a dead-air space between the subfloor and the barrier. It prevents moisture infiltration into the subfloor space, protecting the insulation and wooden framing from water damage. Typically made from asphalt-impregnated fiberboard, asphalt-impregnated fiberglass cloth or heavy tar paper, it also prevents animals and insects from entering the home from the bottom. Moisture barrier materials are available at a mobile home supply store, and can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Fit the moisture barrier to the bottom of the home. Start in a corner and lay a piece of barrier against the floor framing.
2. Fasten the barrier to the framing. Place a washer on a self-tapping screw and drive the screw through the barrier, and into the floor joist with the drill motor and screwdriver tip. Place a screw about every 4 to 6 inches along the edge of the barrier.
3. Trim the edge of the barrier if it does not fall in the center of the floor joist. Cut the barrier with a razor knife down the center of the floor joist closest to the edge of the barrier. Screw the cut edge to the joist.
4. Butt the next piece of barrier to the edge of the first piece. Screw the second piece into place fully. Trim the edges as necessary. Repeat the process until the entire bottom of the home is sealed.
Tags: edge barrier, floor joist, Barrier Under, Barrier Under Mobile, bottom home, center floor, center floor joist
If you rent out your property as a form of income, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects you to report that income on your taxes using Schedule E. However, the IRS does allow you to take certain tax deductions for expenses that you incur from your rental property, including repairs and upgrades. Repairs are expenses that keep your property in rentable condition, like fixing a broken air conditioner, and can be deducted in the year you incur them. Upgrades are expenses that add value to your rental property, such as adding on an additional room, and must be deducted over the life of the property.
Instructions
1. Determine the amount of money you spent on the upgrade. For example, if you spent $10,000 on a new kitchen, your expenses would be $10,000.
2. Complete section III of form 4562 to determine how much of your expense you can deduct for that year. For example, if you upgraded the kitchen, a residential rental property expense, you would list that on line 19h.
3. Determine the percentage you can deduct for the first year by multiplying the number of months the item was in service by 0.0030303. The number 0.0030303 comes from dividing 100 by the life expectancy of residential improvements, 27.5 years, and dividing the result by 12 to find the depreciation per month as a percentage then dividing by 100 to convert it to a decimal. In future years, you will be able to deduct the annual deprecation percentage, or 3.6363636 percent per year.
4. Multiply the percentage found in step 3 by the cost of the rental upgrade and write this amount on line 19h, column g. For example, if the upgrade was only in service 1 month, you would multiply $10,000 by 0.0030303 to find you could deduct $30.30.
5. Write your total deductions on line 22 of form 4562 and copy this amount to line 20 of your schedule E for your rental property income. This amount will decrease the taxable amount of your rental property income.
Tags: rental property, your rental, your rental property, expenses that, amount line, Claim Rental
Mobile home skirting serves many purposes: rodent and weather protection, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. The skirting is the material that surrounds the bottom of the trailer and touches the ground. If you find yourself in need of replacing or installing skirting on your mobile home, look no further. You can complete the job yourself. There is no need to hire an outside contractor. This guide was designed to show mobile home owners install mobile home skirting by themselves.
Instructions
1. Measure 4 inches above the bottom of the mobile home. Screw the J-channel along this straight line. You can use the bottom trim as your guide. Go all the way around your mobile home. This will be the top track of the skirting.
2. Hang a plumb-bob from one of the corners of the mobile home. Pound a piece of rebar in the ground where the weight hangs. Repeat this step for each corner of the mobile home.
3. Tie string around one of the pieces of rebar. Walk around the trailer, making sure the string goes around each piece of rebar at every corner. Pull the string tight. The string marks where the bottom track will lie.
4. Lay your treated lumber all around the perimeter of the mobile home. Make sure the lumber sits on it's edge directly behind the string line. Every 5 feet, pound in wooden stakes behind the 2X4's.
5. Lift the lumber with a partner about an inch off the ground. Secure the 2X4's to the stakes with the galvanized screws. Make sure not to screw too tightly.
6. Measure the distance between the bottom of the 2X4 and the top track every 3 feet. Elevations can change quickly, so you will need to measure often. Cut the ribbed steel to fit these measurements and screw to the outside of the lumber. Also, make sure to add 1 self tapping screw to the middle of each seam. Once you get to a corner, add the corner channel for a more pleasing appearance.
7. Decide how many air vents your skirting will need. For every 150 square feet of floor, you will need 1 square foot of air vent in the skirting. Once you have determined how much venting you need, cut your determined amount of 1 foot squares around the skirting. Screw your vents over the holes.
Tags: mobile home, will need, bottom track, home skirting, mobile home, piece rebar, your mobile
Corrupt installations of Windows can lead to much frustration. Learn avoid losing your data by repairing Windows with the CD.
Instructions
Repairing Windows with the Windows XP CD
1. Enter your computer's BIOS setup to configure the computer to boot from the optical drive. The process to set this up will be different depending on your computer manufacturer and the BIOS installed on the computer. One way to find out boot from the optical drive is to look for the name of the BIOS, which will appear on the screen during the POST screen, and visit the BIOS manufacturer's website for instructions. The POST screen (meaning "power on self test") is the black screen that is immediately shown when you power on your computer. Normally, the BIOS name will be shown at the top of this screen. You can also consult your computer's manual, or visit the computer manufacturer's website for instructions on entering the BIOS setup. Usually, this requires pressing a button (such as "delete") during the POST and changing the device boot order from hard drive first to optical drive.
2. Once the computer is configured to boot from the optical drive, put the Windows XP CD into the drive and restart the PC. After the POST, instead of loading the Windows XP operating system as normal, a new option reading "Press any key to boot from CD" will appear. Press any key quickly, as you will only have a few seconds before the option disappears, and Windows XP will attempt to load as normal. If you miss the prompt, restart the computer.
3. The Windows XP setup will begin. After the Windows XP setup automatically loads basic drivers, you will reach a screen with three options. One option is "To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER." Press enter. Ignore the other options for now.
4. Follow the prompts issued by the Windows XP setup to accept the licensing agreements.
5. After automatically checking for Windows installations, Windows will give you a choice between a clean install of Windows or to repair an existing installation of Windows. Press "R" to repair the installation. Windows setup will install a repaired version of Windows while leaving your programs and settings intact.
6. If repair install is not a listed option, your Windows installation is currently unrepairable. However, you can use the recovery console to attempt to repair the installation to the point where Windows setup can repair it. Reboot the computer and follow the previous instructions to enter Windows setup again. This time, however, instead of pressing "enter" to start Windows setup, press "R" to enter the recovery console.
7. The recovery console will boot. It will first list all installed copies of Windows, and ask which you would like to recover. Select the version you'd like to recover, and press enter. Next, it will ask for the administrator's password. If there is no administrator's password, leave the section blank and press enter.
8. You are now at the command prompt. Enter the command "bootcfg" without the quote marks and press enter. This will load the bootcfg program and fix any errors in your boot.ini file, a crucial system file that periodically becomes corrupt.
9. After you receive the prompt that the bootcfg program is complete, type "chkdsk /r" without the quote marks and press enter. This loads the chkdsk program, which scans your hard drive for corrupt data and attempts to retrieve it. The chkdsk scan can take up to two hours.
10. Once the chkdsk scan is complete, reboot your computer. Do not boot to the CD this time. Wait and see if Windows will load. If it does not, reboot the PC, boot to the CD and attempt the repair install again. If repair install is still not an available option, you must perform a clean install of Windows.
Repairing Windows with the Vista CD
11. Configure your PC to boot from the optical drive as previously stated.
12. Press any key to boot to the CD when prompted.
13. The Windows Vista install will launch. Click on the "Repair your computer" option. The Vista repair program will launch and scan for Vista installations. Select the installation that needs repaired and click the "Startup Repair" button. The Vista repair program will try to automatically repair your installation. If no installations appear, your installation of Vista cannot be repaired automatically by the repair program.
14. If you have access to a Windows XP CD, you can use the recovery console to ensure the boot.ini file isn't corrupt, and there's no corrupt data on the hard drive. If you do not have access to a Windows XP CD, you will have to perform a clean install of Windows Vista. The Windows Vista CD does not contain the recovery console program. See Steps 6 through 10 in the "Repairing Windows with the XP CD" section to learn accomplish this. After completing the steps, reboot the PC and try Vista's repair program again. If your installation does not appear, you will have to perform a clean install of Vista.
Tags: Windows setup, your computer, boot from, optical drive, recovery console
Your Phillips Magnavox TV produces high quality images so you can enjoy your favorite gaming, comedies, movies and sporting events. There are times when you need to fix quirks that might happen, such as no audio or no picture. Fixing your Phillips Magnavox TV on your own allows you to take care of minor problems yourself, without having to call in a pricey service person to fix it for you.
Instructions
No Picture
1. Press "Menu" on your Phillips Magnavox television remote control. If the "Main Menu" displays, continue on. If it does not display, you have a connection problem. Make sure all of your wires are connected and try again.
2. Adjust the "Contrast" and "Brightness" options in the "Picture" menu until you see your picture.
3. Check "Closed Caption" in your "Main Menu." Make sure the "Text" mode selected does not block the image on the screen.
4. Clear the area around your Phillips Magnavox television so the TV can get proper airflow. Overheating can cause your Phillips Magnavox television to shut down, and will eventually ruin the TV if left unaddressed. If you think your Phillips Magnavox television shows signs of overheating, turn it off, clear the area around the TV, and let it cool down completely before trying to use it again.
Inoperable Remote Control
5. Check the buttons on your Phillips Magnavox television display. If they work, you know the problem is with your remote control, not the television itself.
6. Replace the batteries in your Phillips Magnavox televisionremote control.
7. Clean the sensor lens on both the television and on the remote control with a lint-free cloth.
8. Use the remote control within 20 feet of your Phillips Magnavox television. Attempting to use it outside that range likely will not work.
No Audio
9. Check to see if your Phillips Magnavox television is on "Mute." Press "Volume Up" on your Phillips Magnavox television remote control. This will turn the volume up, if it was turned down, and it automatically takes your TV off of "Mute" if that was the problem.
10. Locate the headset jack on your Phillips Magnavox television, usually on the side or the front of the TV where the other control panel buttons are. If headphones are plugged into that outlet, it will prevent audio from coming through your television speakers. Unplug the headphones to fix the problem.
11. Press "Input" on your Phillips Magnavox television remote control multiple times to browse through the available input channels. Take a moment to listen to make sure your audio isn't displayed on an incorrect input. If so, press "Menu," "Setup" then "Source." Make sure all of your video sources and audio sources are the same.
Reset Your Television
12. Turn off your Phillips Magnavox television and unplug it from the wall or the power strip. This helps discharge static electricity build-up that can cause your TV to malfunction.
13. Wait five minutes.
14. Plug the television back in and try again.
Tags: Phillips Magnavox, Magnavox television, Phillips Magnavox television, your Phillips, your Phillips Magnavox, remote control
Federal agencies and private foundations provide grants to seniors to make home improvements to their property. Both homeowners and tenants can take advantage of these grant programs. These grants are for seniors with limited income. The applicants must meet the income limit requirements that the grant program has established. Some of these grants are available directly to homeowners and tenants. Because funding is limited, seniors may have to wait until the next round of funding to apply for a home improvement grant.
USDA Home Repair Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides home repair grants to seniors age 62 or older. Up to $7,500 is provided to very-low-income seniors as of 2011. The very-low-income limit level is 50 percent of the area's median income. The homeowner can use the grant to correct health and safety deficiencies on the property or make upgrades including new carpet and paint. The senior's home must be located in a rural area of the country for her to qualify for a grant.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Energy have partnered up to provide weatherization grants to low-income households. Seniors on a fixed income are eligible to apply for weatherization services.The family can receive up to $6,500 to have insulation installed or heating and cooling systems repaired. Weatherization services are estimated to reduce utility bills on average $350 per household annually. To qualify for a grant, the senior's income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
HUD Green Retrofit Grant
HUD has provided funding for the Green Retrofit Grant program to improve low-income housing stock across the country while reducing the low-income housing operational costs. Grants provided to federally assisted housing, including senior public housing, go toward upgrading appliances to Energy Star appliances or installing low-flow toilets and shower heads. The renovations are estimated to produce a 25 percent savings in utility costs. Environmental benefits include use of nontoxic paints and adhesives and recycled building materials. Green retrofitting also improves the quality of life for low-income seniors living in public housing.
Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation provides grants to registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that help low-income households make weatherization home improvements. Organizations that serve seniors, people with disabilities and veterans are given a priority in the application process. Grants up to $5,000 are provided on Home Depot gift cards. The organization can use the gift card to purchase materials, tools and services to make the home improvements. The repairs must be completed within six months of receiving the grant funds.
Tags: grants seniors, Home Depot, home improvements, Depot Foundation, Grants provided, Green Retrofit
Many charitable institutions accept donations of real estate, and the tax benefits for those who donate can be substantial. Most donations will take the form of property that's unencumbered by a mortgage or other type of lien. But even if you don't own a piece of property free-and-clear, there are ways to donate it so that you can benefit a cause, and save yourself some tax headaches along the way.
Instructions
1. Have the property you wish to donate independently appraised to get a clear idea of how much equity you have in it. In effect, your donation will only be equal to the equity, and not the full value of the property. This appraisal, and properly completed paperwork from it, will also be key when you come to claim your tax deduction.
2. Consult with the charity you wish to benefit, and discuss whether they are willing to accept a donation with the complication of a mortgage. Most charities have very clear policies and procedures for real estate donations.
3. Propose a "bargain sale." In this transaction, you sell the property to the charity for the value of the outstanding mortgage. They get a bargain, which is effectively worth much more than they paid for it, and you have the proceeds to pay off the outstanding debt. For example, you may own a house worth $400,000, but you still have a mortgage of $50,000 on it. You would sell the house to the charity for $50,000, and clear your mortgage with those proceeds. The charity then benefits from an effective $350,000 donation.
4. Be aware of the tax implications. If you carry out a bargain sale, your charitable deduction is limited to the value of the equity in the home (the $350,000 in our example)--not the fair market value given by your appraisal. However, such a sale will also reduce capital gains tax liability.
Tags: bargain sale, Charity With, Charity With Mortgage, Donate House, Donate House Charity
Most modern refrigerators are self-defrosting. This means that the refrigerator is able to automatically eliminate any frost that may accumulate during a given cycle. Self-defrosting refrigerators contain a defrost timer, which allows the refrigerator to self-defrost every 6 to 8 hours. When the timer turns on, the defrost heater is activated, and any excess frost is melted away. The water drips down through a tube and into a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, where it is evaporated by a fan. If you notice water collecting in the bottom of your fridge, it probably means that there is a problem with the drainage or evaporation system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Clean the Defrost Drain
1. Find the defrost drain. It is usually located under the vegetable bin and looks like a small hole in the bottom of the fridge.
2. Remove anything that might be obstructing the drain.
3. Pour hot water down the drain to unclog any additional buildup.
4. Observe the water. If it goes down the drain, you probably fixed the problem. If not, go on to Section 2.
Clean the Drain Pan
5. Find the drain pan. It is usually located at the bottom of the fridge, and looks like a tray. There will probably be buildup of water in the drain pan.
6. Remove the drain pan and clean it in the sink with warm soapy water.
7. Inspect the pan for any cracks or damage. If the drain pan is damaged, it may be draining the water too quickly, which is causing the water buildup in the bottom of the fridge.
8. Replace the drain pan if necessary.
Tags: bottom fridge, down drain, Drain Find, drain usually, drain usually located
Florida offers a range of grant opportunities for financially struggling families.
The state of Florida provides financial and material assistance to poor families through a variety of state grant programs. Needy families can find help for food, housing, education and transportation, and other relief. Most grant programs require recipients to meet strict income, family and work requirements before receiving funds, ensuring that the money goes to families in serious need.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Florida implements the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through the Florida Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The purpose of TANF grants is to assist poor families with children in meeting their day-to-day needs on a temporary basis. Families who meet specific requirements based on size and income are eligible to receive cash assistance or other services funded by TANF, including state-sponsored childcare, transportation services and various types of counseling services. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) handles TANF grant applications (see Resources).
According to the DCF, Florida's share of federal TANF funds is around $550 million per year. States generally cap the amount of TANF funds that families can receive per month at between $100 and $200 per person in the family group. Contact the DCF to determine how much TANF funding your household is eligible for.
Home Repair Grants
The State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) makes grants of up to $10,000 to poor families in need of expensive home repairs. The program is designed to cover emergency repairs, such as storm-related damage and additions to the home for accessibility for disabled individuals. Interested families in need can contact the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services to ask about a SHIP grant.
The Code Enforcement Rehabilitation Grant Program provides up to $2500 for financially struggling families who have received notice of a code violation and need to make repairs or additions to their property. Examples of costly code violations include trees that must be cut down and roofs that pose a danger to people in the home. Homeowners can contact the Department of Economic and Community Development to ask about a code enforcement grant.
Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
The Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is a part of the Florida Department of Transportation. The Commission works to provide affordable transportation options to needy individuals and families throughout the state. The commission can arrange for pickup of handicapped, elderly or financially disadvantaged individuals for things like doctor visits, grocery shopping or transportation to school.
Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP)
The Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program provides immediate cash for families with children who are facing eviction or who have run out of housing options. Administered by the Department of Children and Families, this grant program is designed to reduce child homelessness in the state by helping parents to get back on their feet in times of trouble. EFAHP can provide enough money to cover rent or mortgage expenses for the purpose of helping you to avoid eviction; the amount available grant funding varies depending on your situation.
Make the crumbling stucco on your home's foundation look new again.
Stucco is a functional and aesthetic material used for a variety of construction projects. It often is used to spruce up the look of a bland-looking concrete foundation. The proximity of the foundation to the ground, however, makes it susceptible to the accumulation of water and dampness. This often leads to crumbling and an unsightly mess outside your home. Thankfully, you can repair and restore the stucco siding easily. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Scrape away the damaged stucco from the wall with the drywall knife. Stop removing parts of the stucco once it feels firm.
2. Scrape the exposed surface with the wire brush to catch all remaining bits of stucco and to soften the edges of the existing stucco.
3. Wet the wall so that it is damp to the touch.
4. Place a portion of the stucco onto the builder's hawk, using the trowel. The hawk is a flat board that you can hold in one hand while stuccoing the wall.
5. Apply the stucco to the damaged area of the foundation with the trowel. Sweep the stucco, working from the bottom of the application area to the top, then drag the flat side of the trowel across the stucco to smooth it out so that it is even with the existing stucco.
6. Soak the rubber float in water, then run it across the stucco repair to further smooth it out and to skillfully integrate the edges of the recently applied stucco with the present stucco.
Frost-free faucets bring water to a residential yard without the fear of freezing. When used properly, a frost-free faucet can be drained in the winter to eliminate the water damage caused by burst pipes that once occurred with exterior faucets (also known as hose bibbs).
This article will explore the types, operation and problems associated with frost-free faucets. Does this Spark an idea?
What are Frost-Free Faucets?
Frost-free faucets (otherwise known as hose bibbs) are plumbing valves that are installed on the exterior of a home. They permit a standard water hose connection so a homeowner can obtain water for various uses in his yard. Frost-free faucets are designed to eliminate the risk of water freezing in the pipe during the winter, bursting the pipe upon thawing and causing water damage in the adjacent area. Because such damage was once prevalent, frost-free faucets are now mandated by most building codes. Frost-free faucets are also referred to as anti-siphon freezeless yard hydrants in commercial applications.
How do Frost-Free Faucets Work?
Frost-free faucets work by the simple technique of removing water from the freezing air. Frost-free faucets consist of a stem that extends into the house, where an interior valve is installed to cut off water to the faucet. Once the water is cut off, the stem portion can be drained, eliminating any water from the frozen area. The old-style exterior faucet had no such protection, and water at the exterior wall of the house was subject to freezing. The bursting pipes and costly damage to homes that followed spawned the creation of the frost-free faucet. Its use is now mandated by major building codes.
What Types of Frost-Free Faucets are Available?
All frost-free faucets work on the same principle, consisting of a valved stem that extends into the building and removes the water from the freezing air. Various manufacturers have created different styles of frost-free faucets for various applications. These include commercial applications that have a lockable exterior box set flush with the wall of a building and frost-free yard hydrants that are remote pumping heads used at campsites, golf courses and other areas where water is needed well away from a building.
How are Frost-Free Faucets Installed?
Frost-free faucets are installed with an interior shuttlecock valve, which enables the homeowner to shut off the water to the exterior as winter approaches. It is imperative that the frost-free faucet be installed with a slight downward pitch to enable all water to drain from the faucet. Even a small amount of water can expand to the point where it can burst a copper water pipe.
Frost-Free Faucet Seasonal Operation
To be effective, frost-free faucets require seasonal draining by the homeowner. The procedure is to: prior to the first freeze, shut off the interior valve; disconnect hoses from the exterior faucet; open the faucet and drain all water from the frost-free stem; and shut the faucet.
Frost-Free Faucet Problems
Frost-free faucets are not problem-free. Defects happen when: they are installed with a backward slope so the water may not drain out of the stem, causing the faucet to freeze; the homeowner fails to shut off the inside valve and drain the faucet prior to the first winter freeze; and, like all valves, they are subject to leaking and deterioration.
Standard Faucets made Frost-Proof
Older homes with standard faucets face the annual risk of frozen pipes and water damage. If the exterior faucet plumbing is exposed in the basement or crawlspace, replacement of a standard faucet with a frost-free model is a relatively simple procedure. Otherwise, the homeowner's best best to avoid freezing problems is to insulate the exterior of the faucet with an insulated box, available from most home improvement stores. This box, which can be wrapped around the hose bibb, will provide some protection against a hard freeze. Heat tape, wrapped around the exterior water pipe as close as possible to the outdoor faucet, is also effective in preventing the water in the pipe from freezing.
Tags: exterior faucet, water from, from freezing, frost-free faucets, Frost-Free Faucets, installed with, water damage
A leaky roof or broken windows can create a health and safety hazard. New York state and local service organizations offer low-interest loans and grants to qualified recipients in need of repairing or replacing windows and roofs. Assistance is typically based on income, need of repairs and the location of the home. Does this Spark an idea?
RESTORE
RESTORE is a program sponsored by New York state's department of homes and community renewal. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to the elderly for residential emergency repairs. If RESTORE considers the condition of the roof or windows of the home hazardous, it may grant assistance. RESTORE only provides assistance for applicants over the age of 60 with a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. Begin the application process by contacting your local Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) regional office (see the link in the Resources section).
USDA Rural Development
Grants and low-interest loans are available from USDA Rural Development, which may award up to $7,500 for roof repairs or replacement. Grant recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be a homeowner who resides at the property located in a USDA rural area, be age 62 or over and have an income below the guidelines established by the local USDA office. A low-interest 504 loan may be available to those that do not qualify for a grant. Recipients of USDA funding can apply it to home repairs, improvements or handicap accessibility modifications.
Weatherization Assistance
Weatherization assistance is available to qualified New York state residents. A specialist will perform an energy audit of the home. Based on the audit results, assistance may be provided for repair or replacement of roofs, windows and doors. Contact your local DHCR regional office (see the link in the Resources section) for a list of weatherization assistance providers in your area.
Local Programs
Several individual New York cities and towns may offer grants and low-interest home improvement loans to assist residents with roof and window replacements. A complete listing of programs is available on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website (see the link in the Resources section). In New York City, contact the division of Neighborhood Housing Services. Agencies are located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. Grant recipients must meet eligibility requirements.
Tags: link Resources, link Resources section, Resources section, York state, DHCR regional, DHCR regional office
Mobile home water pipes are prone to freezing during cold weather. The water pipes typically run under the floor of the mobile home in the crawlspace area. In most cases the crawlspace area of mobile homes is not insulated. This non-insulated space does very little to protect the pipes. Insulating the water pipes may take a full weekend to perform, because access to the pipes and the number of them will play a role in the amount of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Create access to the underside of the mobile home so you can provide enough light to see and move around the area. Make sure you install the correct diameter insulation for the water pipe. In other words, install only 1/2-inch pipe insulation on 1/2-inch pipe. Using insulation that is too big for the pipe will not create a good, insulated seal.
2. Begin insulation of the pipes at the furthermost point from the crawlspace access area. This way, you will not have to move too far and can work your way out from under the mobile home.
3. Hold the full length of insulation up to the pipe. Cut the insulation to length by using scissors. Apply the first section of pipe insulation by slipping the insulation over the water pipe. The insulation will have a precut slit along its length.
4. Seal the insulation by pulling the two adhesive strips from the pipe insulation slit. Hold the two mating joints together to seal the insulation.
5. Seal shorter lengths of insulation by placing a couple of rounds of duct tape around the foam insulation. The duct tape will also aid in holding the insulation onto 90-degree bends in the plumbing pipe.
6. Run the insulation up to the bottom side of the floor. Leave no gaps in the insulation where cold air could freeze the pipe.
Tags: pipe insulation, 2-inch pipe, crawlspace area, duct tape, Home Water Pipes, Insulate Mobile, Insulate Mobile Home
Mobile homes are an affordable alternative to traditional stick-built homes and come in all sizes and shapes. From a single-wide to a two-story, double-wide home, mobile homes are fast becoming a new housing trend. However, when you run into trouble and need repairs, you may not find the right help at the same places as other homeowners. Mobile homes standards are just a little different to accommodate many of the same options as stick-built homes. Does this Spark an idea?
Diagnose the Problem
The first thing you need to do is diagnose the problem before you get to the repair. What may seem like a simple appliance hiccup may really be a wiring or electrical problem. Sites like mobilehomedoctor.com and mobilehomerepair.com can guide you through troubleshooting just about anything that may be going on in your mobile home.
A Different Standard
In most cases, you won't find repair items in the big box stores for your mobile home. Doors are non-standard size, wall composition is just a little different, heights and widths are not equal to a stick-built home. That isn't to say those are bad things. It's only to say that you won't find a door to fit a mobile home frame at a traditional do-it-yourself store.
The same applies to appliances--major and minor. Furnaces and water heaters are engineered a little differently due to venting issues, and kitchen appliance hook-ups may be a little different. There are stores that carry parts and accessories specific to mobile homes, so start looking there before wasting time at other suppliers. Most parts suppliers can be found online, like Magic Mobile Home Supply (mhparts.com), or through a mobile home trade or park magazine. If you live in a mobile home park, ask the park management for referrals.
Not Your Average Repair
Mobile homes repairs require specific knowledge, and while there are a lot of DIY websites out there, don't embark on a repair if you are unsure. Fixing a bad repair on a mobile home is more costly and can lead to repairs you didn't count on in the beginning. Find a repairman that specializes in mobile homes. Ask your mobile home park manager for references, or find reliable help at referral sites, such as Angie's List (angieslist.com).
Tags: mobile home, your mobile home, little different, your mobile, home park, just little
If there's a pineapple bulge on the trunk, you've got a Canary date palm.
If you can break away from the fine dining, shopping, nightclub shows and blackjack tables that distinguish Las Vegas from other high-profile entertainment destinations, you'll enjoy checking out the palm trees. Four types of palm trees thrive in what was once a desert wasteland in the middle of nowhere. Of the four types of Vegas palm trees, three are revered, and one is reviled so see if you can pick out the outlaw. No botanical guidebook is needed if you look closely when you check out the big four. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look for a Mexican fan palm. If you've toured Hollywood, you'll recognize this iconic palm tree with its long trunk and classic silhouette. It's so famous, it even has another name: Washingtonia Robusta. Because the Mexican Palm is hardy (hence its botanical name) and can withstand temperature drops, it does well in Las Vegas when winter temperatures can dip significantly. There are more Mexican fan palms than other palm trees in Vegas. When the leaves of the Mexican fan palm die, they don't fall. They just hang there and appear to the casual observer as tufts of fur on the trunk. If you see fur, that's no party animal in a mink: you've identified a Mexican palm that can grow to a height of 40 to 70 feet.
2. Identify a California fan palm (Washingtonia Filifera), a shorter, thicker cousin of the Mexican palm. The California fan is persona non grata in Vegas and is cut down regularly. To identify this outlaw, look for seedpods and fronds that are larger and heavier than those hanging from Mexican palms. While this is the only palm that's native to southwest deserts, the California palm is not native to the area and considered an invasive species that needs to be eradicated. If conservationists have their way, this opportunistic palm tree could become a memory in the near future. You'd better identify this one fast.
3. Go in search of a Canary date palm. Like the other three Las Vegas palm trees, the Canary date palm has another name: Phoenix Canariensis. A member of the Phoenix date family, the Canary is a stately tree that tops out at between 60 and 70 feet after it's reached maturity; but if you spot an area on the palm tree that resembles a giant pineapple, you've correctly identified a baby Canary palm. You'll notice a predominant bulge at the top from which a fountain of 8- to 15-foot long leaves springs. The Canary date palm's edible fruit can make a mess if it's not harvested as soon as it falls.
4. Complete your search by identifying a true date palm. Also called Phoenix Dactylifera, this feathery palm tree can grow to 100 feet. The true date palm has a broad, patterned, gray trunk and diamond-shaped leaves. This tree's canopy can spread 40 feet; so if you've found a shady patch in Vegas during the day, you may be standing under one. Look for a rough trunk with a circumference of around 18 inches. When a female date palm detects pollen, it produces huge numbers of dates, so things can get messy if the products of the love affair aren't scooped up immediately.
Tags: date palm, Canary date, Canary date palm, palm tree, palm trees
Screws and nails are just two of the common causes of small holes in PVC pipe. Luckily, the majority of these holes are created in non-pressurized drain lines. The larger drain lines that move wastewater from your upstairs bathroom or laundry room out of your home and into your septic or city sewer connection are large and therefore are installed close to the drywall of your home. Plastic repair epoxy creates a permanent repair on small holes made in non-pressurized PVC pipe. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Scuff the surface of the PVC pipe where the hole is located with the 200-grit sandpaper. Roughen an area that extends at least 1/4 inch past each side of the small hole, as this will allow the plastic repair epoxy to bond firmly to the surface of the PVC pipe.
2. Wipe the sanded area of the PVC pipe with a dry rag to remove sanded dust from the repair area.
3. Mix enough plastic repair epoxy to create a ball roughly the diameter of a dime.
4. Press the dime-sized ball of plastic repair epoxy firmly onto the scuffed surface of the PVC pipe, while keeping the plastic repair epoxy ball centered over the small hole in the PVC pipe.
5. Work the plastic repair epoxy into the surface of the PVC pipe with your fingers and allow it to cure per the manufacturer's installation instructions.
6. Sand the cured plastic repair epoxy with 60-grit sandpaper to blend the repair into the surface of the PVC pipe, then sand over the area with the 200-grit sandpaper to remove the sanding marks created by the 60-grit sandpaper.
7. Wipe the repaired surface of the PVC pipe with the dry rag to remove sanding dust from the PVC pipe and complete the process of repairing a small hole in PVC pipe.
Air conditioning units can freeze up for a variety of reasons, and there are a few things that can be checked by the homeowner before a repairman has to be called. If the unit is frozen, turn it off and turn the fan to the "on" position instead of "auto." This will create airflow that will help thaw the coil. Check the air filters. There will be one near the unit itself and also in the air returns in the house. They need to be clean in order for the system to work properly. A dirty filter can prevent air from returning to the unit. With less air flow, the coil can freeze.
The Coil
If the filters are fine, go to the evaporator coil and check to see if it is clean. If it is not, it can be fixed with a little time, some cleaner and a plastic brush. Move the brush in the same direction as the metal fins so that they are not damaged. Damaged fins can restrict air flow and cause coil freeze, and the fins can be bent easily.
Returns and Vents
After the filters and the evaporator coil have been cleaned, check for blocked air returns and vents inside the home. Keeping an air return blocked is just as bad as having one with a clogged filter. If air vents are closed, it can also keep air from flowing properly. The cool air will back up into the system, and the warm air in the house cannot be pulled out properly.
Blower
Check the blower. If it is not running, then the unit will keep trying to cool air indefinitely. The blower is what forces the air out of the unit and into the home. If the cool air just sits in the unit, the coil will freeze. If the blower isn't working, or if the other suggestions did not fix the issue, then a repairman will have to be called. More than likely, if it isn't the blower, then the the unit is out of refrigerant and will need to be recharged.
There are many options to dispose of your old appliances in Georgia.
Disposing of old appliances is a challenging task. Not only do these items contain metals that are harmful to the environment, the appliances also contain chemicals that can leak into the ground and contaminate the water table. You don't want to dump your old appliances on the side of the road or another area where a child or animal may get trapped inside. There are a variety of disposal services in the state of Georgia that will collect your old appliances and dispose of them properly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
State-Wide Services
1. Place the old appliance in a garage or other area that is easily accessible.
3. Speak to a representative to arrange a pickup of your old appliances.
4. Write down the scheduled pickup date on a piece of paper or a calendar. Note that Got Junk will pick up your old appliances for a fee.
5. Call your area's Goodwill or Salvation Army, if Got Junk doesn't have any available time slots for a pickup or doesn't serve your area.
6. Speak to a representative to arrange a pickup of your old appliances. Write down the scheduled pickup date on a piece of paper or a calendar.
Atlanta and Surrounding Areas
7. Place the old appliance in a garage or other area that is easily accessible.
8. Call (404) 761-6247, Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities.
9. Speak to a representative to arrange a pickup of your old appliances. The Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities only accepts small appliances.
10. Write down the scheduled pickup date on a piece of paper or a calendar. The pickup service is free.
11. Call (770) 889-6384, Family Haven, if you have a large appliance to dispose of.
12. Speak to a representative to arrange a pickup of your old appliances. Family Haven only picks up appliances and other items during the week.
13. Write down the scheduled pickup date on a piece of paper or a calendar. The pickup service is free.
14. Take your old appliances to the Habitat Re-Store, 519 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, if you don't want to wait for a service to pick up the appliances. Their phone number is (404) 525-2114.
Tags: your appliances, arrange pickup, arrange pickup your, date piece, date piece paper, down scheduled, down scheduled pickup
Every motorist, from time to time, has had to repair their vehicle or take it in for service. The most common auto body repair jobs are pesky scratches and dents. Fortunately, removing a dent in the body of your vehicle can be done at home, and you may not have to spend any money at all to fix it. Smaller dents and dings can easily be repaired or "popped out" using suction cups or a household plunger. Fixing these dents yourself can save you hundreds of dollars--and the hassle of leaving your car at the shop. You can repair most dents at home in less than a half hour.
Instructions
1. Wash the dented area of your vehicle thoroughly with soap and water. Remove any debris from the surface.
2. Place a plunger onto the vehicle near the dented area when the car is still wet. This will ensure a proper seal and suction for the plunger head.
3. Depress the plunger by pushing forward on the handle, then slide it onto the dented area. Pull the plunger towards you quickly, and watch to make sure the dent pops out. You may have to repeat the process once or twice, depending on the size of your dent.
Halogen light bulbs are a type of incandescent light bulbs and are filled with a halogen gas. The halogen gas gives the bulbs a longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs because it helps redeposit the evaporated tungsten back to the filament. Halogen light bulbs are not the same thing as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL bulbs), which have mercury inside and are often subject to state or local disposal regulations. Also, halogen light bulbs are not recyclable like CFL bulbs are. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Handle the light bulb with care. Only take it out of the light fixture when the power is off and cool. Gently pull on the sides of the bulb to remove it from the socket. Sometimes you might have to twist halogen light bulbs slightly in a counter-clockwise direction to release it from a locked position.
2. Wrap up your halogen light bulb in newspaper or place it in their original box or in the box of the light bulb you are replacing it with. This step is not required, but just like wrapping up glass objects, it will help protect the people--including you--who will be handling your trash.
3. Throw it out in your regular trash. There are no federal or state guidelines that mandate any kind of special disposal for halogen light bulbs.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, you may want to get rid of your cabinets. Donating kitchen cabinets is a way to recycle household items and go green. Even if your kitchen cabinets aren't your style any longer, they may work in someone else's home, or they can be refinished. Giving away your kitchen cabinets saves you the cost of a contractor's doing the work, and you won't have to rent a dumpster. Donating kitchen cabinets can mean less work for you in your remodeling project. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Assess your cabinetry. To donate your cabinets, most charities require that the cabinetry be a matching set. The charity might not accept missing drawers or doors. Donations should be in good working order even if they aren't pretty. Decide whether you will be donating the sink and countertops as well. If your cabinets are old, someone may still want them to use in their laundry room or garage for extra storage.
2. Call an organization like Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity helps people in need build their own houses. Habitat for Humanity will usually take down the cabinets themselves and haul them away. Even if your cabinets can't be used in a Habitat home, you can still donate them. Donations are sold in Habitat ReStores to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
3. List your cabinets on a free site such as Freecycle. You can also write an ad for the free section of Craigslist. If you can't find a charity that will take your cabinets, branch out. Place a free ad saying that you have kitchen cabinets for donation. If you want the cupboards to go to someone in need, ask users to share their stories. Choose your favorite story, but keep a backup in case something falls through. Schedule a pickup time. If you aren't comfortable letting strangers into your home, leave the cabinets by the curb.
4. Empty out the cabinets. Take out all of your household items on the day the cabinets are removed so there aren't any delays. It might not be necessary to scrub the cabinets, because they'll probably get dusty in transit. Supervise the workers that remove your cabinets to make sure they don't damage your kitchen.
5. Get a receipt. Most charities will provide you with a receipt when you donate kitchen cabinets. This can save you money at tax time, so hold on to it.
Tags: your cabinets, kitchen cabinets, Habitat Humanity, your kitchen, Donate Kitchen, Donate Kitchen Cabinets, Donating kitchen