HandymanNextDay's Blog

Safe Decks for Summer Months

handymannextday — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:46:55 +0000

Handyman Next Day Lake Arrowhead, CA (909-266-1455) West Hollywood CA (310-491-5973), Palm Desert CA.
A exterior deck is the perfect way to enjoy summer months. Having a barbecue, reading the Sunday paper or watching a sunset or sunrise can be done from the comfort of your deck while enjoying the outdoors. Often neglected in the winter months, a deck can deteriorate quickly from water/snow damage and can have significant dry-rot which can compromise the structural integrity of the deck. Floor boards in poor condition can break under the weight of an individual and handrails can become loose making it extremely unsafe for small children. A quick review of posts, girders and ledger boards can give one an understanding of the over-all strength of the deck. While review of floor boards, handrails and balusters can determine if certain boards need replacement or if additional securing via deck screws, nails etc. is needed. Spend a little time and money in maintenance and enjoy your deck throughout the summer months. HandymanNextDay.com 909-266-1455

Temporary fixes turn Permanent

handymannextday — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:40:32 +0000

Handyman Next Day , www.HandymanNextDay.com , info@handymannextday.com March11, 2009 As the rainy season comes to end in southern California (not much of a rainy season but you would not know it listening to the news a “Storm Watch….2009″) remember to make those temporary fixes permanent. Fixing leaks as it’s pouring outside doesn’t always yield optimum results but you’ll be surprised how many times people avoid/forget to have the repair done properly when the weather clears up. Don’t wait until next year to do another temporary fix which could be more costly than fixing the problem professionally once-in-for-all. Call today to schedule an appointment and fix the problem correctly!

Tile Repair

handymannextday — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:13:39 +0000

February 25, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com. 909-266-1455, 760-625-0668
We recently received this email asking the following question.

Dear Handyman Next Day,

I have a cracked tile in my shower how do I replace it without causing damage ?

Sincerely,

Ted-the tile terminator
Concord, CA

Dear ‘Terminator’,

Thanks for the question. Here’s how to tackle this repair.

1. Cover drain area with towel to prevent debris from going down the drain.
2. Cover working area (tub or shower pan ) with drop cloth to prevent debris from scratching surface.
3. With a grout saw run saw along perimeter of tile to be removed going back and forth until all grout is removed from around tile. Take your time and be careful not to damage surrounding tile edges.

Grout Saw

4. The temptation now my be to pry the tile loose by using an adjoining tile for leverage–DON’T! More often then not you’ll break the adjoining tile adding to your work. Instead tap on existing broken tile along crack to remove portions of broken tile. Slow and steady is the better method to avoid loosening other tile by hitting broken tile too hard.
5. Once tile pieces are removed make sure back portion is clean to be able to apply new tile. Using a 5 in 1 tool or stone chisel might help.
6. Remove drop clothes shake out and place them down again before you begin to install your new tile piece.

For questions like this send emails to: info@HandymanNextDay.com, subject line question.

Handyman Next Day

Go Green-water recirculating pump

handymannextday — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:29:28 +0000

February 20, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com. 909-266-1455, 760-625-0668

Approx 15, 000 gallons of water per year go down the drain waiting for hot water to get hot from faucets, showers and tubs. Considering that this at one time was hot water you are also see the energy cost associated with heating the original 15,000 gallons go down the drain as well. Purchasing a hot water recirculating pump can avoid such loss saving you money while protecting natural resources. Typical pumps can vary in cost ranging anywhere from $250.00-$400.00. This might sound like a substantial investment but when one thinks of an average swimming pool as holding between 15,000-25,000 gallons–the loss and becomes clearer. Check out your local home improvement store or online vendors searching: hot water recirculating pumps for a variety of vendors.

Go green tip-water heater blanket 150% R.O.I.

handymannextday — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:31:13 +0000

February 18, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com.

In colder weather you often reach for a blanket if your watching television or reading a book. While your at it why not throw a blanket over your water heater as well saving money and the environment at the same time. A water heater thermal blanket can be bought at a home improvement store for as little as 20.00. The yearly savings can be around 30.00 giving you a rate of return of about 150%. The following year and subsequent years are complete savings with no out of pocket costs. With today’s economic outlook where else are you going to see returns like that?

For more money saving tips visit us at www.HandymanNextDay.com or see our Posts at www.HandymanNextDay.wordpress.com, www.HandymanNextDay.blogspot.com.

Going Green tip#2-windows

handymannextday — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:09:40 +0000

Year round, energy efficient windows are working to reduce your energy costs. In winter they keep heat inside and reduce heating costs. In summer energy efficient windows keep cool in and heat out lowering cooling costs. Some estimates have 25% of heat escaping through inefficient windows and doors. The difference between single pane and double pane windows is about 15% (Single pane meaning on piece of glass between the inside of your home and the outside. Double pane consists of two pieces of glass separated from each other 3/8″ -5/8 inch depending on manufacturer and type of window). Typically window installation is roughly the same for installing single pane opposed to double pane but the overall savings in energy costs is obviously in favor of the double pane windows. Another factor to consider is making sure that your windows are labeled “low-e” which prevent heat lose in winter and heat from entering in summer. Choosing the frame material for your windows is also important. Wood frame and vinyl frames are typically more energy efficient than aluminum or steel frames.

Uncle Sam is also offering tax credits in some instances for homes that are improving their energy efficiency. Check with your local state and government to see if you qualify. Energystar.gov

written by,

w.wolfsohn

HandymanNextDay.com

HandymanNextDay–Green Tip

handymannextday — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:33:13 +0000

As much as 15% of a household’s energy dollar goes to heating water, according to the Flex Your Power web site. Despite such a large percentage going to a single appliance many people disregard the condition of their water heater. Chances are that if your water heater is more than 10 years old it is significantly less efficient than today’s models. You can determine the age of most water heaters by reading the last two numbers of the serial number which correspond to the year manufactured. If your water heater is newer consider placing a water heater blanket around the water heater to keep the water warmer. Lastly, water heaters are usually placed in basements and garages, areas less likely to be well insulated. Make sure the location of your water heater is properly insulated using foam insulation around pipes, insulation in walls, and weather stripping in windows and doors. Keeping the area in which your water heater is stored from un-necessary drafts can help considerably in lowering costs.

There are also rebates available depending what area of the country you live in. Check with your local gas, electric, water company for these rebates.

winterization

handymannextday — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:11:33 +0000

As winter grips most of the country the west has enjoyed seasonably low temperatures. However, dont but fooled by the warm temperatures it only takes one night to dip below the freezing point to cause water pipes to break leading to thousands in repair costs.

Here are the key points to remember when ‘winterizing’ your home:
1. Drain Cold/Hot water lines if your home or cabin is going to be vacant for any length of time
2. Wrap your cold/hot water lines with insulation–a good idea and relatively inexpensive.
3. Drain waste lines.
4. Drain p-traps under sinks, tubs, showers and toilets.
5. Set your thermostat to around 50 degrees (or as necessary to your area of the country)
6. Turn off water supply to your home or cabin at your customer shut off location.

7. Insulate/cover around: doors, windows, attic space, crawl space, basements, or built-ups

Taking these proactive steps before the mercury drops might save you thousands should pipes freeze then thaw while you are away.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterization