Seeding
Whether you're seeding a few bare spots or starting an entire lawn, we'll show you how.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Rose and Flower Care
How, when, and where to best fertilize your roses and flowers to protect them from insects and disease.
Wood Ceilings
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates how to use solid-wood beaded ceiling planks to make a wood ceiling. It is important to prestain and urethane the wood before it is installed.
How to Cut PVC Pluming in Tight Places
Bob Schmidt shows you how to cut PVC plumbing pipe using a unique method to protect adjacent areas in your home during your home remodeling project.
How to Choose a Pot and Planter
There are signs all around us that spring will soon be here. The song birds are returning, buds are starting to appear on the trees, and the sales ads at all the garden centers and home improvement stores are filled with pictures of lush, healthy plants in pots and planters.
But don’t be tempted to run out and start stocking up just yet. Those pots and planters may look great, but before you buy, make sure you know what they’re made of and if they’ll work well for you. Plant containers are made from all sorts of materials, from the inexpensive plastic pots to the ceramic and fiberglass resin planters.
Because they are the most readily available and least expensive, plastic and clay are the two most popular options. Drainage is very important for all plants to prevent root rot so make sure that whatever container you purchase there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot or a way to drill a hole.
Plastic pots
Plastic is by far the most popular material used in plant containers. It can easily be molded into all shapes and sizes, and comes in colors as varied as the rainbow.
Terra cotta pots
The classic Terra cotta, or clay pots are another popular option. You’ll find them in all shapes and designs at your local gardening store. They are usually red, but can be painted any color or add your own masterpiece to the pot.
Terra cotta has two (rustic) looks.
One: You leave them alone and let them age. The salts and alkali will stain the outside of the pots. Moss and mold will grow on the outside of the pots. The life of the pot will be short -- about 3 to 4 years before they breakdown and crumble.
Two: To maintain the natural clean look of terra cotta without adding a glaze spray the terra cotta pot with a sealant such as Spray N’ Seal a pottery sealer. The sealant waterproofs the clay to help prevent the alkali and salts from accumulating and prevents the moss and mold from growing on the pots. By sealing your terra cotta pot it strengthens the pottery against chipping and flaking in frosty weather which will extended the life of the pots.
Foam pots
These containers come in a variety of shapes and they are lightweight which makes them easier to handle. The drawback, however, is that they are not very durable. If knocked around they can crack and brake easily.
Fiberglass resin urns and planters
Fiberglass containers are lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and extreme weather damage. They come in a variety of colors and designs. They can cost as much or more than ceramic pots, but are extremely durable.
Ceramic glazed pots
These come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and styles. You can find something to match just about every decor. The glazing on the outside makes them durable, but over time, you may have problems with chipping off of the glaze by water seeping through the clay from the inside of the pot. To prevent this spray the inside with Spray ‘N Seal Pottery Sealer before adding soil.
Wooden barrels and planter boxes
They come as the traditional half whisky barrel or the red wood or cedar wooden barrel and planter box made to be planters, and add the rustic look of wood to your garden.. They are heavy and the bottoms rot out after a few years. By giving them a lift it will extend the life of the planters.
Give Your Pots a Lift
It doesn’t matter if your plant is in a $5 plastic container or a $100 ceramic pot. If you’re not careful both will stain your deck, carpets and wooden floors. Prevent this from happening by giving your pots a lift. Use a product like The Down Under Plant Stand to raise the pot and saucer off the decks and floors. This allows air to circulate under the pot and tray to evaporate the excess water and condensation which causes the damage. Also consider placing the plant stand not just under the saucer but in the saucer to raise the pot out of the water that accumulates in the saucer. This will allow good drainage of your pots which your plants will love.
The Down Under Plant Stand uses four plastic arms to lift the pot off the floor, promoting air flow and proper drainage that protects the pot and plant. The stand can be adjusted to fit virtually any size pot by simply trimming off the excess length on each support arm so it hides under the pot. No need to worry how much your pot weighs for this floor and deck saving device can support up to 500 pounds.
To learn more about how to protect your pots, plants, decks and floors, or to find a Down Under Plant Stand retailer near you, visit www.theplantstandco.com or call (800) 834-9317.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Monday, April 16, 2007
Cobblestone Edging
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates how to use recycled cobblestones. Cobblestone can be used to edge gardens, driveways and walkways.
Remodeling a Basement
Finishing a basement is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase living space in a home. This book helps readers visualize the vast possibilities that exist for this challenging space, and go about the remodeling process in an organized and efficient way. Roger German, a basement remodeling pro, covers every step, from the physically demanding "dirty work" to the rewarding finishing touches. He shows how to deal with a basement's special challenges, such as moisture problems and framing against concrete floors and walls, and gives instructions on pumping water up and out from basement baths and laundry rooms.
Available at Amazon.com.
How to Fix a Sticking Door
Bob Schmidt shows you the most common repair for a stuck door that is binding because of a hinge problem in your home.
How to Install Wide Plank Wood Floors over Concrete
Wood over concrete? Yes, it can be done! For the longest time, homeowners were warned that wide plank wood floors installed over concrete would result in moisture problems. But that’s not so anymore. A concrete sub-floor is no reason to deny yourself beautiful wood floors. Nowadays, they can go virtually anywhere.
It is true that wood is affected by climate change: wood fibers expand and contract with fluctuations in relative humidity. However, this movement and the resulting moisture problems can be controlled with proper installation techniques and the use of high quality wood products. “If you’re going to be installing over concrete, it becomes even more critical that you understand what part of the tree the boards are cut from and the manner in which the boards were processed; both of these factors are vital to your overall satisfaction with the floor,” says Chris Sy from Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring. He explains that wood cut from the center of a tree contains a higher percentage of vertical grain which makes it less susceptible to movement and thus a higher quality material.
Before you embark on this installation process, Carlisle recommends certain rules of thumb to manage moisture and ensure the stability of the wood:
- Be sure the wood supplier has properly dried the wood. (Carlisle recommends 12 month air drying.)
- Let the wood acclimate in the home or business for 24 hours.
- During acclimation in your home or business, keep relative humidity at 45 percent.
- Make sure the wood flooring has proper stress reliefs. (These ridges on the underside of the wood relieve tension in wood, reduce board movement, and provide a greater glue surface.)
Here are some step-by-step installation guidelines once you know the height allowance:
Option One: Gluing directly to concrete -- 1/2 to 3/4 inch height allowance
Using either Bostik’s Best or Sika adhesive product, spread one layer of adhesive onto the concrete per manufacturer’s instructions and place your Carlisle planks, milled to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness directly onto the adhesive. Allow 12 hours drying time before finishing your floors.
Option Two-A: Concrete slab with plywood sub-floor -- 1 inch height allowance
Place a layer of 6mm polyethylene onto the concrete as your moisture barrier. Using a Hilti Direct fastening tool, shoot concrete nails into 1/2 inch plywood to apply directly onto concrete. Install Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, milled to 1/2 inch thickness by blind nailing and gluing.
Option Two-B: Concrete slab with plywood sub-floor --1 1/2 inches or more height allowance
Lay down 3/4 inch plywood and then follow the directions above.
The cost associated with both options for installing wood over concrete is similar. However, due to the cost of the adhesives, it can be slightly cheaper to use the plywood method.
It’s also possible to install Carlisle floors over concrete slabs with radiant heat. The installation process calls for using a floating plywood sub-floor.
Proof that this method of installation has gained industry acceptance is its prevalence in high end commercial applications. For instance, the Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., used Carlisle White Oak wide plank wood flooring over concrete in the public space of their main level. Given the resources for high quality wood, like Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, and the variety of mastic adhesives available today, you too can install wood floors over concrete in your home.
For more information about Carlisle floors, or to access their step-by-step instruction book for more specific directions, log on to www.wideplankflooring.com or call (800) 595-9663.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Epoxy Deck Stain
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates a deck sealer and stain that contains synthetic resins. This sealer stain doesn't contain natural oils that become food for algae and mildew.
Caring For Your Shrubs
Learn the correct way to plant and care for shrubs – the most versatile plants in landscaping.
How to Keep Your Family Cool and Comfy This Summer
Ahh, summer. It’s time for family vacations, warm-weather activities and a much-needed break from school. It’s also time for rising temperatures that can make your family lose their cool and make your home feel uncomfortable.
The good news is you can avoid these problems. By preparing your home for summer you can spend more time enjoying your family. Proactive maintenance is key to ensuring that your air conditioning system runs properly this summer. Just follow these easy tips from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning:
* Schedule a check-up in the spring. Call your local heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to do a routine check of your cooling system before the summer heat wave arrives and before contractors get really busy with emergency or last-minute calls. A typical maintenance visit should include checking thermostat settings, tightening all electrical connections, lubricating all moving parts, inspecting the condensation drain, checking system controls, cleaning any air conditioning coils and air filters, and adjusting blower components.
* Replace the furnace filter. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment -- two problems you especially want to avoid in the summer heat. To help save on replacement filter costs, some manufacturers, such as American Standard, have cleanable filters that can be rinsed or vacuumed. Make sure the replacement filter is approved by your furnace manufacturer. In addition, your HVAC professional can show you how to replace your filters on an ongoing basis to ensure your system is running smoothly all year-round.
* Breathe easier. While you may be able to open your windows in the spring, most families need to close the windows and doors in the summer to keep the cool air inside and the hot air outside. In addition, your kids may be bringing dust, dirt and pollen in the house after playing outside. This means that all these particles are getting trapped in your home. This can be especially troubling for any family members suffering from allergies that flare up in the spring and summer.
A whole-house air cleaner can help remove unwanted particles from the air in every room of a house, versus other air cleaners that just do the job in one specific room. The American Standard AccuClean whole-house air filtration system removes up to 99.98 percent of unwanted particles from the filtered air. The air cleaner attaches to your furnace or air handler to help your family breathe easier in the summer and throughout the year.
* Reprogram your thermostat settings for spring and summer. With a programmable thermostat, you can stay more comfortable inside by setting the temperature based on the changing weather outside -- whether it’s a hot, scorching day followed by a cooler night or sunny and hot during the day and warm and muggy at night. If you go away on vacation, you can also reprogram your thermostat to higher temperatures before you leave to help save energy costs.
With these easy steps, your family can enjoy the summer even more knowing your home is clean, cool and comfy. For more information on whole-house air filtration systems or to find an American Standard independent dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Building a Deck
This is the definitive guide to building the most popular exterior building project there is: the deck. By walking the reader through the entire process -- from the planning stages, through construction step-by-step, to the custom details that make a deck unique -- Building a Deck covers the practical side of building as well as design considerations that make a difference to discriminating homeowners. 35 drawings and over 300 color photos are included.
Available at Amazon.com.
Drill Tips
TipVision host Charlie Stone and home repair expert Jeff Wilson give tips for easy drilling.
Roots in Sewer Line
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates a clever method that prevents tree roots from entering an underground sewer or septic line.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Scotts Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard
With this book, you'll find answers and see results.
- Seeding
- Fertilizing
- Mowing
- Watering
- Aerating
- Problem solving
- Equipment Myths
- Techniques
From the first name in lawns comes the last word on lawn care! Scotts Lawns brings you all the experience and insight of the nation's foremost experts on growing the perfect lawn. Here you'll find the secrets of success for your yard -- you'll have fewer weeds and greener grass -- all explained in easy-to-follow steps. You'll be amazed by how uncomplicated it is, and your neighbors will be asking you for your secrets.
Available at Amazon.com.
Ceramic Tile Repair Options
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates a clever trick to repair a cracked ceramic floor tile.
How to Easily Clean Your Deck
Spring is right around the corner and behind it summer fun. It’s the time to clean up after the long winter and prepare the yard for enjoyment. Most people don’t build a beautiful deck so they can spend time cleaning it, but proper deck care is essential to maintain its appearance and the life of the wood.
To treat your wood deck with a stain or finish, it’s important to clean it first. To get this done the quickest and easiest way possible, you need to have the right tools. Look for quality deck cleaning solutions at your local hardware store or home center. And while you will find power washers on display with the solutions, these are not as easy to use or as convenient as you might think.
Power sprayers typically are only used for heavy duty surface removal -- like taking paint off. The spray is powerful and can even damage the surface you’re cleaning if you’re inexperienced. For most deck dirt that accumulates over the course of winter, a stiff scrub brush and proper cleaning solution will do the job nicely.
Mr. LongArm's TeleWash flow-through extension pole and cleaning brush is an excellent tool to help you complete many outdoor tasks, including deck cleaning. The TeleWash makes finishing a tough job fast and easy and is a much less expensive solution than its heavy-duty counterpart.
The lightweight, aluminum flow-through extension pole is easy to use and extends three to six feet in length. The TeleWash's stiff, short scrub brush is perfect for deck cleaning and surface preparation. Durable, chemical resistant materials work well with most common cleaning agents. Other brush styles are available to clean everything from fine auto finishes to windows, concrete and more.
Preparation
- Remove patio furniture and all other items from the deck.
- Lightly cover potted or other plants near the deck to protect them.
- Be sure to use a commercial deck cleaner specially formulated not to harm vegetation.
- Make sure you have all the tools, including the TeleWash (flow-through extension pole and cleaning brush), dust pan, trash bag, garden hose, bucket and commercial deck cleaner.
- Pick up large debris and sweep the small stuff into a trash bag.
- Attach the garden hose to the TeleWash and turn on the water. Adjust the flow using the flow control/shut-off valve on the TeleWash and sweep over the surface of the deck to rinse it clean. Use the most powerful flow of water on heavily soiled spots and scrub the area with the TeleWash brush to remove as much dirt as possible. Begin at one end of the deck and continue until you have rinsed it completely.
- Use the bucket to prepare your deck cleaning solution; follow the directions on the container.
- With the water off, dip the TeleWash brush into the bucket and scrub the entire surface of the deck using up all the solution.
- Be sure to check your cleaning solution directions for appropriate application time. Turn the water on and sweep over the deck with the TeleWash to remove the cleaning solution.
- Allow the deck to dry completely before staining or applying a wood finish. This may take as long as two or three days depending upon weather conditions.
Mr. LongArm, Inc. of Greenwood, Mo. has manufactured extension poles, painting tools, window washing equipment and hardware products since 1958. The first to offer telescoping extension poles, they continue to lead the industry in their development.
For a list of locations that carry the Mr. LongArm TeleWash and brushes, or for more information visit www.mrlongarm.com or call (800) 821-3508.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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