Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 4PM Eastern.
50 foot level
When you have to match the level of distant points - say, fencing or rock walls - you can make a level of any length you want. Use clear plastic flexible tubing filled with water. Hold one end with the water level at the desired point. The water at the other end will seek the same level no matter how far away.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Premium Paint Brushes Enliven Colors
How exciting that you’re about to freshen up the outside of your home! Stick with the right paint brushes to achieve the look you want, whether merely a fresh coat to brighten the façade or an entirely new design. The choice of synthetic or natural bristles depends on the type of paint or staining used. Polyester, nylon, and poly-blend brushes work well with acrylic, latex, and water-based paints and wood stains. Brushes made with animal hair are best for shellacs and oil or alkyd paints and finishes. Paint brushes with wider stiffer bristles are good for large areas such as walls and doors, while smaller angled ones are perfect for moldings, sashes, and anywhere requiring delicate edges.
Always use the same brush for the same type of finish, and make sure that each one is properly cleaned after use. Gently squeeze or wipe off excess coating from the paint brushes, then wash appropriately: water and mild soap for synthetics, vegetable or linseed oil for naturals. Rinse till clear, flex the bristles to reaffirm shape, and store upright or hang to dry. The price of paint brushes does equate to end result, so invest a bit – the worth will definitely show!
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Foundation finish
Houses with walk-out basements usually have large areas of foundation walls exposed. To improve the appearance, apply a splatter coat of masonry cement with a texture gun before painting.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Use a Snow Roof Rake to Sweep Away Debris
A snow roof rake is a must-have for anyone who rents or owns a house in an area that gets substantial snowfalls. Not only can the weight of the accumulated snow become too much for your roof to bear, but the melting snow can find a way to seep in and adversely affect the structure.
A broom can't remove all of the powder or slush, and a yard rake, in addition to being ineffective, has tines that can cause damage. The blade of a snow roof rake is specially designed to not scrape or scratch roof shingles, and some have chutes attached to make the swept snow come down easier. If yours does not have a chute, just stand far enough away from where the snow will come off, and make sure no one else or nothing that can be marred by the debris is near. Standing safely on the ground is all you have to do, as snow roof rake extensions can be added if it doesn’t reach that far. The telescopic pole makes it convenient to fit right alongside your winter decorations, so everything needed for the colder weather is in one consolidated spot.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
New dirt
To improve the drainage away from your house, you can buy pulverized topsoil. Check the Yellow Pages for dealers. It is purchased by the ton and delivered to your driveway. With a wheelbarrow, add soil around your foundation so that it slopes away from the house. Be sure to keep the soil at least four inches away from the siding to avoid attracting termites. An average house will take at least two tons.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Masonite
If you have Masonite or hardboard siding, it is important to keep it sealed with paint. The siding is primed when it comes from the factory, but problems can develop after installation. Each nail must be caulked before painting. Special care must be taken to get a good coat of paint on the bottom edge of the laps and the full sheets. Most of the water damage to hardboard siding comes from raindrops that "hang" on the bottom edge. If the edge is not sealed with paint, the water will wick up into the siding.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Caulking
To get a good seal when caulking, think of the job as welding the two surfaces together. The caulk must be applied to both edges of the crack being sealed. After the bead of caulk is applied, wet your finger and smooth the joint.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Masonite revisited
If you have water damage to the bottom edge of Masonite hardboard siding, it can be covered. Board and batt siding consists of 4´ wide sheets with a 1-1/2" batt nailed vertically every 16". If the siding has bubbled at the bottom, it is because of water damage. To repair: With a circular saw, cut the batts up from the bottom 5 1/2" (the width of a 1X6). Nail a cedar 1X6 to the bottom, butted up to the batts. Caulk the top edge and paint.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Filler
You can make your own wood filler by mixing sawdust with carpenter´s glue. It will be paintable, but not stainable.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Slugs & snails
A good way to get rid of slugs and snails is to place a pie pan in the ground, flush with ground level. Fill the pan with beer, check it around mid-morning, and dispose of all the invertebrate inebriates.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Starter strip
When installing metal or vinyl siding, sometimes it is necessary to start the bottom row on the concrete foundation. Instead of trying to nail starter strip to the concrete, try using cedar shingles. Just snap the thick end of the shingles into the siding, establish the level you want, and nail the top of the shingle to the studs.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Leveling your siding
When installing lap siding of any type (vinyl or hardboard), leave your level in the shop. If you try to make the siding level, it will look crooked when you are done. Measure down from the soffit or frieze board to find a starting point on each face of the house. Match the corners and take a measurement down every two or three rows.
LifeTips is part of ideaLaunch, the hub for a group of websites offering
solutions that help clients improve mind share, market share and profit online.
