Archive for July, 2009

Replacing The Wax Ring In Your Toilet

Monday, July 27th, 2009

A leaking toilet isn’t something to be taken lightly. It can cause significant damage to your bathroom floor, and maybe even the sub-flooring beneath. In some cases, you might have to completely replace the toilet. However, the problem may only need an easy fix by replacing the wax ring underneath the stool.

The wax ring keeps noxious fumes from entering your home, and helps seal the toilet to the drainage pipes. Water leaks and a toilet that becomes loose, are only a couple of the reasons that a new wax ring needs to be implemented. It causes the ring to break away, and can also allow mold to grow in this area. Replacing the ring is a simple fix and only requires a few tools and an inexpensive replacement ring.

Before getting too far into the project, you’ve got to shut off the water and empty the bowl and tank of the toilet. There should be a shut-off valve behind your toilet. Once this is done, flush your stool to empty out the water. Once this is done, you can move on to the rest of your project. Disconnect the water lines to the toilet, and remove the nuts attached to the bolt that hold the stool in place. These may be a little rusted and hard to loosen. If so, simply add a little W-D 40. This should take care of the problem.

To remove the stool, pick it straight up from the floor so as not to damage the bolts still placed within the floor. If these are severely damaged, you may have to replace them along with the wax ring. Lay the stool upside down on a piece of carpeting to catch any lingering water. Next, use a putty knife or something similar to scrape away the old wax ring. Chances are that it will have become stuck to the bottom of the stool.

Some wax rings come with a plastic funnel attached. Check to make sure the old ring either didn’t have one of these, or that you remove it before going on. In some cases, this may be stuck to the flange, which will also need to be cleaned before adding the new ring. Once both the bottom of the stool and the flange are cleaned, you’re ready to put your new wax ring in place.

Put the ring around the bottom of the stool’s discharge outlet. Be sure to press it into place, as it may fall off once you pick up the toilet. Check the washers around the floor bolts before replacing the stool, and replace if needed. Next, slowly replace the toilet back to its original position. Tighten down the nuts to the floor bolts and replace the water lines. Make sure everything fits well before turning the water back on.

Once you’ve taken care of everything else, turn on the water and your toilet should be ready to go for another few years. Make sure to check for leaks before calling the project complete. If done properly, this entire project should only take about an hour of so to finish.

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How To Install Linoleum Flooring

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Millions of homes have linoleum floors in their kitchens and bathrooms. However, after a while, the linoleum begins to crack and pieces can break off leaving unsightly holes in the room. Because of this, many people decide to add new flooring to the rooms, but need to know how to install linoleum. There are two different types of linoleum, tiles and rolled. Rolled linoleum comes in one large sheet and can be a little difficult to work with. Tiles are just what they sound like and a bit easier to work with.

Before starting the project, you need to remove all furniture and appliances. Next, remove baseboards so your linoleum will lay flush against the walls. The next step is to pull up the existing linoleum and clean up any debris left behind. Make sure there are no staples or nails sticking up and that your sub-flooring is in good condition. Once this is complete, you’re ready to put in your new flooring.

If you’ve decided to go with tiled linoleum, you again have two options. You can either use the regular tiles that require an adhesive to be applied to the floor, or tiles that come with a self-adhesive backing. Either way, you’ll need to find the center of your room and work out from there. Use a chalk line to center your tiles, and a carpenter’s square to make sure all your angles are precise. For the outer tiles, you may have to cut a few down to fit. This can easily be done with any utility knife.

When using the rolled linoleum, there are a couple ways in which to determine your flooring space. Some experts say that the best way to get an exact fitting it to lay out the linoleum and cut around obstacles such as center islands. Others claim that it’s better to create a template from butcher’s paper. Either way, be sure to leave a little extra on all sides in case of errors. Once you’ve cut your flooring, add your adhesive with a notched trowel, rolling the linoleum along as you work. Make sure to remove any air bubbles that may occur during installation. As you work your way across the room, make sure to slowly cut away any excess.

After your flooring is in place, allow it time to set before replacing appliances and furniture. A good linoleum flooring can last years and will give your kitchens and bathrooms a look of elegance, as well as an easy material to clean. Ask your dealer about different the best options for your home, and the region you live. When it’s all said and done with, you’ll have a room you’ll be proud to show to the world.

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How To Fix Your Roofing Shingles

Monday, July 13th, 2009

One of the largest costs applied to homeowners is in roofing repairs. Either because of age or damaging weather, there comes a time when you’ve got to have your roofing shingles replaced in order to keep your roof from becoming rotted. However, rather than have to your roof reshingled on a regular basis, you can do some of the repairs yourself.

First thing you’ll need to assess is whether or not your roof is safe enough to begin repairs. Steep angles, moisture, and weather conditions are all safety issues you’ll need to address up front. You’ll also need to check to see if you have left over shingles from the last time you had your roof done, or if you need to get some new one. If so, take one of your damaged tiles with you in order to get the right color and texture.

Next, what types of repairs need to be done? If you have shingles that are cracked or broken, you’ll need to completely replace them. Remember that shingles overlap in a downward motion, so you may have to replace a couple surrounding shingles as well. Also, it’s a good idea to purchase new tar paper to go beneath your shingles for added protection.

For roofing shingles that are bent or beginning to curl, you may only need to apply some adhesive to keep them in place. You can purchase roofing sealant at any hardware or home improvement store. Simply apply with a caulking gun and hold in place with something heavy such as box of nails. It usually take about 24 hours for the adhesive to completely dry.

In some instances, you may be able to repair a shingle rather than replace it. If you have a torn shingle on your roof, apply some of the roofing sealant beneath both sides of the tear and weight down. The glue will not only hold the shingle in place, but will form a seal within the tear. For added effect, scrape some of the roofing granules from either a shingle you’ve removed or a less noticeable place, and sprinkle over the seam. The glue will help keep the granules in place, and no one will notice the tear.

Having your entire roof reshingled can cost you a small fortune. But, for minor damage, you can replace and repair your shingles on your own. It will save you a lot of time and money, and will give your home that sparkling new look once again.

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Creating extra storage space

Monday, July 6th, 2009

There is more to home improvement than just fixing up the walls. Many homeowners realize that they need more space over time. Creating extra storage space doesn’t mean having to knock out any walls. You can add extra storage space with a few simple steps, and maybe a few pieces you’ve already got lying around the house.

Shelving is the most obvious choice for adding extra space. You can purchase pre-made shelving at just about any home improvement store, or even your local discount center. However, you can make your own shelves out of just about anything. For example, an old fireplace mantel can be cut down and repainted for an attractive accent piece for any room.

Creating extra storage space in your closets is a big issue. With a larger closet, there are several ways to add extra storage. One option is to place a small dresser inside. These can be found at second hand stores or garage sales. But, with a small closet, you’ve got to be a little more creative. The trick is to remember that even though you can’t go out, you can go up. An old bookshelf attached to the closet wall will give you separate spaces for shoes, sweaters, and whatever else you can dream of.

In the garage, shelving is essential. The best option here is to add wire racks and shelves. Also, if you have a large workbench, add shelving below as an easy access point for all your tools. Want an easy way to store small objects like nails? Add a wooden shelf over your work area and attach lids from baby food or any other small jar. Fill the jar with your nails, then simply screw onto the lid. It’s an easy way to create store small items without taking up valuable space.

You can add a lot of extra storage space in your home, without spending a lot of money. Second hand stores, garage sales, and even auctions are great places to find workable materials. With a few nails and some corner supports, you can add shelves to every room of your house and create more storage space than you ever thought possible.

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