Understanding Caulk

Caulk throughout the home is the unseen protector, guarding against small cracks and leaks. It provides a seal to keep out moisture, and prevent air from leaking. The prevention of air leaks can help to keep your energy costs lower, and sealing of moisture will help prevent water damage. Subsequently , it can add aesthetic appeal by helping your paint job look clean. Let’s put the spotlight on this unsung hero.

There are two primary forms of caulk: Acrylic latex and silicone. While there are a few specialty types, the majority of household jobs will use the previous two. Acrylic caulk is generally the preferred option for a few reasons. It is more convenient for many because it is less messy, and easier to work with. This caulk is a good option for sealing cracks, and filling gaps where water damage isn’t a concern. Windows, paint jobs, and wall gaps are usually satisfied with a good acrylic job. While acrylic caulk can be used for moisture prevention, overtime it is prone to cracking and shrinking. If used, it will need more frequent replacing. Silicone caulk, though more difficult to work with, is tougher, making it the appropriate option for preventing water penetration. It lasts for many years, and will not crack. It’s rubbery nature will make it an effective waterproof seal that will last, even past a decade. One of the downsides of silicone caulk is that it is not a paintable substance, making it less visually appealing in certain situations. This caulk is generally best suited for the bathroom or outdoors.

Successful application of caulk might take some practice, but there are a few tips that can help. First prepare by cutting the tip right. For most jobs, you’ll want a forty-five degree angle. Don’t cut it too large. It is better to err on the small side, as you can always cut it again a little larger if needed. Too big of an opening can create a mess. The next key is, believe it or not: confidence. A steady hand will go a long way in making a smooth application. Shaking, or slowing and speeding, can result in an uneven line and create more cleanup. Apply the first bead quickly and move at consistent pace. Avoid using too much caulk, which will need to be cleaned up and is wasteful. When applying your first bead, don’t worry about filling it completely and making it perfect. You can fix it later, make the priority a smooth line across your board. Finally, keep a damp cloth with you to wipe your hands as you go. As you apply the caulk on the crack, you don’t want to accidentally apply more, and create a mess.

A job well done is a small, but worthwhile investment that will protect your home and save you money down the line. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, ask a professional to do it for you. Preventing water damage, and saving on energy is worth having it done right! If you need a handyman to help, check out http://www.responsiblecontractors.com/handyman.html, where you will find someone you can trust!

Hand Tools: Safety Matters

Tools are a common part of most households. Whether stored in the garage for special occasions, kept in the house for regular projects, or used daily, we all from time to time will find ourselves using hand tools. As common as they are, hand tools are responsible for accidents and injuries in many. Often, it takes a serious accident to occur before safety steps are taken to prevent them. The reality is, many just don’t think of it until it’s too late. So let’s look at safety precautions of and how you can take steps now that can save you an injury in the future.

According to OSHA: “The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.” Learning to use tools properly, and knowing what maintenance is required with your tools is a large precaution you can take. The first rule of tools is to use it for its designed purpose. Using a tool for a purpose for which it was not created can not only damage your tool, but it can be hazardous. Also, replace tools as necessary. If a handle is loose, using it may result in the head of the tool flying off. If it doesn’t hit someone nearby, it can damage your property. If you notice your tools are loose, sprung, or even dulled, replace it. A few extra dollars now can potentially save on medical bills later.

The next precaution you should take is safety equipment. While most know to use these with power tools, the hand tools are often forgotten. Safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, and steel-toed shoes or boots are a worthwhile if not necessary investment for those who use tools on a semi-regular basis. If you do not have these, and rarely use tools, pick up at a minimum safety goggles and gloves, which can be purchased at your local hardware store inexpensively. Also wear strong shoes, to protect your feet from anything that may drop.

When working with tools, make sure you are in a safe environment. Hammers, screwdrivers, and many other tools all require an exertion of force. As such, work on a floor that is clean, free of debris, and has strong traction so that you will not slip. Do not work near anything flammable, even if you have spark-resistant tools.

Overall, paying attention to your environment and taking small steps can make the difference between a job well-done and a trip to the hospital. While it may seem like it won’t happen to you, thousands of injuries happen every year due to hand and power tools. Don’t be one of them! If you have a job that is beyond your skill set, hire a professional to do it for you. Safety precautions will help; however, even with the proper tools and gear, doing a job too difficult is hazardous, regardless of the precautions taken. Remember that no job is so important that it is worth a trip to the hospital. You can prevent this by knowing your capabilities, using common sense and proper safety procedures.

When your drain won't drain.

It’s often the small things that go unnoticed and are forgotten. Forgotten, that is, until it stops working. We’ve all dealt with the clogged toilets, the full sinks, even the showers that turn to baths. But there is hope: you do not have to suffer clogged drains forever. We’ll look at common drainage problems, and the best solutions for you, for your pocket book, and for the environment. The answer may be easier than you expect!

Drains, like many things, simply take a few minutes of good habits to maintain. A good habit can prevent clogging in the future, and save money down the road on a plumber. Start with the basics: use what you’re given. Many sinks come with a strainer in place. Keep it there, as it’s there for a reason, and keep it clean. In the bathroom sink, keep your sink stopper clean. The buildup of grime around it will, overtime, slow the flow of water and may cause your sink to fill rather than drain. You can also get small screen covers to prevent unwanted materials such as hair and toothpaste out of the drain. If you’re in the kitchen using a garbage disposal, use plenty of cold water, this will discourage food particles from building up and help them wash away smoothly. In the kitchen, use common sense when cleaning after a meal. Avoid dumping hard to drain substances such as grease. That’s what your trash can is for.

Whichever drain you are using, consider pouring hot water down it once a week. This will help dissolve buildup to prevent pipe clogging. If you do have buildup, or have had drainage problems for sometime, you may consider having your home septic system inspected, as several years of buildup can necessitate pumping.

Once your drain is clogged, though, you do have options before calling a plumber. The temptation for many people is to pick a well-known commercial brand and pour it down. This can be effective, but may not be the most environmentally-safe option, and should be considered after a gentler option. Before trying these though, put on a rubber glove and make sure the problem isn’t as simple as a wad of hair blocking the pipe. For a moderately clogged drain, which can be indicated by slow-draining water that isn’t entirely stopped, the remedy can be as simple as baking soda and vinegar. Start with 1/2 cup of baking soda, and follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Note that combining these two will foam and possibly fume, so you should wait a few hours (minimum of three) before replacing the drain cover or running water. If your clog is grease-based, you can use baking soda and salt: a half cup of each. Follow with a few cups of boiling water and let it sit for twelve hours before replacing the drain cover and using the sink again.

If these homemade cleaners will not clear your drain, you can move on to a commercial drain cleaner. However, if you do not have success with those, it may be time to consider calling a plumber. Problems that have been allowed to escalate can cause the pipes to be stuck in areas that will be hard to reach, even underground on occasion. To avoid damaging your plumbing, it is best in this case to bring in a professional that you trust. After all - having it properly maintained and repaired will cost you less time, money and inconvenience than replacing will!

Thinking About Remodeling?

For most families, a beautiful and updated home is a value. We budget for it, invest time and energy into it, and take time to enjoy the space we create. And, on occasion, decide it’s time for a remodel. Especially for those of us with older homes, remodeling can be both exciting and overwhelming. We long for the new look and added equity it can provide us, but dread living in an unfinished house, and putting away the time and money to make a project of that size happen. So let’s help you get started with some steps that can reduce the stress, and give you a plan of action.

Plan Thoroughly

You can do yourself a favor by doing research ahead of time. Start looking at supplies, pricing, design options, and pick out what you’ll like within your budget. Waiting until the last minute, you may end up making the same decisions. However, planning ahead will let you budget more effectively and give you peace of mind knowing a decision has been made. When planning and choosing, also keep the big picture in mind. The changes you make will effect your maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and overall equity. Factoring in the long-term costs of these will help you make a good investment.

Pick the Right Help

Choosing the right contractor is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. For most people, your home is the biggest financial investment you’ll purchase, and improving it is worth doing right. Hire a remodeler who has a good reputation, good experience, and that you know you can trust. To build that relationship ahead of time, consider meeting with them on a job site, so you can see how they work, and whether they maintain a clean, organized work flow. Also remember to insist on a good contract. It should include a start date, completion date, and details of what will and will not need to be done. Doing work without a contract may leave you with an unfinished project, additional unexpected charges or even litigation. This is another reason you need to have a contractor you can trust. With Responsible Contractors, we have several of the best in the area that we can recommend and connect you with!

Provide Good Relations and Communications

One of the biggest parts you as the homeowner can play in your project, is to treat your remodeler well! Simply being a good listener, and being appreciative goes a long way. It reduces the stress of the contractor working on your job, which will help the overall project. Talk to your contractor before the project for expectations. A reputable remodeler will let you know what to expect before the project begins.

Plan for the In-Between

During construction, which can take between days and weeks depending on the size of the remodel, living in a corner of the house can be stressful. It’s important to plan your living accommodations ahead of time. While it may be simpler to take a vacation or stay with a relative, for many that isn’t an option. Wherever you setup camp, make sure you have a refrigerator and microwave so you can make light meals at home. Also have your valuables safely packed and stored away, to protect them from being moved or damaged.

Proper planning, a good contractor, and effective communication will give you a good remodeling experience, and valuable investment in your home. If you’re doing some remodeling, we’d love to see pictures with you and one of our trusted contractors!

Sanding & Sandpaper

Sanding is an activity people find themselves doing semi-frequently. Whether working on a design project, restoring a piece of furniture, or doing some basic repair, sandpaper can be your ally on numerous occasions. So let’s get a good understanding of it, and what you’ll need to know before you use it.

Sandpaper is made up of sharp edges designed to cut away at wood and metal. This is done by glueing these edges in various shapes onto a backing material with a bonding agent. The sharp edges can be made from any number of materials, and together are called the grit of the sandpaper. The amount of particles per square inch of sandpaper determines the grit size, which is how sandpaper is measured. This is good to know because the sandpaper you will choose will depend on how coarsely you want to sand. The heavier and more thorough the job, the smaller the grit. The larger the grit, the finer the result. Sandpaper will fall between 40 and 600 grit, giving a wide array of options to pick the best one for your job.

Garnet, emery, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide are four commonly used particles that makeup the grit. Garnet is standard for general wood sanding. Emery is of good use for abrading or polishing metal. Aluminum oxide is a good option for contoured surfaces, or smoothing flat surfaces. Silicon carbide is among the coarsest, making it a good option for stripping or cutting through hard materials, including finishes and paint.

If you are doing woodwork, carpentry, or stripping a surface that is not fragile, a low, heavy grit will do the job. Prep work can be different, however. If you are preparing to prime and paint, your desired result will be a flat, smooth surface. With drywalls, 120 or 150-grit sandpaper will do well, given you don’t apply too much pressure. When sanding drywall, also remember to wear a dust mask, and reduce a breeze if possible, so the dust isn’t carried to settle throughout the house. If you’re preparing to repaint a room, rather than stripping the paint completely, you may first choose a coarser sandpaper to remove the bumps, and then a very fine one to smooth over once it’s complete, even up to 600-grit.

Most jobs that require a finish will benefit from, if not need, to be sanded. Choosing the right paper will allow you to get the best results, even if it means putting in longer work. The coarser the sand, the quicker the job. However, coarse sands can cause scratches that will show up later on. When in doubt, follow up a strong job with a fine sandpaper to finish, up to 220-grit. It’s important not to get impatient, because finish will amplify any scratches that may not have been noticeable on the bare surface. If you have a specialty job, double check with a professional in that industry for recommendations on the correct sandpaper to use, as you don’t want to damage the piece you’d like to refinish.

Finished and Fixed: Wooden Furniture

Most of our homes are peppered with wooden pieces of furniture. And itʼs no mystery
why! Wooden furniture provides a classic, elegant and versatile addition to compliment
any design. With use and age however, wooden furniture is vulnerable to being
blemished. Scratches, stains, and dents, all work their ways into it overtime. There are a
few simple tricks that can help keep your furniture looking new.

1) Hide Scratches with Markers.

One simple solution that is most effective on darker woods, is to use a furniture touch-up marker, which you can find in your local hardware and home improvement stores. These are a very convenient, quick way to color scratches that have caused discoloration. It does not make a mess, and uses a small amount of stain to carefully fill in the scratch.

2) Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are a safe way to clean and polish wood furniture to keep it looking its
best! This is important as water will damage finished wood, causing further discoloration
and minor distortion. Because most standard cleaners use water, overtime they can
damage your furniture. Mineral spirits will not only clean, but can penetrate the polish to
remove embedded dirt. Any stronger solvent will damage the finish itself, so the mineral
spirits will be a good option to wipe the dirt away.

3) Rub Scratches Away
If you are careful not to rub the stain beneath the finish, you can use a fine, steel wool
pad to gently remove and buff fine scratches. To do this, mix a steel wool pad, as fine as
you can find, with a Danish oil. Using a flat hand and rubber gloves, rub gently with the
grain. Avoid corners and edges, as you could easily discolor the furniture by removing
stain. This is good only for light scratches that have not penetrated into the stain or the
wood itself. Once this is done, allow the wool to dry outside before throwing it away.
This is extremely important, as it can spontaneously combust if thrown away wet.

Keeping your wooden furniture looking new is a simple and inexpensive task that takes
very little time. It will allow the design of your room to remain clean and tasteful, as well
as preserve your furniture for years to come.

Why Ceiling Fans?

We are still in the full swing of summer, being hit with relentless heat waves! For most, air conditioning is a necessary addition to keep cool over the summer. But for those without it, or those looking for a more cost-effective option, installing a ceiling fan can help save on long-term maintenance costs and utility bills. Air conditioners average around 3500 watts of energy to run, whereas a ceiling fan will average only 60 watts, even on high. This is a significant difference that over the course of the summer will save on your energy bills. While ceiling fans do not cool the air the way air conditioning units do, it does circulate air. This will create a breeze that will make the room feel cooler. 

If you’re replacing a current light fixture in your home with a ceiling fan, the first step is to determine what size of a fan you need to properly circulate air. The larger the room, the larger the fan you’ll need. Ceiling fans commonly come in three sizes: 36 inch diameter, 42 inch diameter, and 52 inch diameter. Small rooms under 12 feet will suffice with a 36 inch fan. Large rooms over 15 feet should use a 52 inch fan. Anything in between will appreciate a 42 inch fan. 

When choosing a fan, also check the blades. In order to get well-circulated air, your blade angle should be at least twelve degrees. Ideally more. Also, because ceiling fans replace light fixtures, it’s usually a good idea to opt for the light assembly as well. 

Installing a fan in place of an existing light is a project that you may be able to do yourself, however will involve some electrical work, and ceiling work. Because fans tend to be very heavy, it’s important not to install one without a brace inside the ceiling to hold the weight. You don’t want your fan to crash in on you! You can purchase ceiling braces with instructions for installation at a local hardware store. If any part of the process is uncomfortable, considering hiring a licensed electrician to install the fan for you.

During the summer, for maximum circulation, you can keep the fan on a higher setting. Newer fans usually give you a choice of counterclockwise or clockwise. Depending on the angle of your blades, one of these options should give you the best breeze. To determine, stand directly beneath the fan. You should feel a breeze almost immediately after turning it on. If you don’t, try the opposite direction. Fans aren’t just for summer, either! During the winter, it will come in handy to move heat throughout the house. Try the direction opposite of the one you chose for summer, and keep it on a low setting. To test this, stand near a wall. You should feel a gentle, warm breeze.

Keeping the air moving throughout the home is a good way to maintain temperature control while keeping your energy costs down. It also can provide an added aesthetic appeal to any design, and provide lighting. When choosing a fan, so long as you go in knowing what to look for, and with a plan for installation, you’ll find the process a simple, enjoyable one.