Fix your Patio Roof.
One of the most common problems you'll come across in your home improvement is rust. Rust seems to be everywhere, unless you know how to prevent it and how to get rid of it. Oftentimes, the rust will show up in the places you ignore the most - areas like the patio roof, where rust is frequently an issue do-it-yourselfers have to address. So how can you repair your patio roof without doing damage to the patio?
If you're going to be up on your patio roof, you need to address some basics thanks to the theory of gravity. First, you'll need to make sure that your ladder leading up to the roof is secure - have someone else hold it for you to make sure. You'll also want to tread carefully, knowing that your weight is not insignificant and can pose a risk if you're dealing with a particularly weak roof. The higher your roof is, the higher your risks are, so be prepared.
If your patio roof is infected with rust, then you're going to want to clean the roof off as much as possible before you begin work. Brush and sweep away debris, leaves, and other unwelcome contaminants that would get in the way of your tools and the rust on your patio roof. You'll want the roof to be as clean as possible when you begin your work so that nothing interferes later on.
Next, you'll want to use a pressure washer to help you scrape off rust and mildew from the roof. A mixture of three parts water to one part chlorine bleach can be a very effect cleaner - just make sure you don't get it in your eyes or near anyone else, for that matter. This should be a very effective cleaning that will help remove any excess materials you don't want on your roof, paving the way for a smooth foundation. If any parts are still stubborn, you'll want to use sandpaper to actually widdle away at the rust.
Applying a roof sealant will help protect against any holes that might have been brought about by the rust, so apply a coat of sealant next, being careful to make it even. Let this sit and dry for a long time. In order to make sure that the roof is dry, wait for a clear weather report with high pressure systems.
After you've completed the repairs on your roof, be sure to visit it occasionally, checking on the progress of any rust and making sure there are no leaks or potential holes developing. The better prepared you are, the less you'll have to deal with these problems in the future.
Photo Credits: bossco
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 6, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Patio
Bathtub or toilet clogged? Grab a plunger!
Being able to plunge away a bathtub or toilet problem with a plunger is one of the basic home improvement skills everybody should know. It might not always be the most pleasant task, but it's simple, easy to learn, and it often gets the job done. The better you understand how to fix a clogged drain with a plunger, the less you'll need to work. Here's how to most effectively fix your drain using a plunger.
First, what kind of plunger do you have? Most of us imagine the stereotypical bell-shaped plunger, but you might have seen other options at the local hardware store. Use the "stereotypical" one; this bell-shaped plunger should be able to fold back to become flatter when you need to unclog either a sink or a bathtub. There are less-traditional plungers that aren't able to change their size for the type of drain you'll be unclogging; try to avoid these.
Next, it's important to understand that plungers work better if they're encased in water. If your toilet is clogged and there's hardly any water in the bowl, fill a container with water and use it to fill up the toilet bowl about halfway up. Once you have enough water over the drain to essentially cover the end of the plunger, push the plunger over the drain and form a seal around it. Now, pump the plunger over the drain keeping the seal tight, usually using much of your force to push in the plunger. You should notice that the clog appears to be loosening; however, you might not be able to tell until you flush the toilet again.
You can probably try another round of plunging if this doesn't work. If your plunging still seems fruitless, you'll have to move to the next step on the plumbing ladder: using a snake to break up the clog. If you use a snake and continue to have trouble with a clogged drain that seems totally blocked, it will probably be time to call the plumber.
Most of your clogs, however, should break up once you use a plunger. At the very least, you'll be able to loosen up a clog enough to get your toilet working again. When it comes to other clogged drains - such as the bathroom sink or the bathtub drain - you can fold back the plunger and use a similar method of plunging, making sure that there's some water present above the drain.
Photo Credits: julia fredenburg
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 3, 2009 in
Bathroom, Bathtub, How to Fix, Plumber, toilet
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