Leaky Pipes - Household Repairs
How to Use -- Contents
Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Categories
Updated February 1, 2010
To simplify your research, we have several categories. Please scroll down, use the index link, or use your browser's "find" or "search" feature to get the the area you are seeking.
Recommended Site: Michigan State University Extension: Home Maintenance And Repair "Simple procedures for making home repairs and performing home maintenance are covered. Removing stains from carpets or upholstery and from other surfaces is included as is the cleaning for a wide variety of finishes found in the home. " |
|||
| Plumbing | |||
| Carpentry | |||
| Electrical & Electronics | |||
| Cleaning | |||
| Outside the House | |||
In case you need it... (From The Natural Handyman) Handy Calculators for Length, Area, Weight and Volume |
|||
We try to avoid commercial sites, but in many cases they are the only ones who provide ideas and information. If you are looking to buy or sell, please use a generalized search engine.
NOTE: If the table lines do not show properly, please refresh the page.
Caution - Proceed with care
Slightly Creaky is not responsible for the content of web sites listed here or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or participating on these sites. Once you click on a link you are leaving our site.
These listings are the result of thousands of hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization. Contact us if you find an error.
Have We Missed Your Hobby?
We are constantly looking for more information, more links, as well as featured articles. Please help us improve our site and service. The Internet had millions of web pages dedicated to hobbies; we can only sample a few of them. Our purpose is to give our viewers a taste of what is out there so you can start a new activity or improve one that you already enjoy.
If you know any sites we should include write to suggestions@slightlycreaky.com
Plumbing
Plumbing
Plumbing and Water |
"The plumbing in your house is made up of two systems: the clean-water supply system and the waste water system. Both systems require periodic attention to keep in good operating condition. However, before you make any major changes in your plumbing, find out what your local plumbing codes require. Most communities have adopted some type of plumbing code." |
| The Water System | |
| Water Quality: Making Sure It's Safe | "Water quality isn't something to be taken for granted, especially for people who have a well, spring or other private water supply," |
| Household Water Use | "Educational resources for household water users, private well owners, septic system owners, and small landowners that promote protection of water resources around the home." |
| Selecting a Household Water Treatment System | "Have you been thinking about installing a water treatment device in your home? Are you confused regarding whether you should install a carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system? Do you need a water softener or an ultraviolet system?" |
| Household Water Treatment | "Foul taste, smell, or color of your household water may prompt you to investigate water treatment equipment. The publicity about water pollution problems may cause you to question the safety of your water supply. Or mineral scale buildup may cause you to invest in early replacement of plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances. " |
| Water Hardness | "Hardness in water is the most common water quality problem reported by U.S. consumers. In fact, hard water is found in more than 85 percent of the United States. Hard water occurs when excess minerals in the water create certain nuisance problems. While these water problems can be frustrating, water hardness is not a safety issue. Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. " |
| Plumbing Tools | "Some of the most common plumbing tools are not plumbing tools at all. You may already have many of the tools necessary for most plumbing jobs because they are the same tools used for other do-it-yourself projects. However, you may need something a little more specialized to complete certain jobs." |
| Basic Plumbing Tools | "Whether or not you enjoy doing home improvement tasks concerning your plumbing it is a great idea to have a few basic tools on hand so that you are prepared in case of an emergency situation." |
| Plumbing Problems and Fixes | "Each year, thousands of people are seriously burned from ordinary tap water. In most instances it occurs with children under the age of 5 and adults, 65 years and older. " |
| Plumbing Noises | "Plumbing can make many weird noises which can have many causes and; sometimes, they're not easy to isolate and fix. I've tried to collect common causes given on alt.home.repair." |
| Plumbing in the House | Articles and hints from "All Experts." |
| Plumbing Basics | (Commercial) "Plumbing problems can happen in any home, at any time. This section offers tips for basic plumbing maintenance and problem prevention." |
| Plumbing Problems & Repairs | "Plumbing problems normally become self-evident pretty quickly: Drains clog up, faucets drip, broken pipes spray, and so forth. Most minor plumbing problems are relatively easy to fix if you understand the basics of how the systems work." |
| Plumbing Troubleshooters | "If your plumbing problem has you stumped and you want to save big bucks.... I'm here at your service." |
| Do-it-Yourself Plumbing | "The plumbing system in your home should undergo routine checks and maintenance. This section provides information on how to clean different plumbing fixtures, clear heavy blockage, repair leaky faucets, install new faucets, and how to make sure your drinking water is clean and safe to drink." |
| Plumbing Improvements & Repairs | "Step-by-step home improvement guides teach basic plumbing projects and techniques." |
| Install a Frost Free Outside Faucet | "In some cases you will buy a new house and find the faucet is on the opposite side of the house or there isn't one at all. You can install one practically anywhere you want as long as you have access to a water source." |
| Winterizing The Plumbing System |
"If the temperature inside a house gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) it's likely that the water supply pipes and the drain traps will freeze." |
| Winterizing Outside Water Faucets | "You can prevent water damage to your home by winterizing your outside faucets each fall. Winter temperatures can freeze the water that is trapped in the outside faucets and pipe connections. In some cases, this can damage the faucet or cause the pipe burst in the wall. " |
| Plumbing Projects & Repairs | Basic plumbing repairs and projects. |
| Do-it-Yourself Project Help Plumbing |
How-to Information |
"A friend of mine had some trouble with a bathroom sink and discussed the best way to fix it with me. I offered some advice and asked him to document his adventure for the website and he agreed, this is his story…" |
|
| Bathroom Sink Repair | |
| Fixing a Dripping Showerhead | "There’s nothing quite like listening to water drip throughout the night to spur you into a home repair task. In my case, the problem was with my relatively new shower. After turning off the valve, water would continue to drip…and drip…and drip, about 7 feet to the shower floor, where each drop made a nice “smack!”" |
| Repairing Ceramic Disk Faucets | "When you raise the faucet lever of a disk faucet, the upper disk in the cartridge slides across the lower disk, allowing water to enter the mixing chamber." |
| Bathroom Projects | Basic bathroom repairs and projects. |
| Toiletology | Eleven chapters and dozens of articles on maintaining a toilet. |
| Kitchen and Bathrooms Time for a Facelift? |
Repair a sink, add some tiling, more articles. |
| "When winter looms ahead, our thoughts turn from air conditioning and dehumidification to humidification... adding moisture to our homes during the cool, dry winter months. Some of use will purchase new freestanding or central humidifiers; others of us will be trying to keep our old units working properly." | |
| Understanding Humidifiers and Humidification | |
| Do You Need a Humidifier? | "The optimum relative humidity level is generally considered to be between 40% and 50%. Anywhere between 30% and 60% is acceptable, and but a figure below 50% is recommended to help control dust mites which are bad for allergy sufferers." |
| Humidifier Buying Tips | "If you are not sure that you really need a humidifier, you may want to measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer. They are inexpensive and can help you monitor the air you breathe to maintain it at optimum level." |
| Basement Dehumidifiers | "When constructed properly with correct ventilation, basement should ideally be dry. But somehow most basements end up becoming a victim to dampness." |
| Choosing a Dehumidifier | "The relative humidity of air (RH) in your room indicates the moisture content in the air. Higher the RH, the more water vapour in the air. Generally, 40 to 50 percent RH makes us feel comfort and also protect us from many health hazards related to high humidity." |
| Drying Out a Wet Basement | "Even if you have a crawl space or just use your basement for storage, a simple case of condensation can buckle hardwood flooring on the level above and spawn harmful mold. " |
| Fixing a Chronically Wet Basement | "Chronically damp basements are more than a nuisance. Moisture can lead to a number of problems, including peeling paint, mold, and that musty smell that seems to hang in the kitchen." |
| How to Make Your Wet Basement Dry | "Over 60 percent of homes have a leaking basement. You are not alone! Wet basements are the most frequent complaint of homeowners. Most new homes develop basement leaks within 10 to 15 years." |
| How to Dry a Wet Basement | "A wet basement can be devastating with belongings ruined and usable space lost. Identifying the source and applying the right solution will save your possessions and your home from mold, rot or insects. " |
| Dustmite Control | "There is a link and between the dust mite and higher levels of moisture in the house. Our aim is to help you understand a bit about the dust mite, reduce the level of moisture in your home, thereby reducing the number of dust mites and in turn easing your symptoms." |
Carpentry
Carpentry
Carpentry Tools |
"It is a great mistake to go out and buy a cheap chest of tools of whatever size for while there is always a large number of tools in it they are usually of a very poor quality. You don't need many tools but each one should be the very best, for therein half the pleasure lies." |
| The Carpentry Tools You Need | |
| Using Tools | "Using common power tools and hand tools is easier than you'd think. See how." |
| Basic Carpentry Tools | "When choosing basic carpentry tools, never choose the cheapest available! It has been my experience when purchasing carpentry tools, that you get what you pay for. When you buy cheap tools they hurt you every time you use them." |
| Must-Have Tools for Homeowners | "Hand tools are still the starting point for home improvement work. If you keep these tools in the tool bucket, you should be able to complete an improvement without incessant tool-fetchit trips." |
| The 15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own | "Here's a smart investment every homeowner should make. These 15 tools are the absolute basics for a kit to last a lifetime. And you can buy them all for about $200." |
| Types of Tools | List of tools with links to articles about each |
| Types of Tools Library | "Ever heard of drill bits, bench grinders or epoxy? There are thousands of tools out there to help ease your project load. Check out which types of tools you might need." |
| Choosing the Right Fastener: Nails and Screws | "Many of us think we know exactly what fastener we need until we start down the nail aisle and are confronted with the vast selection. Don't let your carefully planned home improvement project suffer because you didn't use the right fastener." |
| Screws and Nails | "Here are tips and suggestions to help you do a better job when using common fasteners like screws and nails. Although there is nothing complex about a nail or a screw, many are misused. " |
| Should I Screw or Nail it? | "If at all possible, screw. Why? " |
| Fixing Stripped Out Wood Screws | "The most common fix for simply replacing the stripped screw is to put a little white glue in the hole and then fill it with toothpicks." |
"Learn about making project plans in your home carpentry projects with Bob Vila, including information about building a playground, crackle painting, making a plate display rack, and more." |
|
| Carpentry Project Plans | |
| Easy to Build Carpentry Projects for Home and Garden | "Here are some handy projects and carpentry tips " |
| The Flooring Center | "Everything you need to know about Carpet-Hardwood Flooring-Tile floors-Mixed media flooring How to Install-How to Care for-Stain removal-and more " |
| Woodworking and Carpentry Tips | "Tips and woodworking tutorials on Cutting Moldings, Gluing, clamping, wood veneers, and more" |
| Carpentry – Woodworking | "Whether you're all thumbs, or have a rabid interest in weekend carpentry, the Web's the place to look for help with do-it-yourself carpentry projects." |
| "Unique pics now over 19,000 and I have been adding a lot of pics of single-wood bowls, since bowls typically show many surfaces all in the same object. I've also gotten back to doing fact sheets and now have over 60 full or partial fact sheets with more on the way." | |
| Exotic Wood Library | |
| Types of Wood | Descriptions and links |
| Good Wood Guide | (From the UK) "The table below contains the following information for each species of tree: Common and scientific name, Country of origin, Common uses, Whether it is threatened with extinction, Whether reclaimed timber of that tree species is available." |
| Furniture and Wood Care | "Some of the tips on this page are from the out of print book "Housekeeping Workbook-How To Do It" "House Care And Cleaning" by Balderston Published by Lippencott 1935" |
| Anatomy Of A Woodworking Project | "Have you ever thought about the process from start to finish of a woodworking project. There is a lot more involved in the process than you think. Most of us skip thru each process not really thinking about how each step affects the overall project." |
| How To Install Folding Attic Stairs | "Regardless of the brand of folding stairs you choose, the installation procedure will be very similar. However, specifics such as the size of the "rough opening" or fastening locations may vary. Always refer to the manufacturer's directions for your stairs." |
| Trim & Finish Carpentry | Basic carpentry repairs and projects. |
| "Whether you fantasize about a transformed kitchen or a more efficient laundry room, you’ll like this reality check: Cabinet installation — a project that dramatically influences the functionality and style of a room — is not a daunting undertaking. It’s a manageable job that offers significant cash savings and requires only a few basic tools, minimal skill and the help of a willing assistant." | |
| Cabinet Class | |
| Installing Kitchen Wall Cabinets | "There are at least two major schools of thought regarding cabinet installation. Some say to install the wall cabinets first, others say to install the base cabinets first. " |
| Installing Hanging Cabinets | "Installing new cabinets in your kitchen can greatly enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen - plus, updated kitchens are a major selling point for homebuyers. All you need to do is select the prefabricated cabinet style that you like and spend a weekend installing your new cabinets." |
| Stripping and Refinishing Wood Furniture and Cabinets | " So...you found a great piece of furniture at a yard sale but the finish is terrible or you have decided that those old kitchen cabinets are in need of a new look so its time to do a little refinishing! Before you get too carried away think about this, Refinishing that yard sale special or grandmas old desk can be a big mistake. You need to first establish if it is worth anything "as is"." |
| Cabinet Refinishing Refinish, Reface or Replace |
"A new kitchen or bathroom is possible with cabinet refinishing. Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities can be dressed up, revitalizing an old kitchen or bathroom. Plus, depending on the condition of the wood cabinets, this task can be easy." |
| Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing | "Refacing kitchen cabinets can be a less expensive alternative to a complete kitchen remodel. The articles in this section give you some ideas and techniques for refacing, refinishing, staining and painting your kitchen cabinets for an updated look." |
| How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets | "This is a basic overview of refinishing kitchen cabinets for a beginner that might not have any clue where to start. A long weekend and advanced planning can result in a great kitchen make-over." |
| Kitchen Cabinet Facelift | "If you've been thinking of updating your kitchen cabinets, why not do it this weekend? It's easier (and cheaper) than you might think. With a little elbow grease and creativity, you can update your kitchen cabinets without going through the hassle of an entire remodel." |
| Fixed Position Wood Shelving | "Additional shelving is useful in almost every home and can be added quickly and easily. And it need not be expensive. " |
| How to Build a Bookcase | "It doesn't require a master carpenter, a workshop full of tools, and thousands of dollars to add built-in bookcases to your home. All it takes, essentially, is some sturdy veneer plywood and a circular saw." |
| How to Build Storage Shelves | "Learn how to remodel your garage, with step by step instructions for building storage shelves and painting walls in this free online DIY home improvement video series." |
| Simple Garage Shelving | "This page describes howto build shelves of this design. Properly built, the shelves are strong enough one can climb up the front of them." |
| Utility Shelves | "Whether you need them in the garage, laundry room, wood shop, utility room, pool house or wherever else you can imagine, utility shelves are incredibly useful. However, there is a lot more to building a strong and yet aesthetically-pleasing utility shelf than attaching some wood to a couple of shelf standards. " |
| iFloor | "The home is the center of one’s life and keeping it in the best possible condition requires time, effort and is usually an investment of a lifetime. How does one make sure that the home they buy or build will withstand the tests of time and wear and tear? Here is a look at the basics of home construction, maintenance, and improvement along with tips to make house hunting easy and hassle-free." |
"The nails are removed from around the damaged shingle, part of a new shingle is installed and nails are replaced." |
|
| Replacing Asphalt Roof Shingles |
|
| How to Replace Damaged Roof Shingles | "If your roof shingles have been damaged, it is possible to remove them and replace them yourself. Follow these steps to find out how." |
| Fixing Damaged Roof Shingles | "Any damage or signs of wear call for immediate action to keep water from seeping under the shingles and rotting the wood sheathing beneath. Ignoring a problem—even what appears to be a small one—will accelerate the need to reroof and can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a new roof. " |
| Roof Repair | "This is the place to refer to for specific roof repair questions and answers" |
| How To Repair a Leaky Roof | "Sometimes roofs develop leaks years before the entire roof needs replacing. Usually these leaks are caused by localized damage, such as cracked or missing shingles or shakes, or on a flat roof, a blistered or cracked area. The hardest part to repairing this kind of damage is locating it." |
| Roof, Chimney & Gutters | "Though most contemporary roofs look as though they’re made almost entirely of shingles or tiles, roofs are actually waterproofing systems made up of a variety of components that work together. These systems include framing, sheathing, underlayment, flashing, and finish roofing." |
| Assessing and Repairing Leaky Roofs | "You may be anxious to stop a roof from leaking, but don't risk serious injury trying to inspect or repair it. First, try binoculars for a closer view. Next, check the attic for a drip trail. Leaks are rarely located directly above the water spot on the ceiling. When you find a leak in the attic, push a nail, straw or wire through it to help you or a repair person locate it outside." |
| Roofing | "Our roofing section tells you what roofing styles and materials are popular, how to winterize and waterproof your roof, how to apply new shingles, how to make minor roof repairs, and when it’s time to forgo the repairs yourself and call a professional roofer." |
| Repairing Damaged Gutters | "Gutters and downspouts form the first line of defense against a wet basement or crawl space: If you let water collect along the foundation, hydrostatic pressure will build, and water will eventually find its way inside the house. It's equally important to keep the ground around a hillside home dry." |
| Repairing & Maintaining Gutters | Video and text "There are four basic types of gutters available – aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl and sometimes you will find wood gutters." |
| Gutters & Downspouts | "When gutters and downspouts become clogged or fail, heavy rainwater flowing down house walls to the ground below can cause a great deal of damage." |
| Repairing Damaged Vinyl Siding | "Vinyl siding is the most fragile of all siding materials and besides melting when exposed to extreme heat, it will become brittle in cold weather. When cold, it is especially prone to impact damage such as cracking and breaking apart." |
| Repairing Siding | "Most of the problems we see involve hardboard siding because it is so common here, and it's not always installed correctly." |
| Siding Installation and Repair | "Keeping your siding well maintained and repaired is a vital part of keeping your home looking good. The articles in this section provide information that will help you repair any damages and install new siding." |
| Replacing A Single Panel Of Vinyl Siding | "Vinyl siding is surprisingly easy to remove. I would dare to say that I could "undo" the siding on a 1500 square foot house in a day, two at most. Once the top-most piece has been removed to expose the nailing strip of the section below, it's just a matter of pulling nails." |
| Repairing Wood Siding | "Damaged siding lets moisture enter exterior walls and rot away their framing. Make repairs as soon as you spot damage." |
| "Many lock-set problems can be corrected before they become so serious that the lock set will not work. Often, a malfunctioning latch assembly or lock mechanism causes the problem. An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door. The lock mechanism may not work simply because the lock is dirty or dry and needs to be lubricated with graphite (do not use any type of oil)." | |
| How to Fix Locksets & Door Knobs | |
| Door Projects | Basic door repairs and projects. |
| Windows and Doors: Installing & Repairing | " This is the section where you'll learn how to install most window and door products, in most residential situations. " |
| Door Hardware Repair | "Does the key turn in the lock but not unlock the door? Locks, latches, doorknobs, and hinges--door hardware--can make it difficult to get into or out of a door. But you can make it better by fixing that sticky lock or loose hinge." |
| Door Repair | "Repairing the doors in your home is most likely not a household task that has to be taken care of very often; however there will inevitably be a time where you will have to make a few door repairs. When that time comes, the articles listed below will help you with whatever door repair task you need to accomplish." |
| Windows | "When you’re in the market for new windows, knowing what features to seek can be a challenge. The buying guide information in this section of HomeTips will help, as will the information on installing, caring for, and repairing windows." |
| How to Repair Windows | "Windows are often trouble spots. Along with doors, windows are the major source of heat-loss in most homes. They also may stick shut when they're painted or swell shut from humidity. Inside, shades and venetian blinds may not work right, glass gets broken, and screens get torn. In this article, we'll discuss what you can do to keep your windows working properly." |
"Hanging wallboard can be an intimidating task. Don't worry! Once you have a handle on the installation basics (and a little hands-on practice), it's not really that difficult. All you need is a little patience, the right tools a helper and some good instructions. " |
|
| Installing Wallboard | |
| Drywall Installation | "Here are some simple step by step instruction to get the job done right." |
| Wallboard Installation Guide | "Start with proper framing. Be sure studs are straight to provide adequate nailing surface at adjoining walls." |
| Installing Drywall (Wallboard) | "The most common way to finish walls and ceilings is by installing drywall to the framing and ceiling joists. It is also called gypsum wallboard, sheetrock or sometimes just “rock.”" |
| Install and Finish Wallboard or Drywall Yourself | "Installing drywall is an art but is not impossible for the average person to learn. " |
| Replacing A Large Section Of Drywall | "The broken drywall is cut back, a new piece of wallboard is screwed in place, and the joints are filled with mud." |
| Repair Wallboard | "The secret to simple drywall repairs lies in a concoction known as joint compound, also called mud." |
| Drywall Repair | "Drywall is relatively simple to install and easy to repair. It's also easy to repair badly, which can leave a lumpy mess that declares "shoddy" to anyone who enters the room" |
| Drywall Repair Tips | "Drywall Repair Tips For The Do It Yourself Homeowner." |
| Plaster Walls & Ceilings Solutions | "You've finally found that older plaster home you really like. Great rooms, high ceilings, nice interior details, lots of charm. But. . . those surfaces! What a turnoff!" |
| Repair and Painting of Sprayed Popcorn Texture Ceilings |
"The texture comes from polystyrene or Styrofoam bits of varying sizes mixed into a sticky liquid base. The product is purchased dry and mixed with water, and is available in various textures. The amount of water used in the mix is critical to a good job. Too little water and the product will not spray smoothly. Too much and it will tend to show small cracks as it dries, plus its hiding ability and adhesion will decrease." |
| How to Repair a Water-Damaged Ceiling | "If rain penetrates your home’s roof (or if a pipe that passes through the attic or an upper floor leaks), the result is often readily apparent somewhere on the ceiling below the problem spot (though not always directly below the leak)" |
| Ceilings | 100 articles about installing and repairing ceilings |
| How to Repair a Plaster Ceiling | "In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to repair a plaster ceiling." |
| "If constructed properly, fireplaces will perform safely and dependably. Fireplaces, just like anything else, wear over a period of years and need to be maintained to extend their life. Here are check lists to follow for safely installing, maintaining and operating a fireplace. " | |
| Fireplace Safety | |
| Safe Home Use of Firewood | "Firewood is derived from many tree species, each with its own special characteristics. Firewood comes in many different shapes and sizes, and the convenience and safety of burning varies widely. Unlike the uniform convenience fuels, each stick of wood will burn differently from the next and each individual piece must be handled by a member of the household. Safety suddenly becomes more important." |
| How to Clean Your Fireplace | "Cleaning your fireplace may look like a forbidding job, but if you take it step-by-step you'll neither swear nor sweat. This tested method has worked on fireplaces up to 100 years old." |
| Fireplace-Cleaning Tips | "Give your fireplace and its accessories routine cleaning throughout the wood-burning season to eliminate an accumulation of soot, ashes, and creosote tars." |
| Formulas for Cleaning Fireplace Surfaces | "Here are some cleaning formulas that work well with elbow grease" |
| Fireplace Lowdown | "Covering all things related to fireplaces and stoves including the most recent news and information." |
| How to Clean a Chimney | "Chimneys need periodic examination and thorough cleaning to maintain efficiency and to reduce the chance of a chimney fire. Build-up of creosote and soot that accumulates on the chimney walls reduces the draft needed by the stove or fireplace which may cause smoke to come out the opening or door. Creosote is flammable and can easily fuel a chimney fire." |
| Woodheat.org | "Like any other human endeavor, wood heating can be done badly or well. Wood can be harvested poorly, burned dirty and its heat wasted. Or, wood can be harvested sustainably, burned cleanly and efficiently, and its energy used to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. " |
| Cleaner Burning Wood Stoves and Fireplaces | "The traditional pot-bellied stove is a thing of the past - today’s wood stove models feature improved safety and efficiency. They produce almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood, They can be sized to heat a family room, a small cottage, or a full-sized home." |
| What are the Different Types of Wood Stoves? | "There are three main types of modern wood stoves, discounting the fireplace design. Box wood stoves contain the fire within a metal box, but are not airtight as they have a relatively loose door design -- most cheap wood stoves are of this design. Airtight wood stoves improve upon the box model with a completely sealed box and a door that shuts airtight" |
| Wood-Fueled Home Heating Systems - Which is Best? | "Today more than 50 U.S. companies make wood stoves, 5 times as many as twenty years ago, and many stoves are imported from foreign countries. A stove buyer will be amazed and confused at the variety available. This publication can help you decide which wood heating system is best for you." |
| Proper Installation, Operation and Maintenance of a Wood Stove | "Many homeowners concerned about rising home heating costs purchase wood stoves to reduce heating bills. Adding a wood stove to a house must be undertaken properly to ensure a safe installation. A wood stove is unlike any other device presently in a modern home" |
| The Basics on How to Install a Wood Burning Stove | "This document is not designed to replace your owners manual. It is written to provide an overview of safe installation practice. Consult your hearth professional, building officials and owners manual for the specific installation needs of your appliance." |
| Wood Stove Reviews and Buying Guide: | "Wood stoves are becoming more popular today with the higher cost of fuel to heat homes and the fact that wood burning stoves have become more efficient through research and technology." |
| Reviews & Ratings in Woodstoves | "Products, Comparisons, Reports, Bests." |
| Wise Heat Wood Stove Information | "Browse wood stoves based on manufacturers, materials used for manufacturing (steel, cast iron, etc), heating capacity, BTU output, and more. Each stove includes links to ratings, reviews and comments by site visitors." |
| Stop your Money Going up in Smoke | "How to get more out of your woodheater" |
| Gathering, Preparing, and Storing Firewood | "When gathering firewood for your own use you may be faced with several options. Trees may be felled and bucked (cut into pieces that fit your fireplace) already, so that all you would need to do is haul, split, and stack. In other cases, you may need to do your own limbing and bucking, or perhaps even fell your own trees." |
| Preparing Your Fuel Supply | "Ultimately, it is more important to have wood that is cut and split to the right size and properly dried than it is to get the hardest wood available." |
| Selecting Firewood | "Pound for pound all wood burns about the same. A pound of good dry hardwood will produce about 8600 B.T.U.s of heat energy when burned. Because of high resin content, some pine wood may produce over 9000 B.T.U.s. Hardwood and some tropical woods are denser than pine, and on a volume basis contain more heat value." |
| Wood Fuel | Use links for more information. "It is better to buy wood by volume than by weight because between 35% and 60% of the weight of freshly felled wood comes from water" |
| What's the Best Wood to Burn in a Fireplace? | "Everyone knows a toasty fire can turn even the chilliest night into a pleasant evening. But if your fires are more fizzle than flame, the comfort may not be worth the effort. The wood you choose to stoke your chilly days and nights does make a difference" |
| What are Pellet Stoves? | "When purchasing a pellet stove you must look for quality if you're looking for a stove that will last. Stoves made from real thin metal obviously won't last long. But be aware that some of these stoves have electrical components that control the rate the pellets are released into the stove by gauging the temperature or on a timed cycle." |
| Considering a Wood Pellet Stove? Do Your Homework First | "Before putting your money down on a new alternative fuel heating appliance, such as a wood pellet stove, do your research and determine whether or not the fuel you'll need will be available at a price you can afford." |
| Wood Fuel Magazine | "Different facts, some cheering, some cheering, some depressing for industry. These are the lines that are drawn in the sand and as we begin a fight to bring wood fuel heating back into prominence again. It will not be easy, but it will be worthwhile." |
| "Upside down, in a cool place where it can't freeze, and where it won't hurt anything if a can leaks a little. Full cans keep better. Heat accelerates deterioration, so try not to store it in direct sunlight, a hot attic/garage, or next to something warm like a water heater or furnace. " | |
| Storing Paint | |
| Painting Articles | From The Natural Handyman |
| How to Choose the Right Paint Color | "When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't know where to start!" |
| Selecting Paint | "Shopping for paint? When shopping for paint, you will find many different kinds. Some paints are more appropriate to use under certain conditions than others." |
| How to Select the Best Paint Color for a Room | "Choosing a paint color can be a little tricky because lighting and shadows affect it dramatically. Here are some tips for getting the color just right." |
| Selecting Exterior Paint | "One of the major differences between indoor and outdoor painting is, with outdoor painting, there is a wider range of exterior surfaces to consider. These surfaces include clapboard and aluminum siding, wood shingles, tar shingles, cedar shakes, brick, concrete block, stucco, and, of course, old paint. On many older homes, you'll find a combination of these surfaces. Fortunately, there is a paint for every type of surface, and some paints are suitable for more than one surface." |
| Paint Color Selection | "The right color gives a paint job your personal mark. An understanding of color families, hues, values, and tones gives you the tools you need to make the right choices." |
| Choosing the Right Paint Brush | "A high-quality brush lays down a thicker, smoother coat of paint, which provides maximum hiding power and sheen uniformity. Low-quality brushes can leave behind bubbles, bristles, thin spots, and ridges that attract dirt and mildew" |
| Choosing the Best Paint Brush | "Choosing the right paint brush for your task will make the job easier and provide superior results. These paint applicators come in a variety of shapes, sizes and different filament materials." |
| Selecting the Right Paint Brush | "Brushes are highly efficient for painting all areas - small, medium and large - and for all types of paint. A poor brush, however, will result in a poor finish." |
| Selecting and Storing Paint Brushes | "There is no "Super, All-purpose, Do Everything" brush. You must match the right brush, or brushes, to the job at hand." |
| Selecting Paint Brushes and Rollers | "It's common knowledge that you can extend the life of a paint job by using atop quality paint. However, what you may not know is that you can get a moredurable and better-looking paint job by using the right type and quality ofbrushes and rollers." |
| How to Use a Paint Roller | "Here's a simple method to quickly spread a smooth, even coat of latex paint on interior walls. It gets the job done quickly and eliminates common problems like light areas, roller marks and built-up ridges." |
| Cleaning Paint Brushes and Rollers | "Keep your paintbrushes and rollers clean after each use to get years of use from them and avoid spending money on new ones." |
| Cleaning and Storing your Painting Tools | "It is always best to clean your brushes out as soon as you’ve finished with them. But to keep them fresh for use later in the day with the same paint, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will exclude the air and prevent them drying for a short time. " |
| How to Paint a Room | "Painting a room can be a task that takes a couple of hours, a half day, or more. It all depends on what and how much you decide to paint." |
| Choosing The Right Wood Stain | "A wood stain can enhance the natural beauty of any wood species, from hardwoods to soft and porous woods like cedar or redwood. There is a perfect stain for every project, but using the wrong wood stain will have upsetting results that isn’t easy to fix later." |
| How to Select the Right Caulk for the Job | "The first step in a professional caulking job is selecting the right caulk. This primer helps you understand the different types of caulk, and their advantages and uses." |
| Caulks and Sealants: Choosing the Right Type | Discusses more than a dozen types of caulk and which is best for certian tasks. |
| Caulk | "Silicone or urethane usually performs best overall. It lasts longest and holds up best, but is harder to apply (can make a real mess) and isn't paintable. " |
| Wallpapering | Video and text. "Wallpapering a room is one way to enhance the beauty and individuality of your home. There are literally thousands of wallpaper patterns available which suit any taste and price range." |
| Wallpapering | "Don't be afraid to tackle a wallpaper job,its not as difficult as you may think. I have step by step instructions for you and when you are finished, you will be glad you decided to give it a try." |
| Wallpaper | "At this site, you'll find tips on choosing wallpaper, information on matching, estimating quantities, and ordering wallpapers, and how to use wallpaper borders. You'll also find information on removing and cleaning wallpaper, installation instructions, and project ideas." |
| Wallpapering 101 | "A lot of folks have the idea that wallpapering is a difficult task and one that is very hard to learn. True, it takes a lot of patience not only to learn the art, but to practice it as well, but there is nothing hard about wallpaper hanging." |
| Wallpapering Basics | "Wallpaper must be applied over a sound foundation, or it will reveal every defect left beneath its beautiful face. Good wall prep is a required first step, just as when you wish to paint. Walls or old paper must be clean, sized and sealed, and wallpaper must be allowed to relax before hanging. Learn the basics here and get your wallpapering off to a head start." |
| Wallpaper | "Wallpaper is a popular wall decorating selection. It can be applied to an entire wall, half a wall or just as an accenting boarder. The articles in this section will help guide you through the basics; learn how to buy the right amount of wallpaper, how to put it up and how to maintain it." |
Electrical & Electronics
Electrical & Electronics
Electronics Basics |
"I am a retired electrical contractor and my hope is to give everyone a better understanding of electricity and the electrical trade. The objective of this free service is to make the material on this web site basic enough so that everyone can understand." |
| Free Electrical Answers | |
| Types of Lighting | "The human eye is a very complex device. The manufacturers of light bulbs have developed means of measuring light that are meaningful to them, but are not intuitively meaningful to laymen. Below is a glossary of common terms." |
| Replacing a Breaker in Your Panel | "Can a do-it-yourselfer safely replace a breaker in their panel? The answer is yes, with the proper precautions." |
| Problem With Overloaded Circuits | "Older homes were not built to accommodate the demands of today's modern appliances and other electrical devices. It can be dangerous to overload circuits. " |
| Common Wiring Diagrams | Switches and wiring basics |
| Electrical Materials, Tools & Equipment Articles | Do-It-Yourself Home Wiring Projects |
| Electrical Wiring & Cabling Page | "Simply wiring your own home is easy. Not burning down the neighborhood when you patch into the grid and turn on the power... that's the tricky part. Make sure you know what you are doing - and get your work inspected!" |
| How to Install & Wire an Electrical Outlet | "Wiring your home for additional power outlets is not difficult, but does require proper safety measures to be taken, as well as a general knowledge of how electrical wires work. As with any sort of conductor that carries electricity, it is recommended that individuals performing home repair, renovation or basic improvements take the necessary precautions before attempting to install or remove electrical wiring or additional power outlets. " |
| Wiring Safety & Fundamentals Articles | Electrical codes, grounding, and safety. |
| Home Electrical Projects | "Select the article you are interested from the list below OR select a topic which will take you to a complete listing and description of all articles for that topic." |
| Basic Electrical Overview | "You don't have to be an electrician to replace a light fixture. Many homeowners are afraid to tackle electrical projects—and rightly so. If improperly handled, electricity poses electrocution and fire hazards." |
| Electrical Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair | "Electrical System & Wiring Hazard Inspection, Detection, Cause, Remedy, Prevention, Electrical Inspection Services, Electrical Repair Services" |
"Get the special skills needed to perform common electrical improvements and repairs, including testing and troubleshooting light fixtures, switches, thermostats, and doorbells" |
|
| Electrical Projects | |
| Wiring a Basic On/Off Switch to a Light | "A step-by-step guide to wiring a basic on/off switch to a light." |
| The World of Whole House & Attic Ventilation Fans |
"A well-designed home has an attic ventilation system that requires no homeowner action whatsoever. Not living in a perfect world, most of us should examine our attic ventilation needs and the deficiencies in our home's design. There are many things that can be done to improve attic ventilation... and many problems that can occur if you ignore it!" |
| How to Install a Ceiling Fan | "Installing a ceiling fan can be an intimidating project. This article provides a step-by-step guide to this project." |
| When Your Ceiling Fan Wobbles | "A wobbly ceiling fan can be fixed with a few simple adjustments." |
| Electrical Projects | Basic electrical repairs and projects. |
| Repairs & Basic Home Wiring Projects Articles | Do-it-Yourself Repairs - step-by-step guidelines |
| Electric Hobby Projects | "With the current trend in miniaturization and mass production, electronics hobbyist's numbers are in a free fall since the 70's. It used to be that someone did electronics from morning to night, as a hobby and a profession." |
| Electronics Projects/ Electronic Circuits | "This site is intended as a resource for hobbyists building electronic projects." |
| Jim's Weird Wired World | "Here are some of my electronics projects. They are currently uncategorized," |
| Electronics Projects | Simple and advanced projects and information |
For more information, see Slightly Creaky's Energy Information page |
|
| Emergency Backup Generators | "Power outages are inconvenient and can be dangerous. With the right emergency power system time, without power is brief and life inside the home can swiftly return to normal. " |
| Portable Generators for Emergency Power | "So, you are looking for dependable power for your remote cabin, your worksite, or for backup during a power outage. Head straight for the Generator Buyer's Guide to learn about common uses, how much power you will need and other information to match you up with the best generator for your needs." |
| How Emergency Power Systems Work | "An inverter is an electrical device that converts 12-volt power into 120-volt power. Typically you run an inverter off of your car's battery or off of a deep-cycle battery that you buy specifically to power the inverter. An inverter is a very easy and inexpensive solution if you can keep your power demands in the 200-watt range." |
| Wiring an Electrical Box to Support a Backup Generator | Video "" We have two inputs of power one obviously the utility power yet the second one in here is that feed the generator itself OK. And we don't have too many switches to worry about what. What happens here well basically we have a safety mechanism here that does not allow us to bring the generator power into the utility circuit. " |
| Wiring a Backup Generator | "The need for a backup system to power your home is a reality in many parts of the country. Harsh winter storms and hurricanes can play havoc with utility systems across entire states and parts of the country - leaving you without power for days and even weeks! " |
| Portable Electric Generator Safety Tips | "Below are guidelines for safely connecting and operating portable generators. Additional information is available about selecting and purchasing generators." |
| Prepare For a Power Outage | "Whether a power outage in your home is caused by grid failure or severe weather, you can take the following steps to prepare and respond. " |
| Backup Power | "Should the power fail modern systems power up automatically, whether you are at home asleep or across the country." |
| Everybody Needs A Good Flashlight | "Strangely, I've found some people get very emotional about their flashlights." |
| Different Types of Flashlights | "Flashlights are one of the most familiar and useful household items. Whether you need to provide light during a power outage, go hiking at night, or do some home or car maintenance in a shadowy area, a flashlight is the tool you need." |
| What Flashlight Type do You Need? | "For casual use around the house -- to light up the back of a cupboard or find the camping lanterns during a power outage -- experts say an ordinary inexpensive flashlight (that uses an incandescent bulb) will do the job just fine. As long as you have spare batteries and ideally, a spare bulb or two, there's no need to pay more than a few dollars for a flashlight." |
| Choosing the Right Flashlight | "It's important to choose the right flashlight. Here you'll find facts and information on types of flashlights to help you decide what to buy." |
| Battery Information | "The various battery types listed on the site have the following features and typical applications." |
| Guide to Types of Household Batteries | "If you don't use many batteries and don't want to get a recharger, then just buy alkaline batteries. They're inexpensive and give plenty of power...." |
| Types of Batteries | "Wet and dry cells are classified by the type of electrolyte the battery uses. The electrolyte of a cell may be a liquid or a paste. If the electrolyte is a paste, the cell is referred to as a dry cell. If the electrolyte is a solution, the cell is called a wet cell." |
| How Batteries Work | "In this article, you'll learn all about batteries -- the basic concept at work, the actual chemistry going on inside a battery, rechargeable versions, what the future holds for batteries and possible power sources that could replace them." |
| Battery Recycling and Disposal Guide | "If you are having a difficult time finding out what to do with used batteries and where you can take them to be recycled or safely treated and disposed, then you should find a solution here on this page. Whether you have a AAA, AA, C, D, watch, button, hearing aid or car battery, there is a solution." |
Cleaning
Cleaning
Cleaning Tips |
"Tips for Cleaning. Household Helpers to make your life easier! Tips from the 1800's, 1900's and 2000's!" |
| Cleaning Tips and Household Helpers | |
| Household Hints & Help | From University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension |
| Barefoot Lass | "Barefoot Lass's Hints & Tips" is a website filled with interesting and helpful information on everything from removing crayon marks from walls, finding the best hangover cure to making a clarifying face mask. This site will save you time and money with hundreds of tips for the home, cooking, beauty, laundry, pets, health and so much more. " |
| Household Hits Blog | "Household hints, helpful tips and ideas to make everyday life easier." |
| Household Hints and Tips | Tips submitted by readers. |
| Household Tips & Other Good Ideas | From the "Homespun Garden." |
| Household Hints | A collection of brief articles on hundreds of topics. |
| Household Cleaning Hints and Tips | "The following articles provide sage (and easy-to-follow) household wisdom to keep your abode in tip-top shape. " |
| Home Cleaning Tips Library | "Home cleaning can be a grueling chore, but home-cleaning tips can help make it less intense. Learn helpful general home-cleaning tips." |
| Household Hints & Help | From University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension |
| Encouraging Your Spouse To Help With The Chores | 5 pages "A couple must come to an understanding about household chores early in marriage to avoid conflict." |
| How to Clean Your Home in 19 Minutes | "With these room-by-room checklists, you can maintain a sparkling house in just 19 minutes a day, giving you more time for family, friends and you." |
| 15 Housekeeping Tips That Save Time | "If you are like me, you are probably always on the lookout for housekeeping tips that can save you time. Being the mom in the house, I was somehow secretly nominated to be in charge of keeping our humble abode clean and tidy. I quickly realized that with a few good housekeeping techniques and a little persuasion, I could make the jobs around the house feel less like hard work and more like a labor of love." |
| iFloor | "The home is the center of one’s life and keeping it in the best possible condition requires time, effort and is usually an investment of a lifetime. How does one make sure that the home they buy or build will withstand the tests of time and wear and tear? Here is a look at the basics of home construction, maintenance, and improvement along with tips to make house hunting easy and hassle-free." |
| Time Management | "Do the months seem to be flying by? Does it seem like there are fewer hours in the day? This is the time of year we think about all the things needing to be done or would like to have done. Time demands are different for each person and family. Let's take a look at what consumes most of a family's time. Major time demands include personal time, jobs, family time, home/yard/car time, friend and community time. Many families are very involved in sports activities year round. To effectively manage one's time and achieve the goals one has set, follow these suggested tips:" |
"This article is a very complete study of carpet care starting with basic cleaning chores, professional cleaning methods and finally stain removal techniques. Anyone with a carpet in their life can benefit from reading this piece! " |
|
| What's Underfoot: Carpet Care | |
| Carpet-Cleaning Tips | "We'll present all sorts of guidelines for cleaning, removing stains, and dealing with various other problems." |
| Carpet Cleaning | Collection of articles |
| Cleaning and Repairing Flooded Basements | "Before you enter a flooded basement turn off the electricity, preferably at the meter." |
| Safe Pest Removal | "How to Remove Pests from the household without poisons" |
| How to Clean Your Home Furnishings | "Sometimes we get so caught up in cleaning "the bones" of our home -- such as the floors, windows, and fixtures -- we forget about all the dust and dirt accumulating on what's actually in our home: the furnishings." |
| How to Clean Anything | "The idea for the site started with a group of cleaning professionals getting together to exchange tips and techniques. The idea developed in what you see today. There are more than 1300 free cleaning tips on this site, and growing every day." |
| How to Clean Stuff | Article list and index. Also includes a blog. |
| Professional Cleaning Tips and Stain Removal Help | "You'll find the answers to help with common cleaning problems" |
| Cleaning Tips for Your Home | (Commercial) Many articles |
| Cleaning Leather | Collection of articles. |
| How to Clean Windows | "Windows look best if they are cleaned on a regular basis, at least twice a year on the inside and outside. Here are some useful techniques for cleaning windows:" |
"If the fireplace is to be used for family entertainment such as popcorn popping, or marshmallow toasting, etc., it would be wise to have brick or stone fireplace front surface sealed so as to resist absorption of grease or oils, and smoky soot." |
|
| Cleaning Brick Fireplaces | |
| Cleaning Stone Fireplace Fronts | "They are so warm and cozy in the winter and so miserable to clean in the spring. Foaming bathroom cleaner does a wonderful job on soot, but first saturate the bricks with an all-purpose cleaner and allow to soak a few minutes." |
| Brick Cleaning and Maintenance | "Keep your bricks clean and maintained by learning how to properly care for them. The articles found in this section will teach you about different brick cleaning systems and how to prolong the life of your bricks." |
| Maintaining and Cleaning Brick | "Brick is a wonderful building material that is beautiful, ages gracefully, and appropriate for a variety of applications from chimneys to walkways. It requires a little care to preserve it, but compared with other siding, walkway, and patio surfaces, the requirements are modest." |
| Cleaning Siding, Stucco and Brick | "An annual cleaning is recommended for stucco. Light colors will need to be cleaned more than dark colors. Spottiness or stains will need to be addressed right away." |
| Stone Cleaning Information | "A lot of people think because it’s stone, it is impossible to damage it! Nothing could be further from the truth. Stone has many potential weaknesses, but once it has been properly protected and maintained the beauty is unparalleled." |
| Natural Stone Care and Cleaning | "Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones. Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface." |
| Care of Marble, Stone, Tile, and Concrete | (Commercial) Some good articles |
| Cleaning a Stone Grave Marker | Video from the National Center for Preservation Technology & Training |
| Wood Furniture Cleaning | "Read the articles below and find out what common household products work wonders on wood pieces, simple methods that will keep the wood paneling and woodwork around you house looking great, and how cleaning products vary depending on the type of finish you have on your wood. " |
| Cleaning Wood Furniture | (PDF) "The cleaning of wood furniture is sometimes required when, after dusting or buffing, the finish looks dull or heavily soiled, or if there is a build up of wax. Cleaning should be performed only as needed, not on a routine schedule. It should be attempted only on surfaces that have a sound, stable, clear tinish or on those that are completely unfinished." |
| Cleaning, Repairing And Reconditioning Wood Furniture | (PDF) "Cleaning and reconditioning may accomplish the task or will temporarily solve the problem until you can do a more thorough refinishing." |
| Tips For Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances | "After considerable use, stainless steel items can retain water spots, scratches, and stains, which require some thought about the best cleaners for stainless steel along with cautions for stainless steel appliance cleaning." |
| Cleaning Bronze | "Keep bronze pieces as clean as possible. Accumulations of dust and dirt can eat into the metal surface. Dust regularly using a soft cloth. Do not rub too vigorously, especially on any protruding parts. " |
| Metal Cleaning | Collection of articles. "For every different metal there is a distinct, unique way to clean it." |
| Safe & Effective Metal Cleaning |
"Most metal cleaners are relatively safe to use, and have only a small impact on the environment. However, some cleaners contain chemicals that are harmful. Use the mildest product you can find, and always wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself" |
| Basic Facts in Metal Cleaning | "In metal cleaning it is generally overlooked that water plays the most important part. Its condition (hard or soft), and degrees thereof determines the performance of the chemicals dissolved in it. The efficiency of any cleaner is directly proportional to how if performs in water." |
| Cleaning - Rust | Collection of Articles |
| How to Remove Rust | Video. "Rust is tough, but you can get rid of it on most surfaces. To prevent rust from forming you should keep metals dry and minimize their exposure to humidity and water." |
"In a 32 oz. spray bottle, add 1/3 cup white (clear) vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol. If you absolutely must have another cleaner, add 1 tablespoon automatic dishwashing detergent." |
|
| Bathroom Cleaning Tips | |
| How to Clean Your Bathroom | "Fortunately, most bathrooms are made of materials that are easy to keep clean. Tile and porcelain surfaces are stain-resistant if dirt and scum are not allowed to build up on them" |
| Preventing and Cleaning Toilet Rings | Suggestions from readers |
| How to Get Rid of Toilet Stains | "If you want to preserve the beauty of your toilet, there are methods that make use of chemicals, but do not ruin the quality of the porcelain." |
| How To Clean Your Bath Tub and Shower Curtains | "Shower curtains get dirty. You would think they would be the cleanest things in your house, but the damp conditions, and soap scum that builds up makes this a disaster waiting to happen" |
| Shower Curtain Cleaning Tips | "Nobody wants to be taking a shower or a bath, cleaning themselves up, only to look up and see a dirty, scummy shower curtain. Unfortunately, your shower curtain is going to get dirty. Being in such damp conditions and with such soap scum build up – well, you’re going to have a dirty shower curtain on your hands. " |
| Cleaning Grout | Suggestions from readers |
| How to Clean Tile Grout | "Whether you've got tile floors, kitchen backsplashes, or bathroom tile, the grout between tiles can get pretty grimy. With the right cleaning solution and a bit of elbow grease, you can get your grout looking fresh and brand new." |
| Kitchen Cleaning | Collection of articles |
| Kitchen Cabinets - Regular Cleaning | " Kitchen cabinets collect more grease, food spills, and moisture than most other parts of the house. Grime builds up fastest around handles of doors and drawers, which are constantly opened by sticky hands. Greasy soil comes off more easily if it isn't allowed to build up too long. " |
| Refrigerator Cleaning | " Clean refrigerator compartment regularly, even though it does not require defrosting. Turn it off and unplug. Remove all food and removable interior parts. " |
| How To Clean an Oven | "No matter how many precautions we take, the day comes when a meal boils over onto the bottom of the oven. In that instant, we feel powerless. We can't stop and wipe up the spill due to the burning risk in a hot oven. We can only stand by and wait as the oven cools down, and the spill burns on. Then we assess the damage and start to clean." |
| Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner | "You don’t have to use toxic commercial cleaners that can contaminate your food to clean your oven. There is a better way!" |
| Earth Friendly Oven Cleaning | "Many oven cleaners aren't the most environmentally friendly products - firstly there's the packaging - steel cans and plastic. Then there's the chemicals - here's an example from a popular brand:" |
| Eight Easy Steps to a Clean Oven |
"The hardest part of cleaning an oven is getting all that baked-on black stuff off the inside walls of the oven. It's called carbon. Here's 8 easy steps that I follow to get the hard-stuck carbon off: " |
| 8 Cleaning Tips For Crusty Stove Tops | "Here are several different tips for cleaning stove drip pans, burner element rings and porcelain enamel tops that have caked on crud that won’t budge. If things are a real mess, you may need to try a method a few times to remove it all." |
| How To Clean Countertops | "Your countertop is your workstation. You need this area to look good so that when the guests come over, it is spotless. Yet, you also need to have a clean and stain free countertop to keep your food preparations safe." |
| Guide to Care and Cleaning Kitchen Countertops | "One disadvantage of ceramic tile in the kitchen is the grout used to attach the tiles in place. If poorly designed, the tile may become uneven over time." |
| Countertop Cleaning Tips | "Kitchen countertops have to be able to handle anything, from a paring knife that goes off course to a slosh of grape juice. Acrylic, ceramic tile, cultured marble, marble, and plastic laminate countertops can take the abuse of cooking if we make it up to them with regular cleaning and care. These surfaces are all easy to clean." |
"Here are some suggestions for cleaning important areas of your home without adding chemicals to our planet." |
|
| Top Organic Home Cleaning Tips | |
| Kitchen Sponges and the Environment | "How often do you change your kitchen sponge - once, twice a week? Imagine that being repeated millions of times each week around the world. It's a lot of waste, especially given that so many sponges are made from plastics, making them yet another item in our home that's derived from oil. " |
| Simple and Green Cleaning | "Most homes contain various store-bought products to clean their home effectively. Many of these manufactured cleaning products are toxic. You can replace these products with safer alternatives that are easy to make and economical too." |
| How to Clean Things | "Environmental consciousness isn't just for hippies, granola chicks, and Northface poseurs anymore. With this project we attempt to teach you how to clean things efficiently with as little environmental impact as possible." |
| Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner | "You don’t have to use toxic commercial cleaners that can contaminate your food to clean your oven. There is a better way!" |
| Earth Friendly Oven Cleaning | "Many oven cleaners aren't the most environmentally friendly products - firstly there's the packaging - steel cans and plastic. Then there's the chemicals - here's an example from a popular brand:" |
| Organic House Cleaning | "This article tells how to clean a home using 3-4 homemade organic cleaning products rather than using multiple commerical toxic cleaning products." |
| Non-Toxic Home Cleaning | "A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives. Your use of these products helps promote the growth of green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable economy. " |
| Earth Friendly Disinfectant | "Store bought disinfectants used in cleaning can contain all sorts of nasty chemicals, some of which should really only be used in controlled settings such as hospitals." |
One example: "Did you know that a piece of stale bread will remove fresh spots on leather and suede gloves? Just rub the spots with the bread!" |
|
| Laundry Cleaning Tips and Laundry Hints | |
| Washing Machine Wizard | "Washing Machine Wizard delivers simple to follow information on Top loaders, Front loaders, Combos and other types of washers." |
| How to Clean Natural Fabrics | "In this article, we provide guidelines and hints on how to care for your favorite clothes that are made from natural fabrics -- including cotton, linen, silk, and wool. " |
| Cleaning Clothes | Collection of articles |
| Identifying Mysterious Stains on Textile Furnishings | " Mysterious spots (changes in color) on carpets, upholstery, or other textiles in house may come from spills of common household chemicals." |
| Stain Removal | "Stain removal techniques can vary drastically depending on the type of stain and the stained surface. Learn stain removal techniques." |
| Learn to do Laundry | "Before you head all the way to the neighborhood laundromat (or, for the fortunate few, to the washer and dryer downstairs), you should make sure you have the following:" |
| Preventing Mildew | "Dampness in a basement, or any other structure, is often caused by condensation of moisture from humid air onto cooler surfaces. Excessive moisture may indicate that repairs or additional insulation are needed. " |
Outside the House
Outside the House
Garden Projects |
"Lawn care is important in maintaining a beautiful home. Learn everything you need to know about lawn care, from sprinklers to composting to planting a lawn." |
| Lawn Care Library | |
| Gardening and Outdoor | "Garden and outdoor maintenance is a task that never ends. With every season comes a new set of gardening chores and outdoor projects." |
| Monthly Garden Projects | "Click on the month that you want to see." |
| National Gardening Association | "NGA offers the Web's largest and most respected array of gardening content for consumers and educators, ranging from general information and publications to lessons and grants. Explore our Web site and discover a world of gardening possibilities " |
| American Community Gardening Association | "The Mission of the American Community Gardening Association is to build community by increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening across the United States and Canada." |
| Community Gardens | "Many neighborhood groups are forming community gardens in vacant lots, or even on rooftops. These community gardens are a great way to get both children and adults involved in beautifying the neighborhood community while working with nature." |
| Starting a Community Garden | "There are many ways to start a community garden. Whether you're working with friends, neighbors, or a local organization, there are many things you'll want to consider before you ever dig the first hole." |
| Yard and Garden Projects | Basic outdoors repairs and projects. |
| American Flag Etiquette | "When being displayed, the flag should always be allowed to fall free. It should not be drawn back or up, in folds. Also, it should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water or other items. This is important to remember when display flags along sidewalks and in yards. If it does touch anything beneath it, correct this mistake quickly. If the flag is soiled from touching the ground or dirt, the flag should be cleaned with a mild soap solution and dried before being displayed again." |
| "The choice of fencing must never be undertaken lightly, for serious consideration must be given to its appearance and construction. Strength is very important, especially in exposed, windy localities. A fence is only as strong as its supports, and particular care must be taken to see that these are not only substantial but inserted securely. " | |
| Fence Design | |
| Do-it-Yourself Projects - Retaining Walls |
How-to Information |
| Building a Dry Stone Wall | Video and Text. "Building with stone is not only beautiful, but also durable. Unlike railroad ties or wooden fences, which may rot and must be replaced every 10-15 years, stone does not deteriorate. Stone walls also offer a charm that no other material can equal, and are especially beautiful as part of flowerbeds and perennial gardens." |
| Designing and Building Stone Walls | "The first settlers found stone everywhere, pushed up by the ground as it froze and thawed. Fortunately, the same stones that stopped the plow, defined the boundaries of newly cleared fields. Decades passed. The earth swallowed up the settlers and the forest reclaimed much of the farmland. But the stone walls endure, faithfully outlining the old homesteads, now deep in the woods." |
| Building a Natural Stone Wall | "This post is the first of five on retaining walls and their construction, beginning with the easiest -- gravity-stacked stone walls -- and working through, in ascending order of construction difficulty, pressure-treated timbers, engineered materials, mortared rock, and cultured stone; the last not truly a wall type, but a wall facing." |
| Stone Masonry Construction | " Stone masonry originated with dry-stacked stonework where the walls are carefully layed up without mortar. Gravity serves as the glue that holds everything together. Free-standing dry-stack stone walls are usually made larger at the base and then taper in slowly as the height increases. For absolutely no expense but the labor, farmers built miles upon miles of stone fences this way in Ireland and in the northeastern states." |
| How to Build a Wood Fence | "Here are tips and suggestions on how to build wood fences. These tips can save you time, money and effort. Read all suggestions carefully before beginning the job. " |
| Fence-Building References Online | "Links to fencing tips and techniques for management-intensive grazing systems." |
| Fencing Materials and Building Fences | "When it's time to select a fence design for your property, you may be overwhelmed by the number of options from which to choose. But selecting a fence design largely comes down to two considerations:" |
| Planning & Building Fences on the Farm | (PDF) "Many innovations have occurred in the fencing industry in recent years, giving producers an array of options for fences to confine and protect livestock. Whether used as permanent, periphery boundaries, temporary pasture dividers or to encircle a house, fences need careful planning and construction for efficient usefulness, long life and low maintenance." |
| Building a Gate | "In the best of all possible worlds, every construction project would be done within perfectly square spaces where things line up well. But the fact is that all too often they just don't- and this is particularly true when building fences, gates, and the like. " |
| "The DIA website exists to allow deck builders, designers, deck company personnel and owners, (as well as the manufacturers and distributors of related products), a place to have an exchange of information. Anyone with an interest in this fast-changing industry can benefit." | |
| Deck Industry Association | |
| Repairing a Deck | "Decks need little maintenance and few repairs to keep them in good condition. Here's how to take good care of your home's deck." |
| Repairing a Wooden Deck | "If you would prefer a tougher decking with a longer life than cedar, two options are pressure treated yellow pine or one of the synthetic decking products such as TREX or plastic lumber." |
| Inspecting Your Deck for Damage | "In addition to regularly cleaning and resealing, your deck should be inspected for any damage that needs to be repaired. Loose nails or boards should be secured, and boards with dry rot damage should be replaced." |
| Decks.com | Deck plans, deck building, repairs, staining, indeas. It's all here. |
| Composite Decking VS. Wood Decks | Compares the type of decking structures and materials and looks at the myths behind the advertisements. |
| Applying Semi-Transparent Deck Stain | "Applying semi-transparent deck stain to a wooden deck it not difficult and by following a few simple instructions, the homeowner will have the deck that they desire." |
| What Deck Stain Should You Use? | “There are several types of deck stain available and each offer different benefits. But before you stain a deck, you have to finish the surface properly to ensure the stain will adhere properly. Here's a quick run-down on deck stain and their differences...“ |
| Get the Most from Your Deck Stain | “A deck stain must do much more than any regular house paint. It needs to resist abrasion, UV light, heat from the sun and water. Each of these represents a particular challenge that must be met in order for the deck stain to last as long as possible.” |
| Deck & Porch Projects | From HammerZone. Basic deck repairs and projects. |
"A traditional flagstone patio can be a great addition to just about anybody's yard. The material is attractive and durable, and nicely complements a wide range of other landscaping features. Many varieties of stone are available at landscape and masonry outlets." |
|
| Build a Natural Stone Patio | |
| How To Build an Elegant Brick Patio | "A simple design plan to make laying brick patios easy for do-it-yourselfers. This brick patio design is easy to build yet elegant, laying the bricks in a striking pattern that requires no cutting!" |
| How to Build a Sand-Based Patio | "Building a patio is well within the skill level of the average homeowner. This patio is designed for pavers not mortared in place; the options on the last page offer alternative ways to finish the patio." |
| Patios and Decks For Extending Your Home | "The main difference between patios and decks is that patios are usually a flat concrete or paved area and decks are usually built as a raised wooden platform." |
| Essential Guide to Patios | Collection of articles |
| Build a Brick Patio | Vidio and text. "Transform a boring backyard with a beautiful patio" |
| From FEMA. " Always take the time to evaluate the contractor who may be doing the job. Every disaster has its share of con artists trying to take advantage of disaster victims. The State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recommends the following steps when hiring a contractor..." | |
| Finding a Contractor | |
| Finding the Right Contractor | "Finding the right contractor for a remodeling or expansion job on your home is a matter of being proactive in searching out the right people and businesses and doing your homework to ensure that the work will be done in the way you want it. With some time investment in research and checking information, some time investment in talking with potential contractors for your job and their previous customers, and some time investment in thought and evaluation, you can have a remodeling experience that will be pleasant and successful." |
| Tips for Finding a Professional Contractor | "When selecting a contractor, ask questions. A professional will not dodge a question. He or she will answer each and every one. The anxiety that you are feeling should diminish with each answer. If not, something is wrong. The answers that a professional will offer should help to make you feel more comfortable." |
| How to Find Out if a Contractor is Licensed. | "All states that license contractors and tradesmen keep lists of license holders." |
| How To Select a Good Contractor | "The easiest, and one of the best ways to select a possible contractor, is to get references from friends, family or a Realtor you trust. Please, do not just use the “Yellow pages” and hire someone." |
| Selecting A Licensed Contractor | "There are approximately 40 different types of contractors, each requiring a separate specialty contractor's license. For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in the particular specialty. A general building contractor may also contract for the specialty work but may need to actually have a specialty contractor do the work. If the job requires more than two types of work on a building, the work should be done by a "licensed" general building contractor." |
| Information on Selecting a Contractor | "Recommendations for the building owner when selecting a contractor to perform work on an existing home or to construct a new home" |
"All gardens have paths, planned or otherwise. A well-designed one keeps your feet dry and provides safe, easy access to your house. A great one does more." |
|
| How to Build a Perfect Path | |
| Building a Path of Natural Stone | "Building a path of natural stone needs a good advance plan on graph paper. Decide on a solid or stepping stones path, get your materials and follow these steps to build walkways to admire." |
| Building a Garden Path | "When creating a pathway as part of a landscape design, build the pathway before adding plant materials so that the plants do not get in the way and there's more space to work." |
| How to Repair a Concrete Sidewalk | "Using vinyl concrete patch to fill chips and cracks" |
| How to Repair Concrete | "Here are tips and suggestions on how to patch and repair concrete. Take the time to read these directions thoroughly to save time, money and effort. This will also help you end up with a neater, more satisfactory job–with far less waste. In this document you will find information about:" |
| Repairing Concrete Steps | "Crumbling concrete stepsnot only are unsightly, but a safety hazard as well. Patching them will enhance appearance and safety all for a fraction of the cost of new stairs. Doing so is a task that most do-it-yourselfers can easily handle." |
| Patching and Resurfacing Concrete Steps | Time: 24 hours over two days. Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. |
| How to Do Brick and Concrete Repairs | "Old houses -- and even middle-aged ones -- often have concrete front or back steps that have felt the wrath of the elements over the years and are crumbling along the edges. It takes time to recast the damaged steps, but it isn't difficult. " |
"Repairing cracks in the pavement is always vital as it makes your home more presentable. This section of DoItYourself.com provides you with all the information you need regarding repairing the unsightly cracks in your driveway." |
|
| Repairing Driveway Cracks | |
| Driveway Cracking? How To Concrete Resurface Quickly And Easily | "Concrete resurfacing is a method of repairing concrete sections when they are cracking or discolored. This usually happens over time and concrete resurfacing will help restore the look of the area to one that is much more attractive. There is also decorative concrete resurfacing which still restores the look of the concrete but also adds a decorative touch to it." |
| How to Resurface a Driveway | "Learn how to repair and resurface an asphalt driveway; watch a video showing how to clean, repair and resurface a driveway." |
| Asphalt and Concrete Driveway Repair | "Concrete driveway repair and asphalt driveway repair entail similar work, but asphalt is a more specialized product than concrete, meaning the materials you shop for to do a repair will be less familiar (to most of us)." |
| Repairing Or Replacing Driveways | "As snow melts, some of the runoff seeps into cracks and crevices that may be present in an otherwise sturdy-looking driveway. Then, when temperatures drop back below freezing, water trapped inside those cracks and under the driveway expands as it freezes, causing further cracking, crumbling and even heaving -- and setting the stage for even more water infiltration and more damage when the next cycle occurs." |
| How To Repair Your Driveway | "After several years, most asphalt driveways get that worn, pitted look. The solution to the problem is a simple resurfacing job that you can do yourself." |
| "I don't know what to think about that respected, nationally known, consumer product rating magazine's paint ratings. They are very different every time a new rating comes out. I try to summarize the '93 and 2000 ratings further down so, you can see for yourself but, this table gives some examples of the scatter of top brand paints..." | |
| Exterior Paints | |
| Selecting Exterior Paint | "One of the major differences between indoor and outdoor painting is, with outdoor painting, there is a wider range of exterior surfaces to consider. These surfaces include clapboard and aluminum siding, wood shingles, tar shingles, cedar shakes, brick, concrete block, stucco, and, of course, old paint. On many older homes, you'll find a combination of these surfaces. Fortunately, there is a paint for every type of surface, and some paints are suitable for more than one surface." |
| Exterior Paint Recommendations | "Different exterior surfaces require different types of paint and sometimes primer. Generally, use primer whenever paints layered over one another may be incompatible (acrylic- over oil-based paint, for example), when the underlying surface may be porous (such as with bare wood), or when there is already a layer of existing paint that has fallen into disrepair." |
| House Painting Info | "It is my goal to provide a comprehensive house painting guide that will take you through the entire process of painting and answer all questions." |
| Tips For Choosing Exterior Colors | "Use these tips and resources to select the best colors for your exterior house painting project. Included are links to color charts and computer software tools to help you choose house colors." |
| Stucco Repair / Patching | "Repair of stucco is not very hard. Matching stucco finishes and stucco colors is hard. Stucco repair will take a bit of practice to get the right look." |
| How Can Stucco be Repaired? | "Stucco is a finishing plaster used on homes all over the world, but especially in warm and temperate climates, because it helps to keep homes cool. While traditional stucco made with limestone and maintained with regular coats of whitewash tends not to crack as readily, replica stucco made with builders' sand and Portland cement tends to crack over the lifetime of a home, leading to the need for repairs." |
| Brinck Repair | (Commercial) "Firebrick is a very fragile material and subject to breakage, spalling and heat shock. The good news is that it is very easy to repair and maintain with the proper materials and techniques" |
| How to Remove Stains From Brick | "Floors, walls and fireplaces made of brick are lovely to look at--until a grease, oil or soot stain spoils them, that is. Then this strong-looking, kiln-fired material can look old and just plain dirty. Bring brick's beauty back with these smart cleaning strategies." |
| Brick FAQ | "A brick home is virtually maintenance free. Brick is one of the oldest building materials in the world, and one of the reasons it's still so popular is brick's ease of upkeep. Brick never needs painting, never rots, will never be eaten by termites and will never dent or tear. Brick homes built hundreds of years ago still stand today." |
| "In its simplest form, a well is simply a hole drilled down into an aquifer. A pipe and pump inserted into the hole are used to draw water out of the ground, and a screen filters out unwanted particles and other material that might clog the pipe. Wells can be a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending upon the type of earth they're cut into and the amount of water that they're designed to pump out." | |
| The Basics of Wells | |
| Drinking Water From Household Wells | "If your family gets drinking water from your own well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice?" |
| Equipment Used in Wells | "Every day, millions of water pumps deliver water from wells to homes, farms and businesses. Very few well owners give much thought to pump equipment that typically provides 15+ years of trouble free service, in fact, many of the general public would not even recognize a well pump if they saw one." |
| Sizing a Well Pump | "Proper sizing and selection of the components in your water well system, most notably the well pump, are essential to meet your water needs today and in the future." |
| How To Maintain Your Septic System | "Septic Systems are a very simple way to treat household wastewater and are easy to operate and maintain. Although homeowners must take a more active role in maintaining septic systems, once they learn how their systems work, it is easy for them to appreciate the importance of a few sound operation and maintenance practices." |
| The Septic Systems Information Website | "This website answers just about any question you might have about buying, owning, maintaining, repairing, or installing a property with a septic system." |
| Septic Systems and Their Maintenance | "Proper design, installation, and maintenance of your septic system will maximize your system's life. It will prevent failures that can be unsightly, foul-smelling, and threatening to your family's health. Good maintenance reduces the risk of contaminating your well water, and may save you from costly repairs or system replacement." |
| Reducing Contamination by Improving Household Wastewater Treatment | "Potential contaminants in household wastewater include disease-causing bacteria, infectious viruses, household chemicals, and excess nutrients such as nitrate. Viruses can infect the liver, causing hepatitis, or infect the lining of the intestine, causing gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea). If coliform organisms (a group of indicator bacteria) are found in well water, the water is potentially dangerous for drinking and food preparation." |
| Septic System Basics | "Roughly one-quarter of all American homes disposes of their wastewater through onsite (unsewered) systems. Using such systems, individual homeowners are responsible for the treatment and disposal of their own wastewater. Most are typically located where centralized wastewater treatment is unavailable or impractical, such as in rural areas. The most popular onsite method currently in use is the septic system. Septics use the soil to treat small wastewater flows. When properly constructed and maintained, septic systems both are reliable and safe." |
The obvious legal statement.
The folks at Slightly Creaky are volunteers. None of us get any salary or compensation in any form. We are not a corporation, just a few folks working out of our houses. If anything on this site bothers you, if you notice mistakes, please let us know.While we do maintain editorial rights, things slip past, especially on the message boards. The submitted columns and news articles, as well as the postings on the message boards, belong to the contributor(s), not to the Slightly Creaky team. We are simply a vehicle bringing you information to the best of our ability. We have no control over the sites we link to. Web site contents frequently change. If you find anything improper, objectionable or not working, please notify us.
Be sure to read our complete Legal Information and Policies