Review by
Richard SumrallEach year the warmer weather ushers in the
spring season and the rebirth of nature. It also reveals the ravages of
winter on our outdoor structures and property. In his new book, "Outdoor
Fix-It 101," author Steve Willson explains the ins and outs of basic
maintenance projects for your home, garage, driveway or fence.
According to Willson: "These repairs are among the most important you can
do. Neglect them, and your house becomes an eyesore to the neighborhood,
waiting to fall apart; do them diligently and your home will be a lifetime
paradise for you and your family."
The book contains a brief but important safety orientation before
introducing the step-by-step instructions for 26 common outdoor repair
projects.
"Safety Orientation"
The most important aspect of any outdoor project is an adherence to
safety and an understanding of the potential hazards. These hazards can come
from the misuse of electricity, tools or ladders.
Willson points out that using electricity outdoors can be dangerous
because the close proximity to the ground makes short circuits more likely.
Tools can pose a risk through misuse or inattention; this is especially true
of power tools. When using large tools or power tools, it is advisable to
avoid working alone or when you are fatigued. Always keep a cell phone handy
and only use tools that have been properly maintained and undamaged.
Many outdoor accidents occur on ladders. It best to avoid using a ladder
near power lines or with heavy power extension cords. If you must use an
extension cord, attach a metal clip to the top of the ladder and thread the
cord through the clip. Taller ladders can be stabilized at the top with a
bracket and at the bottom with stakes driven into the ground.
"Project: Pestproofing Your House"
Willson writes: "It may be a single question of etiquette … If you invite
pests into your home, you can't feel put out if they decide to accept." The
invitations he refers to are uncaulked holes and cracks, chimneys without
flues, or damaged screens. To eliminate these entry points, you will need
the following: a chimney flue cap, a roll of vent screening, a caulk gun
with silicone caulk, a putty knife and a staple gun.
In addition to making these repairs, Willson recommends two other
pestproofing projects that homeowners sometimes overlook. Insects can enter
a home through the basement floor drain; he suggests placing a tennis ball
over the drain hole. If the floor becomes flooded, the ball should float
away and allow the water into the drain. He also recommends replacing the
exterior flap vent on the clothes dryer with a protected vent hood. The hood
resembles a small can with a flap top; the top is forced open by the dryer's
hot air and closes when the dryer is not in use.
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"Project: Fixing a Concrete Walk"
Outdoor concrete is always susceptible to the effects of the
weather. Water can seep into chip-outs and cracks; the expansion and
contraction of the water in different temperatures can cause
significant damage. If these problems are repaired properly, they
can help extend the life of any concrete surface.
Concrete repair projects do require some specialized tools that
you may not have on hand. You will need some concrete patch mixture
as well as assorted brushes, trowels, fillers, chisels and brooms.
One secret to concrete repair jobs is that they "must be made
worse before they are made better." In other words, you need to
chisel out a larger opening to the crack or chip-out so the enlarged
opening can accept and hold the repair material in place and give
the patch some extra surface to grip.
"Project: Repairing Stucco"
Stucco is a strong and durable siding material for exterior
surfaces. Small, unattended cracks can lead to the introduction of
water and other problems. This repair job will require a trip to the
hardware store for some specialized tools and supplies. You will
need some Type M mortar, stucco mix, metal lath and edging, building
paper, mortar tint, staples, and nails.
Although many original stucco walls were constructed from a
three-layer process, today's newer single pre-mixed stucco products
make the repair much easier. Larger repair jobs may require the
removal of the old metal lath and the installation of new lath.
Metal lath is a lightweight steel fabric that acts as a base for any
other coats of stucco applied to the wall. Remember that timing is
critical in stucco repair -- the different coats require one to two
days to dry before the next application.
"Outdoor Fix-It 101" is a very handy guide to some of the most
common repair problems faced by homeowners. Each project has a
summary description and includes a photograph of the necessary tools
and supplies. The steps are explained in clear, nontechnical jargon
and are illustrated with color photographs. This book is recommended
for homeowners, do-it-yourself enthusiasts or anyone wanting to
learn new skills in outdoor repair and maintenance.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
