How to Stop Your Stairs From Squeaking

What makes stairs squeak? The noise usually comes from loose treads (the surface of the steps that you walk on) or risers (upright boards that join the treads together). This is normally due to natural shrinkage of the wooden stair components over time. The adhesive that was originally used to bind the risers and treads together might also have failed.

There are several methods of tightening up the steps to reduce or eliminate the creaking. The best way is to work from underneath the staircase, as the results won't show and you can usually make a stronger repair. If this is not possible you will have to tackle the problem from the other side.

Repairing squeaky stairs from above

There are three main methods of tightening up loose stair parts:

1. Screw the treads down

The best way of fastening the treads securely to the risers is by screwing them down. Three screws per tread is normally enough. Drill pilot holes through the tread in line with the riser, ideally using No.8 x 38mm countersunk screws, then drive in the screws below the surface of the tread. If there is no stair carpet to hide blemishes, conceal the screws with matching wood filler.

2. Nail down loose treads

A simple repair is to hammer nails into the edge of the tread at a central point where it connects with the riser. For the best grip, insert the nails in pairs so that they are angled towards each other over the creaky spot. Drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting the wood, then drive the nails below the surface and cover with wood filler.

3. Glue on a moulding

Try adding a piece of quadrant moulding (shaped to form a quarter circle) to give the tread extra support. You can secure it to the top or bottom of the riser, or both. For the best results, stick the moulding to both the tread and the riser. This method is more aesthetically pleasing than using screws or nails - however, if your stairs are uncarpeted you will have to add the mouldings to every step, not just the creaky ones, so that they all look the same.

Repairing squeaky stairs from below

If you can get underneath the staircase you may be able to carry out more effective repairs - but remember to wear eye protection as you will spend a lot of time looking upwards. There are various options:

1. Insert blocks or brackets

A good way of strengthening the join between tread and riser is to use small triangular wooden blocks, known as glue blocks. Position a block in each corner of the step under the tread and against the riser, and glue into place. Secure with screws - drive two upwards, into the tread, and two horizontally, into the riser. If possible, get a helper to stand on the tread while you drive in the screws.

Alternatively you can secure small rectangular blocks of wood, known as string blocks, to the corners of the steps to fasten the treads to the strings (supporting boards that run along the side of the stairs). If necessary, you can use these in addition to the glue blocks for extra strength and rigidity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9576091

A Quick Guide to Paintless Dent Repair

Everybody wants their home to be in the best condition as you will want to live a comfortable life. You will always have a long list of renovations in your mind. Upgrading the house can be a little expensive, and you may not have enough budget for the renovations. You can save a lot of money if you are careful with your improvement plans. Prioritizing your repairs is important. Try to focus on the ones which are a high priority. Focus on improvements which are going to save money in the long run as well.

Here are some of the improvements that are useful in saving money:

Getting Rid of Drafts:

Experts mostly recommend that insulation is an excellent choice when it comes to preparing for winters. But sealing doors and windows is an always a good choice no matter when you do it. The seals always pay off so you can either invest in real seals or replace them with better-insulated ones. You should look to add insulation in the major areas such as the attic. Insulating the attic not only helps in keeping the house warm in winter but it is also helpful in keeping the house cold in summers. Seal all the air leaks like the outlets and switches. It will not just bring comfort to your life and will result in money-saving improvement.

Adding the insulation on just the doors and replacing the windows you will see improvement in the appearance of the house and also see energy improvements. You can also recoup most of the cost if you look to selling the house.

Adding Low Flow Fixtures:

Low fixtures are an excellent home improvement because it will help in decreasing the water wastage. It will assist in saving a lot of money as well. With low fixtures, you can also reduce about fifty percent of water consumption. It is important to look for improvements that help in energy efficiency because it is not just good for the environment but is also cost-effective.

Replacing Regular Bulbs:

The regular light bulbs are high consumers of energy. You can save some money by replacing them with fluorescent bulbs. They have a longer lifespan as compared to the regular bulbs although they might cost more initially. The high initial cost can make up for a low running cost. These bulbs also assist in lowering the energy bills.

Updating High Energy Appliances:

You can reap a lot of benefits from improvements if you upgrade your appliances which are inefficient. Most of the power is consumed by large systems such as the heating system, heaters, air conditioning, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers. You can adjust the energy consumption of the appliances like installing a thermostat that is programmable and running during night hours. You can repair the already existing systems or replace them with the new and better models.

Dishwashers:

It is important to replace the old dishwasher with a new one because they use just an average of 5.8 gallons of water in each cycle. The other dishwashers can cause a lot of water wastage because they used as much as ten gallons in each cycle. If you upgrade your dishwasher, you can save a lot in when it comes to energy costs and save plenty of water as well.

Cleaning the Gutter and Dealing With Structural Problems:

Water is mostly the culprit behind the most expensive home repairs. If there are any leaks, you should deal with them and make sure you control the water around your house. Gutters are the first line of defense against any water problems in your basement, rotten wood fascia, leaking roofs and other serious problems. Firstly you should clean the gutters and install gutter guards because it helps in preventing any future damage from water.

You should look for foundation cracks, mildew or mold in a basement area, roof issues, and loose shingles or any other possible signs of water damage and a sign of pests. Water repairs are costly, but you can lower the cost by doing prevention and maintenance by yourself. You can maintain the gutter and water leaks by regular inspections and upkeep.

Programmable Thermostat:

They have gained popularity because they have many energy and money saving advantages. If you know how to use the device correctly, you will be able to use a lot of money. It is mostly more accurate than the conventional thermostat. It is efficient and cost-effective device and an excellent choice for improving your home.

These are some of the home improvements which will not just make your house more comfortable but will also help in saving some money.

I am a professional content writer and passionate about helping people from all walks of life to get the sufficient knowledge about the applied science, electronic components, automation, home improvement, refrigeration, computers. I use the highly ingenious, creative, forward-thinking, cutting edge, out-of-the-box approach while writing and never disappoint our readers. I have an ability to create winning and long lasting relationship with her clients. I am always looking to improve her knowledge of internet marketing and content creation as a means of driving more targeted traffic and visitors to websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9547741

Save Money With These Seven Home Improvements

Everybody wants their home to be in the best condition as you will want to live a comfortable life. You will always have a long list of renovations in your mind. Upgrading the house can be a little expensive, and you may not have enough budget for the renovations. You can save a lot of money if you are careful with your improvement plans. Prioritizing your repairs is important. Try to focus on the ones which are a high priority. Focus on improvements which are going to save money in the long run as well.

Here are some of the improvements that are useful in saving money:

Getting Rid of Drafts:

Experts mostly recommend that insulation is an excellent choice when it comes to preparing for winters. But sealing doors and windows is an always a good choice no matter when you do it. The seals always pay off so you can either invest in real seals or replace them with better-insulated ones. You should look to add insulation in the major areas such as the attic. Insulating the attic not only helps in keeping the house warm in winter but it is also helpful in keeping the house cold in summers. Seal all the air leaks like the outlets and switches. It will not just bring comfort to your life and will result in money-saving improvement.

Adding the insulation on just the doors and replacing the windows you will see improvement in the appearance of the house and also see energy improvements. You can also recoup most of the cost if you look to selling the house.

Adding Low Flow Fixtures:

Low fixtures are an excellent home improvement because it will help in decreasing the water wastage. It will assist in saving a lot of money as well. With low fixtures, you can also reduce about fifty percent of water consumption. It is important to look for improvements that help in energy efficiency because it is not just good for the environment but is also cost-effective.

Replacing Regular Bulbs:

The regular light bulbs are high consumers of energy. You can save some money by replacing them with fluorescent bulbs. They have a longer lifespan as compared to the regular bulbs although they might cost more initially. The high initial cost can make up for a low running cost. These bulbs also assist in lowering the energy bills.

Updating High Energy Appliances:

You can reap a lot of benefits from improvements if you upgrade your appliances which are inefficient. Most of the power is consumed by large systems such as the heating system, heaters, air conditioning, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers. You can adjust the energy consumption of the appliances like installing a thermostat that is programmable and running during night hours. You can repair the already existing systems or replace them with the new and better models.

Dishwashers:

It is important to replace the old dishwasher with a new one because they use just an average of 5.8 gallons of water in each cycle. The other dishwashers can cause a lot of water wastage because they used as much as ten gallons in each cycle. If you upgrade your dishwasher, you can save a lot in when it comes to energy costs and save plenty of water as well.

Cleaning the Gutter and Dealing With Structural Problems:

Water is mostly the culprit behind the most expensive home repairs. If there are any leaks, you should deal with them and make sure you control the water around your house. Gutters are the first line of defense against any water problems in your basement, rotten wood fascia, leaking roofs and other serious problems. Firstly you should clean the gutters and install gutter guards because it helps in preventing any future damage from water.

You should look for foundation cracks, mildew or mold in a basement area, roof issues, and loose shingles or any other possible signs of water damage and a sign of pests. Water repairs are costly, but you can lower the cost by doing prevention and maintenance by yourself. You can maintain the gutter and water leaks by regular inspections and upkeep.

Programmable Thermostat:

They have gained popularity because they have many energy and money saving advantages. If you know how to use the device correctly, you will be able to use a lot of money. It is mostly more accurate than the conventional thermostat. It is efficient and cost-effective device and an excellent choice for improving your home.

These are some of the home improvements which will not just make your house more comfortable but will also help in saving some money.

I am a professional content writer and passionate about helping people from all walks of life to get the sufficient knowledge about the applied science, electronic components, automation, home improvement, refrigeration, computers. I use the highly ingenious, creative, forward-thinking, cutting edge, out-of-the-box approach while writing and never disappoint our readers. I have an ability to create winning and long lasting relationship with her clients. I am always looking to improve her knowledge of internet marketing and content creation as a means of driving more targeted traffic and visitors to websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9547741

6 Way to Prevent Heating Loss

An HVAC system helps to add value and comfort to homes by keeping them warm during colder months. Unfortunately, if not properly maintained or used, homeowners can end up spending a considerable amount of money on energy bills. Here are six recommendations that can be employed to avoid loss of warm air produced by a domestic heating appliance.

Eliminate Drafts

To prevent energy bills from skyrocketing, one not only needs to come up with ways of keeping the warm air in but also a means of keeping cold air out. Excluding drafts from holes in the roof and gaps under the door can help achieve this objective. There are a variety of modern draft excluders on the market which are easy to install, inexpensive, and very efficient.

Check the Chimney

Many homeowners are unaware that an open fireplace can severely hamper their energy saving efforts. Investing in a quality chimney balloon and having it installed by an expert can ensure no hot air manages to escape through the open fireplace. Be certain to remove the balloon when lighting a fire to prevent an accident.

Invest in Reflective Radiators

Radiators with reflectors will help reflect heat back into the room, preventing heating loss through the walls. One of the benefits of using a heater with a reflector is that homeowners do not have to keep the HVAC running for long periods of time, as all the hot air will be confined to rooms in the home. Just like a chimney balloon, heating reflectors are best installed by skilled personnel.

Consider Insulating the Walls

It is estimated that up to 30% of heat in a home is lost through the walls. The most efficient way to curtail this type of loss is by reviewing your home's wall insulation. If insulation in a wall seems moist, or is missing, carrying out a cavity wall insulation project can be tremendously helpful in reducing heating costs. While modern wall insulation materials can be expensive, the energy saving benefits that homeowners will accrue over the years typically surpass the initial cost.

Use Heavy Drapes

Heavy drapes are designed to curtail the loss of hot air from the rooms during cold weather conditions as well as absorb sunlight. These types of curtains also block out the wind that may seep through small cracks on the edges of the windows thereby moderating indoor temperature. Drapes come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit diverse clientele needs and preferences.

Keep Doors Closed

Keeping doors shut when appliances are on will cut down on heating costs. Running an HVAC system while doors are open can strain an HVAC system, forcing it to work harder to keep rooms warm.

Applying these heating recommendations to prevent loss of hot air during colder months can add up quickly, meaning big savings for homeowners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9581115

5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Air Conditioner

Is your air conditioner about to die? Is your air conditioner not big enough?

Did you know that there are a lot of secrets that most furnace and air conditioner contracts don't want you to know?

These certain well-known secrets within the home comfort industry could cost you thousands of dollars when choosing a new air conditioner for your home.
Unless you know what to ask for, you could pay much more than you should.

Here are 5 costly mistakes you should avoid when purchasing a new air conditioner:

1. Picking the wrong size

Obviously, when you pick an air conditioner, one of the main factors that affects price is the size of the equipment. There are tell-tale signs that you might be making the wrong choice when it comes to sizing.

2. Not knowing all of the available equipment options

Some air conditioner contractors will show you limited equipment choices knowing that you probably don't understand the options that are available to you.

3. Not asking qualifying questions of the contractor to make sure that they are qualified to install the equipment

Obviously, for your air conditioner to function correctly, it needs to be installed correctly. If the equipment is improperly installed, it could mean unexpected repair costs, lost energy savings, or even worse.

4. Not understanding the offered guarantees presented during the sales process, and whether the contractor can back them up

There have been some incredible advances in technology in this sector over the past few years. However, the reality is that equipment still breaks down. If you aren't covered by the manufacturer's warranty, then you've either just purchased a new boat anchor or you're stuck with a large repair bill. Of course, every contractor that you meet with will tell you that they will drop everything, even wake up at 3:00am, if you have any problems or if the equipment fails. But do you actually believe them?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9588420