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Ask Anthony: How to Remove Old Floor Covering and Sticky Adhesives

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 AT 11:00 AM by Cafe Sheri - Comments (1)

Ask Anthony your home improvement or home repair question TODAY in the comments below! Anthony pops by CafeMom with free advice every other week.

Q: Anthony, can you suggest a simpler way of removing old foam rubber backed carpet padding from the floor beneath that has been stuck down for several decades? I am willing to scrape but do not want to damage the floor or subfloor (not sure what I have) more than necessary. Is there a solvent product to use? Any help appreciated.

—DogsMom

A: Hey, DogsMom. Thanks for writing in.

I did some research for you. What we’re looking for is an affordable “Do It Yourself” floor covering and adhesive remover product that can save you time on labor, yet keep you and your family safe. I found the website of a product that I’ve used in the past for just such a purpose.

• This is a low VOC product that will do the job: ROBERTS 1920 Lift-Off Carpet and Adhesive Remover (PDF data sheet).
• Depending on what carpet adhesive you find underneath, I want you to have options. This second product is still safe but more industrial: ROBERTS 1912 Adhesive Cleaner (PDF data sheet).

Anthony Tip:
Read the manufacturer’s directions CAREFULLY. Follow SAFETY advice!!!

Be smart. Be an “Anthony Apprentice.” Good luck, and let me know how it goes.

Ask Anthony: My Sink Drains Smell Horrific!

AUGUST 19, 2009 AT 11:30 AM by Cafe Sheri - Comments (1)

Got a home repair or home improvement question? Then Ask Anthony TODAY in the comments below! Anthony is at our beck and call on CafeMom every other week.

Q: Anthony, our home is pretty old, just a little old country home. When the water drains (particularly from the washing machine), the sink drains throughout the house start smelling. I mean they smell HORRIFIC! Typically, when they start smelling, we pour Apple Vinegar down the drains throughout and run a little through the washer. It works for about a month or so and then BAM! Right back to the ick.

Is there anything that we, I mean, my husband can do that last longer?

—josie_mommyof2

A: Hello, josie_mommyof2. Thanks for writing in.

Although your problem does seem “horrific” (believe me, I know that smell), it is actually a very common problem and can be relatively simple and inexpensive to fix. What’s happening here is a plumbing ventilation problem.

Anthony’s Quick Plumbing Lesson:

Plumbing works on gravity, water runs downward and air runs upward. Water and air cannot function separately in pipes. They need to work simultaneously.

In other words, if air is not escaping upwards through your pipes and out through your roof, water will not travel downwards causing all kinds of problems, such as back up flooding and foul air escaping through your home’s interior exits (sink/bathtub drains).

How to Fix a Plumbing Ventilation Problem:

1. Clean out ALL of your “P Traps” (the rounded pipe under your interior drains).This will cost you nothing if done properly.
2. If you don’t have “P Traps” because of the age of your home, it’s time to upgrade. Install “P Traps” everywhere needed. Consult a professional plumber, if needed.
3. If that doesn’t stop the problem, you may need a “Total Air Line Flush.” Consult a professional plumber.
4. If that doesn’t work, you may need to install “Backflow Preventers” in ALL your drain pipes.

So if cleaning the “P Traps” doesn’t stop the problem, and you feel the job is getting too big for you (I mean, your husband, LOL), feel free to get in touch with me through my website or PM Cafe Sheri to have your message forwarded to me, and I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to say to a professional plumber, so you don’t feel like you’re being taken advantage.

Good luck, and remember, I’ll be there with you.

Ask Anthony: Top Tips for Prepping Your Home for the Fall Season

AUGUST 5, 2009 AT 7:00 AM by Cafe Sheri - Comments (1)

First, let’s prep your home for one of nature’s most important laws: gravity. Gravity is what gave Autumn it’s familiar nickname: Fall. So, let’s start at the top and work our way down: roofs, chimney tops, and gutters, the three areas that get the most attention from Mom Nature.

ROOFS

Let’s get up on the roof and check things out.

We need to make sure the condition of our shingles are in good enough shape to handle falling debris that will cause further damage creating a larger “winter” problems.

Check for age spots, discoloration, buckling, and breakage. Repairing these areas now for minimum cost will save you future mid-winter headaches and prolong the lifespan of your entire roof. Remember, repairing costs a lot less than replacing.

CHIMNEYS

Next, we need to make sure that all vents and chimney stacks are properly covered. I suggest replacing aging covers every five years. Most roof vent covers and chimney stack covers are made out of weather-treated thin metal that is very affordable. Rule of thumb: covers should let air in and out and nothing else. You don’t want those prepping small animals and birds to use these areas of your home as their homes.

GUTTERS

Gutters, gutters, gutters… If you do only one thing to prep for Fall, please let it be maintaining your gutters.

Closely inspect your gutters and downspouts EVERY year around this time. Repair and or replace your gutters when and where needed. Damaged and nonfunctional gutters and downspouts can lead to much bigger and much more expensive problems, from roof damage to foundation damage. One more time…inspect, repair, and/or replace your gutters and downspouts.

Moving down, like gravity, we need to check the perimeter of your home. Proper downspouts will push water away from your home; however, bad landscaping and grading will push it right back. Make sure the ground around your home is pitched (angled) away from your foundation. If you live in a hilly non-level area, make sure you have proper drainage around the perimeter, particularly the areas that have a more dramatic pitch. And get those falling leaves away from the house ASAP. They create water dams, bring unwanted guests (pests), and are huge FIRE HAZARDS.

Like the squirrels you see gathering nuts, PLAN AHEAD! It’s all in the upkeep. Keep those gutters and downspouts clean! Make sure you have the proper tools for these jobs: ladders, rakes, water hoses, etc.

Ask Anthony: 6 Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

JULY 15, 2009 AT 12:00 PM by Cafe Sheri - Comments (0)

Today HGTV’s Anthony Gilardi provides 6 Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer.

Got a home repair or home improvement question? Then Ask Anthony RIGHT NOW in the comments below! Anthony is at our beck and call on CafeMom every other week.

Here are Anthony Gilardi’s best ways to conserve energy, save money, and stay cool during the dog days of summer. HINT: Limit the use of those heat-producing, energy-sucking major appliances.

Here’s what appliances I’m talking about:

1. Oven/Stove. So how do you limit oven/stove usage without starving to death? Okay, well, first of all be conscious of how often you use your oven/stove. Hey, it’s summertime, spark up the barbecue! I know what you’re saying, I’m not feeding my family burgers and hot dogs every night. Well, I agree, but there are many alternatives to red meat and/or mystery meat…time to get creative on the outdoor grill. I happen have amazing recipes for grilling bass, halibut, salmon, chicken, veggies, and much more that I would love to share will you (hey, I’m not just a handyman; I make some mean BBQ too! You can contact me if interested). When you must use your oven/stove, make sure you turn on your exhaust fan and that the filters are clean.
2. Air Conditioner. This is a tough one…Limiting the usage of our A/C may result to serious discomfort. I get it, believe me. So what other ways can we conserve energy and save money without sweating to death? Using a fan will circulate the cooler air faster, allowing the your thermostat to work more efficiently. Keeping doors and windows closed while the A/C is on will help tremendously as well. And if you’re in the market, buying a more efficient/green A/C is a really good idea.
3. Computer. Turn your computer off when you are not using it. It’s a good habit that will save energy. Anthony Tip: Back up your files!
4. Dishwasher. Let the dishes air dry or dry them off with a hand towel. Save energy and maybe get some exercise. Or have your kids do it as one of their chores. Do kids still have chores these days?
5. Clothes Dryer. If your laundry room in located in the house, you are producing a tremendous amount of heat whenever it’s in use. If you can, hang clothes on a line outside. If this is not possible, use the lowest possible heat setting. In addition to saving energy, it is better for your clothes.
6. TV. Yes, your television gets very warm when overused. Limit usage of TV by getting outdoors more often and reading more books. It’s time to get creative with family activities other than video games and watching your favorite carpenter on HGTV. I will gladly take a back seat to family values. LOL.

Anthony Tip: Check That Insulation
It’s important to make sure your basement, exterior walls, and your attic are insulated properly, as well as windows and doors. Weatherizing your windows and doors is not just a winter tip. Fill all gaps around exterior windows and doors. Keep the cool air inside! If it’s time to replace your windows, consider more efficient/green ones. These will help save energy and money year-round.

Reward yourself and your child/children for going the extra mile and hitting the “OFF” button more often this summer. Maybe some ice cream…just a thought.

Stay cool, Moms.

—Anthony Gilardi

Today HGTV’s Anthony Gilardi provides 10 Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Home. These simple tasks will help prepare your home for a safe and happy summer.

Don’t forget to Ask Anthony your home repair or home improvement questions RIGHT NOW in the comments below! Anthony visits us here on CafeMom every other week.

Summer is here! Time for relaxing by the pool or on the beach. Time for enjoying family BBQs. No housework for three months, right? Well, almost…

Before you retire yourself to the joys of summer (or between bites of burger; I won’t tell…), there are a few summer home maintenance projects you should take care of around the house first.

These basic home improvement tasks will ensure your home is safe for the summer season and beyond:

1. HVAC Unit. Time to replace all filters and clean out all vents.
2. Exterior Doors and Windows. Check all doors and windows. Make sure they are working properly. Doors should open and close without sticking. Windows should open, stay open when required, and close smoothly.
3. Screens. Check all window and door screens for holes. Repair or replace where needed.
4. Exterior Stairs. Whether they’re made of wood, metal, or concrete, outside staircases, stoops, and steps have aged since last summer. Repair or replace damaged stairs for safety.
5. Decks/Patios/Porches. Again, whether they’re made of wood, metal, or concrete, decks, patios, and porches have also seen some wear and tear since last summer. Check for loose flooring, protruding nails, screws, or splinters. Most importantly make sure your safety railings are strong and secure.
6. Swimming Pool. Time to professionally service all the pool’s components. Make sure there are proper safety fences and gates around the perimeter of the pool, and that all sides and openings are secure.
7. Pest Control. The only pests I usually concern myself with are the ones that can do direct damage to your home. Two examples: Termites and Carpenter Ants. Why worry about this now? End of spring and early summer is when both of these insects nests hatch. If you’ve seen a hatching Termite or Carpenter Ant nest hatch, you know my concern. These insects look wood to grow their nest. Have a professional exterminator come by your home and school you with options on the best way to prevent home damage from wood-boring insects.
8. Attic. Time to get into your attic and make sure: It is properly ventilated (check vent screens for holes and or damage), and it is properly insulated. R13 insulation should be installed between all ceiling joists. Anthony TIP:Insulation should never be installed between roof rafters. This is incorrect and needs to be removed. It will seriously compromise the longevity of your roof.
9. Basements and/or Crawl Spaces. Much like your attic, the underside of your home also needs to be properly ventilated. Check vent screens for holes and or damage. Make sure your crawl space access is properly…well, accessible. Check for wood damage. Waterproof all areas within 12” of grade (ground level, earth, dirt).
10. Driveways and Walkways. The harsher the weather in your area, the more chance the asphalt, pavement, concrete, or hardtop on yourdriveway/walkway has been damaged or compromised. Repair all settlement cracks, potholes, and loose masonry. Properly maintaining these areas once a year can prevent a larger more expensive problem in the future.

Not bad, right?

Take one or two days to address these areas, and then it’s smooth sailing this summer.
Oh yeah, one more Anthony Tip — even if it is smooth sailing, always wear a life vest.

See you next time,

—Anthony Gilardi

After the recent Earthquake, I received this is from the internet.

Passing it along to my “Anthony Apprentices”  

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves. Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
• Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
• Inspect utilities.
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
  • Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
  • Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.