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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

Today Anthony Gilardi of HGTV’s Myles of Style gives advice about choosing the right wall anchors to secure your furniture and keep your family safe from furniture tip-overs.

Ask Anthony your home repair or home improvement questions right now in the comments below! Anthony is here on CafeMom every other week. 

With recent news of furniture tip-overs on the rise, today’s question and Anthony’s answer about wall anchors is quite timely.

Q: What is the best anchor to use for plaster walls? We want to put up some shelving units (the metal adjustable kinds) in our back hallway to utilize the tops of the walls for storage of stuff we don’t want in the attic, but we know we’re going to need anchors to put them up. We don’t know what kind of anchors we’ll need. There are just so many on the market. Actually while you are at it, could you give us an idea of what each anchor is good for? 

—jennmarie77

A: Very good question. I’d be happy to shed some light on this subject.

My personal favorite wall anchor brand is Hilti (no, they do not endorse me, LOL). They are the best in my opinion due to their strength and reliability. They are, however, a little more pricey than other anchors.

You may be able to find an inexpensive version of the anchors below, but if you’re hanging something heavy in a place where safety is an issue, you don’t want to cut corners:

• For hollow plaster walls, you want to use are toggle bolts. Hilti makes a great toggle bolt that is simple to use. This type of anchor should be used when you’re hanging something that could potentially get heavy: shelves, appliances, stereo equipment, etc.     
• For anchoring items on plaster walls that will be holding lightweight items (small pictures, signs, etc.), the best anchor to use is a self drilling, one-step metal anchor. Anthony tip: Don’t bother using the plastic versions of these anchors; get the metal ones.
• For anchoring onto concrete or masonry, you need to use a sleeve anchor. This will take a few extra steps but works very well for both heavy and lightweight items.    

Here are Hilti’s illustrations of the different kinds of wall anchors so you know how to identify them and can learn more about their usage.

Let me know if you need further advice. I could talk all day about wall anchors.

Thanks for writing in.

—Anthony Gilardi

Today Anthony gives guidance about stripping paint from a concrete porch and repainting or restaining it afterward.

Get FREE professional handyman repair advice from Anthony Gilardi of HGTV’sMyles of Style right here on Home & Garden Buzz every other week. Ask Anthonyyour home repair or home improvement questions right now in the comments below!

Q: My painted cement porch is scaling off. What will it take to get the rest of it off? Is there something I can buy to strip it?

—Nonmember irene sparks

A: Hey, Irene. Very funny thing, I recently had to strip and repaint an entire concrete porch. I used a very cool product called: Floor-PaintStrip_250. READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. SAFETY FIRST! Also, here is some info on paint strippers and removers you may find useful.

—Anthony Gilardi

This week, Anthony shows us how to change a broken light bulb. I hate when that happens!

Q: Anthony, I have a bulb in my ceiling fan that has broken, and I need to know how to get it out.

—loving_mom7

A: Hello loving_mom7. Great question. Thanks for writing in.

As you know, dealing with a broken light bulb in a light socket is a very common problem.

Most common solutions you’ll get:

Use a raw potato.

An onion.

A broomstick.

Etc.

I’m glad I’m getting the chance to clear a few things up today. Although the many repair solutions that you’ve heard may work, there is only one safe and correct way.

And here it is…

Before you do anything, you will need a flashlight, an electrical power tester (every home toolbox should have one; they go for $5 to $10), a pair of lineman’s pliers, and the known whereabouts of your electrical panel or sub panel—oh yeah, and, if necessary, a ladder. Keep everything handy.

First, find the circuit breaker that powers the fixture and turn it off. Your breakers should all be properly labeled. If they are not, take some time to label them.

When reentering the room, you may need the flashlight, be ready.

MOST IMPORTANT STEP: With your electrical power tester, make sure the power to the fixture is OFF.

Now I don’t like to use a needle nose pliers here because they can be pointy and can rip through the very thin metal that was once the base of your light bulb. I like to use lineman’s pliers, which (if you don’t recognize the name) are standard square pliers (also should be in every home toolbox).

You should see at least 1/8 of an inch of the light bulb base sticking out of the socket. Grab it with your pliers and turn counterclockwise.

When the base is out, carefully blow some air into the empty socket to make sure there is no debris remaining.

Replace your light bulb. Then go back to the circuit breaker and turn the fixture back on.

Finito!

After that, if you have time, take the raw potato and raw onion, place them both in a boiling pot of water until cooked, remove from pot, and mash. Buon appetito! LOL.

Don’t forget to have fun and reward yourself for a job well done.

Thank you.