What Would MacGyver Do? Use Rubber Bands for Simple Household Repairs

I can’t resist these MacGyver moves.  One more and then I’ll move onto another subject . . . maybe!

Published: June 24, 2010

Free your discarded rubber bands from the junk drawer—they’re needed elsewhere.

Mostly we see rubber bands on our newspapers, holding our hair back, binding our produce, or else piled in a drawer somewhere, forgotten. But a lesson from MacGyver tells us a rubber band can be surprisingly helpful in a pinch.

We’ve collected some MacGyver-inspired ideas from the Internet.

What MacGyver did:
Made a makeshift motor out of a battery pack, some rubber bands, and an electric whisk. Attached the “motor” to a food trolley (making it move on its own) to confuse a motion sensor.

What you can do:

• Remove a stripped screw. Lay a flat rubber band over the head of the screw, which will give the screwdriver a tighter fit.

• Pry open a stuck jar lid. Wrap a thick rubber band around the lid and twist it off.

• Secure wooden slats on a bed. Wrap a rubber band around each end to keep them from coming loose.

• Wipe excess paint off your paintbrush. Wrap rubber bands around a paint can across the opening. Wipe your brush against the rubber bands instead of the side of the can. Paint falls back inside, leaving the grooves around the can clean, saving you paint and the hassle of a stuck lid.

• Get more use out of an old broom. Tie rubber bands around the bristles to tighten them.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/what-would-macgyver-do-use-rubber-bands-simple-household-repairs/#ixzz1QQwJ3RQb

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

What Would MacGyver Do? In an Emergency, Reach for the Duct Tape

As my dear departed father used to say “Give me a roll of duct tape and a sawsal and I can  conquer the world.”  Let’s see what MacGyver would do in this HouseLogic.com article.

What Would MacGyver Do? In an Emergency, Reach for the Duct Tape

Published: June 24, 2010

Get yourself out of a home repair jam with this common household item famously used by our favorite handy hero: MacGyver.

We’ve all had them: the clogged drain, the ripped vacuum hose, the unsightly hole in the wall. Home repair emergencies like these are the last thing you need when you’re running out the door, running after the kids, or fielding other household chores. Channel your inner MacGyver by taking advantage of one common household item the classic action hero made famous: a roll of duct tape.

We’ve collected some MacGyver-inspired ideas from the Internet.

What MacGyver did:
Used duct tape to seal a hole in a hot air balloon, allowing him to escape his pursuers.

What you can do:

• Fix a slow-running toilet. Clear the clogged flush passage with wire, then empty the water tank and seal the passage hole with duct tape. Fill the tank with a quart of vinegar and leave overnight.

• Weatherproof windows. Use strips of duct tape to make windows air tight until you can fix or replace them.

• Make a temporary roof shingle. Wrap strips of duct tape across a ¼ inch thick piece of plywood cut to size.

• Tie off loose wires. Wrap small, thin strips of duct tape around exposed ends.

• Patch holes and tears in duct work, dryer vents, and a torn vacuum hose to temporarily seal leaks.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/what-would-macgyver-do-emergency-reach-duct-tape/#ixzz1QLPe0ueQ

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

What Would MacGyver Do? 6 Ways to Save the Day with Toothpaste

You know you’re getting older, when you start your blog with “I remember when . . . “  Well, here it is again, one of my favorite TV shows was MacGyver.  Over the years we have come up with MacGyverisms like “I MacGyvered it” or “I tried a MacGyver move.”  HouseLogic.com has a series of articles called “What Would MacGyver Do?”  I will be posting these articles here.  You never when you may need to disable the helicopter of an evil dictator with a stick of gum and chapstick while hanging off the chopper’s runners.  Oh, and visit HouseLogic.com. ~~ Tammy

Published: June 24, 2010

If you like to get your money’s worth by squeezing every ounce from a tube of toothpaste, you’ll be happy to know it has many other uses around the house besides cleaning your teeth.

Rolling up the Colgate tube to squeeze out every last dollop before you buy another one is a simple, smart way to save money, but did you know that toothpaste also makes a good adhesive, deodorizer, and cleaner (for other things besides your teeth)?

We’ve collected some MacGyver-inspired ideas from the Internet.

What MacGyver did:
Used plastic explosives disguised as toothpaste to create a diversion, allowing him to disarm his captor.

What you can do:

• Patch small holes in your walls. Use a putty knife or butter knife to smooth the toothpaste into the hole. Then sand the toothpaste to smooth the surface.

• Erase crayon marks from walls. Grab some non-gel toothpaste and a scrub brush, then just wipe until the marks are gone.

• Shine chrome. Smear non-gel toothpaste on the chrome surface, and use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it down. The fine abrasive in the paste polishes the chrome to a spotless shine.

• Deodorize a baby bottle. Apply toothpaste to your bottle brush to scrub out the stale milk smell. Then rinse it away.

 Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/what-would-macgyver-do-6-ways-save-day-toothpaste/#ixzz1QHyxyRTi

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

Treatment Options for Getting Rid of Insects

I remember when I was a child, not many people gave thought to the pesticides that we used on a regular basis.  Spray the veggie garden, spray the lawn, spray the kids, etc.  I even remember the orchard down the street spraying.  We wouldn’t have mosquitoes for a week because his mixture was so strong.  No real thought about the consequences.  This article from HouseLogic.com suggests some alternatives to SPRAY!  While you’re at HouseLogic.com, create an account and peek through the articles.  Enjoy!

By: Brad Broberg

Published: March 10, 2010

You can limit the use of pesticides by enlisting a variety of strategies and methods to eliminate pests.

To get rid of wood-destroying insects (WDIs) and other pests, consider an approach—”integrated pest management”—that combines common sense with prevention techniques, conventional pesticides, and green alternatives, such as natural plant extracts and minerals.

Back in the late 20th century, spraying or pumping poisons became the widespread method of choice as home and garden pesticides grew into a $1.4 billion industry.

But today, amid growing concerns about the dangers of toxins to people, animals, and the environment, homeowners and pest-control professionals are looking for ways to reduce the amount of pesticides used by incorporating a range of treatments that are often less toxic but still effective.

Conventional pesticide treatment

With conventional pest control, the name of the game is extermination. The operator kills the insects with chemicals—often applied as sprays—and reapplies the pesticides on a regular schedule to prevent another infestation. That means you’re paying for treatment whether or not insects are actually present.

The risks of unnecessary exposure to pesticides aren’t to be taken lightly. While perhaps effective in the short run, pesticides have been shown to produce long-term consequences, including adverse effects on the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems of people and animals. Children are especially sensitive to the toxins found in many pesticides because their immune systems, organs, brains, and nervous systems are still developing.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency regulates all pesticides for safety, they remain potentially deadly to humans and harmful to the environment—especially if misapplied.

A less-toxic approach

The new buzzword in the pest-control industry these days is integrated pest management. Rather than merely blasting pests with poisons, IPM uses a combination of strategies to control pests and includes homeowners as partners in the process.

IPM consists of three basic steps: identifying pests; preventing pests; and—as needed—treating them.

What to expect from a pest-control pro

Just because a pest-control company says it practices IPM doesn’t make it so. The first thing to look for is knowledge about pests. An operator must be able to tell different insects apart and understand their habits and habitats to decide how best to help you control them.

IPM stresses prevention. The pest-control representative should inspect your home for signs of infestation and then recommend steps you can take to eliminate pests by denying food, water, and access. Example: Deterring termites and carpenter ants by keeping the soil around your foundation dry.

Although prevention is the preferred solution, the professional may need to take immediate action to treat an existing infestation. That may include using pesticides, but only as a last resort against an active infestation and never as a matter of routine. Ongoing monitoring of pest activity by you and your pest control operator determines if or when pesticides are reapplied.

When using pesticides, the exterminator should choose the least toxic product possible, apply as little as possible, and treat the smallest area possible—just cracks and crevices, for example, instead of an entire baseboard. Baits—gels, pastes, and granules applied directly or contained in bait stations—are preferred over sprays because they reduce exposure to fumes and residue.

Natural alternatives

If you’re uncomfortable with even limited use of pesticides, ask the pest-control expert about products that rely on natural substances for their active ingredients.

Examples include boric acid, a naturally occurring mineral, and essential oils, derived from the natural defense systems of plants. Although slower acting than chemical pesticides, products made from natural substances can be highly effective.

A word of caution: Even pesticides made from natural substances can be harmful if mishandled. They are, after all, intended to kill living organisms. In addition, some products include chemical additives that make the natural substance more effective, but which also are toxic.

Costs vary

How much you’ll pay to solve your problem will depend on the type of insect, the size of the infestation, and the type and intensity of treatment. Many pest-control pros offer free inspections, but the bill for actual service can range from less than $100 to spot treat an ant nest to several thousand dollars to eradicate termites and offer ongoing protection.

Compare estimates from several pest-control companies. A few national pest-control companies, such as Orkin and Terminix, provide free online estimates. But the best way to find out the extent of your problem and the options available is to have an expert come to your home and do an on-site inspection.

Make sure the company is licensed and a member of a local, state, or national pest management association. You may also want to check the company’s status with state regulatory agencies for consumer affairs and agriculture.

Brad Broberg is a freelance writer from Federal Way, Wash. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he writes about business and real estate for a variety of publications including the Puget Sound Business Journal.

 

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Okay, I know that the weather has just started to turn hot and thoughts are of beaches and picnics, so don’t shoot me for this topic.  How many of us fly around at the last minute in the fall (if not winter) and try to do all of the chores we should have been doing all year?  Here is a fantastic article from House Logic.  Check out some other House Logic articles.

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: December 14, 2010

Seal air leaksaround your windows and doors to prevent wasting precious home heating and cooling energy that costs you money.

An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it’s important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors.

Check for air leaks

With windows and doors closed, hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in. Watch for smoke movement. Note what sources need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping.

Seal air leaks around windows

If you have old windows, caulking and adding new weatherstripping goes a long way toward tightening them up.

• Bronze weatherstripping ($12 for 17 feet) lasts for decades but is time-consuming to install.

• Self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but don’t last very long.

• Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) is a good compromise, rated to last at least 10 years.

Nifty gadgets called pulley seals ($9 a pair) block air from streaming though the holes where cords disappear into the frames.

Seal air leaks around doors

Check for air leaks, and replace old door weatherstripping with new.

• Foam-type tape has an adhesive backing; it’s inexpensive and easy to install. If it comes loose, reinforce it with staples.

• Felt is either adhesive-backed or comes with flexible metal reinforcement. it must be tacked or glued into place. It’s cheap and easy to install, but it has low durability.

• Tubular rubber, vinyl, and silicone weatherstripping is relatively expensive and tricky to install, but it provides an excellent seal. Some types come with a flange designed to fit into pre-cut grooves in the jambs of newer doors; check your existing weatherstripping and replace with a similar style.

Check exterior trim for any gaps between the trim and your door frames, and the trim and your siding. Caulk gaps with an exterior latex caulk ($5 for a 10-ounce tube).

Seal door bottoms

If a draft comes in at the bottom, check the condition of the threshold gasket. Replace worn gaskets. If you can see daylight under the door, you may need to install a new threshold with a taller gasket ($25 for a 36-inch door). Or, install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exterior doors ($9). Door sweeps attach directly to the door and are easy to install.

Jeanne Huber is the author of 10 books about home improvement and writes a weekly column about home care for the Washington Post.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/seal-air-leaks-around-windows-and-doors/#ixzz1P9YG4fGk

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

Homeowner Foreclosures on Bank of America (Yes, You Heard That Right)

Finally, a homeowner strikes back !!

By TARA-NICHOLLE NELSON Tara-nicholle Nelson – Mon Jun 6, 4:50 pm ET

In a modern-day evocation of David’s slingshot triumph over Goliath, a couple of foreclosed homeowners in Naples, Florida reportedly foreclosed on a Bank of America branch last week, their attorney actually having moving trucks pull up in front of a Naples branch to execute a foreclosure judgment against the bank.

What must have seemed to observers like a scene out of a parallel universe – you can see some video here – was actually the fair and logical conclusion to a situation which, the court had ruled, had an unfair and illogical start. In 2009, retired police officer Warren Nyerges and his wife, Maureen Collier, paid $165,000 cash for their 2,700 square foot home in the Golden Gate Estates subdivision, and never took a mortgage out on it. So imagine their surprise when, in Februrary of 2010, Bank of America initiated foreclosure proceedings against them. The Nyerges hired an attorney, Todd Allen, to defend them against the wrongful foreclosure, and the Bank eventually abandoned the matter.

But not before the Nyerges incurred $2,534 in attorney’s fees, which they requested informally from Bank of America multiple times before resorting to the courts, which ordered the bank to make the couple whole. When B of A still had not paid the judgment after five months of phone calls and letter writing by Allen and the Nyerges to the bank insisting that the court order be obeyed, Allen took the next step in the legal collection process, obtaining an order of foreclosure against the bank. (See The Best Blogs of 2011)

“They’ve ignored our calls, ignored our letters, legally this is the next step to get my clients compensated,” Allen stated during an interview with CBS News.

Allen then reported to a local branch of the bank with sheriff’s deputies, who he instructed to remove cash from the tellers’ drawers, furniture, computers and other property. Approximately one hour later, the Naples News reports, the bank manager produced a check for $5,772.88 to satisfy Allen’s fees and additional costs.

“We apologize to Mr. Nyerges that there was a delay in receiving the funds,” read the bank’s written statement to the Naples News. “The original request went to an outside attorney who is no longer in business.”

Some might say all’s well that ends well in this scenario, seeing as the Nyerges got their home, Allen got his fees and the bank got its come-uppance. But there are deeper implications to every one of these foreclosure foul-up horror stories we read about, and even those we don’t. The finger-pointing to outside attorneys seems reminiscent of the banks’ excuse for the robo-signing scandal that broke last fall, and just as flimsy: the fact that a bank has lots of foreclosures to process and hires an overworked, underqualified or otherwise not-up-to-the-job professional to do it does not justify the nonchalance with which documents and properties of such gravitas were treated. The similarity didn’t escape Allen, who told CBS News “this is a symptom of a larger problem.” (Foreclosure Watch: It’s Not as Bad as You Think)

Further, these excuses also doesn’t stand up to snuff: I’ve pointed out before that in transactions with far less monetary significance than foreclosure (and far greater frequency), banks get it right, almost every single time. Just think: when was the last time you got an extra $20 bill at the ATM? I’ve never yet met someone who could remember such a time. Similarly, while one or even several of the Nyerges’ efforts to get B of A to pay the court judgment might have gone to the defunct lawyer’s office, the Nyerges say they actually submitted their pleas directly to the bank, multiple times, to no avail: “I talked to branch managers, I called anyone who would listen to me,” the couple told the Naples News. “And I wrote a certified letter to the president (of the bank). No response, nothing.” (See the Top 9 Successful Ex-Playboy Bunnies)

And all these instances – from the robo-signing news to the refusal to pay this judgment, may contribute to the depression of home values, with just a few degrees of separation. A survey last year found that the robo-signing scandal caused American adults to trust the banks less. Not surprising, but perhaps this is: a study by professors at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago recently found that the vast majority of homeowners, even those with negative equity, would rather keep their homes than strategically default on them. However, “people who are angrier about the current economic situation are more willing to express their willingness to default, as are people who trust banks less.”

To be fair, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s sweeping investigation into the robo-signing scandal concluded that only a small number of foreclosures actually took place wrongfully, and that even those were only wrongful because of an intervening law or event (like a bankruptcy filing by the homeowners), not because the mortgage payments weren’t actually delinquent.

But if ever there was a business argument for the banks to get their procedures and processes together when it comes to foreclosure and cleaning up the messes created by the few, truly wrongful foreclosures which, like the Nyerges’ case, will get widespread notoriety and further tear down consumer trust in the banks, it might be contained in these three simple statements. Less trust, more walk aways. More walk aways, more foreclosures. More foreclosures, lower home values. Enough said? We’ll see.

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

National Open House Weekend 2011

Make the most out of open house visits

With Stephen Antoni, President of RIAR

Updated: Tuesday, 31 May 2011, 12:12 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 31 May 2011, 12:12 PM EDT

(FOX Providence) – As you get ready to buy your new home you have to be prepared. Stephen Antoni, President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors , joined The Rhode Show with tips on how to make the most out of visiting an open house.

When it comes to buying a home, it’s best to shop around. And what better than by visiting an open house. While many of us work with our realtors, it’s not always necessary to bring them along.

“Get as much information, they’ll usually have a handout, and then you’ll call your realtor later, and they’ll go over things like that. First thing you’re going to want to ask, do you think this house is priced properly? What are other things in the neighborhood selling for?” said Antoni.

Not all open houses may make it on your list, so it’s perfectly fine to attend an open house without an appointment.

“It might be a good idea to let the agent, who is on duty at the open house, know that you have an agent, who is representing you already, if that is the case. Sometimes we even give our clients, our customers, our cards.”

And just because you’re thinking of buying the house doesn’t mean it’s yours yet. Proper manners are always a must when entering an open house.

“Besides the normal things of just, you know, if you’ve got kids with you, you’re not letting them run through the house and knock things over and go in the toy room and start playing with everyone’s toys. But, be respectful of the home you’re walking into. If it’s a rainy day and you know, it may be muddy outside, you’re not just going to walk across the white carpeting in your shoes, you know, be mindful, be respectful of that.”

If buying that new home is still intimidating, Antoni has some advice to ease your stress.

“It’s a great time to buy. The market is great, the interest rates are low, and if you are prepared, and really, financially and emotionally, ready to buy, there may not be a time like this for a long time to come.”

The Rhode Island Association of Realtors will be participating in the Nationwide Realtor Open House Weekend June 4 and 5. It’s encouraged to have as many open houses as possible during this time.

 

Pending home sales unexpectedly rose in February

I think home sales will rise right through the spring and summer markets.  Check out the following article on MSNBC.com

 

Pending home sales unexpectedly rose in February

Sales uneven across U.S., not enough to signal a rebound in housing
By DEREK KRAVITZ
The Associated Press
updated 3/28/2011 11:34:15 AM ET 2011-03-28T15:34:15

WASHINGTON — More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in February, but sales were uneven across the country and not enough to signal a rebound in the housing market.

Sales agreements for homes unexpectedly rose 2.1 percent last month to a reading of 90.8, according to the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales index released Monday. Sales rose in every region but the Northeast.

Signings were 19.6 percent above June’s index reading, the low point since the housing bust. Still, the index is below 100, which is considered a healthy level. The last time it reached that point was in April, the final month people could qualify for a home-buying tax credit.

Contract signings are usually a good indicator of where the housing market is heading. That’s because there’s usually a one- to two-month lag between a sales contract and a completed deal.

But the Realtors group also noted “a measurable level of contract cancellations” that also occurred in February. Many buyers canceled after appraisals showed the properties were valued much lower than their initial bids.

A sale is not final until a mortgage is closed.

“Therefore, the latest pickup in pending home sales and mortgage applications might not necessarily end up in a measurable pickup in mortgage closings and translate into an increase in existing home sales,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, an analyst at BNP Paribas.

The pace of sales varied from region to region. Signings fell 10.9 percent in the Northeast. They rose 2.7 percent in the South, 4 percent in Midwest and 7 percent in the West.

Story: Flawed housing data might mask depth of woes
High unemployment, strict lending standards, and a record number of foreclosures are deterring would-be buyers, who fear home prices haven’t reached the bottom.

Sales of previously owned homes fell last year to the lowest level in 13 years. Economists say it will be years before the housing market fully recovers. The rise in foreclosures has pushed the median price of previously occupied homes to its lowest point in nearly 9 years.

New-home sales have fared even worse. Americans are on track to buy fewer new homes than in any year since the government began keeping data almost a half-century ago. Sales are now just half the pace of 1963 — even though there are 120 million more people in the United States now.

Cleaning and Sealing Your Deck

It’s that time again. Time to think about your decks. Another great article from Lowes.com.

Cleaning and Sealing Your Deck

Wood left exposed to sun and moisture will quickly begin to degrade. Leave your deck untreated and you can expect it to turn grey with age. In addition, the decking boards are likely to cup, warp and split. Ignore the problem for too long and you’ll have to make major repairs — or even replace sections of deck.

Deck sealing is a three-part process. Remove any old stains or coatings, clean the wood, and seal it against weather damage. If the deck has never been sealed before you won’t have to strip it, but brand new wood has special pre-stain preparation needs.

 If your deck has been sealed before, use the water test to see if it’s time to seal it again. Drizzle some water onto the boards. If the water beads, the wood is still sealed and protected. If the water is absorbed into the wood, it’s time for a treatment. Remember to test several different areas of the deck. High-traffic spots are likely to wear down before corners and rail spindles.

 Stripping

 Stripping is essential for creating an even surface on which the new sealant can adhere. If the high-traffic areas of your deck have worn down, but there is still sealant remaining in other areas, strip the entire deck before you re-stain.

 Stripping is most important if you are changing colors. Traces of an old color left underneath will affect the way a new color appears.

 Choose a stripper that is formulated for:

• Removing clear and toned finishes and sealers, which requires less stripping power.
• Removing semi-transparent or opaque stains, which requires more stripping power. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine which stripper is right for your project.

 Cleaning

 After the deck is free from existing stain or sealant, clean it. (If you didn’t have to strip the deck, this will be your first step.)

When looking at deck cleaners, you’ll probably find one these active ingredients:

• Chlorine bleach, which appears on the label as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite or dichloroisocyanurate.
• These chemicals do a good job getting rid of mildew, but they are less effective at removing dirt. They are usually mixed in with other ingredients.
• Chlorine bleach products can be harsh on wood if used improperly, causing fuzzing and uneven coloration. Use a chlorine bleach product if you have a mildew problem, but be careful not to mix it any stronger than the manufacturer recommends. Also, rinse well.
• Oxalic acid, which usually will be listed that way in the ingredients list. Oxalic acids are particularly effective at removing tannin stains and iron stains — a particular consideration with cedar and redwood decks.
• Oxalic acid is not as effective against mildew. If you have a mildew problem, try a cleaner made with bleach before using oxalic acid to attack the tannin and iron stains.

Sealing

There are four main options for deck sealers: clear, wood-toned, semitransparent and solid/opaque. As a general rule, wood that is older and more weathered requires a more opaque stain to cover imperfections. Think about these other considerations:

The best sealers penetrate the wood the most to provide the most protection. Look for an oil-based product that is mixed with latex for easy clean-up.

• Clear treatments allow the wood to fade to a natural weathered, silver grey, while still providing protection from UV and water damage. The other types will retain a constant color.
• It’s tricky to work backwards on the spectrum. For example, if your deck is currently covered in an opaque stain, it will take a great deal of stripping and surface preparation to ready it for a clear or wood-toned stain. It’s usually easiest to continue with solid/opaque coverage.
• The more opaque a stain, the quicker it will show wearing and weathering. A solid stain might need re-application every year, while a clear or wood-toned treatment probably will last longer.
• Solid/opaque stains are better suited for vertical surfaces (railings, pillars, caps) than for horizontal (decking, stairs). The wearing from foot traffic is particularly noticeable with an opaque stain, and it’s possible to track the residue inside the house.
• Solid/opaque stains do not show the grain of the wood. All others do.
• Darker colors, particularly solid/opaque and semitransparent stains, will absorb heat more easily. They could make the deck uncomfortable for barefoot walking.
• Choose a color that matches the siding on your house, or one that contrasts with it nicely. Use the color wheel to determine pairings.
• For a decorative look, select two or more colors that work together for decking and rails, post caps, stencil work, etc.

Special Considerations

• If you have ChoiceDek® or some other type of composite decking, not all cleaners will work for you. Consult the manufacturer for the correct types of products to use.
• If you have a brand new deck made of treated lumber (as opposed to cedar or redwood), you should wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time. This allows the wood to dry so the stain can be absorbed. To find out if the wood is dry enough to stain, use a moisture meter that tests the moisture content (MC) of wood. The wood can feel dry to the touch but still be too wet to absorb the stain properly.  If you don’t have a moisture meter, press the head of a flat screwdriver into the decking in an inconspicuous place.  If any moisture appears, the wood is still too wet to stain.
• Be sure to remove grade marks and other markings before staining. They will show through all but solid/opaque stains.

Accessories

Your deck restoration shopping list will contain more that just cleaner and sealer. Here are some other products that will make the job easier:

• A pump-action sprayer to apply cleaning solutions. You can buy one labeled “deck sprayer” or “garden sprayer,” but do not use it for spraying your garden once it has had deck cleaning chemicals in it.
• A stiff brush on a long handle for scrubbing. Do not use one with metal bristles, because it might damage the wood.
• A paint roller on a long handle for spreading stain or sealant. Look for a 1/2″ or 3/4″ nap.
• Paintbrushes made to apply the stain you have chosen.
• Plastic tarps to protect nearby plants from overspray.
• Tape to mask off areas that you don’t want to stain.

If you have ChoiceDek® or some other type of composite decking, not all cleaners will work for you. Consult the

manufacturer for the correct types of products to use.

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”

Before and After: Kitchen Cleanup and Organization

More organizing tips from Hgtv.com

Before and After: Kitchen Cleanup and Organization
A pro organizer is charged with getting a kitchen back in proper working order.

Sandy Thompson’s kitchen is a wreck. At 9 x 13 feet, every inch of counter space is covered with reading materials, paperwork, food and countless knickknacks. She wants to get this space in working order again, but has no idea where to begin.

That’s where professional organizer Deb Lillard comes into the picture. She is called upon to restore order and give Thompson a spacious, functional kitchen, where she can feel at ease.

The first step in making that happen is to sort through all that stuff, removing items that do not belong, deciding what can be donated, and creating piles for bakeware, plastics, cookware and dishes.

Once that’s complete, Lillard outlines her plan to whip this kitchen into shape. She suggests a new laminated countertop to open up the space as well as a new dishwasher, reinforced shelving and hanging baskets for storage. Fresh wall paint and new curtains, chandelier and wood tiling in the dining room will add the finishing touches.

Before: The kitchen was overflowing with too many dishes, plastics, expired food and papers that had no business being there in the first place. There was hardly enough room to cook.

After: Now it’s a spacious room with more countertop space, plenty of room for all of Thompson’s cookbooks, appliances and food as well as everyday items like plates and silverware.

Thompson’s new kitchen is more than she could have ever dreamed. She feels at ease and more productive in the new space, thanks to the expertise of organizer Deb Lillard.

Before: Not only were the countertops a jumbled mess, but the area below the sink was as well.

After: Now everything is neat and tidy, and a specific space has been assigned for each item.

Products from The Container Store:

four small under-shelf baskets
four large expandable shelves
two plastic lid holders
two medium racks, Maple
lid organizer
sliding cup rack
ceiling-mounted pot rack
two packs S hooks
pot hooks
Master Grip bookends
slim folding step stool
four Expand-a-Drawer cutlery organizers
under-sink storage shelf

Products from Designer Organizing Bags:

yellow creator bag (bags can be displayed as an accessory for the kitchen, bath, or bedroom)

Product from Seabrook Classics:

Plantation Buffet, White

Products from Solutions Catalog:

insulated tab-top curtains, Sage
8″ drapery rod set, Oak

Products from Lillian Vernon:

White double-door desk

Sherwin-Williams paint colors used:

two gallons Lighthearted Pink, SW6568
two gallons Jocular Green, SW6736
one gallon flat white ceiling paint
one gallon White semigloss trim paint

Product from Kitchens By Design:

kitchen pantry

Product from The Counter Shop:

custom-made countertop

Services:

flooring and pantry installation, B & B Contracting
new ceiling fan and chandelier installation, Universal Wiring
electrical work for stove and dishwasher, Clover Electrical Service

Before
Before: The cabinets above the sink were equally as messy as the ones below, even sagging in the middle from all the weight.

After
After: New stronger shelves hold the dishes that Thompson will use on a daily basis. All other items are stored elsewhere.

Before
Before: Adjacent to the kitchen was an extremely cluttered dining area. When Thompson ran out of room in the kitchen, she simply used this area as a catchall. The dining table is barely visible and clearly not utilized.

After
After: The now-organized area includes a larger, plantation-style buffet and a small secretary’s desk for the paperwork (not in view here). Fresh pink paint, sage-green curtains and a new chandelier complete the transformation.

Tammy J. Pelletier
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Cell: 401-263-6913
Office: 401-943-6111 ext 221
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
tjpeltier1@gmail.com

“Over 20 Years Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together In Rhode Island”