We've been having a bit of fun this week & have created our first how-to video showing customers how to use Wood Weld.
It'd be great to know what yo think of this video as we feel that videos can really help our customers get a feel for the products we offer & it can save them the worry of ordering the wrong product. As this is our first attempt, there is no flashy editing. It's a 'does what it says on the tin' kind of video, short, simple, to-the-point.
Please leave your comments & let us know what other products you'd like to have videos for in the future.
Boat owners are continually looking for ways to keep their sea crafts looking great. However, there are numerous challenges in maintaining that special shine, as the elements from air and sea are constantly getting in the way. It can be a sad day when rust and other pesky stains begin to appear on one’s boat, but it should not be too discouraging. The materials already exist to safely and effectively combat these effects. Here is how to use oxalic acid to keep a boat sparkling at sea.
The best solution for rust: Oxalic acid has been in use for decades at this point. Of all the different ways boat owners have made this substance work for them, removing rust stains is probably at the top of the list. The trick is to clean the entire boat first and then approach the individual rust stains. The solution of oxalic acid and water will make these stains disappear easily, without too much scrubbing. In fact, one should never use a scrubbing device like a steel wool pad on the hull of a boat, as tiny specks of rust will appear as a result in the future. Once the rust starts to disappear, rinse the oxalic acid solution from the boat and make sure there are no traces left before initiating the drying process. Then, watch the boat’s sparkle return.
Removing algae from the hull: Algae is a substance that is guaranteed to arrive sooner or later on a boat’s hull. Many different solutions have been proposed for this problem, but oxalic acid remains one of the most effective. Again, the way to go is to create a solution of the acid and hot water, which will dissolve the crystals. Using a spray machine (like the ones commonly used with gardens) can make the job easier. Cover the entire area to be treated and let it all soak in for about twenty minutes before rinsing. Once the solution starts to come off, the algae stains will accompany it. It is a quick fix, but don’t forget about the powerful chemical properties of the acid.
Counteracting the aging of a boat’s wooden surfaces: Last but certainly not least, a boat’s wooden surfaces can benefit from a treatment with an oxalic acid solution. Over time, the unsightly grime and fungal stains on wood will darken and generally diminish its brilliant finish. Boat owners have found that an oxalic acid solution can counteract these effects by removing the stains and leaving a brightened appearance in their wake. The decks of any boat will start to corrode immediately upon contact with the air, so it is even more important to have wood stained and treated. Oxalic acid will help ease the burden of maintenance as time passes.
It goes without saying that all directions should be followed closely when using oxalic acid, most importantly the safety precautions. Always have gloves and eye goggles on hand when dealing with chemicals of this grade. At the same time, don’t fear this very useful cleaning agent which should be in every boat owner’s possession.
Turning a basement into a more functional space than just a storage area is easier than one might think. Some people may be in need of a spare bedroom. Others are looking for a workshop where they can complete their do-it-yourself projects. The latter is one of the easiest conversions that can be made.
The first thing to do is to clear everything out of the basement, even things that will be used in the workshop, such as tools or work benches. The goal is to get everything out of the way so that you can have a fresh start and a clearer vision of what you want to create. The other reason is so that you can thoroughly clean the space in order to prepare it for any new additions or renovations.
Once cleared out, wipe down the walls with a cleaning substance. Perhaps even clean the ceiling, in case of cobwebs or accumulated dust. After the walls and ceiling have shed their dirt and grime, it’s time to clean the floor. Of course, first it must be swept. Then, use an industrial strength chemical cleaner to really clean the floor good. This is crucial if you are going to put down a new floor or a layer of paint. If you realize that the floor is uneven, there are plenty of commercially available floor-leveling compounds. Then, there are various flooring options that are easy to install and inexpensive. The key, however, is to pick a durable one for your workshop, as it will be taking a beating every time you work on a project.
The nice thing about converting a basement into a workshop instead of a bedroom is that you don’t have to worry about insulation and heating and air conditioning – that is, if you don’t want to. Maybe you prefer to bear the elements or save some money by using a space heater or fan. On the other hand, insulating and controlling the temperature are imperative for someone to actually live in a basement.
Always remember that basements are dark, often damp spaces which weren’t meant to be inhabited. That’s why the proper adjustments must be made. Along those lines, lighting is extremely important, given the dark nature of basements. You want to choose strong lighting that will prevent you from you from hacking off a limb. To take care of the dampness, on the other hand, it is a good idea to use a waterproofing solution. Given the damp nature and tendency to flood of basements, it’s a good idea to prevent water damage in your brand new workshop.
Once all the precautions and renovations are taken care of, you can begin to assemble your workshop. Hardware stores and large home improvement stores have endless options for you to equip your new space. From organizing shelves to tool racks to work bench lamps, these stores have everything you will need to outfit your newly renovated space. But, try to restrain yourself from going on your shopping spree until you have all the bases covered in regards to your basement conversion.
Any person who has got a cellar or basement in their home surely knows just what the risks are when it comes to moisture building up and eventually flooding the place. Though the worst case scenarios almost always occur in old buildings where the foundations themselves have cracked in places, even in modern buildings it is common to see water accumulate in any rooms that are located beneath the ground level. The problems that can arise from prolonged moisture accumulation in the cellar can be quite serious, putting the structural integrity of the home in danger and even presenting very serious health risks for the inhabitants of the home (the mold and fungi that grow down there are no joke!). Hence, the task of waterproofing cellars is and ought to be given a high degree of priority by any sane home owner—which begs the question: what really is the best way to waterproof the cellar? The answer depends largely on the kind of home you are living in, what the conditions of the ground beneath the cellar floor are like (what is known as the substrate), and furthermore on whether or not you are still in the construction phase of your home (in which case all the better).
Here, let’s take a look at some basic ideas for achieving the best cellar waterproofing results possible given today’s highly engineered materials and clever waterproofing techniques. If you put the following ideas into practice, then you’ll be doing your home a major favor and you’ll be sure to keep your mood positive even during the wettest months of the year!
The earlier the better: when it comes to cellar waterproofing jobs, the best time to take action is before the cellar has even been finished. That’s because many highly effective waterproofing methods entail applying waterproofed materials to the cellar walls outside the insulation and other finishings that will eventually also be applied to the wall. It is only logical that the best way to keep walls nice and dry is to stop the water from every penetrating them rather than trying to keep the water from entering the room after it has already seeped through the entire breadth of the wall itself. Getting an early start on cellar waterproofing is also crucial because the various kinds of drains (such as perimeter drains, one of the most effective) that are used in waterproofing jobs will otherwise require home owners to tear up flooring, etc.; if the flooring isn’t there yet, the drains can be put in place nice and simple. So, if you’re still constructing your home, the time to waterproof the cellar is now!
Cementitious slurries: one of the most practical and efficient ways to waterproof a basement is to use cement-based slurries which are applied either with a spray gun or with a trowel to all surfaces: floor, walls and ceiling. Before actually applying the slurry, such “tanking” systems require that a render be applied first (generally a sand-cement mixture that creates an ideal bonding surface for the tanking slurry itself). After this render has been created and special coves created at the junction of the wall and the floor throughout the cellar, the cementitious slurry itself is applied, generally in more than one coat with time for each to dry between subsequent applications. Lastly, this tanking method usually implies the installation of a floor screed and wall plaster to create a more appealing and more particularly a protective surface so that the tanking system will last a good long time.
Membranous systems: the alternative to such tanking systems is to use membranes to waterproof your cellar, and such systems are also marvelously effective when properly installed. There are many different kinds of membranes to be found, and some serve additional purposes beyond simply waterproofing (for example, certain membranes may also have heat-reflecting properties that will keep the cellar better insulated). Frequently, studded membranes are used in conjunction with special plugs—known as fixing plugs—that fasten the membrane to the walls and ceiling while ensuring that no moisture will seep through at the point where the plug is hammered into the wall. Such membranes are normally not fixed to the floor as gravity itself will keep the membrane in place in this case. The coverings here could be screeds or various kinds of plasters, with plaster boards being particularly common. This option is particularly recommended for homes where the substrate is not to be relied upon, and these systems usually include the installation of a perimeter drain as well.
Combination systems: when it comes to waterproofing, the experts will generally tell you that more is better. Hence, the best waterproofing methods may imply a few components from either system above or other systems besides, though you should always check with a professional before attempting to cross-breed different waterproofing systems.
Landscaping techniques: in addition to implementing the abovementioned waterproofing techniques, there are some fairly simple yet wonderfully effective exterior landscaping techniques that can be implemented to enhance the waterproofing potential of the system you’re using within the cellar. When it comes to water, the laws of gravity must always be respected: hence, one effective landscaping technique is to create a slope around the cellar that will cause water to flow away from the cellar walls as opposed to towards them (this technique may not always be possible, such as for a cellar located at the bottom of a hill). The slope doesn’t have to be incredibly long: just build up the land around the cellar walls with a little extra topsoil, pack it down a bit, and then throw some mulch, straw or sod so that the soil isn’t carried off by rainfall; similarly, grow a few plants along the cellar perimeter so that soil erosion is reduced even further.
There are even more options out there when it comes to waterproofing cellars, and one of the final touches should always be to apply a good interior waterproof paint to the ceiling and walls.
Aside from enlisting the services of an estate agent, there are many things that homeowners can do on their own in order to ensure a quick sell. Many of the tips are simple cleaning chores and minor improvements that can be done with little to no effort or expenditure.
Clean
Mop and vacuum like you never have before. Make the windows so smudge-free that people run the risk of walking right into them. All countertops should be spotless. Walls should be cleaned and paint should be touched up where necessary. Wipe the dust off of the ceiling fans. Inspect cushions for stains, flipping them over when necessary. In short, the house should be absolutely spotless on the day that potential buyers come to see it. Buyers can see themselves living in a home that looks shiny and brand new, but may have more trouble with their imagination if it is dirty or messy. Last touches such as fresh flowers, candles and scented oils will make the home not only aromatically pleasing, but also welcoming.
Organize
Organizing almost falls naturally under the category of cleaning. However, there are some particular things that can be done to eliminate clutter and to emphasize important aspects of your home. Start by taking down family photos all over the house. The goal is to have the buyers imagine themselves in the home, which is harder with your family’s faces everywhere they turn. Get rid of any unnecessary furniture or electronics. Both hurt the goal of optimizing space. Not to mention that electronics have wires that make things look cluttered. And while you want to get rid of clutter, it’s not a bad idea to strategically leave things in spaces you wish to emphasize. A well-organized bookshelf, walk-in closet or basement conversion shows off how great the space truly is.
Fix Problems Inside and Out
You should never have to point out to a buyer that something needs to be fixed. If you truly want to sell your home fast, you should have all the little problems taken care of, given that they have a tendency to turn buyers off. It takes no time to touch up a small hole or install a new light switch. Tightening up a loose ceiling fan blade or oiling a squeaky hinge are simple fixes, too. Simply walk around your home and start making a list of things you notice that need to be fixed. Don’t forget the outside of your home, either. “Curb appeal” is the term to describe how attractive a home is as seen from the street. Trimming the hedges, cutting the lawn, and keeping the flowers watered are easy fixes that boost curb appeal. If you are truly serious about a quick sell, you’d have the house power-washed and the paint touched up, if necessary.
The point is: Be willing to do whatever it takes to make your house look shiny and brand new. The secret to a quick sell is to make the house look as if the new owners could move right in and be comfortable from day one.
Growing families are always trying to find ways to make the absolute best use of the space they have in their home. It’s possible to add another bedroom to a home without having to make any actual additions. In fact, why not turn that unused basement into a swanky setup for the growing teenager?
Around the time they enter college, teenagers begin to yearn for separation from the family. The room right next to mum and dads' is no longer “cool.” If there is nothing in the basement but some old tools and the water heater, that may be the perfect spot to give a teenager his or her own little pad. There are some easy steps that can be taken to convert a basement into another bedroom.
Starting with a clean slate is much more than just a metaphor when it comes to home construction projects like this one. The first step is to clear every single thing out of your basement, including that water heater. Have it reinstalled somewhere upstairs, such as a spare closet or the attic. Water heaters can make a lot of noise, in addition to ruining the “cool” factor of the room. Before taking the next steps, there should be an absolutely empty room.
Take some heavy-duty chemical cleaner, now, and make sure the floor is squeaky clean. This is important if you are planning to put down new flooring. Paneled wood flooring is relatively inexpensive, easy to install yourself and trendy. There are many do-it-yourself types of flooring to choose from. So, just make sure the floor is clean and ready for whichever you choose.
The basement will need waterproofing using either an external method, tanking slurry or tanking membrane. Details of how to use these products can be found in specific articles on this blog. Just search for the type of basement tanking that you're going to use.
Given that basements are generally poorly insulated and ventilated, it’s important to make the right adjustments. Dry wall should be installed on all walls, as well as insulation. Then, have the heating and air conditioning company adjust your system so that the basement receives the same temperature control as the rest of the home. All of these things will convert the basement from a dark, damp space into just another room of the house.
Along those lines, lighting is crucially important due to the general lack of windows in basements. In fact, if there happens to be a window at the top of the basement near ground-level, it’s probably a good idea to remove it and wall it up. This way, the potential for flooding the newly renovated room is greatly reduced. As far as the lighting goes, track lighting that spans the room is a great idea. If not, a ceiling fan light and some lamps may due the trick as well. But keep in mind that the room’s natural darkness requires more lighting than regular rooms.
Once these steps are taken, it’s time to furnish the room. A truly “cool” teenage pad will have a sofa and a TV for video games and movies. With the additional space – most basements are bigger than regular bedrooms – set up a corner with a desk for schoolwork. Unless you are going to have a closet built, storage units are vital. Many furniture stores specialise in quality, but not too expensive, modern storage pieces. Equipping the room is as simple as that.
Living in the U.K., protecting furniture from woodworms is a concern for any household. If the right precautions aren’t taken, furniture can be literally turned into a pile of dust, especially antique furniture with its older wood. The question is: Once woodworms are detected, can antique furniture still be salvaged?
The simple answer is yes. But it’s not a do-it-yourself kind of job. Antique furniture should only be handled by restoration specialists. These people are trained to reinforce the structural integrity of furniture which has been weakened by woodworms or other pests. However, it is possible to at least get rid of the woodworms on your own.
The first step in detecting and preventing woodworms is to know what their favourite item on the menu is. The general rule of thumb is: the older the wood, the better. So, it’s important to keep an eye on extremely old antiques. Soft woods are generally preferred by woodworms. For this reason perhaps, mahogany is usually safe from attack – solid mahogany only, though. Any solid wood that is only veneered over cheap wood is still in danger. Not to worry, since this kind of cheaper furniture isn’t generally considered a priceless antique.
Now that it’s apparent which types of wood to look out for, here’s how to go about spotting an infestation. Whether you’ve had the piece of furniture for years or you just purchased it from the antique store, you should inspect all surfaces for holes of about 2mm in diameter. These holes indicate that woodworms have chewed their way through the antique wood for up to five years. They are made when the woodworm has finally had enough to eat and has left. To see if the damage is recent, check the floor to see if there is any dust, which indicates there are active woodworms inside that are tunneling away.
The best way to kill off an active infection is with a woodworm fluid. You simply inject those “escape holes” with the fluid. You can also brush this fluid onto any inside surface, such as a drawer to prevent future woodworms from taking up residence. This will also kill any eggs that have been laid in your furniture. Lastly, remember that woodworm fluid has a terrible odour and should be used in a well-ventilated room or outside.
Again, the best way to make sure that the furniture is restored properly is to take it to a professional. However, there is a temporary aesthetic fix that can be completed at home. Those holes you found can be filled-in using beeswax. Melt the wax and tint it to the color of your antique piece. Then, simply allow it to fill in the hole.
Lastly, it’s important to emphasize the preventive measures that can be taken. If you come across a piece of antique furniture with no holes, make sure you still use timber treatment to assure no future infestations. Don’t forget to check the bottoms of the antique pieces, which are often unfinished and rough – a great entrance for woodworms.
For the homeowner who truly takes pride in a property’s appearance to all visitors, it is unwise to take a selective approach to home improvement projects. As an example, if the goal is an all-around beautiful home, attention needs to be paid equally to the interiors as to the exteriors. One point of contention is the driveway leading up to a house. Whether it’s a small area of ground to cover or more of a long and winding path, the driveway certainly counts. Here are some ideas for a driveway makeover.
Replacing Concrete with Blacktop Asphalt
There is nothing unusual about a concrete driveway. In fact, it may be the most common type among homes across the country. As the concrete begins to erode and crumble, one natural solution which occurs to homeowners is to pave over the area with asphalt, creating a blacktop surface. It may come as a relief that this process is performed everyday on highways and smaller roads. Concrete is an incredibly solid foundation on which to base a new driveway.
However, blacktop asphalt is a less sturdy material than concrete. To make the job work from scratch, a thick layer of gravel is typically installed. Concrete will work just as well, but the contactor must prepare for the periodic splitting which occurs in blacktop. With the right sort of fitting, plus regular maintenance, this makeover will be cost-effective and last a long time. Make sure that the concrete foundation is entirely free of debris before the job begins. In fact, it will clue you in to a suspect contractor if the job is about to begin without this step being carefully managed.
On the other hand, a simpler and more attractive option – all things told – could be to reapply concrete to the surface. A layer just a few millimeters could make such a project less intense and even be handled by the DIY homeowner. Afterwards, to make the driveway a truly beautiful spot, hire a contractor to enhance the concrete overlay with colored or patterned materials. A work of art will emerge, one that will last for a very log time indeed.
Creating the Effects of Brick and Stone with Asphalt
While asphalt could be trumped by an artfully handled concrete slab, it can also outdo surfaces like brick and stone in the hands of the true professional. Undoubtedly, homeowners have been awed by the sight of a gorgeous cobblestone pathway in the course of driving up to a quaint bed-and-breakfast or some other elegant home. It will come as a surprise to many that the same surface in question might have actually been asphalt.
Immediately, it is obvious that manipulated asphalt is not even in the same price category as cobblestone or brick driveways, though its look will be in many ways the equal of the real thing. In terms of the problems associated with more exotic stone surfaces, asphalt offers a less galling alternative. The broken pieces and visible seams do not come with properly handled asphalt, while the typical problems with color loss and structural concerns can be corrected without costing the homeowner a significant amount of money.
In general, this asphalt surface will keep out the water and elements which can add to erosion of the surface, such as plants or other insect materials. With a proper blend of concrete and other polymers on the asphalt’s surface, the life of the driveway will extend far greater than traditional materials. Of course, there is no substitute to the real thing for homeowners who are sticklers for detail. Colored and enhanced asphalt can represent the next best thing at a much lower price, however.
Clearing a Lane and Switching to Gravel
Many are familiar with the rustle of gravel under a car’s wheels, a soothing sound which accompanies a finely laid gravel driveway system. Truly, the best way to start a gravel driveway is to start from scratch. The excavation process may appear prohibitive to many homeowners, but at the end of the job it might be worth it. If getting into the sublevels of the property is not intimidating, this project could even be handled by a more ambitious DIY type of homeowner.
Once the area is clear, scalping stone is used to lay the foundation for a gravel driveway. Immediately, this cost-saving option will be a relief for most homeowners anticipating a gigantic expense. At this juncture, it is important to determine what to do about the point at which the drive will meet parts of the garden or landscaping. Edging stones should be used to separate the two areas. After all of these steps are taken care of, the fine gravel can be laid down, followed by the accents and designs homeowners may want to apply.
Gravel driveways are attractive because of the great flexibility homeowners have in terms of design. The shingles alone used on a gravel drive can differentiate an excellent design from a less attractive pretender. Stone slabs can be used to connect the drive to the rest of the home, as in the walkways which can be somewhat difficult to maintain.
Gravel driveways look great accompanied by a wooden decked area – however, any wood used outdoors will need regular timber treatment.
Choosing Sandstone
Finally, a driveway makeover could truly come together by using one of the finest materials available: sandstone. A porous yet highly durable type of rock which is found in river beds and the ocean floor, sandstone has the advantage of being cut by hand in each and every case. For an original look, engineered materials simply don’t compete. In terms of colors, there are many options for homeowners hoping to coordinate with a specific design out in front. Contractors working with sandstone can let these natural effects work for any driveway, while the accents laid out at the edges of the drive can separate a typical property from a highly unique one.
Whichever type of material and design a homeowner might choose, the revamping of a driveway surface can make an enormous difference in the look of a house. As with any renovation project, the key parts of the project often will be confronted during the research and preparations, so budget this time accordingly.
Maintaining a home in good conditions year round can be a real challenge, and as just about any home owner knows (or ought to know) there is no more complicated a season than winter in this regard. Cold weather—especially really cold weather accompanied by snow, ice and rain—can do a degree of damage to your property with the greatest of ease, and from one week to another a cold spell can leave you with some pretty serious maintenance projects to tend to. There are several different things to check on around the home after a cold spell has passed through your area, and here we’ll be shedding some light on what exactly they are, what can be done to resolve the issues, and what steps can be taken to make sure that when the next cold spell descends on your area your home is better prepared.
So read on and learn a little valuable information about how to keep your home in better conditions in the face of the ravages of cold weather; if you put the following ideas into practice, you’ll be saving yourself lots of money in the long run by fixing problems before they get out of hand and even preventing them before they have a chance to take effect.
After a cold spell:
There are countless negative effects which a cold spell may have on your home or surrounding property, and the results are guaranteed to be even worse if the cold spell was accompanied by a good bit of precipitation of any kind (sleet, snow, rain, etc.). You’ll need to take a look around the property, both inside and out, to make sure that no damages are left unaddressed after the cold weather subsides—if that were to happen, you could end up with a pretty major headache before long!
One of the main problems generated by cold, damp weather is the profusion of potholes around your property, not only on the street and sidewalk out front but also in the yard and on one of the pathways on your property itself. Due to the fact that frozen water expands (interesting fact: water is one of the only substances known to science that expands when frozen as opposed to shrinking), the places where puddles have formed will become problematic after the onset of a cold spell. Fixing a pothole is not all that difficult, fortunately, though you will want to wait for fairly warm weather to return before attempting the fix yourself. Here’s what you do: dig out whatever gravel and asphalt and other crud is still dwelling inside the pothole; you need to dig down all the way to the compacted gravel layer beneath your walkway/driveway. After digging out the big stuff, take a broom and get all the dust out too, and then give the pothole a little sprinkle (not a soak) with the hose. Then, with a bag of cold patch that you can buy at any hardware store or supplier you’ll want to fill the hole and begin packing the material down. Don’t use your hands here, but rather use short wooden plank or other sturdy, flat object that you won’t be needing afterwards. After compacting down the cold patch, repeat with a little more material if there is still a slight depression, waiting for the first layer to have dried a bit. Finally, throw a little sand on top so that nobody gets a sticky surprise on the sole of their shoes when stepping there as it is drying up.
Another significant problem generated by cold weather is failing gas/water boilers—a real worry for people that may have yet another cold spell to look forward to in the coming days or weeks! Pretty much all home boilers have a pipe for condensation and waste water that is particularly prone to ice accumulation (especially when not properly insulated, though even then extreme cold temperatures can create ice), and this is the principal reason for boilers failing during or after a cold spell. De-icing this pipe is a job that should be left for a trained plumber to perform, as the average home owner or resident is liable to cause more damage rather than bring things back into normal working order. However, to prevent this problem from occurring an ingenious solution is to program your boiler unit to keep operating throughout the night (at lower temps than you have programmed for the daytime) which is when the coldest temperatures are registered. Even if you only have the boiler set to operate at 10 or 12 degrees Celsius throughout the night you will prevent ice from building up in this pipe and thereby keep your boiler in operating conditions. Contrary to what you may be thinking, there is unlikely to be an increase in gas usage (and therefore monthly utilities bills) as a result of such a system, as your boiler will never be heating up from extremely cold temperatures, a process which burns more fuel than is the case with the system outlined above. In short: it’s cheaper, more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly to keep the boiler operating at low temps during the night, and it will keep your boiler from kicking out on you!
General tips leading up to the cold:
You’ll want to be extra careful with all drains and pipes throughout your home in the lead up to the colder months of the year. Make sure that all piping is properly insulated or has alternative solutions such as heat cables fixed to it, and that there are no cracks or openings in your walls that could be letting in a draught (such as around dryer vents or even in old window units; use caulk to take care of such problems). Even the tiniest aperture in your walls, if close enough to a pipe, could cause it to freeze overnight—and cause serious problems in your home.
Maintaining your driveway during the warmer mpnths, like using block paving sealant will reduce the risk of damage when it gets colder.
Finally, make sure that your home insulation itself is in good condition so that you’re not wasting money and resources trying to keep the cold at bay.
