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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Robot Vacuums: The Modern Way Of Cleaning

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537

For the best Patios Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Contrary to most popular beliefs, the concept of robotics is not exactly a new form of technology. According to history, robots have been on the market for so many years now. In fact, the very first documented construction of a working robot was a masterpiece of Jacques de Vaucanson in 1738. Since then, many have attempted and triumphed in building these remarkable mechanical devices.

At RobotShop, you can find almost every kind of robot that you have long wanted. Along wi…


robots, roomba, irobot, scooba, robot toy, robot parts, robotics,, lego mindstorms,robot lawn mower

Article Body:
Contrary to most popular beliefs, the concept of robotics is not exactly a new form of technology. According to history, robots have been on the market for so many years now. In fact, the very first documented construction of a working robot was a masterpiece of Jacques de Vaucanson in 1738. Since then, many have attempted and triumphed in building these remarkable mechanical devices.

At RobotShop, you can find almost every kind of robot that you have long wanted. Along with its long line of robotics, the robot vacuums come close to perfection as far as freedom from tedious work is concerned.

Of the many functions of robots, the idea to provide people with machines that facilitates and helps lighten the burden of their daily chores is the most solid reason why robots are created. That’s why manufacturers all over the world know the importance of producing robots to meet the needs of household makers, among other markets. Domestic robots are now gaining their own followers. They have been able to help housekeepers worldwide because of their efficient and speedy way of getting the job done.

Robot vacuums are not necessarily reserved to residential use only. They can also be used in shops, offices, school, etc. Built with unmatched power as far as cleaning is concerned, robot vacuums can absolutely make a huge difference in the way people utilize their time in cleaning.

One of the best things about robot vacuums is that they can absolutely clean places that are hard to reach. They have built-in sensors that can warn the robot of its current position and make sure that the robot will not trip over ledges or stairs.

At RobotShop, consumers can choose from a wide variety of robot vacuums, each design has its own remarkable functions.

On top of the list is the powerful line of iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuums. These robot vacuums are specifically built to deliver utmost productivity when it comes to cleaning. In fact, according to statistical reports, iRobot Robot Vacuums Roomba line are the top selling robot vacuums worlwide. Prices range from CAD $250 to CAD $440.

Next is the Karcher RC 3000 Robocleaner. This particular type can actually operate and do the tasks on its own. For instance, if its battery needs to recharge, or when the dustpan is already full, this robot vacuum will find its own way to the docking station. Here, the robot vacuum will also unload its dirt and dust into a 2.0 L vacuum bag.

You can also check out Metapo CleanMate personal cleaning robot. Like any robot vacuum, CleanMate is specially designed to alleviate people from the difficulties of daily cleaning. It is very versatile and can almost clean any kind of surface, from carpet to hard-to-clean surfaces like tiles and hardwood. Best of all, CleanMate is the only robot vacuum that can simultaneously do the cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing of the area.

Given all these facts, it can be clearly stated that the dawn of modern cleaning is at hand. With robot vacuums, people can start living a life free from the bondage of cleaning. With domestic robots, you can have more time with your family and do things that are of greater importance than holding a mop.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Retractable Awnings – Top 10 Reasons to Invest in Retractable Awnings

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606

For the best Patios Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Retractable awnings provide sun and heat protection, while reducing energy bills and improving the value of your home.


awnings, awning, retractable awnings, patio covers

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Looking for a way to reduce your electric bills or just improve the exterior appearance of your house? Investing in retractable awnings can do all that and much, much more. The top ten reasons to invest in retractable awnings starts and ends with sun and heat protection.

Whether you live in the Northeast or the Southwest, the summer sun can be merciless as it beats down on your patio, your windows or your business. The solution is to install a retractable awning developed from the strictest engineering standards and made from the highest quality materials.

Before the summer sun peaks in the sky, it’s time to make your ideal patio dreams come true. Imagine sitting beneath the cool shade afforded by the retractable awning with no worry about fading, cleaning or wear and tear. The wind is not going to rip it away, the rain is not going to rust it and you can program it to retract to meet different conditions. Businesspersons and homeowners alike can appreciate the convenience; the quality and the atmosphere a retractable awning can deliver.

So just what is that makes retractable awnings so impressive? Check this list out:

10. European engineering and design makes even the largest retractable awnings not only possible, but also desirable for commercial & residential use. For states where outdoor seating areas are growing in popularity at restaurants, the large options are the best options.

9. Set the controls to your preferences, whether you want the switch to be indoors, outdoors or available on a remote control.

8. Fading isn’t an issue. Your colorful umbrellas will fade. Your permanent addition can rust. Your aluminum frame retractable awning with solution dyed acrylic fabric will not rust nor will it fade within the manufacturer’s warranty.

7. Energy efficiency is at a premium with deregulation of power companies and rising gas prices. Retractable awnings can reduce heat on the interior of a home or a business by as much as 77 percent according to a study by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Factor the effects of those savings on your utility bills.

6. Adding room without construction costs. Your retractable awning can add a great patio area for a restaurant or an outside lounging area to your home. A retractable awning is a great deal less expensive than a permanent structure.

5. The are numerous sensor options available for making the retractable awning exactly what you would like it to be whether you live in a hurricane prone area or a hot, dry desert. Wind, sun and rain are no problem.

4. Little to no maintenance is required. Retractable awning manufacturers back their product with up to a 25 year warranty.

3. Improving the exterior appearance of your home while enjoying the benefits of shade. Retractable awnings come in a variety of styles and colors. Whether decorating for an Italian villa, a beach house or a country farmhouse, retractable awnings can match any facade.

2. Rain protection makes up a smaller percentage of retractable awnings sales. Whether the awning provides a place for customers to get out of a gentle shower or just allows you to sit out on the patio during a warm, spring rain (with sufficient pitch); the retractable awning offers a great look and protection rolled into one.

1. First rate sun and heat protection that can make late afternoons and evenings on the porch or deck a pleasurable experience. The majority of customers looking into retractable awnings are doing so for sun protection. Why sit under the sun or ducking your head under an umbrella, when a retractable awning provides full area coverage and all the shade you could desire?

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Replacing wood sash windows with vinyl windows

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817

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Learn how to replace your old woodf sash windows with energy efficient vinyl replacement windows


Vinyl windows, replacement windows, how to install windows, installing vinyl windows

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When we left off last week, we had removed the old wood sash windows and prepared the opening for the vinyl replacement windows. Now it’s time to install your new windows. You should have someone there to help you when doing the installation. First, Remove all shipping materials from the window. Now, if you are installing several different sizes, make sure you are putting the correct window in the correct opening. You need to put the window into the opening to make sure it’s going to fit, then remove it and run a bead of caulk on the face of the outside blind stop where the window will rest. You don’t want to caulk, only to discover the windows are too big. It’s worth the extra few minutes to make sure it’s going to fit. Lift the window and set the bottom in first. Then raise the top until it rests against the outside blind stops. Sometimes, when raising the top into position, the window frame will hit the top of the wood frame. You need to tap down on the top of the vinyl frame while keeping pressure towards the outside.

Once you determine that it’s going to fit, remove the new window and set it aside. Run a bead of caulk on the face of the outside blind stops. White latex painters caulk works fine. Raise the window into position again. Now have your helper hold the window in position while you raise and lower the sashes, making certain that the window is square in the opening. Remember how you ordered the windows 3/16″- 1/4″ shorter than the tightest measurement? This is where you use this space to adjust the frame to be the most plumb and level. Get a box of popsicle sticks and wood coffee stirrers at the grocery store. The coffee stirrers are about 1/16″ thick, and the popsicle sticks are approximately twice as thick. You want to put the shims in the four corners. Then caulk the gap on both sides and along the top before installing the inside stops. I don’t recommend putting any screws in the sides, but you can put one screw in the top center and one in the bottom center. You really dont have to use any screws in this kind of installation, since the shims will eliminate any side play, and the caulk on the blind stops will hold the frame in place as well. Remember, we still need to re-install the inside stops.

Before installing the inside stops, remove all the old nails and replace them with new nails. A 1″- 1 1/4″ finish nail is fine. Before installing the inside stops, scrape all old caulk off the stops. Then, while your helper holds the window in place, nail your stops back on. If the window has 4 stops, install the shortest ones first. That way you can bend the longer stops into place between the two short ones. Use a nail punch to sink the head past the surface of the stop. If you have several windows to do, i suggest doing the first window to this point before going to the next. How frustrating would it be to have a helper removing the old sashes, only to discover that the windows aren’t going to fit!? If the first one goes in fine, then you can send your helper ahead of you to start removing old sashes. The best way to avoid the nightmare of having a bunch of new windows that won’t fit is to make sure you measure CORRECTLY. Remember, tight minus 1/4″ on the width and height should be fine.

Finish the inside by caulking the area of the inside stop where it meets the casing, and the point where the stop meets the new frame. Fill the nail holes in the inside stops with caulk to hide the nail heads. Now it’s time to finish the outside. A quality replacement window will either have a sloped frame to match the slope sill, or it will come with an insert that fits under the new frame to fill the gap created by the sloping wood sill. If you buy a lower grade window that doesn’t come with anything to fill the gap underneath, you can buy some wood trim to fill the space, or you can get a flat vinyl trim that attaches to the face of the bottom of the new frame. The flat trim is available on my website under the “shop” tab. Once you cover the bottom gap, it’s time to caulk where the outside blind stops meet the vinyl frame, and where the bottom gap filler meets the wood sill.

That’s it! You’re done! You can buy accessories to cover your old wood sills with a vinyl wrap extrusion. That can also be found on the website under the “purchase trim” tab. Next week we are going to start on replacing old aluminum windows.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Replacing metal windows with vinyl windows

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710

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Learn how to remove your metal frame windows and replace them with energy efficient vinyl replacement windows.


Vinyl windows, replacement windows, how to install windows, installing vinyl windows

Article Body:
In our past articles I talked about all the steps required to properly replace your old wood sash windows with energy efficient vinyl windows. I told you how to measure for the new windows. Then we discussed the removal of the wood sashes and parting bead. Finally, I told you how to install, seal, and trim the vinyl replacement windows. But, what if those old windows in your home are made of aluminum instead of wood? Is the process the same? No, it’s not the same at all. So, the next few articles are going to explain the differences between replacing wood windows versus aluminum windows.

When discussing the proper frame style for replacing the wood sash windows, I explained the difference between new construction frames versus replacement frames. When replacing aluminum windows, there is another option we have to consider regarding frame style. It’s called a “retrofit” frame. Let’s go over each frame type. First, we have the new construction frame with the nailing fin. If you choose to go this route, you have to remove the exterior around each window opening, pull out the nails holding the aluminum window to the studs, nail in the new vinyl window, apply flashing, caulk, and re-install the exterior around each window.(I get tired just talking about it!)In addition to being a whole lot of labor, you can run into major problems trying to install the exterior product around each window opening. If your home has stucco, you have to try and match the rest of the stucco. It can be done, but not by you. Even most professional stucco guys can’t get a perfect match. What if you have wood siding? Well, you can cut away 2″ of the siding around each window to get to the nail fin, then you can apply 1 X 2 or 1 X 3 trim around each window. Certainly not as much work as the stucco home, but probably more work than the average homeowner cares to tackle. What if each window is surrounded by brick? Let’s not even go there! You would have to remove the bricks, then re-install them all when finished.

Trust me, you don’t want to replace your old aluminum windows with new construction vinyl windows. You want to use either the replacement frame like the one used to replace the wood sash windows, or something called a retrofit frame , that is popular in the west where stucco is a common exterior. Since the procedure for measuring is the same regardless of the frame style chosen, this article will discuss the proper measuring procedure, and future articles will explain the difference in the installation process for replacement versus retrofit.

If you look at the portion of the aluminum frame that goes around the window opening into your surrounding walls, you will see three separate “legs” that form two pockets. The outside leg and the center leg form the first pocket. Your screen and stationary panel will be in this pocket. The center leg and inside leg form the second pocket, and your sliding panel is in that pocket. Find the “leg” that is the widest on all four sides. When measuring the width, run your tape measure from the widest leg on the left to the widest leg on the right. This should be the narrowest measurement. Then, subtract 3/8″ from that measurement. This is the width of the replacement window. Measure the height the same way. When measuring the height, measure as close to the center of the window as possible. This is especially important on windows wider than six feet, because the top wood header has a tendency to sag over time, making the center of the opening the narrowest. You don’t need to deduct 3/8″ from the height like you did on the width. 1/4″ is fine. These are the dimensions you use when ordering your vinyl window. If you have any picture windows(windows without a vent panel), there will only be two legs and one pocket. You still measure the same way.

Next week I will discuss whether your home is a candidate for retrofit frames or replacement frames..

John Rocco has been installing
replacement windows since 1978
To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Replacing Chandelier Parts

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402

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Chandeliers add an elegance and style to a room that no other lighting fixture can even come close to. It is not surprising that when a chandeleir gets old or broken that it is not just thrown away, but repaired. Replacing chandelier parts takes precision and careful shopping. One bad part and the whole chandeleir can lose it’s charm.

Usually when replacing parts on a chandelier, only some parts are being replaced. It is important to make sure that any new parts match the …


chandeliers, glass lights, light fittings

Article Body:
Chandeliers add an elegance and style to a room that no other lighting fixture can even come close to. It is not surprising that when a chandeleir gets old or broken that it is not just thrown away, but repaired. Replacing chandelier parts takes precision and careful shopping. One bad part and the whole chandeleir can lose it’s charm.

Usually when replacing parts on a chandelier, only some parts are being replaced. It is important to make sure that any new parts match the old parts. Doing this involves careful consideration of size and shape. Even the slightest difference in a decorative part could throw the whole chandeleir off in apperance. When it comes to other parts that make up the actual construction, wrong sizing could spell disaster. To ensure correct parts are chosen, measuring should be done in a meticulous fashion. It is important to measure exact lengths and widths. If possible, take the piece to be replaced so it can be compared at the store.

Quality is another important consideration when choosing replacement chandelier parts. Quality does not mean it has to be expensive. It should look similar to the other chandeleir parts. A cheaply made piece will look completely out of place amoungst pieces of high quality. It is posible to find less expensive parts that are of an equal quality to the original parts.

Chandeleir parts can be found in many different types of stores. Some parts may be found at a general department store in their lighting or hardware sections. Mostly hardware should be bought at department stores because the look of these parts is not as important. The decorative parts found at a department store may not match exactly or may look cheap against the original parts. The best place to find decorative parts is at a store that sells chandeleirs and has specialized chandelier parts available. The bottom line is not to forget that the new parts should match the old parts.

The biggest challenge when replacing chandlelier parts is making the new match the old. The main factors of size, shape and quality make a huge impact on the chandeleir. Replacement parts should be carefully matched to the old parts so that they are not noticable. Parts should be bought with the finished piece in mind. The chandeleir should look as good with replacement parts as it did when it was brand new.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

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892

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Determine whether to replace your aluminum frame windows with either vinyl retrofit windows or vinyl replacement windows.


Vinyl Windows, vinyl replacement windows, retrofit windows, installing vinyl windows, how to install windows, replacing house windows, installing replacement windows

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In previous articles, I explained to you how to determine whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I’m going to explain the installation techniques for both frame styles. Let’s start with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is really the easiest of all. The retrofit window already comes with an exterior trim attached. That’s the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, usually stucco. Prepare the window by drilling 3/8″ holes in the areas of the frame where you want to screw it in place. Normally, there will be 3 holes on each side and 3 more across the top. Don’t predrill any holes in the bottom track. After removing the old panels, you want to run a heavy bead of caulk on the face of the old aluminum frame that you left in place. Then you and a helper set the bottom of the vinyl window onto the old aluminum bottom track and raise it into position. The flush fin or retrofit lip will act as a “stop” to hold the window in place. Have your helper hold the window while you go inside.

Once inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make sure the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square conditions, shim the bottom right or left corner by placing a shimming material between the sill and bottom of the window frame. Once square, drive a 3″ deck screw through the 3/8″ holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, don’t overtighten. After you get the screws into the sides and top, remove the sliding panel. The bottom track should lift out. Look for drainage holes in the track and insert a thin screwdriver and lift up. Drive one screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw head, then put the track back in place and re-install the sliding panel. Now, you want to go back outside and caulk the gap where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the house. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Remember, you already applied a generous bead of caulk before inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is done on the inside.

First, you want to plug the 3/8″ screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the website. Just click on the “Purchase Trim” tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into place in the hole. The next step is to fill the gap around the new frame with R-13 Insulation. Do not use the foam insulation that comes in a can. Many manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the foam is used. Even the non expanding foams can cause the frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You might want to wear a dust mask during this procedure. Many people, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in place, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware store, or some other product. But in my experience, the best product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be purchased on the website under the “Purchase Trim” tab, or you could try to find it from a local window contractor. Ours comes in 2 different widths, although the 1 3/4″ wide piece is by far the most common. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the top and bottom first, stick them on the vinyl frame, making sure the trim goes to the drywall. This covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces next. The final step is to caulk where the trim meets the walls.

Much of the installation process for a replacement frame is the same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a few differences. When you put the new window into the opening using a replacement frame, you don’t have the flush fin holding the frame in place. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place while you put a screw in the top center to support the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is different. You have to apply the trim that was part of the retrofit frame. Again, I prefer the flat trim. Once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the top and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive part of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other part contact the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk again where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter if the exterior of your home is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without having to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the website at How To Install Windows

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Replacement Windows Information

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532

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Whether you want to replace your cold, drafty windows or simply want to enhance the overall appearance of your home, you will have to go in for replacement windows even though choosing the right replacement windows is a burdensome task and involves a significant investment.

Replacement windows squeeze in air between two panes of glass, providing a layer between the inside of your home and the weather outside. Thus, replacement windows insulate your home from extremes of bo…

Article Body:
Whether you want to replace your cold, drafty windows or simply want to enhance the overall appearance of your home, you will have to go in for replacement windows even though choosing the right replacement windows is a burdensome task and involves a significant investment.

Replacement windows squeeze in air between two panes of glass, providing a layer between the inside of your home and the weather outside. Thus, replacement windows insulate your home from extremes of both hot and cold. And at the same time reduce your home’s energy costs and change its decor.

Replacement windows come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to match your home. Basically, there are four types of replacement windows: (i) replacement windows add light and style to your home; (ii) skylights brighten the room and add an interesting design element; (iii) sliding doors are another form of replacement windows; and (iv) the slider helps you save on energy, especially in summer, because you can leave the screened portion open.

Before you buy replacement windows, you need to decide how you want them to open. Again you have various choices, such as: (a) casement windows with vertical hinges that swing in or out by winding a handle; (b) double or single hung types made of two cases that slide up and down; (c) sliding windows that move horizontally; and (d) plain fixed form windows that don’t open at all, but let the light come in.

You also need to see how your replacement windows have been fabricated to make sure they match with the architecture of your home and provide maximum insulation. You can now choose from some recent manufacturing developments like vinyl and fiberglass that are highly insulating.

Vinyl windows are a popular and economical alternative to aluminum, wood, and fiberglass, because they are energy efficient, easy to install, and effortless to maintain. Made from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC they provide a superb degree of insulation. Moreover, they require practically no maintenance because their durable surfaces are already stained, finished, and sealed. The exterior casing of vinyl windows doesn’t fade or wear under ultraviolet sunlight, making them far more durable than aluminum or wood.

For the purpose of energy efficiency, you can go in for triple-pane windows that have three pieces of glass with layers of air between them. Air absorbs heat and cold much better than glass. You can further reduce air conditioning and heating costs if you replace the air with a gas called argon.

While shopping for replacement windows, visit many showrooms and make sure that the window is ‘user friendly’. Try it out to see if it opens and closes with ease. You must remove all your doubts before scheduling an installation. Also, look for certification information from the National Fenestration Rating Council to compare the energy efficiency of each brand and style of window. Don’t forget to see the actual warranty before making your purchase and understand all the details.

Replacement windows involve heavy expenditure, so it is important you make an informed and confident decision based on the needs of your house, the kind of windows to be replaced, and your budget constraints.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Repairing Your Hardwood Floors

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482

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It is very true that hardwood floors will increase the value of your home. However, if your wood floors are damaged they could actually detract from your home’s overall value not to mention aesthetic appeal. Scratches, scuffs and gouges are the most common problems wood floor owners face. Squeaking can also be an annoying issue. Before you can begin repairing, you need to determine the extent of the damage. If the stain or scratch has not penetrated the wood, you’re dealing w…


wood flooring repair,hardwood flooring installation

Article Body:
It is very true that hardwood floors will increase the value of your home. However, if your wood floors are damaged they could actually detract from your home’s overall value not to mention aesthetic appeal. Scratches, scuffs and gouges are the most common problems wood floor owners face. Squeaking can also be an annoying issue. Before you can begin repairing, you need to determine the extent of the damage. If the stain or scratch has not penetrated the wood, you’re dealing with a surface problem, these are generally easier to deal with. If the stain or scratch has penetrated into the wood the fix is bit more involved but still not too difficult.

Surface scratches can usually be repaired with touch-up kit made for urethane finishes, you can find these at just about any wood flooring retailer or online. Removing surface stains depends on the type of stain it is. Most commonly you’ll be dealing with water and pet stains. For these use a wood floor cleaner developed specifically for urethane finishes to remove the stain. More stubborn stains may require additional scrubbing with the cleaner and a wood flooring scrub pad made for urethane floors.
For scratches that have penetrated into the wood you should be able simply wax the area until the scratch is no longer visible. Scuff marks can be taken care by using steel wool to rub in the wax and then hand buffing the area. Just be careful when using something abrasive like steel wool on your wood floors, if you rub too hard you could cause more damage to the wood. For water stains rub the spot with fine steel wool and then wax. If this doesn’t get the stain out completely, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper, and clean it using steel wool and mineral spirits or a wood floor cleaner . Once the floor is dry, apply stain, wax it and then hand buff it.

For penetrated pet stains rub the spot with fine steel wool and wax. If this doesn’t get the stain out completely, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper, and clean it using steel wool and mineral spirits or a wood floor cleaner . Once the floor is dry, apply stain, wax it and then hand buff it. If the stain is really stubborn, apply a household bleach or vinegar and allow it to soak for an hour. Rinse the floor with a damp cloth, wipe dry and smooth with fine sandpaper. Once again apply stain, wax it and hand buff it.

Regular maintenance can help prevent scratches and stains from penetrating into the wood. Be sure to vacuum and/or dry mop your wood flooring once a week. Be sure never to wax a floor that has been coated with a polyurethane finish. That would make it impossible to re-coat your wood floor in the future without first sanding it.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Repairing Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes

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339

For the best Patios Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Once you have detected a pinhole leak in your copper pipe, and it is above the slab it is not that hard to repair. Isolate the leak, and turn the water off to the house, either at the valve where it comes in or at the water meter by the street.


water leaks,repair pinhole leaks,repair leaks in copper pipes,pinhole leaks,water leak,leaking pipes

Article Body:
Once you have detected a pinhole leak in your copper pipe, and it is above the slab it is not that hard to repair.

Isolate the leak, and turn the water off to the house, either at the valve where it comes in or at the water meter by the street.If you turn it off at the house then open the hose bib that is usually located just above the water shut off. This will releive any pressure from the internal pipes, and the leak should stop dripping.

The next thing you need is to get the parts to stop the leak. If it is a pinhole leak all you need is a small piece of soft rubber, and a pipe clamp. Try to find a clamp that is close to the size of the pipe. You can usually find these at the local hardware or auto parts store. Make sure the rubber is soft so it will close the leak when you tighten the clamp.

Do NOT over tighten the clamp or you may crush the pipe and have a bigger leak. Believe me I have done this. Place the rubber over the hole and secure the clamp. When you think you have it tight enough turn the water back on and check the leak. If it has stopped dripping then you are done and you are now a plumber. If not slowly tighten the clamp until the leak stops. Remember do NOT over tighten the clamp. In this case a little is better than too much. Hopefully this will be the last leak you will have, but chances are it will not be. If you live in Florida where I live I can almost guarantee you that you will have more. But now you know how to repair above the slab pinhole leaks.

Paul Webb is the owner of Electro Service Company and has been doing various repairs around the home and business for over thirty years. You can visit his website at http://requestreviews.com.

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Davitt Patios Wicklow

Repairing Household Cleaning Equipment

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857

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Guidelines to repair cleaning equipments


cleaning equipment repair, helpful household hints, household cleaning schedules

Article Body:
One thing we probably don’t stop to think about everyday in terms or our home is cleaning equipment repair. Of course as soon as something doesn’t work right, then the subject comes to mind. The best way to avoid having to fix something is to take care of it in the first place.

For example most of us have floor or bathtub cleaners and/ or “stand-up” dust pans with screw on handles. If we happen to break the handle, rather than throwing the whole implement away, it costs less and is easier on the environment to replace the handle (#820, #803 Fuller One Piece Steel Handle). Cleaning equipment repair is more responsible than treating everything we own as disposable. In fact, this is something we should add to our list of helpful household hints.

Many companies are coming out with flimsy cleaning implements that can easily be thrown away. They try to appeal to consumers by saying these items will make their household cleaning schedules go more quickly. When you stop and think about it, cleaning is cleaning. It makes more sense to use sturdy tools and practice cleaning equipment repair. For one thing our landfills are overflowing and it’s silly to run to the store every month to buy something that would last for years if we just take good care of it.

Planning Your Time

These days it seems we’re all so busy that we don’t know where the days even go. We get up on Monday morning, get the kids off to school, and head to work. The next thing we know, it’s Friday and we don’t know where the week went. Week-ends fly by, and we’re back at Monday already. Somewhere in that blur, we need to do some cleaning. It’s helpful and smart to create household cleaning schedules. Using this technique, it will be easier to stay on top of our chores. Part of the routine should be cleaning equipment repair.

If we keep everything in top working order all the time, we won’t have to stop and order a part or take something to be repaired. A simple example is to keep an extra vacuum cleaner belt on hand. That way if you’re vacuuming one day and the belt breaks, you’ll be able to just put on the new one. This is an instance of thinking ahead about cleaning equipment repair. You can find a lot of books and websites offering helpful household hints, but most of them forget this important idea.

Outdoor Cleaning

Not all of the routine cleaning on our household cleaning schedules is inside the house. Although we may not do it each week, we definitely should keep the outside of our homes and the surrounding areas neat and tidy. This includes windows, patios and decks, siding, yards, and of course our cars and driveways. Not only do we feel a sense of pride when we put our helpful household hints to use outdoors, but our neighbors appreciate living in a tidy neighborhood. Once again it’s just as important to keep ahead of the game by maintaining cleaning equipment repair.

Outdoor cleaning presents some variables that we may not find inside the home. If we have a two-story house for instance, the windows and side walls will call for a squeegee with a long handle. Probably the ladder will have to come out as well.

Once again cleaning equipment repair is important. We may want to add a longer handle to the squeegee head or put another squeegee on an existing handle (Fuller #808 Adjustable Telescopic Handle). No matter what chore we’re attacking, we write our household cleaning schedules for a good reason. We want to be well organized and finish our tasks as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Car Care

In addition to the inside and outside of the house, we also need to put some focus on our cars. The price of automobiles has gone through the roof. In many cases that means we’ll be driving them longer. Even if we’re able to buy a new one every year, we still need to keep them clean and in good working order. Most of us spend hours and hours each week in our cars and there’s no good reason for them to be messy and dirty.

Washing a car is good for the finish. With so much pollution in the air, it’s constantly being bombarded by harsh chemicals. Use mild eco-friendly soap and a soft brush made specifically for auto paint. Something else you should add to your list of helpful household hints is to turn the water off while you’re not actually hosing the car. You can also attach a nozzle that only activates the water when you push on it.

In the spirit of cleaning equipment repair, you can keep the same handle and change the brush head when it starts to wear out (Fuller Brush#227 Vehicle Wash Brush Replacement Head).

With just a little bit of planning ahead, we can make all of our cleaning activities go smoothly.