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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Window glass repair, part 2

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540

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

This is the second article on repairing a broken pane of glass in your home.


Window glass repair, repairing broken windows,repairing broken window panes

Article Body:
This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let’s talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. The most common type will have metal stops on the outside, around all four edges of the window glass. Sometimes these stops will be held in place with screws, and other times there will be aluminum stops that snap in place. In some rare instances there will be a rubber material in place of metal. If you have the screw type, you remove all of the screws and each piece will come out. If you have the metal snap in stops, carefully pry the stop from the frame using a small, flat screwdriver or a putty knife. You want to start in a corner and work along the stop until it comes out. Don’t pry too much because the stops can bend very easily. If you have the rubber type, pry a corner away using the screwdriver, grab it with your fingers, and pull out the rubber. The glass shouldn’t fall out because there is a glue or tape on the edge, holding the glass in place.

From here, You can get your measurements for the new piece of glass. The glass edges will be exposed, and you can hook your tape measure to the edge and get your width and height. If there is a hole in the glass, measure the glass thickness. If there isn’t a hole, put on some gloves and carefully push on the glass where the crack is located. This will expose the edge so you can measure it. When you go to get the new glass, you’re going to need a tube of silicone to replace the glue or tape holding the glass in place. Once you get the glass home, you need to remove the old glass. Go inside and cut between the glass and frame using a utility knife with a new blade. This will cut away the silicone or tape that is holding the old glass. Be sure to wear heavy gloves during this process to avoid getting cut. Start at the top and cut across from one corner to the other. Then cut down one side, from top to bottom. Do the other side the same way. At this point the glass should fall out. You should place a tarp or sheet under the window to catch the glass as it falls out. Using a stiff putty knife, scrape off the old silicone or tape from the frame. If there were setting blocks on the bottom, be sure to reuse them. They act as shims to raise the glass off the bottom.

Now run a bead of silicone about 3/16″ thick around the perimeter of the opening. Grab your new glass on the sides, angle the bottom in and the top out, set the glass on the setting blocks, then slowly raise the glass up into place. Push just hard enough that all four edges of the glass contact the silicone, but not so hard that the glass makes contact with the metal frame. Install your outside stops. Don’t clean the glass for 24 hours so the silicone can set up.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Window Air Conditioning Unit Energy Consumption

Word Count:
414

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

There is nothing more luxurious to a desert dweller than entering their cool home on a sultry afternoon. Cool as in temperature cool. It is so easy to get spoiled living in a centrally cooled home with a central air unit. Each room is as cool as the next. I have known people who wore a sweater in their air conditioned home rather than attempting to find a setting that is cooler than the outdoor temperature yet not freezing cold. These people have a lot of expendable cash and …


air conditioners, air conditioning, central air unit

Article Body:
There is nothing more luxurious to a desert dweller than entering their cool home on a sultry afternoon. Cool as in temperature cool. It is so easy to get spoiled living in a centrally cooled home with a central air unit. Each room is as cool as the next. I have known people who wore a sweater in their air conditioned home rather than attempting to find a setting that is cooler than the outdoor temperature yet not freezing cold. These people have a lot of expendable cash and don’t mind their huge energy bills. I have separate air conditioners in my windows, and I even have a portable air conditioner to deal with my cooling requirements.

On the other hand, I have to watch my energy consumption, and that includes my air conditioning bill during the summer months. I wait until the temperature inside is too high to be made tolerable with a fan. That is when my window air conditioning units pay for themselves. On the other hand, some people say that re-cooling the house every day expends more energy than always leaving it at one temperature. In my case, my method works best for me, according to my electric bill!

The only areas I cool are the rooms in which I live. This eliminates the bathrooms, laundry room, pantry and porch areas. In the cool of the evening, I open my windows and let the cool air enter. I close the curtains and windows in the morning before the sun comes up. If I am out of the house during the day, the units are shut off. When I return in the evening, the units are turned on the lowest setting it will take to make the rooms I am using comfortable. I don’t cool my bedroom until an hour before bedtime.

If I am home during the day, the windows and curtains stay shut. The units are turned on the lowest setting possible. I confine myself to the immediate living areas; kitchen, living room or den. The unit in my bedroom is shut off. A cool shower during the day helps me to acclimate to the temperature. I don’t want to have to cool the house because I have worked up a sweat cleaning or exercising.

These few, simple tips keep my energy bill down and help me to stay comfortable in the heat of summer.

More air conditioning tips can be found at the following sites…

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Window Air Conditioners: Stay Cool And Save Money

Word Count:
415

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Are you tired of sweating all summer long because you do not want to shell out the cash for a central air conditioner? Have you given into the fact that there is no way to stay cool without breaking the bank? If this sounds like you, you are in luck. There is something that you can do this summer to stay cool, without having to spend hundreds of dollars.

By purchasing a window air conditioner, you will be able to keep yourself cool the entire summer. Even though you will o…

Article Body:
Are you tired of sweating all summer long because you do not want to shell out the cash for a central air conditioner? Have you given into the fact that there is no way to stay cool without breaking the bank? If this sounds like you, you are in luck. There is something that you can do this summer to stay cool, without having to spend hundreds of dollars.

By purchasing a window air conditioner, you will be able to keep yourself cool the entire summer. Even though you will only be able to have the unit in one window, if you properly place it there is no reason that you should not be able to cool down your entire home. Instead of placing your air conditioner in your bedroom window you may want to think about putting it in a more centralized location. This will help to spread the air out over your entire home, instead of keeping it in one room.

A window air conditioner will save you money in a couple of different ways. First off, a window air conditioner can be purchased for as little as $150. This offers huge savings compared to central air. At the same time, you will also save yourself money on the electric bill. Using a central air unit during the entire summer can make your electric bills sky rocket. But by using a window unit sparingly, you will be able to stay cool while also keeping your electric bill under control. A lot of people only use their window unit when it is absolutely necessary. This way you can control the approximate amount of money that you spend per month.

One of the least expensive, but most efficient window units that you can buy is the Kenmore 75051. This model will cost you approximately $150, but for that price you get a lot features. Features include a four way air deflection, a timer, two different fan speeds, and a remote control for easy use.

If you are looking for more power, you will want to step up to the GE AGM12. Even though you will have to spend about $400, you will be able to more quickly cool your house. This model offers 12,000 Btu’s which are controlled by three cooling speeds.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to stay cool this summer without spending thousands of dollars. A window air conditioner offers the features you need to stay cool, and also keep some money in your pocket.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Window Air Conditioners – How To Reduce The Noise Level

Word Count:
524

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Perhaps the most widely used air conditioners are the window air conditioners. They are quite popular for heating and cooling in both domestic and commercial premises. The basic advantage of a window air conditioner is that unlike the central air conditioners and the split air conditioners, it fits well in the window giving a good look and it does not occupy any space of the room at all.


central Air Conditioners

Article Body:
Perhaps the most widely used air conditioners are the window air conditioners. They are quite popular for heating and cooling in both domestic and commercial premises. The basic advantage of a window air conditioner is that unlike the central air conditioners and the split air conditioners, it fits well in the window giving a good look and it does not occupy any space of the room at all.

Moreover, window air conditioners do not need to be shifted every now and then from one place to the other. However, like any other air conditioning equipment, it produces noise, the intensity of which differs with the type and size of the window air conditioners. Constant noise can indeed be very disturbing and distressing to the home and surrounding residents.

It is, therefore, advisable for the consumer to compare window air conditioners by checking the sound power level labels on the unit or in the literature specifications. The noise levels are often given in decibel ratings and the higher the decibel level, the louder the unit will be. The sound pressure increases by a factor of ten for every 10-decibel increase. For example, 60 Decibels is 10 times louder than 50 Decibels and 100 times louder than 40 Decibels.

The compressor and the fan are combined in a single unit and mounted in the window air conditioners and this is the source of all the noise in the air conditioner. The other causes of noise could be worn bearings, cabinet rattles, dirty or rusty fan blades, worn rubber mountings and compressor wear. Regular maintenance can reduce the noise to some extent but with the passing of time, there is bound to be an increase in the level of the noise.

You should check whether your window air conditioner is vibrating or producing a rattling noise and if so, then it is not a normal situation. The reason for this can be improper installation or loose side panels. If, however, you hear a scraping noise, you should either take the help of an authorized service provider or you can also try to find out the cause and repair it yourself.

The following steps can help you in tracking the fault and repairing it:

You should tighten the screws holding the front panel onto the unit. You should check carefully the window all round the unit. You should then turn the window air conditioner on and press your hand against the sash. If you find that as you press your hand against the sash, the sound changes in pitch, then you should put some wooden shims in the gap between the window air conditioners frame and the sash. If, however, the pitch of the noise changes when you press your hand on the glass, you should use some insulating cellophane tape between the glass and the frame. You might have to use putty if that does not reduce the noise.

If you feel that the sound is originating from within the unit, you should take the unit out of the window and check to see if the fan blades are bent. If so, just bend them back so that they match the others.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Windows and Killer Utility Bills

Word Count:
478

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Does your utility bill leave you in tears? Does your family walk around wearing all their clothes so you can avoid cranking up the heater and wiping out your bank account? Those beautiful windows are killing you.


windows, utility bills, energy star, drafts, leaks, heat, heating, cooling, window

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Does your utility bill leave you in tears? Does your family walk around wearing all their clothes so you can avoid cranking up the heater and wiping out your bank account? Those beautiful windows are killing you.

Hate Paying Taxes?

Do you hate paying taxes? Everyone does. At least you only have to do it once a year. If you don’t take steps to improve your energy use, however, you are paying the utility company an energy waster tax every month and every year. I bet you never thought of it that way before. Fortunately, you don’t need an accountant to eliminate this tax.

To terminate your energy waster tax, you need to understand the areas where you are probably wasting energy. Here is the biggest offender.

Windows are necessary items in a home. Can you imagine a home without them? Of course not. Still, that beautiful view to the world outside comes with a heavy price. Windows are the single biggest area where heating or cooling efforts are wasted. Because windows open and close, they almost always develop leaks where your hard earned money escapes in the form of heat transfer. If you do nothing else after reading this article, take a close look at your windows. Making them air tight could save you as much as forty percent on your utility bill.

Even if your windows are not leaking, you still have a problem. As people living in cold climates can attest, most installed window are horrific burdens on heating efforts. These year around windows tend to be thin and are not designed for specific conditions. Put in simple terms, heat moves through them like beads at Mardi Gras. If you don’t believe me, go stand next to one of your windows on a winter day. It gets a bit chilly, eh?

To overcome your inferior window problem, you have two options. The first is to install windows designed to hold in hot air during winter. This will save you a ton of money, but you have to change them twice a year, installation and removal. If your lazy like me, a second option is to go with Energy Star windows.

Energy Star is a government program designed to encourage manufacturers to build better stuff for your home. If a product has an energy star sticker, it means it is going to save you cash on your utility bill. Since windows are problematic, the government has focused on them and you can now buy Energy Star windows at all home improvement stores. Note that I didn’t name an improvement store, but am willing to amend this article for a significant sponsorship fee!

While I wait for Home Depot or Lowes to call, go take a look at your windows. If you concentrate really hard, you can see dollar bills floating through them.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Windows – a great investment

Word Count:
239

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Perhaps no other element shapes a room’s personality more than the right window. Whether you want classic luxury for a showpiece living room or attractive practicality for the laundry room, look for the style, look and feel for what it takes to suit your style and budget. Your windows should be measured and installed by a professional window installer, who can also help you decide on exactly what type of windows will best compliment your home from both the inside and out.


Windows, Replacement windows, window general contractor, window contractor

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Perhaps no other element shapes a room’s personality more than the right window. Whether you want classic luxury for a showpiece living room or attractive practicality for the laundry room, look for the style, look and feel for what it takes to suit your style and budget. Your windows should be measured and installed by a professional window installer, who can also help you decide on exactly what type of windows will best compliment your home from both the inside and out.

Replacement Windows – If you’re thinking about replacement windows, why wait any longer? The benefits start immediately. From enhancing your home’s interior to adding to its curb appeal, new windows transform a home from ordinary to outstanding. What’s more, they provide one of the best returns on investment of any home improvement project.

Insulation and Energy Saving Values – Windows are thermal holes. An average home may lose 30% of its heat or air-conditioning energy through its windows. Energy-efficient windows save money each and every month. Plus, you’ll be more comfortable the whole while you live with them. In this day and age of saving on energy costs, you really can’t go wrong with replacing the windows in your home.

Whether you are choosing windows for your new home, or you are choosing windows to replace old ones in your current home, choose wisely. Window additions are an investment, and if chosen properly your investment will pay you back.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Wicker Laundry Basket

Word Count:
527

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Laundry is something we all must do, but most of us don’t really like doing, laundry duty, or laundry day is something most of us prefer to avoid whenever we can. You will be surprised to learn that laundry is one of the main causes of disorder and mess around the house, laundry that is not taken care of can sometimes be a burden on all family members.

How many times did you want to explain to one of your family members that the laundry does not end its life when simply in…


wicker, wicker basket, wicker Laundry Basket

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Laundry is something we all must do, but most of us don’t really like doing, laundry duty, or laundry day is something most of us prefer to avoid whenever we can. You will be surprised to learn that laundry is one of the main causes of disorder and mess around the house, laundry that is not taken care of can sometimes be a burden on all family members.

How many times did you want to explain to one of your family members that the laundry does not end its life when simply inserted into the laundry basket, and how many times you simply asked that the used clothes be properly places in the laundry basket?. There is one big secret on laundry management and that is keeping it tidy and in order all the time, and using as many things as you possibly can to help you do that.

A wicker laundry basket is one of the classical and simplest things you can get, it looks great, and it is easy to move around from place to place. A wicker laundry basket is what most people use to hold their laundry until it is done and than they use it again when they need to put order in the laundry itself.

When a laundry basket is full it can weight much more than what you think it can, if you want to make your life a little easier you will get a wicker made basket, wicker is, by nature a light material, it is also very durable, so you don’t have to worry about the basket falling apart after a short time.

Using a wicker made basket you will have a woven laundry basket that provides proper airing and ventilation for the laundry, and a stylish laundry basket that would not ruin the overall look of your laundry room or bathroom, in fact wicker is one thing that can fit into almost any design and fit in with many different kind of furniture. Wicker is woven from a variety of vines, grasses, and other plants to make a strong, sturdy material for furniture. The wicker laundry basket is strong and sturdy enough to carry several pounds of soiled clothing.

The only thing you need to remember about a wicker laundry basket is that you should try and avoid placing moist clothes in the basket, wicker is not very good with moisture and the result may be that the wicker strands get moist and lose their grip on each other, losing the hold of the whole basket and come apart, this is something that is relatively easy to avoid and important to remember, if you could avoid that you will probably be able to use your wicket laundry basket for a long while.

When shopping for a wicker basket try and think about the amount of clothes you use each time, since the wicker laundry baskets can hold large amount of clothes you can fit the size to your needs, you can also look around for the kind of color and design that you want because there is a huge selection in wicker furniture and design.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Why You Should Hire A Chimney Sweep

Word Count:
409

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

It is important to keep a chimney clean regardless of the type of fuel burned. This can prevent fires as well as prevent noxious gasses from entering the home. The chimney carries away toxic gasses emitted from the fire in the fireplace and it is an important safety measure to ensure it is clean and free from blockage. A chimney sweep will perform routine maintenance and inspection to ensure proper safety standards are met.

It is advised that maintenance on the chimney be …


chimney sweep

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It is important to keep a chimney clean regardless of the type of fuel burned. This can prevent fires as well as prevent noxious gasses from entering the home. The chimney carries away toxic gasses emitted from the fire in the fireplace and it is an important safety measure to ensure it is clean and free from blockage. A chimney sweep will perform routine maintenance and inspection to ensure proper safety standards are met.

It is advised that maintenance on the chimney be performed once per year. In other countries this is a standard accepted practice. However, this idea is still quite new in the United States. It is growing in popularity, though, because of the increase in deaths and injuries related to fireplaces. Over 5,500 fires and 10,000 gas poisonings occur each year due to improper fireplace maintenance. These figures can be greatly reduced with proper care.

Chimney sweeps are available in all areas and can be easily found in the phone book or via an Internet search. Choose services that are experienced and affordable. It is also recommended to obtain a service that is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a non profit organization that educates tests and certifies chimney sweep services.

The chimney sweep will first inspect the chimney for any damage and determine the extent of cleaning necessary. It is advisable to hire a chimney sweep that only does inspections and cleaning, and does not actually do the repairs. This forces them to be objective about repair needs and can minimize unnecessary expenditures. After the inspection, the cleaning will begin. The room surrounding the chimney will be protected from falling dirt and particles so no damage is incurred. Once the chimney is thoroughly brushed and clean, the technician will vacuum the particles and do a final cleaning of the surrounding area.

Some people may be tempted to do the work themselves. However, there is an aspect of danger to the job and it can be very time consuming and tiring. It is necessary to utilize the proper equipment and have access to the roof and interior of the chimney. This can sometimes prove dangerous with the use of tall ladders. Professional chimney sweep services are licensed and bonded which will protect your investment. The cost of the service is affordable, generally fewer than two hundred dollars, and depending on the chimney the cleaning will only take approximately one hour. Therefore, using professionals is recommended.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Why you should fuel your generator with natural gas

Word Count:
571

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For people with power generators or thinking about purchasing one, consider natural gas as the fuel source because it is very efficient in both energy production and cost. Natural gas has many advantages over other generator fuel types.


generator,generators,natural gas generator,natural gas,natural gas generators

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For those people who have invested or thinking about investing in a power generator for back-up power needs, extra electrical needs, or portable electrical needs, a big consideration should be the type of fuel that is used. There are many sources of fuel for providing electrical energy from the generator including gasoline, natural gas, diesel, solar, wind, and a few other fuel sources as well. The type of fuel selected for a generator can have big impacts on everything from the environment, cost, and electrical output. Sources like gasoline and natural gas are non-renewable where as solar and wind come free and are renewable. For continuous, high energy output, gasoline and natural gas are better fuel sources. These are just a few of the considerations. Natural gas, however has some major points over the other fuel sources and is recommended in this article.

Why is natural gas a good fuel source for generators? Well first of all, a lot of homes use natural gas to fuel stoves, ovens, and even fireplaces. Those who have paid the gas bill will often find it is much cheaper than the electrical bill. For those unlucky people with electric ranges, electric water heating, and other electricity dependent heating, the high price of electricity is a big cash vacuum. The price of natural gas is very good compared to other fuel sources as well. The energy output provided verses the cost is better than that of diesel and gasoline.

When it comes to generators, most backup generators work better with natural gas because the supply is already coming to the location. Most homes have a pipeline for their natural gas that can be harnessed by backup generators to supply electricity when other sources are not working. Automatic transfer switches can determine when there are blackouts or other electrical problems and supply electrical power produced from the location’s natural gas source. This means that there is no need to purchase any additional fuel for the generator as it is already pulling from a decent costing fuel source in natural gas. This can not be achieved with some of the other fuel sources as well.

Another reason natural gas should be used in power generators is it’s energy production which is comparable to that of gasoline and diesel. For people who have natural gas products, the energy output is not even noticeable but the cost is. Natural gas makes the energy to cost ratio efficient. For portable generators, the same output can also be achieved as natural gas can be supplied to the generator much like how a barbecue grill is supplied. This makes supplying fuel to portable units easy as all that is needed is a canister of natural gas that just needs to be plugged in to the fuel line.

Natural gas is also cleaner than both diesel and gasoline. Natural gas will cause less engine buildup and lead to longer lifetime of a costly generator. There are also natural gas conversion kits for many types of generators that allow changing the fuel type. These conversion kits can help extend the usefulness of old generators by using natural gas as the fuel type instead.

Natural gas is not only a good energy source for homes but also a good one for portable or emergency power generators as well. They provide high, continuous amounts of energy at a very efficient cost to both residential and business users.

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Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Why You Should Avoid Fiberglass Drywall Tape Like The Plague!

Word Count:
627

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Fiberglass drywall tape is popular for drywall work and plaster repair. But there are big problems with it. A professional’s opinion.


fiberglass tape, drywall tape, drywall seams

Article Body:
The truth is, it has its place, but – please! not on your drywall
seams.

Yes, my view of this is controversial. And I have my (good) reasons.

Actually, people who use fiberglass tape instead of paper tape for drywall taping are helping me make a living.

As a drywall finisher and a plaster repair specialist, I have made thousands of dollars over the years repairing drywall seams taped with fiberglass. Thanks, folks.

What happens? Drywall seams need a RIGID tape to stay closed. Especially over butt joints, the fiberglass taped seam will wiggle ever so slightly some time down the road after finishing, and presto! a hairline crack develops right down the middle of the joint.

The tape isn’t broken. It’s just that the drywall mud overcoat is not rigid enough – tough enough – to add the strength necessary to permanently secure the joint.

How do I know this? Well, for one thing, I have noticed that the long, recessed drywall seams tend to stay taped better. With those seams, the mud overcoat is thicker because it is filling the valley where the tapered edges of the drywall come together. You get some extra toughness.

I understand the allure of fiberglass tape. Slap it down on that crack and mud ‘er up. No blisters, etc. So easy and comfortable, especially for the novice taper. And every do-it-yourself website and magazine article promotes it.

Yes, it is harder to learn to use paper tape properly. For the newcomer to drywall taping, there are issues of laying the mud on evenly, wiping the tape down properly, avoiding humps on the butt joints, and so on.

These are learnable skills, and they pay big dividends after the job is finished and painted. Nothing is more irritating to the customer or homeowner living in his new home/addition than to see cracks developing in his new walls or ceilings.

As I said in the beginning, there IS a place for fiberglass tape. First of all, it the tape of choice for plasterboard seams under veneer plaster. This is what it was developed for in the first place. It works very well in this setting, because veneer plaster is far harder and tougher than drywall compound.

But, there is a place where fiberglass tape can help in the drywall trade, and that is in the repair end of the business. Around doors and windows, cracks in the drywall are common. A little extra movement in the framing there and you get these unsightly defects.

When I repair such cracks, I want some extra insurance. What I will do is use short pieces of fiberglass tape – maybe three inches long or so – and place them in a bed of mud ACROSS the crack and parallel to each other. I wipe out the excess mud, just as I would with paper tape.

When this first layer of tape is hard, then I lay down a line of paper tape right across the fiberglass and centered on the underlying crack. Now I have double insurance: the glass for lateral strength and the paper to keep it tight to the surface. This usually takes care of such cracks, or any cracks you are particularly concerned about. (Don’t forget two or more topping coats.)

I do the same operation or a variant of it on bad plaster cracks.

One last point. I’ve emphasized toughness of the compound you use. For that reason, I like “hot mud”, a setting type joint compound more like plaster for strength. If you are unsure of yourself and your speed, it would be good to use hot mud with a longer setting time, like an hour or 90 minutes. Mix small batches and don’t forget to wash your tools and pans well between batches.