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Builders Felt

Tarpaper, black paper or builders felt are all names for the same thing. This product is most commonly used on top of a roof deck as an underlayment for the shingles. Some make the argument that felt is not necessary, but it serves several functions. Black paper keeps a roof dry until the shingles are applied. In the event of shingles blowing off, the black paper provides some protection and is a component of a roof's fire rating. Maybe the best reason for tarpaper is shingle warranties. The manufacturer does not typically warrant shingles installed without tarpaper.

- Stephen Corwin

Demo Tools

While the average homeowner doesn't do a great deal of demolition work, some of the more enthusiastic ones do and the right tools (of course) make all the difference. The reciprocating saw is the standard demo power tool and some sort of pry bar is essential. Some folks are looking outside the trade for new tool ideas. Firefighters, the real demo professionals, have their own set of tools that others are starting to discover. Look in tool specialty catalogues for these tools if you are into some serious demo.

- Stephen Corwin

Electrical Terms

It would be hard to get through the day without flipping a light switch but if you asked folks about the type of switch flipped they probably don't know. Here is the skinny on switch types. A switch that turns a device on or off and is the only one in the circuit is called a "single-pole" switch. When there are two switches controlling a device they are known as "three-way" switches. An example would be the switch at the top and the bottom of the basement steps. When there is more than two switches controlling a device they are called "four-way" switches. If there were five switches controlling a device two of them would be "three-way" and the rest would be "four-way" switches. Got It?

Big Foam

Most folks are aware of foam brushes. They are OK for painting but better for staining. Inexpensive and easy to use, they make certain jobs easier. Some jobs require bigger thinking like staining a deck or a lot of siding. Foam brushes come in different sizes but I haven't seen a giant one yet. While rags and sprayers will get a big stain job down, consider a big sponge. Home centers carry a large selection of sponges for cleaning and one might be right for your next stain job.

- Stephen Corwin

Roof Bumps

Occasionally bumps appear after a roof has been shingled. These bumps not only look bad but can allow the weather to get past this important barrier. Roof nails that have backed out of the roof sheathing most commonly cause these bumps. Temperature and humidity changes are the force behind this problem. The solution lies in proper nailing. Use barbed roof nails that penetrate the roofing and the sheathing.

- Stephen Corwin

Drip Edge

Drip edge is a flashing that goes around the perimeter of a roof before the shingles go down. While not required in some areas it costs little, offers a big benefit and is strongly recommended. Technically speaking the drip edge should go down first then the felt paper then the shingle. In reality, the drip edge often goes on top of the felt paper to hold it down. Shingles should lay flush with the leading edge of the flashing or overhang by about 1/2".

New Coatings

The coatings industry is constantly coming out with new products and some recent advances offer us some new options. Most folks call these products paint or finish and that's what they are. One objection many have to getting the house painted is the odor of newly applied paint. This doesn't have to be a problem as major paint manufacturers now have a line of low odor paint. On the finish front, one of the annoyances of floor finishing is the time required for the finish to dry. A new polyurethane sealer and finish product claim to dry in 2-3 hours, that means one day finishing.

Blacktop Sealer

Winter is over and your blacktop drive may need a little tune up. Cracks that form in asphalt allow water to get under the surface and erode the underlying support for the drive. In the winter the freeze thaw action is tough on asphalt and in the summer cracks allow vegetation to take hold. Sealing the surface will keep the water out and greatly increase its longevity. Cracks larger than 1/8 inch need to be cleaned out and caulked with asphalt crack filler before the surface is sealed.

Screens

Screens are often overlooked when it comes to getting things shaped up for the summer weather. Screens that are in disrepair render a house less secure and they let bugs in. Gone are the days of large wood framed screens for most folks. The typical screen is one component in a storm window system. The first step is to make sure the screen is in its track and securely latched. If your screens are a little grumpy give the tracks a good cleaning and apply spray silicone lubricant.

- Stephen Corwin

Screen Repair

Most window screens are in a metal frame these days. You might have frame or screen problems or both. The frames can come apart at the corners and latch parts occasionally break. Most hardware stores carry repair parts for screen frames. The screening itself eventually wears out or gets torn. Screen replacement is easy and the hardware store carries the screen, spline, and tool needed for replacement. Screen On

While metal-framed screens are abundant, there are lots of wood frames and they can be easily repaired as well. The screen is held to the frame with staples and covered with a thin narrow wood strip -- Screen Bead. The bead usually can be removed and reused. After removing the bead pull any nails or staples from the frame and remove the old screen. Re-screen by fastening the top edge first. Pull the screening tight and fasten the bottom. Secure the sides, replace the bead and finally trim the excess screen with a utility knife. The screen is typically fastened with staples and the bead with small brads.

- Stephen Corwin



-- Anonymous, June 22, 2002


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