The Citizen, 1997-10-15, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15,1997.
Home Improvement
Tips for playing it safe while doing home repairs
While it is fun to work on home
improvement projects, safety and
security are important factors to
remember. Do-it-yourself projects
Cutting noise
Home has always been a busy
place...and a noisy one. What with
activities such as the kids' music
practice, plus TV, appliances,
computer printers, or even
animated conversation when
friends come over, what else could
be expected?
What is there to do when Mom or
Dad just want to read the paper or
relax? or when kids need to
concentrate on homework?
The answer is interior-wall
insulation that reduces noise
between rooms.
When you add on a room, or take
on a major remodeling project, start
at the beginning—with what’s
inside your walls.
Insulation for exterior walls,
floors and ceilings will cut your
fuel bills and make your home
more comfortable.
Adding interior-wall insulation
also helps make your home a haven
by reducing noise from plumbing
pipes, heating and cooling units,
and everyday living.
You can install interior-wall
insulation, when your walls are
moved, installed or refaced with
new wallboard.
Tips
Continued from page 13
the stressed-out nineties. Look for
a faucet that contains all the
crucial parts (like water supply
tubes!) required for installation.
• Two-ln-one. When shopping for
a faucet replacement, remember a
single handle washerless faucet
can replace a two handle faucet.
• Look before you leak. Before
you begin, examine your old
faucet for potential problems. Is
your sink slightly uneven? You
may need some silicone sealant to
ensure a proper seal. Ensuring a
good seal now will save on
worrying about leaks later.
• Ignorance Is not bliss.
Replacing a faucet is easy
provided that you play by the
rules. Read all your instructions
carefully.
• Tool time. Make sure your
faucet comes with installation
supplies.
• Splish splash. To avoid a
soaker, ensure you have shut off
the water supply before you start
and then install, one step at a time. ‘
• Check It out If you are putting
in a faucet with special features,
such as a sprayer or soap
dispenser, make sure they are
installed correctly. Look for a
recognized brand, that have
specific, easy-to-follow instruc
tions for installing these items.
• Hot hazards. As simple as it
sounds, don't forget ... it's hot
water on the left and cold on the
right.
• Smooth running. Once you
have finished installing your
faucet, remove the aerator, located
at the end of the spout, and let the
water run for one minute to flush
the supply lines.
• Lean on me. Look for a faucet
manufacturer that offers
installation support.
are enjoyable, easy and cost
effective, and provide a sense of
satisfaction and accomplishment,
says Anne Clarke, design expert at
Home Depot Canada. However,
advance preparation, planning and
common sense will help ensure that
all projects are completed
successfully and safely.
Here are some helpful safety
hints to remember when working
on home improvement projects:
Tools
Before operating any power tool,
carefully read the owner's manual
for safety information^ The
manufacturer's instructions are your
best guide.
Wear protective gloves whenever
they will not hinder your handling
of tools.
When using tools that can
splinter, chip and break materials,
always wear protective eye wear.
Always wear safety glasses and a
dust mask or respirator when
sanding and removing wallboard
and plaster.
Electric Power
When working with electricity,
double check to make sure the
power is off at the breaker box
before you start working with
wiring. Once the power is off,
mark the breaker box accordingly
so no one else turns it on while you
are working.
Make sure that the power is
always turned off before removing
cover plates of electrical outlets
and switches.
Manual Work
Take care when moving heavy
materials and learn to lift properly.
Check with your doctor or
chiropractor.
Extreme care must be used when
working with ladders. Use a ladder
only for its recommended projects.
Check that your ladder is properly
erected and locked into place and
that it is on a firm and level
surface.
Whenever possible, get someone
to hold the ladder while you are
using it, says Anne Clarke.
Remember to always centre your
weight on the ladder and do not
stand on the top step, top brace or
the utility shelf of a stepladder.
For ceilings and high spots on
walls, make a simple scaffold by
running an extension plank through
the steps of two stepladders.
Planks should be no more than 12
feet long and thick enough to
support your weight without
flexing. Ladders should be placed
with steps towards each other and
with the braces down and locked.
For creating a scaffold using
stairs, run an extension plank
through the step of a ladder and
place the other end on a stairway
step. Make sure the ladder is
steady and check that the plank is
level. Keep the plank close to the
wall, if possible, and never
overreach.
Dress appropriately for the work
you are doing. Coveralls and a cap
will save hours of clean up time
and replacement costs for damaged
clothing.
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