Chimney Masonry Repair Tips

Since the warmer weather is already on its way, it’s about time that you get your chimney inspected and get some chimney handyman Evansville repair done. Now is the perfect time to check if there are any problems in your chimney. If there are any problems, they must be repaired immediately while the weather is still good.

When’s the Best Time to Repair Chimney Masonry?

The chimney masonry refers to the bricks and mortar as well as the other materials that extend the chimney. During the winter, these materials may end up getting damaged as a result of outside elements. Overexposure to water could cause these materials to deteriorate.

Moreover, the freeze-thaw cycle could prolong the materials’ contact with water, which will make the matter worse. When the moisture on the materials gets frozen, it will end up expanding and could lead to a lot of issues. In addition, water penetration can also cause damages to the interior and exterior of the chimney.

Among the problems that could be encountered are the following:

Adjacent wood will be rotten and the wall coverings ruined.
The central heating system will deteriorate.
Chimney structure will tilt and collapse.
Damper assemblies will get rusted.
Flue lining system will crack and deteriorate.
Glass doors and fireplace accessories will be rusted.
Hearth support will collapse.
Metal firebox assemblies will deteriorate.

Take Action Before Bad Weather

While the weather is still good, you should take action by scheduling a chimney inspection. In doing so, you’ll have enough time to do handyman Evansville repairs just before the winter starts. Some repairs may need time to warm up and require dry condition in order to get cured properly. If you find out early on that your chimney needs repair, you’ll be able to plan ahead and take advantage of the good weather.

Extensive Chimney Repair

If you find out that your chimney needs extensive repair or that you realize that it is not the kind of job that you can handle on your own, you should call for professional help. There are chimney repair service providers that can provide quality work. They will send over professional technicians who are trained and certified to perform different repair methods. All the damages in your chimney will be documented along with videos and photos and will be shown to you in order to better explain the issues.

On the other hand, if the damages on your chimney are not really that extensive, you can do a few simple repairs on your own. However, make sure that you know what to look for and you know how to properly repair the damages. Again, the chimney repairs must only be done when the weather is warm and dry.

So while the weather is still warm and the winter is still way ahead, you should take this opportunity to protect your chimney. Schedule your chimney handyman Evansville in inspection today just before the cold winds start to roll in!

16 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Looking for a fun and exciting way to use that extra wood in your garage? We’ve got you covered with an assortment of interesting and attractive handyman services projects that you can complete very fast with common tools.

Here’s to a productive and fun-filled weekend!

1. Shoe Storage Booster Stool

This stool can be used to boost your height when you need to access the upper parts of your closet. It can also be used as storage for your shoes.

2. Wooden Bench

Place this easy-to-assemble bench in your garden to enjoy your plants in peace or catch up on some reading.

3. Small Bench

This is an easy but fulfilling house repairs project that you can complete within minutes. You can use it as your go-to stool while working on other DIY projects too.

4. Magazine Storage Containers

You’ll get plenty of compliments with this creative magazine storage container.

5. Coat Rack

Carpentry has never been easier with this convenient but attractive coat rack. It’s not only an item where you can hang your coats and hats, but it also creates unique interest for your home’s entryway décor as well.

6. Spice Rack

This spice rack can store up to 18 of your favorite spices and it’s super cute and portable.

7. Thyme Saver

This rack will make it easier to see and access your spices from the drawer. You can easily build one with a few scraps of plywood. No special carpentry skills or complicated tools are needed.

8. Rustic Shelf

Using forked tree branches as its support, this rustic shelf adds a touch of nature to your living room, while providing you with added storage for your books.

9. Knife Block

Have you ever seen those cute knife blocks in the store and wonder how they’re made? Well, you can now make them on your own using some leftover boards of plywood and some measuring and bonding tools.

10. Behind-the-Door Shelves

Put your budding DIY handyman skills to work while creating extra storage for your detergents with this ‘hidden shelf’.

11. Ironing Center

This ‘ironing center’ keeps your ironing kit conveniently away when not in use, and easily accessible when needed. All you have to do is to mount a few shelves on the wall for your ironing equipment, and a couple of hooks to hang your ironing board when you’re done using it.

12. Two-Story Closet Shelves

Additional shelves in your closet provide ideal storage for unused items like winter boots in the summer or swimming gear during the winter.

13. Stacked Recycling Tower

Make recycling fun with this tower of stacked recycling bins which are placed inside a wooden frame for ease of cleaning.

14. Swedish Boot Scraper

This accessory is a staple in Swedish farms and a great way to keep your boots clean when coming from the garden on a wet day.

15. Sliding Bookend

This easy-to-make bookend provides instant storage for books and DVDs and it will look stylish on any living room.   

16. Petite Shelves

Use these petite shelves to store your favorite mementos or to keep your desktop organized.

How To Install Cabinets Like A Professional

You can do Scottsdale handyman in your house on your own without having to hire an expert. However, you should learn a few techniques that experts use.

The following is a simple guide that will help you get good results, and at the same time, spend less.

Prepare the Wall

You must have a blueprint for the installation. Get measurements for the cabinets, setting the right height for the cabinet base. After that, mark the height of the top cabinets. On your blueprints, make sure you label the cabinets accordingly. When you have all the measurements, identify the location of the stud.

Cabinet Drawers and Doors

During handyman Scottsdale AZ, you should remove the drawers, doors, and shelves. This will reduce the risk of damage and will also make your work easier. Make sure you mark their positions accordingly. In most cases, the upper cabinets might not have an elaborate bottom or top. Therefore, depending on how you want their doors swinging, you can hang them in either direction.

Cabinet Bows

It’s possible to shim the cabinets step by step during handyman Scottsdale. However, in the case of a significant bow, it’s wise to shim it before the cabinet is set in place. This will also help you avoid pulling the cabinet back as you try to fasten it to the wall.

Upper Cabinets

It’s always safe to start with the top cabinets, especially if they are not so high up above the base cabinets. While at it, you want to make sure you no longer have to hold them and at the same time screw them to the wall.

Fastening the Cabinets

If your cabinets face one another, have the face frames in line and then use a clamp to hold them together. Make sure that they are fastened to the wall, or loosen one until they are all in place, and then fasten them. If you have to use a screw head, make sure you do this in a way that is not easily noticeable.

Choice of Screws

For this project, make sure you have the best screws. You are spending so much money on quality materials for your cabinets, so it’s only fair you get the best quality screws too. R4 counter sinking screws from GRK are some of the best when you need fasteners. Avoid drywall screws by all means.

Leveling

Before you start leveling, make sure the bases of the cabinets are lined up properly. Ensure their backs are also at the same level, and then you can use shims to fasten them in place. Be very careful when you are doing this so that you do not have to worry about items rolling or sliding off your countertops.

Securing the Cabinets

In case your cabinet design is a peninsula or you have island cabinets, these have to be fastened to the floor for security. For island cabinets, you simply need to join them together. Find the outline and trace it to the floor, then secure them. For good results, 2×2 screws are ideal. You might need to have flooring blocks under the screws where necessary.