On the Wire - Your Type of Dad
Last minute Dad’s Day shoppers, PUT DOWN THE COFFEE MUG! Forget the tie, t-shirt, hat or paperweight… it’s tools your dad really wants. As home improvement and home-makeover shows grow in popularity, more and more American dads are inspired to build, maintain, repair, remodel and redecorate their homes. It allows them to be and feel like king of their ever-more impressive castle. The only thing you have to do, is figure out your dad-type.
THE GADGET DAD: This Dad loves his toys – but best is something that looks good, works effectively and has multiple uses. Practical and easy to use, a multi-purpose rotary tool like the Dremel Stylus™ is precise and can be used for a variety of applications – polishing, cutting, cleaning, carving, detailed drilling, intricate sanding and even engraving. Dremel’s Stylus offers a contour-grip design for better control and features a speed-control dial that allows users to save the setting every time the unit is shut off. Powered by Lithium-Ion technology, the Stylus will hold its charge for up to two years ensuring it is poised for nearly any application. It comes with 25 accessories and is available at most home improvement centers. See www.Dremel.com.
THE PAMPERED DAD: The Dad who has it all. You don’t know what to get and all he really needs is some rest and relaxation. Moen offers a new line of shower heads, including one that is seven-inches in diameter and promises a full-body invigorating shower. The InvigoRain™ spray redistributes the flow of water increasing the force through multiple pressurized spray channels. An invigorating shower could be to Dad what a nice relaxing bath is to Mom. It is easy to install and clean and is available at Lowe’s and Menards. For more information, go to www.moen.com.
THE OUTDOOR DAD: This Dad loves a tool that makes yard work simpler and quicker. There are many new products for yard care and gardening that offer ergonomic benefits for keeping the body injury-free and make the job easier and more efficient. Longer handled tools allow for less bending and stooping and Rainbird soaker hoses that connect to a spigot or sprinkler system allow for effective watering of trees, shrubs and plants – leaving more time for Dad to enjoy the fruits of his labor in his hammock or with his family.
There is even a new “washable” leather glove for gardening called Ranchworx won’t harden or shrink after getting wet. For info, go to www.iclad.com.
THE INDOOR DAD: Underneath it all, this Dad loves nothing more than to make his family feel safe and comfortable in their home. Whether installing new lighting fixtures or adding to his collection of cooking gadgets, this dad will be pleased by any indoor enhancements the family will let him get his hands on. One suggestion makes lighting a snap – literally. Safety Quick Light™ allows homeowners to install lighting fixtures in seconds – and safely and quickly remove and reinstall for painting, cleaning or decorating. Retrofit kits are available at The Home Depot, along with some Hampton Bay fixtures that already have the technology built-in. One of the new stainless steel grilling tool kits is another good bet.
These guidelines will help you find a gift that Dad can use and appreciate. And don’t forget, any gift you get for your Dad will be welcomed and appreciated this Father’s Day if it comes from the heart and is wrapped with a hug.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Siding Solution
This week's question comes to us from Mike in Pennsylvania. He says, "I'm replacing the siding on my frame house. The difference between the ground elevation and the bottom of the existing siding is one foot, which exposes the ugly concrete block foundation. I wanted to use the concrete based siding and backfill soil in front of the block to the bottom of the new siding. Is there a type of flashing or rubber membrane that I can run along and cover the framed portion of the house with to avoid bugs or exposure of the wood to moisture and rot? This would also help provide water runoff away from my house."
Mike, it's a really bad idea to cover the siding of your home with soil. If you do, you'd be inviting termites, carpenter ants, moisture damage and lots of other maladies! A better solution is to re-stucco the foundation to improve its appearance and leave it exposed to the weather.
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
- Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.
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On the Air - Is Your Office Killing You?
Are you sick of going to work? Do you seem to get sick when you go to work? If you suffer from chronic cold symptoms that seem to disappear every weekend, you might be a victim of poor indoor air quality at your workplace. Bacteria and mold could be lurking undetected in carpeting or ducts at your school or office, and making you or your children sick. Mold expert and author Jeff May explains how to identify and deal with this problem this week on The Money Pit radio show. Read more about his latest book, “My Office Is Killing Me” at www.MayIndoorAir.com.
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Fun Fact - Influential Houses
The center hall colonial, the Cape Cod, the cottage style home – they’re all familiar styles to builders and homeowners alike. But have you ever stopped to think which famous home insprired the look of your own? The folks at Fine Homebuilding magazine spent the past year asking architects, builders and home enthusiasts the seemingly simple question: what are the 25 most important houses in America? Among the magazine’s favorites: The Issac Small House (ca. 1780) the archetypal Cape Code style home located in Truro, MA… Monticello (1768), Thomas Jefferson’s perpetually “under construction” home that was designed around his lifestyle… the Sears Kit House (1908 – 1937), which pioneered manufactured housing… The McMansion (ca1980s), the suburban trophy homes proliferated by luxury-home building companies like Toll Brothers. Visit www.FineHomebuilding.com for details.
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Cool Tools - Great products and services featured on the radio show.
Ryobi One WorkShop Combo Kit
- The largest power tool combo kit ever created.
- Ryobi’s 18-volt One System features 10 quality power tools.
- Five saws, three drills, a sander, vacuum, two batteries, charger and carrying case provide the DIYer with every cordless tool they would need to complete a project
- Start with this combo kit then add on other One 18-volt tools and accessories as needed
- $399 exclusively at The Home Depot
RIDGID Pivot Driver
- Powerful pivoting screwdriver is a great addition to the toolbox of any serious DIYer or contractor.
- Compact pivoting body allows use in either straight or pistol grip orientation.
- Features variable speed switch, adjustable torque ring and forward backward switch
- Comes with two batteries and a charger; and can charge on any RIDGID charger in just 20 minutes.
- Retails for $99
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Short Cuts - Hot Tub Tips
Hot tubs and spas are a great addition to a deck or luxury bath. They do, however, require special maintenance. Follow these tips to make sure your spa experience is a winner every time:
- Routinely test the hot tub or spa water for Bromine, pH and alkalinity.
- Add manufacturer recommended maintenance products including water clarifier, chlorine or non-chlorinated shock treatment, enzymes, etc.
- Regularly clean the filter cartridge.
- Spa water should filter on low for at least 3 hours a day.
- You should completely drain and refill your spa every 2-3 months, depending on how often you use it.
- When cleaning your tub, never use soap based cleaning products, use an acrylic spa/hot tub cleaner instead.
- The tub’s bromine floater should have bromine tablets in it and should remain in the spa at all times, except when you are using it.
- Also, it is important to shower after using the hot tub because some people are sensitive to the bromine in the water. Showering after tubbing will help reduce the chance of having a reaction to the bromine residue left on their skin.
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Copyright 2006 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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