Repair & Improve

July Money Pit Weekend To-do Projects

By Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete

Weekend #1: All Cracked Up
Cracks and gaps in sidewalks and driveways can prove to be a big trip and fall hazard, as well as deter from your curb appeal.  Thankfully it is very simple to repair that windy system of cracks your cement has developed over the years. 

First off you want to examine the crack you are repairing.  If it has tapered sides chisel the sides a bit to create straight edges so your patching compound can better adhere.  Be sure to wear safety glasses and work carefully with those chisels.  If the crack is very deep, consider adding hardened nails into the crack to ensure the patching compound really grabs hold and does its job. 

Never patch concrete with more concrete.  You’re better off with a specially formulated concrete patching compound which is designed to “stick” and hold up to lots of freeze/thaw cycles.  Follow the mixing directions exactly making sure you only mix up enough to use in about 15 minutes time.  Apply the patching compound early in the morning so it has a chance to cure before the hot sun causes some shrinking.  Once the patching compound starts to set up you can smooth the surface with a finishing tool to help it better blend into its surroundings. 

After you are happy with your work cover the patched area with a piece of plastic making sure it will not blow away or get moisture underneath it and let it cure for about 3 days.

Weekend #2:  Make sure you close that gate behind you!
In many ways, your fence contains all that you love; your family, your pets, your home, and your guarded power tools!  But eventually exposure to the elements and time can lead to deterioration.  Take a walk around your property and examine all of your fences posts, rails, and fencing.  Make a list of all the necessary repairs and address each issue. 

Fencing can easily be removed with a pry bar and replaced if there are pieces that are too damaged to be restored.  Damaged or loose rails can be reinforced by securing 2 x 4 cleats to the rail and the post using nails.  If the rail is beyond repair you can reinforce it with a sister rail attached either above or below the damaged rail securing it with long enough bolts to go through both rails.  The sister rail can span the entire rail or just cover the damaged area. 

If your posts are leaning or loose, remove the rails and fencing surrounding that post and dig around the post. If the post is set in dirt fill in around the post until it level again. If your post is secured in concrete, break up the concrete with a sledge hammer and remove the broken up pieces.  Then pour new concrete after you have straightened the post.  Follow up all your repair work with a good cleaning then go ahead and add a fresh coat of paint or stain and your fence will be as good as new!

Weekend #3:  Avoid a big mess in your yard by being smart about your septic system
Many homes in America are on a septic system.  A septic system is like your own sewage processing facility right on your property.  All waste waters enter the septic tank and are then separated by density allowing the liquids to flow into the drain field and the solids to remain in the tank.  The tank should be pumped every few years depending on the size of tank and the amount of people who use the system.  The liquids entering the drain fields are then filtered through gravel and soil cleaning it as it makes its way to the ground water. 

Draw up a map detailing the location of the tank and the drain fields so everyone knows exactly where things are when you decide add that pool or deck. Never pour grease or oils down the drain.  If you have a garbage disposer keep in mind that pumping might need to occur a bit more frequently.  Keep surface waters away from the tank and drain filed.  Lastly don’t place heavy yard equipment on the system area itself.  Be smart about your septic system to keep the delicate balance working efficiently and cleanly.

Weekend #4:  Are homes joints expanding with all this humidity?
Summer is great for so many reasons from the beach to the barbeques, but one thing that is most bothersome about the summer is humidity.  Not only can it make you feel very uncomfortable it can also wreak havoc on your homes windows and doors.  The excess moisture causes the wood to swell and expand and can make the operation of the entries a bit sticky. 

Check and make sure the all doors are operating smoothly.  Tighten any screws on the hinges and hardware that may have come loose.  Lubricate the hinges with WD-40; even place some on the key to help the lock work better.  Double check weather stripping and replace any damaged pieces to keep that valuable cool air indoors. 
For the windows around the house clean any dirt and debris you see on the sill, tracks, and hinges.  Since you likely have the windows open this time of year double check that screens are secure and add child safety bars if you have young children. Remember, screens are meant to keep bugs out, not kids in.  Check and tighten any loose screws on the hardware.  Remember that windows treatments can go along way on helping keep a house cool, keep the drapes closed on the south and west facing sides of the house to stop the sun from even getting inside.

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