Soffit Vent Cleaning

The past few weeks in Orland Park and Tinley Park I've noticed some very dirty venting (if not completely blocked) - best if cleaned... Cleaning Soffit Venting

Recurring Wall Cracks

I had three clients last week from Mokena, New Lenox and Frankfort ask me about wall and ceiling cracks. Why do they occur, is it a structural problem, is it the paint, why do they keep coming back.... These are typical questions home owners ask repeatedly.  My neighbor and a very resourceful handyman use "Goodbye Cracks" (from the makers of "Goof Off") and both of them swear by it. This product was also acknowledged by The Family Handyman Magazine (February 2012 p. 54). I'm told that this product has to used and applied according to directions otherwise, it will not work and you will be disappointed with the results. It's not expensive and worth a try.

Sump Backups

Storms during the Spring knock out electrical power and we are quickly faced with the possibility of overflowing sump pits in basements and crawlspaces. I have seen it hundreds of times and most recently in Frankfort and Orland Park. It's amazing how many home owners have not installed a backup system given the risk of damage to any home system, component and personal property. Generators are the best but few home owners can afford them. Next, is the water pressure backup system. It's more expensive than battery systems but there is no electricity involved. You never have to worry about a battery draining to the point where it becomes useless. Domestic water is used to drain the pit and the principle is based on the Venturi effect. The diagram below (provided by Gardian) illustrates how it works. 

Finally, is the battery backup. It's not might as reliable as a generator or the water pressure backup but it is better than no backup at all. I have linked an old article and diagram about a simple battery installation from The Family Handyman (June 2003 p.14)... Battery Backup for Sump Pump

Keep Cool

It's time to clean the air conditioning system. If you don't, your system will be inefficient and components will work harder. Keep Cool (The Family Handyman, April 20015 p.105) shows you how and the process is not complicated nor will it take too long.

Keep Cool - Maintenance for your AC system

Soffit and Roof Vent Air Flow

I have seen a number of attics lately with blocked air flow - especially in the area of Frankfort, Orland Park and Joliet area. Can't explain why... Anyway, I thought the following diagram (The Family Handyman, November 2003 p.13) might be useful...

Soffit and Roof Vent Air Flow

Dimmable LED's

Something all can use... Dimmable LED's.

Window Sash Repairs

I've had a few clients call and ask about completing general window repairs. I found this article from the October 2010 (p.14) issue of the The Family Handyman magazine (invaluable and highly recommended...). Window sashes don't always work as intended and ultimately the need repairs. Replacing the hardware is often all that is needed. Hope this is helpful..

Fix a Broken Window Jamb Liner