DIY Guides

Replacing a door jamb

Mike — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:02:20 +0000

Replace a door jamb

Replacing a door jamb is not as difficult as it seems, as you don’t have to change the door too if

It’s not cracked and the door hardware is still functional. Although you can replace a door jamb without a high cost, you might have to spend more time on the process. Here are the steps on how to do it.

You will need:

New door jamb
Wood screws
Drill
Wood putty
3 inch screws
Level
Wood shims
Framing square
Paint

Steps:

First, remove the existing door trim or casing of your door. Work it gently using a flat faced pry bar into the back seam of the casing where it meets the sheetrock. Work one spot until it is loose and you will be able to pull the casing off in one piece using your hands.
Then, use a pry bar to pull the jamb loose in the same process that worked with the casing. Pry the jamb until the paint flakes off and reveal the screw locations. Back out the screws by using your drill. It is important to keep the side of the jamb which has the hinge locations.
Next, go to the pros that offer door and jamb fabrication. Most will make you a custom jamb at affordable prices within 24 hours. To get a perfectly fabricated door jamb, make dimensions on a 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper in clear writing. Measure the width from stud to stud and the length from the bottom face of the header to the floor to measure the rough opening of your door opening. Hold the tape against the jamb with the hinge locations. Pull the tape from the top of the jamb to the bottom. Make note of the center line measurement of the hinge location, middle of the hinge and the door’s center line. Transfer the measurements and then show the swing of the door on your drawing. Bring the drawing to the lumber yard and the door guys to build the jamb.
When you have the new jamb, pop the dowels at the top of the side jambs into the holes routed in the header. Slide the jamb into the rough opening. Hold the jamb and attach the hinge side first with screws but avoid fastening them all the way in. Place the shims every 12″ or so. Level and check the jamb plumbness. Adjust the hinges and screw in. Attach the other jamb pieces using the same step.
Then, have someone to help you get the door in position so make sure the hinges matches the hinge notches on the jamb. Place extra shims under the door to set it right. Do not screw the hinge into place until it sets as the jamb cannot handle a bunch of re-do with the screws. If the door does not close perfectly once all are assembled, you can go back and fiddle with the jamb screws and shims until it operates normally again. Secure by nailing it back on the trim, and repaint it if necessary.

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4823407_replace-door-jamb.html

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sburt/4450967130/

Replacing a door jamb is a post from: DIY Guides

Shortening a door

Mike — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:47:25 +0000

Shorten a door

The easiest way to make changes to the flooring material in a room of your house is by shorten your door. The reason for that is because if the level of the floor comes up by adding a heavy type of carpet and flooring, the bottom of the door is going to have risen as well. Shortening the doors is a simple task to do but you need to follow the directions carefully to achieve the best result and to avoid damaging your door. Here are the easiest ways to do it;

You will need:

Paint or varnish
Utility knife
Heavy duty wood glue
Clamps

Steps:

For solid veneered door, cut the bottom of the door according to the height needed. You will see some kind of particleboard or composite wood. Paint or varnish the newly exposed wood. You can prevent the bottom of your door from swelling by sealing all the freshly cut wood. The ideal coats are two times better to keep the moisture from being absorbed into the door.
For the hollow door type, you need extra care when attempting to shorten them. Most of this type of doors made out from a product called medium density fiberboard (MDF) which are about 1 1/8 inch thick.
If you cut the bottom more than 1 1/8 inch then you have cut off the bottom frame of the door completely. This will eventually expose the bottom of the door which allows the moisture to circulate inside the door panels and causing warp problem.
To prevent the warp problem, you must first salvage the bottom piece of the door frame. Do not throw away the scrap once you have made the cut. Separate the rail from the door panel that is glued in with a utility knife.
Coat both sides with a heavy-duty wood glue and slide it back into the opening that was created by the time you cut the bottom of the door off. Add light pressure to this place with clamps until the glue dries. When the glue completely dries off, you can hang the door back in the frame.

Additional Reading:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/shortenadoor

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sukanto_debnath/2130934981/

Shortening a door is a post from: DIY Guides

Cleaning a Parquet Floor

Mike — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:20:29 +0000

Clean a Parquet Floor

In every household nowadays, parquet is among the most popular materials being used as flooring and it also comes with a variety of colors and styles. Besides that, parquet is also a durable material and can last longer.

What you need:

Vacuum
Mop
Clean cloth
Non toxic cleaner
Floor polish/acrylic wax
Broom or Swiffer sweeper

Method:

Always perform regular sweeping or vacuum your parquet floor to avoid the built-up of dust. After you have removed the dirt, use a clean damp mop to mop the floor. Remember not to use aggressive detergents which include chlorine based liquids or even vinegar solution for cleaning parquet floor.
If there are any liquid spills, immediately mop it away as it can seep through the floor. Just apply a non toxic cleaner or no-rinse cleaning product when cleaning the floor which is suitable and safe for parquet floors.
Use a spirit based solution to remove dark spots that you find on the parquet floor and do it with caution because it is highly flammable. You can also use white vinegar to the affected area and leave it at least for three to four minutes before continuing cleaning it using a soft dry cloth.
Occasionally use a floor polish that is designed specifically for parquets in order to make it shine again just like a new floor. Then, apply a water-based acrylic wax onto the floor and let it dry thoroughly.
In order to reduce dust seeping through your parquet, place colorfast rugs or mats at all of your door entrances so that the mat will help collect all the dust and debris. You must also vacuum and shake the mat frequently to maintain the cleanliness of your floors.

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2074556_clean-parquet-floor.html

http://www.woodyoulike.co.uk/Guides/guide-clean-parquet.html

http://www.articlealley.com/article_68240_27.html

http://home-flooring.suite101.com/article.cfm/parquet_floor_maintenance

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/floors-and-carpet/floors/how-to-clean-wood-parquet-flooring/

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rgarciasuarez74/4679446811/

Cleaning a Parquet Floor is a post from: DIY Guides

Replacing Air Vent Covers

Mike — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:18:55 +0000

Replace Air Vent Covers

When building or remodeling a house, we put our efforts and attention on everything, everything except one small detail: Air Vent Covers. Many of us tend to overlook the vent covering aspect when we build our homes. It is a very important part of the house, as it is some sort of decoration for the house. It adds beauty to air vent. A lot of people have chosen normal air vent in their homes while others have gone for the more decorative look. It helps to add a certain class to your home.

The air vent helps to register heat in more ways than one. It also controls your home’s air circulation thus protecting your family from any harm when it comes to open air ducts. It is very important to have your aid duct vent in your house installed with vent covers. Although the basic vent covers are not interesting to look at, you can replace them with decorative cover vents. You will only need to have a couple of tools and some time for each one of your air duct vents. You could also clean the air duct at the same time as well. Here are the steps on how to change the cover of your home’s air vent.

You will need:

Vent cover
Vacuum cleaner
Screwdriver
Plastic anchors
Tape measure

Steps:

First, you have to determine the size of the vent cover that you need. Use a screwdriver to remove the existing vent cover by unscrewing the two attaching screws.
Then, use a measure tape to measure the inside opening of the ventilation duct. It is normal that sometimes the vent ducts are not cut to a universal size or properly. So, it is better for you to measure the existing cover as well. Make sure that you have measured the cover part that inserts into the ventilation duct.
Check the ventilation duct thoroughly for debris and duct. To clean the duct, use a vacuum cleaner by running the hose of the vacuum into the duct work as far as you could to remove any dust.
After the cleaning, look for the holes that the attaching screws were in. it might be necessary for you to insert the plastic anchors into them so the new vent is installed securely. If possible, never use larger attaching screws. But if you have to use larger screws, drill the new cover holes according to the size of the screw so the new vent is installed safely.
Then, install the new vent cover that you prefer into the ventilation duct. You have to make sure that it fits all the way around the perimeter and it is meeting the floor. Finally, use two mounting screws to attach it. Make sure the mounting screws are closely fitted but not over tightened.
It is very important to make sure your air vents are properly covered. This helps not only to keep the vents close, but also to keep unwanted intruders from getting in your home. More importantly, it helps protect your home in many ways.

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5458863_change-home-air-vent-cover.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xt0ph3r/764749493/

Replacing Air Vent Covers is a post from: DIY Guides

Transforming Your Door into a Dutch door

Mike — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:17:38 +0000

Transform Your Door into a Dutch door

The function of using a Dutch door is to provide extra ventilation plus adding old-world ecstatic to your house. To transform your single or double panel door into a Dutch door is not a complicated task. If you live in a cool climate, you will need to seal the gap between the two halves of the modified door. Here are the steps on how to turn your door into a Dutch door.

You will need:

Level
Tape measure
Two sawhorses
Hammer
Sandpaper
Circular saw
3/8 inch rabbeting bit
3/8 x3/8 length of lumber
Finish nails
Copper nails
Screwdriver
Two door hinges
Chisel
Wood filler
Straight edge
Router
Safety glasses
Wood glue
Weather stripping
Barrel latch

Steps:

First, close the door and start working from inside. Draw a line across the middle of the door with a level where you plan to cut it. Make sure to create the perfect horizontal line and at least 3 inches above the existing doorknob.
Then, use a screwdriver to remove the central hinge if the door has three hinges. Make four marks for the four new hinges position which are two for the bottom and two for the top half.
You can use the existing hinges if they are placed near the top and bottom of the door. Make marks to the new hinges in the middle. Make marks for four new hinges above and below the old ones if the old hinges are located in the centre.
Next, place the hinges on the marks and draw their outlines on the edge of the door and the door jamb. Remove the door from the jamb and lay it on sawhorses and chisel out mortises for the hinges. Remove the pins from the four hinges and screw one half of each hinge to the door and one half to the door jamb. Fit the hinges together and dropping the pins back in place to hang the door. Make sure that the door is able to swings freely.
To cut the door, remove the hinge pins and door hardware to take the door down. Place the door on the sawhorses so that the line you have made is facing you.
Make another ¼ inch line with a straight edge then cut along both lines with a circular saw. This will separate the door and create a small gap between them.
Make a 3/8 inch rabbet using a router or groove which is ¼ inch deep in the top edge of the bottom door. Cut a piece of lumber about ¼ inches shorter than the door width to function as the door stop.
Spread some glue to attach the door stop to the bottom edge of the top half. Placing it so each end is 1/8 inch from the edge of the door and use finish nails to nail it. Round the edges of the door stop using sandpaper when the glue dries.
Nail the weatherstripping to the bottom edge of the top door and behind the door stop with copper nails. Then, hang the two halves of the door and replace the doorknob.
To lock the two sections together when the door is locked, attach a barrel latch to the inside of the door.

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_6621907_turn-regular-doors-dutch-doors.html

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spine/466844876/

Transforming Your Door into a Dutch door is a post from: DIY Guides

Replacing a leaking duct

Mike — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:28:12 +0000

Replace a leaking duct

Leaking air ducts in your house can cost you a lot more when it comes to your monthly utility expenses. The reason to the up rises of the bills is because the leaking air ducts are unable to function efficiently to heat or to cool your home. In the long term, this situation could risk the health of all households as there will be dust building up through the duct and mold infestation when it’s too damp. Carbon monoxide could be released from the air duct leakage as well and this can harm your health too. You can stop the leakage of your house air ducts by following these steps.

You will need:

Metal cutters
Sealing tape
New duct work
Duct compound
Metal straps

Steps:

First, check all of the ducts in your basement, attic and garage if available and see if these areas have ducts that may have kinks in them. These kinks are the reason why ducts are leaking. You could also check the heating and cooling joints meet, and then split. Make sure that there are no cracks at the tape. If you haven’t cleaned your air duct for a long time, there will be dust or lint collected around these areas.
One way to check whether the ducts are insulated is by watching if there is any build up of dirt around the seals. Then, turn the air flow off to your home as well as the air conditioner and the heater. You will find ducts that will start to droop. Installing metal straps to the duct will make them stronger. The metal strapping will bend easily around the duct and can be attached to the wood joists in the wall or ceiling. You can find these metal straps at your local home improvements.
Next, to remove the old duct, use a metal cutter and cut through the leakage duct and pull it off. Place a new piece of duct in the open spot. Use a sealing tape and duct sealing compound to seal the two pieces of ducts together. Use a compound of thick paste to secure the tape when you have wrapped the sealing tape around the ducts. You could also apply this compound to the corners of the duct work to prevent any future leaking problems.
To check whether your work is done, turn the air back onto your home. Use some water to apply to the areas that you have just repaired. You have fixed the leakage problem if there are no sign of bubbles.

Additional Reading:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-replace-a-leaking-air-duct

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irisheyes/142537908/

Replacing a leaking duct is a post from: DIY Guides

The Benefits of Air Duct Insulation

Mike — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:51:37 +0000

Benefits of Air Duct Insulation

Insulating air ducts are usually found in attics, crawl spaces, garages, or any other place that can help improve on the efficiency of your home’s energy. Basically, it is found in spaces that are not occupied much or busy. These air ducts work as machines: they help to supply conditioned air from heating of these spaces to several places in your home notably the living room. These ducts are manufactured from thin metal materials that can help to conduct heat without any difficulties. There are many benefits to having the air duct insulation in your home. The main benefit that most people see from having the air duct insulation is it helps lower your home’s energy bills. In today’s world, where the price of living is getting higher by the minute, people look for cuts everywhere they can.

Most homes that come with air duct will benefit a lot from the insulation system. Generally, air duct insulation is a process of covering air ducts with strong fiber glass insulation. These are among many benefits of air duct insulation in your home.

Energy savings

Basement, garage, attic or whichever parts in most homes which are unconditioned, the temperature tend to be much higher or lower compared to the conditioned living space. The function for air ducts is to transfer cool or warm air from the central conditioning unit to all the rooms in the house. Air ducts will eventually lose their coolness and heat from the air they are carrying when passing through unconditioned spaces. Due to the loss from conduction, the air that you will feel will not be cool or warm enough for you. The air duct insulation will help to prevent a whole lot of energy wastage in your home.

Stops the formation of fungus and mold

The common problem with air ducts is the condensation. Fungi, mild, mildew and other microbes have a higher growth level when there is moisture and water leakage. As a result, the residents of your household including you are in the risks of getting health problems from the fungi formation. The air duct insulation will help to minimize condensation around air ducts to reduce the chances of the mildew, mold or fungus to thrive in the periphery of the duct.

Environment friendly

You have the power to maintain the desired level of comfort at your own house without having to spend a lot of money on energy. Air duct insulation will help you decrease carbon footprint which is beneficial to the environment. It is worth to know that the costs of generating the energy are much higher than the actual price of the energy itself.

Help to reduce indoors transmitted noise

Sound waves can be carried all around the house via air ducts. This can be noticed when the weather changes, familiar popping sounds will be coming from the ducts. Other sounds that will occur are furnace turning on in phases and from across rooms. These problems can be minimized and kept to the minimum by air duct insulation.

Additional reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/6-benefits-of-air-duct-insulation

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/afresh1/4294319330/

The Benefits of Air Duct Insulation is a post from: DIY Guides

Fixing a Ceiling Extractor Fan

Mike — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:44:42 +0000

Fix a Ceiling Extractor Fan

Ceiling extractor fans are very common nowadays. It used to be only public places to have ceiling extractor fans special public bathrooms, but now homes too tend to feature those types of fans. There are several ways to install this particular type of fan but most people would prefer a professional to avoid any incident from happening. The main function of a ceiling extractor fan is for the ventilation inside a kitchen or the bathroom of your home. You don’t have to worry about replacing your fan if it gets noisy or fails to function normally. You can solve the problems by fixing it yourself with a few tools with these simple steps to make your ceiling extractor fan back to its best working condition.

You will need:

Ladder
Cleaning detergent
Vacuum cleaner
Screw driver
Face mask
Contact cleaner
Rag
Clean dry cloth
Bucket
Rubber gloves
Tooth brush

Steps:

First, clean the extractor fan as it may be clogged with dirt and dust after a long time of working to filter the air from your home. Before cleaning the fan, turn off the electricity first to avoid any incidents. Use your ladder to climb up to the ceiling. Protect yourself from the accumulated dirt and dust in the fan by wearing a mask and rubber gloves.
To make the cleaning agent, pour the cleaning detergent into a half filled warm water in a bucket. Remove all of the loose dust and dirt from the fan using the vacuum cleaner. Clean the entire fan with a clean rag and cleaning detergent. For the corners of the fan, use a toothbrush that has been dipped into the warm cleaning solution. Take a dry clean cloth to wipe it dry when the fan is completely clean. Make sure not to create any water contact with the electric parts of the fan. You can turn on the fan to check whether it functions properly.
Faulty wiring can cause your fan to fail to work properly. To solve this problem, make sure to turn off the electric fuse by removing the cover of the switch. Check the wiring in the small box under the cover to know whether it is loose or not. Tighten any loose screws and then place the cover back. Test again to see if it works.
If the ceiling fan still can’t work then check the condition of the switch. Check if there is corrosion or the contacts are broken. If any of these happened then it’s best to change the switch. If the switch is in a good condition, clean it with a contact cleaner instead by spraying the cleaner directly into the switch.
If the fan still fails to work, the motor could be the problem. Replace a new motor to make your fan work as well as new, but make sure to replace it after the power is off.

To see if your ceiling extractor fan is working properly, switch it on and leave it on for about an hour, just to see whether it’s really working.

Additional Reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-fix-a-ceiling-extractor-fan
Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xoranus/4609729762/

Fixing a Ceiling Extractor Fan is a post from: DIY Guides

Creating a Pet Door in Hollow Core Doors

Mike — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:34:18 +0000

Create a Pet Door in Hollow Core Doors

Nowadays, most houses with pets need to have a pet door. This is to enable the pets to go out on their own outside and do their business. This is an advantage for you as you will not have to wake up earlier than usual or go for frequent walks just because of the pets’ needs. If you have pets that need to go out into the yard when you are not around then a pet door is the best solution. But, at the same time, if the type of door that you have is a hollow core door then s creating a pet door is not that difficult with that type of door. It is actually an achievable task to create a pet door in hollow core doors when you have the supplies needed all ready. But, if you don’t then head over to your hardware store or pet store to find the tools and appliances needed for this project. Here are the steps on how to create a pet door in your hollow core door.

You will need:

Pet door kit
Cutting guide attachment
Pencil
Metal punch
hammer

Steps:

First, make sure that you purchase the right size of your pet door kit to avoid any unforeseen problems when installing it. Before buying the pet door kit, the most important thing to do is to take the measurement of your hollow core door before heading to the hardware store or pet store to choose the kit. When you have the perfect pet door kit for your hollow core door, it is best to read the instructions on the kit to prevent any problems during the installation. In this way as well, you know exactly what to do each step.
Then, search for the bottom center of the hollow core door that you choose to install the pet door into. Place the pet door template on to it and trace accordingly using a pencil. Make sure not to draw in or out, it should be done exactly.
Next, makes punches through the four corners of the traced area. Cut along the traced line carefully and make sure that you are cutting the whole door through.
Make sure that the hollow core doors edges are cleaned and smoothen to eliminate any rough edges that may exists. To smooth the rough edges, you can use either a piece of sand paper or a grinding stone. This step will help when it comes to the installation of the pet doorframe into your hollow core door, it will help it fit perfectly.
Once the edges are sanded and smooth, install your pet frame door and the rest of the kit.

Creating a nice pet door in your main door will be a nice addition for your pets. This enables them to get in and out without your help. Also, don’t forget to take the needed security measures for the pet doors to avoid any incidents.

Additional Reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/create-pet-door-hollow-core-doors

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/154911763/

Creating a Pet Door in Hollow Core Doors is a post from: DIY Guides

Installing a Double Entry door

Mike — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:39:21 +0000

Install a Double Entry door

Not everyone would think a door as an important feature of one’s home yet we need doors for security reasons. In other words, doors are what cover or act as veils to keep inside private. Over the years, doors have evolved from just being a cover entry to a fashionable house entrance. So now we have doors that are as appealing as the house itself. What’s more, houses have gone from single doors to double doors. Whether we agree or not, double entry doors are more fashionable than single doors. It’s like without a partner or its other half, the door isn’t as appealing as it should be.

The first impression anyone gets from a house is by looking at the entry doors. An entry door is like the face of your home. You can make a very interesting entrance into your house by installing a double entry door. You can choose from simple to intricate designs of double door, whichever you desire the most. You can install the double door yourself if you are not wiling to spend more on hiring the professionals. All you need are the tools and equipments needed and some guidance. It is advisable to make this project with a partner or more as the solid core double door is not that light, but considered heavy. Basically, installing a double entry door is easy, but it can be hard if the steps are not followed correctly. Here are the steps on how to install a double entry door.

You will need:

Double entry door
Level
Hammer
Nail set
Screw gun
Door shims
8d finish nails
6 of 3 inch deck screws

Steps:

First, tap the bottom of the hinge-pin using a hammer and nail set to remove the doors from the frame at the hinges. Set the doors aside.
For the entryway opening in the house, set the jamb into it. Separate the parts and slip in one in the entryway opening in the house if the product is a split jamb. Center the jamb in the opening and place the door shims between the jamb and the studs in the wall. Place the nail through the pre-drilled holes in the jamb, the shim and into the stud. Secure the jamb in one spot first to hold it in place.
Next, use a level to plumb the jamb and insert another door shim on the same side of the jamb to secure it. Again, insert the nail through the pre-drilled holes in the jamb, the shim and into the stud.
Make sure that the jamb is level and square with the plumbed side by putting the level on top of it. Proceed with the same steps by inserting another door shim and drive the nails through the pre-drilled holes in the jamb, the shims and into the stud to secure it.
Then, replace one of the screws in each one of the hinges using the 3 inch deck screws. Finally, replace the door on hinges and install door hardware.

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4460525_install-double-entry-door.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orinrobertjohn/3059013927/

Installing a Double Entry door is a post from: DIY Guides