YOUR OLD HOUSE
Your Place To Learn About Home Repair
This Is Our Very First Issue!
May 1999 IssueThis page is updated monthly, so click CTRL D now to bookmark this page.
This is brand new site that is owned by ELM Productions. It is dedicated to providing you with helpful imformation on how to make basic home repairs without hiring someone to do it for you. Also, We will also be giving tips on how to make your home worth more at re-sale! This site is 100% free, and there is no membership required, so you are free to come back as often as you wish. We will be adding new sections in the next few months and even a section called "Ask The Toolman". In this "Ask The Toolman" section, your question will be posted on the next months issue along with my solution to your problem for everyone to view. This way you can read to find out if someone else has asked my the same question. All of these sections are hear to better serve you!
Discussions
What Kind Of Windows Should I Buy?
This question is an easy one. If you are replacing windows in an older home, like mine, you should always install double pane glass windows. Also, if you are looking to increase the re-sale value of your home, it is a good idea to install double pane windows that are also double hung. With double hung windows, the top and the bottom window lean into the house for easy cleaning, not just the bottom. Plus, it is a very good idea to purchase windows that are filled with Argon Gas between the panes. This harmless gas helps keep the inside pane warm when it is cold outside and just the oposite in the summer.. Like I said before, Argon gas is harmless to humans and animals if it is released into the air if the window does get broken. Also, there are two different types of windows. There are new construction and replacement windows. You can not install replacement windows into a home that is being built, sorry. Replacement windows usually cost half the price of a new construction window, so if you are replacing windows, it is best to go with replacements. But, new construction windows are said to be more effeicent. I beg to differ. I installed 8 replacement windows in the upstairs of my 1897 home last fall, and my heating bill was cut in half! The trick to that kind of savings with replacement windows is to not get cheap on insulating around the window when you install them. Also, put a light layer of silicon kaulk around the outside of the window where it meets wood. It is best to use silicon kaulk because it has a white finish and is paintable.
Hard Wood Floors Or Carpet?
Hard wood floors are nice, if they are finished properly. In fact, if a house has hard wood floors in it, they will actually up the resale value of the home dramicly. But, they do have their down points, too. In the winter, your floors will be cold unless you install insulation under the floor. Some times, that doesn''t even help much. That is where carpet is nice. Carpet with good padding under it will greatly improve how warm your house feels. Because, carpet acts as insulation. Carpet will even work great as a sound deadning material. Hard wood floors have a habit of making sound eco, which is something that I hate. Also, hard wood floors tend to get very slippery when they get wet, but they are very easy to clean, unlike carpet. When Carpet gets a stain in it. It is very hard to remove, and some times, it must be replaced, which can get very exspencive.
What's Coming In Next Months Issue
Discussions
How Many Electrical Circuts Should I Have In My Kitchen?
Drywall V/S Plaster
How Much Insulation Should I Have In My Attic?
New How-To Section
Wiring, Made Easy
Service Your Furnace, Yourself!
New Kitchen Section
Tips To Build Your Dream Kitchen, Yourself!
This site has NO conection with American Broadcasting Corp. or Home Improvent in any way shape or form!
This site is owned by ELM Productions 1999
Visitors Since 5/22/99