Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

May 12, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES Spring Home Improvement (ARA) Are you ready to host all of those summer barbecues and graduation parties that are just around the corner? And the bigger question -- is your house ready? Spring ushers in a slew of home repairs that are needed to get ready for summer activities. Whether it’s a broken bird bath, a loose stone on a walkway, or a broken patio chair, there are some things you need to take care of before the warm weather arrives. The best way to prepare for these upcoming household fixes is to assemble a first-aid kit for your house. Keeping some quick repair tools together makes you that much more efficient. Below is a list of items that are invaluable for household repairs: A polyurethane glue, such as Gorilla Glue, is 100 percent waterproof and perfect for fixing anything from a broken chair leg to a broken flower pot. You could even use a strong glue like this to fix a loose stone on a walkway. If you have never used a polyurethane glue before, be careful, because they expand as they cure, so you will only need a very small amount for an indestructible bond. Duct tape has a strong backing and adhesive quality. Some duct tapes will even stick to surfaces like brick and stucco. Ask at your local hardware store. Why is it that you can never find a hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, tape measure, and pencil when you need one? Keep duplicates of these tools in your first-aid kit, and you won’t have to run around your house or shop looking for them. Sandpaper and a two-part, epoxy-based wood filler are best for outdoor wood repair needs. All exterior door and window trim work should be checked every spring because gaps and cracks not only reduce your home’s efficiency, but can also provide an entry location for unwanted insects and rodents. Most of these repairs can easily be taken care of this time of year before the summer rains damage the integrity of the wood. Ready for summer? Here’s a ﬁrst aid kit for spring ﬁxes A cordless drill and variety of high quality screws will allow you to easily address screws that have loosened over the winter. Tighten up exposed screws on the deck, wood railings, etc. before they become a safety hazard. Touch-up paint and foam applicators also belong in the first-aid kit. Avoid having to search the garage for a can of paint by putting a small amount of paint in a disposable airtight container and add it to your kit. As you make your outdoor repairs, you will have the paint on hand for a quick fix. Foam applicators, which you can get very inexpensively from any craft and hobby store, are great for quick touch-ups, and are easy and disposable. With your first-aid kit assembled, you are ready to tackle all of your outdoor spring fixes. Decorating & II & IV • Page 27 �� ED GOSTISSA WYCKOFF, NJ 201-891-1033 NJ Lic #13VH02050500 FREE ESTIMATE “A Carpentry and Remodeling Company” DECKS • BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • DOORS WINDOWS • ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS EBG CONSTRUCTION LLC The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing…. And your paint is peeling. Don’t let peeling paint ruin the season. Call GSG Painting today and receive your next paint project! YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PAINTING AND WALL COVERING PROS �� 10% off “Architectural Millwork & Design” 201-389-6404 • Interior and Exterior • Plaster Repair Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Installation • Wood Staining and and Removal Refinishing • Sheetrock Installation • Restoration and Repair www.GSGPainting.com �� Stay on top of commercial building maintenance 3-24-10 pat/janine EBGConst2x2(3-24-10) 2 x 2” �� ready • set • GROW! Caring for outstanding gardens for over 22 years ONE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS Building Exterior Consultants, L.L.C. “Rooﬁng and Waterprooﬁng Solutions”  Roof Surveys  Waterprooﬁng Surveys  Roof Evaluations  Moisture Surveys  Speciﬁcation Development  Project Management  Construction Management  Due Diligence Jose A. Godoy Senior Consultant Phone: 954-584-3308 Fax: 954-584-3309 Cell: 954-275-3631 E-Mail: jgodoy@buildingexteriorconsultants.com SPRING IS HERE! ... START THE SEASON’S “TO-DO LIST” AND SAVE SOME GREEN! 2 Free fertilizer applications. Discount applies towards New Full Service Contracts only. New customers only. SAVE 20% Off Spring Cleanup TRUST YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TO OUR FULL SERVICE MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND DESIGN COMPANY WITH ORGANIC LAWN AND TREE CARE, IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING. COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL INSURED BONDED MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEISURE TIME CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION Web Site: www.buildingexteriorconsultants.com 201-447-LAWN (5296) www.landscapeworks.net Member N.J.L.C.A & N.J. Turf Grass Assoc. Home Improvement Contractor #13V01991900