|
|
Spring Housecleaning
Most people schedule an annual “spring cleaning” inside their house. However, it’s also important to clean the exterior of your house each year, to remove dirt, grit, and other abrasives that can damage siding or masonry.
Before you start the cleaning process, cover the lawn and plantings around your house with plastic sheeting. Seal up all vents, electrical outlets, and exterior light fixtures. Move lawn furniture away from the house, and make sure all windows and doors are closed.
Next, clean by hand any areas stained by rust, mildew, or heavy grime. In many cases, detergent and a scrub brush will be sufficient. Remove rust stains with a solution of oxalic acid. (Follow up with a rust-inhibiting primer, or the stain will reappear.) A bleach solution will kill mildew spores. Organic stains can be removed with a solution of ammonium sulfamate powder. White, powdery deposits of crystallized salts (“efflorescence”), commonly found on masonry surfaces, can be removed with a solution of muriatic acid applied with a wire brush. Rinse off all these products with clear water, and remember to wear protective clothing and goggles.
After you have tackled the “trouble spots,” it’s time to begin the general cleaning of the house surface. For light cleaning, an automobile brush that threads onto the end of an ordinary garden hose will work well. (You can attach an extension wand to reach higher areas.) Many brush units have a reservoir for detergent, if you need it to remove the dirt.
For houses that are more heavily soiled, use a gas-powered pressure washer. Make sure you rent one that can be adjusted to spray water at 1000 to 1500 psi. (Water delivered at a higher pressure can remove paint chips from your house. If your house was built before 1978, this process can contaminate the soil with lead-based paint. So, a pressure washer should not be used to remove peeling paint from older homes – just to wash off dirt and grime.) If you plan to use detergent and/or an extension wand, check that the unit has those capabilities.
|
|
Special offers from HRRC
Different community targeted each month: During its designated month, residents of a selected city will pay only $5 for each repair workshop, instead of the regular $15 fee. Targeted for this quarter:
- April - Richmond Heights
- May - East Cleveland
- June - Beachwood
Plan to "Ask an Architect": Homeowners will soon have the opportunity to schedule a free 25-minute consultation with an architect to prepare for a remodeling project. Several area architects have volunteered their time and expertise to suggest design ideas or solutions to problem areas. Limited spots available; watch our emails or website for information on how to reserve a time. |
|
HRRC News:
HouseMender University presentations: In addition to our hands-on repair classes, HRRC arranges for contractors, material suppliers, and other professionals to share their knowledge with homeowners. (Open to residents of all communities, but reservations are requested; call (216) 381-6100, ext. 16.)
March 25th: "Contracting Interior Painting: Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" with Sheila Tiddle, Decorative Product Specialist, Sherwin-Williams.
April 22nd: "Choosing Replacement Windows" with Britt Raburn, Lyndhurst Lumber.
For more information, see HRRC's website.
Office Closings:
Memorial Day - May 26th
Independence. Day: July 4th |
|
Workshop Schedule
Choose your topics and reserve a spot in each class by calling (216) 381-6100, ext. 16. Project Repair workshops are open to residents of all communities. Modest fee charged (scholarships available to low-income Cleveland Heights residents)..
APRIL:
Drywall Installation & Repair
Monday, Apr. 7th, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Patricial Ankhenaton, Cleveland Youth Empowerment
Door Locks & Deadbolts
Monday, Apr. 21st, 7 - 9 pm
Ken Rubin, National Sentry Security Systems
Flat Roof Replacement
Tuesday, Apr. 29th, 7 - 9 pm
Chris Kamis, Absolute Roofing
MAY:
Gutters & Downspouts
Tuesday, May 6th, 7 - 9 pm
Chris Kamis, Absolute Roofing
Installing Replacement Widows
Monday, May 12th, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Britt Raburn, Lyndhurst Lumber
Tuckpointing
Tuesday, May 20th, 7 - 9 pm
Briane Vagner, Vagner Masonry
JUNE:
Concrete Replacement
Monday, June 2nd, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Bill Knop, Rehab Specialist, City of Cleveland Heights
Porch Flooring
Monday, June 9th, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: John Sobotincic, woodworker/handyman
Repairing Wood Siding & Shingles
Monday, June 16th, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Steve Nolan, Cornerstone Construction LLC
Screen Repair
Monday,June 23rd, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Andy Gathy, Heights Hardware
Window Glazing & Glass Repair
Monday, June 30th, 7 - 9 pm
Instructor: Lenny Goldfarb, Cedar Center Hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
