If your sliding glass doors at home are already old and rusty, you will notice that the slides are very hard to open. This dilemma is very common especially on dual pane doors made from aluminum. The main reason is that, the doors are heavy and many instances, the rollers gets weak and rusty due to moisture.

So, to replace the rollers, you need to take out the sliding glass panel from the opening. In some cases, the fixed panel should be taken out first for the sliding glass panel to show up.

Here are the procedures on how to remove the fixed panel:

1. First, you need to take out the screen door. The screen door usually has two rollers underneath.

2. Second, lift or raise the sliding glass door frame with your hand and at the same time with a flat screwdriver to raise the roller off. Do the same on the other side, then remove the screen panel and put it aside.

3. Third, get the metal piece that is located on the base, runs from the bottom corner, across the bottom of the side jamb, and has the door lock. Once you have it removed, you can meddle it up from the track. You can now look inside where the fixed panel is beside the wall jam. In case that metal piece is missing, you can just look for the exact size on the hardware store near you.

4. Fourth, look for the screws clutching the frame to the wall. In most cases, they have one holding the bottom and top corners and one in the center. Take these screws of and put aside.

5. Fifth, now slowly pull the fixed panel out of the wall. In case, it gets stuck, try to pull it out again. Do this several times. Once the fixed panel is out already, grab the side rail and let another person get the other rail.

6. Finally, raise the fixed panel from the top track and put it beside the screen door.

7. After that, you can now lift the slider and screw the bottom to release the old rollers. You will need the help of another person in lifting the sliding glass doors. To do this, you should first the panel on the other side, turn over the panel, and then take out the screw on the bottom.

8. Once you get access to the old rollers, have a closer look at how they were inserted to the frame. It would be better if you just take out one roller that will serve as your match in buying new rollers.

9. You can simply get rollers on the hardware stores. You can simply bring the rollers to the shop, and order. Just make sure that you get the same size as with your old rollers. In case you were not able to get the new set of rollers, don’t panic. You can always leave the corners of your sliding glass doors screwed out. You can also leave the old roller that you removed. Be sure that all the screws are placed in a safe area.

10. When your new rollers for your sliding glass doors arrived, take everything out and set up the new ones. Adjust the rollers, before setting back the door. In that way, the new rollers will not obstruct while lifting the door back it in its place. Just modify the rollers, until you see an equal gap at the base and top of the sliding glass doors.

You can also think of hiring a pro, to do the job for you.

For tips on choosing

Having outdoor patio furniture is nice when you have a pretty day, and you just want to sit outside. Sometimes you may even want to enjoy breakfast outside on the patio, and having a nice set of furniture for this purpose makes breakfast outside on a spring morning all the better. However, while you are shopping for patio furniture to go outside of your home, there are some things you will want to consider.

If you are looking into getting wooden outdoor patio furniture, you will want to make sure that the wood that the furniture is made from, is treated. Many times the manufacturer will treat wood that is used for furniture outside, so that it is able to withstand the weather, and will not rot as fast as furniture made out of wood that is not treated. So, because of this, you can see why making sure the wooden furniture that you purchase is treated, can be important. While you may pay a little more money for wooden outdoor furniture, you will definitely get your money’s worth in the long run. This is because the treated wooden furniture will last longer.

While you will find some great wooden outdoor patio furniture, you will also find some great pieces that are made of plastic. Plastic patio furniture will hold up as far as weather is concerned, and a table top that is made of plastic will be easier to clean as well. However, there are just some people that do not find any appeal what so ever in plastic furniture. While there are some that do not like plastic patio furniture, there are also some people the prefer it. Many people prefer the color variety that you will find when you are shopping for plastic patio furniture, as well as the different styles that are available.

Maybe you are more into metal outdoor patio furniture. You will find that wrought iron patio furniture is great to have. If you like the wrought iron look, you will be in for a treat. However, you should make sure that the wrought iron furniture that you choose is treated so that it will not rust. You will be able to find many table and chair sets that are in wrought iron to go outside.

Outdoor patio furniture is practical, and necessary if you like to spend a good amount of time outside on your patio. If you have a covered patio, you will not need to worry much about the treated furniture. However, if your patio is uncovered and open, you will want to make sure that your patio furniture is protected in some way or another.

Clayton has been a freelance architecture writer since 2000 and enjoys writing articles to give new home owners tips and advice for their home projects. He has written a book on patios giving readers detailed instructions and information on choosing and installing the right patio. Visit the designing-patios.com patio ideas website to learn more.

Create Your Own Garage Storage Plan

There’s untapped potential in any garage to make room for more storage. Here are some rules from the pros.

1. CLEAR OUT

Weed out all the junk you don’t need. Keep only what you use; give away what you don’t, and throw away what’s broken and taking up precious space.

2. MAKE A PLAN

Treat your garage like any other room in the house. Take measurements and draw a floor plan to help you visualize what will fit and where it can be placed, just as you would for a kitchen or a dining room.

3. CATEGORIZE

Decide what items you’ll use often, like garbage bags and cleaning supplies. These things should be kept nearest the door. Next, map out space for seasonal equipment: lawn mowers, weed-trimmers, snow blowers, etc. Avoid planting big items, such as lawn mowers, in a corner where they’ll chew up space. Try to park them under a shelf unit. And be sure to clip ladders, shovels, rakes, and other garden tools into a wall rack off the floor.

Finally, get seasonal space hogs such as snow tires, kayaks, and bikes off the floor. These items should be relegated to walls or hung from the ceiling. A hoist pulley system (available at home centers or online) that operates like the cords on window blinds and has clips or straps to hold large items can be installed directly into ceiling joists.

4. CONTAINERIZE

Keeping things in containers not only lets you get them off the floor but keeps them clean. Transparent stackable bins conserve space and also allow you to see their contents. Always label opaque containers so you know what’s inside.

5. SAFETY-PROOF

Designate a safe space for hazardous materials like fertilizers, pesticides, and paint, so kids can’t get into them. Sharp gardening tools should also be hung up out of reach, and chain saws and other sharp tools stored in locked boxes.

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1. My home summer air conditioning bill is bigger per month than the winter heating bill per month. Traditional air conditioning is less efficient than heating and natural gas is less expensive than electricity.

2. Air conditioners have two motors that use electrical power. The compressor is the machine that makes the refrigerant cool the air. The other motor drives the fan that moves the air. Motors are energy hogs.

3. Every degree that you set your thermostat below 78 increases your air conditioning cost by 3 to 4%.

4. While your AC is working normally, you should feel the amount of airflow from your window unit or register for central units. You need to know what is normal to be able to trouble shoot problems.

5. Use a thermometer to check the room temperature and the temperature of the air that the AC is putting out. The air coming out of the AC should be about 20 degrees F cooler than the room temperature. Make a note what the difference is. This is good trouble shooting data for future use.

6. Air conditioning reduces the water vapor in the air turning it into liquid water. This makes us more comfortable by lowering the humidity in the home. The condensed water will flow down hill.

7. The water is supposed to drain outdoors from the back of a window unit, or to a basement floor drain for central air conditioning. There is a drip pan at the bottom of the window unit. There is a drip pan located under the cooling coil, inside the ductwork above your furnace for central air conditioning. The drip pan is there to catch the water and direct it the proper drain location. Seeing a lot of water going to the right place is very good news. It indicates that your AC is working as designed.

8. If water is draining to the wrong place, it can make an unpleasant mess. Window units should be tilted so the outdoor end is a little lower than the indoor end. If it is tilted, too much the wrong way water will drain into the house and make a mess.

9. Water from a central AC draining down inside of the furnace, will rust the furnace and destroy it before it wears out.

10. If the water is not draining, it will make ice and stop your AC from working. When the drip pan fills with water ice will start forming on the cold coil. The ice “grows upward” starting at the bottom of the cold coil. As the ice builds up it blocks the air flowing through the cold coil. You are likely to be unaware if the problem until the temperature in the house goes up. Given enough time a mixture of dust and dirt from the air, will plug the drain. Cleaning the drip pan and drain needs to be part of the pre-season maintenance.

11. How do you know when the coil inside the ductwork is iced up when you cannot see in there? If the fan is running but the airflow is reduced or stopped, it is iced up. See number 4 above.

12. If you do not take corrective action, the AC will continue to run wasting expensive electricity. The ice will continue to build up and the house will continue to get warmer. Action plan: Turn the AC off. Let the ice melt. Fix the drain problem. Turn the AC back on.

13. If the AC stops cooling but the air is flowing normally, the problem is not ice. If there is good airflow but the AC is putting out air that is not 20 degrees cooler than room temperature the problem may be due to low refrigerant level in the AC. See number 5 above. When the refrigerant leaks out the AC will continue to run wasting electricity. With low refrigerant, the AC will cool poorly and waste power.

14. What to do if your AC puts out a normal amount of air that is 20 degrees cooler than room temperature but the house does not cool down? The AC may be too small for the job. It needs your help. Action plan: Reduce the amount of outdoor hot air that is sneaking into the house. Shut off heat producing appliances and old style light bulbs. Close the storm windows and doors. Add more insulation to the attic. Spray water on the outdoor part of the central AC. Spray water on the house. Make shade for the house. Make shade for the AC. Buy another window unit. Pack up and move North.

You can save money on your energy bills at home at work by visiting the ENERGY BOOMER blog at energyboomer.com energyboomer.com

I am a Baby Boom Vintage Energy Engineer with a mission to help folks save money on their energy bills.

I am building on my work experience, or rather trying to put it to work for my readers.

Trying to save the planet from global climate change or delaying the economic collapse that using peak oil is expected to cause are good motives. But, saving some cash right now is better.

I just want to help folks save a buck, both at home and at work.

If it helps promote energy independence, I can support that too.

When we each shave a little off our energy bills, it is good for the environment and good for our economy.

It is nice to have good side effects while keeping cash in your pocket.

I graduated from Michigan State University with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1971 and have had a long career saving energy in a variety of industries.

Locks are used to secure rooms, cabinets, even buildings and certain storage facilities. Though most locks will open with a key, some locks require you to know specific combinations or codes. The original locksmiths were proficient in the science of making as well as defeating locks. The locksmith may be may be viewed as one of the first security engineers and the lock pick as the first tool of breaking through that security. Since most of these individuals were blacksmiths who made locks, they came to be known as locksmiths.

Nowadays, locksmith services and the locksmith tools have all undergone tremendous technological advances and sometimes it may seem a bit odd referring to an electronics security specialist as a provider of locksmith services but there is no other technical term. Our modern locksmiths perform electronic lock servicing that ranges from the locks on vehicles with transponders to personal assets of all types including homes, safes, and so on.

The locksmith services however do not merely cover installing the various security features. A good locksmith is meant to assess the risk level of what needs to be secured as well as other factors like location, access rights, and so forth, and based on that the optimal security measures are recommended. The locksmith tool might be an entire suite of various security features depending on the level of security desired. Of course there are times when the property being secured will not have some layers because each layer of security costs a bit extra.

Locksmiths may operate from their own premises, be mobile, could be employed by a security agency, or they could be forensic investigators. A mr-locks.com locksmith may also choose specialization in a specific type of locksmith service like safe technician, security consultant, and so on. Different specializations come with different skills and they lead to different trades. Most often though, certifications from manufacturers or locksmith associations are more acceptable than training certificates. Some locksmiths often misuse the term Master Locksmith as their qualifications are mostly training certificates. Different countries have different minimum requirements for anyone to qualify as a Master Locksmith.

What is well recognized among all locksmiths is that a truly determined person who has the skills, knowledge, time, and unlimited resources will eventually manage to break any lock. That is why there are always secondary features installed by locksmiths that serve as deterrents to people with malicious intent.

Modern mr-locks.com/products/37/LOCKS/ locks provide a high degree of security for buildings, documents, personal assets, and other valuable or crucial objects.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith

Keeping your yard lush and green may not be the impossible task you may think. By following a few simple steps your yard can become the lush green showpiece that will be the envy of all your neighbors. A lawn that is kept in really nice shape is worth all of the trouble it takes to keep it that way.

Take care of the basic lawn care tasks and your yard will stand out. This involves doing a few simple things on a regular basis. As simple as it sounds make sure the grass is cut on a regular schedule. Add some time spent weeding and watering to make everything really stand out. Add some fertilizer to your yard a few times a year. When you get your yard looking good take some time tending to your flowerbeds and your yard should really be looking good. This article will take a look at a few things you need to think about for that showcase lawn.

You should make cutting your grass your first priority if you want a nice yard. This is an essential step, as a lawn that needs mowing will not usually look very good. Do not trim it too short or you may not like the appearance. Most times of the year cutting your grass once a week works out well. This will vary with the time of year and where you live.

After you get your grass trimmed up nice and neat spend some time getting the weeds out of your yard. This can be a lot of work but it should get easier if you stay on top of things. You should water your grass if Mother Nature does not send any rain your way. Avoid over watering as this may do as much harm as good.

Adding a regular fertilizer program to your list will help your yard out a lot. It may take a little time to see the results but once you do it usually is very obvious. Search the Internet for a time frame to add your fertilizer and stick to it for maximum results.

Your yard should be in pretty good shape after following these simple steps. It is time to turn your attention to the flowerbeds in your yard. You should try sprucing the beds up with some new flowers and fresh mulch. This will work wonders for the appearance of your yard.

Having a nice yard is hard work and it will not happen overnight. Make a plan and stick with it and you will reap the rewards before you know it.

For more information on keeping a lawncareandtools.com/Lawn_Maintenance_Schedule.htm lawn maintenance schedule try visiting lawncareandtools.com/ lawncareandtools.com/ where you will find lots of tips, advice and resources about topics such as lawncareandtools.com/How_To_Sharpen_Lawn_Mower_Blades.htm learning how to sharpen lawn mower blades.

Almost everyone has carpet in their home or office. When a carpet is maintained properly it can add years to its life. Depending on where the carpet is installed is the cleaning procedure you need to use. To maintain a carpet properly you must vacuum it regularly and clean it cyclically using processes shampooing, foam cleaning and Steam cleaning.

Vacuuming your carpet regularly will remove particles that can damage the fibres. It also keeps the appearance of the carpet in good condition and keeps the level of dirt in the pile low. You should vacuum your carpet at least two to three times a week, depending on how dirty or how often the area is used. It is a good idea to have a good quality vacuum as it will lift up the dirt better and therefore makes it easier for you to clean your carpet.

Cyclic Cleaning Methods
The frequency of such cleaning will depend on a carpet’s use conditions, soil conditions and fibre type. As a rule of thumb residential carpet should be cleaned by using one of the methods outlined below once a year.

Shampooing
This method is where a liquid cleaning solution is showered onto the carpet through holes in a circular brush. The turning brush mixes the detergent into foam and rubs on the carpet. This lifts the dirt, and then wet/dry vacuuming removes it.

Foam Cleaning
With this method, detergent in the form of foam is agitated on the carpet by brushes. The foam is then removed, with trapped soil, by an extraction-vacuum pickup.

Steam Cleaning
Using this process, a hot water liquid cleaning solution is sprayed on the carpet and is instantly extracted with the liquefied dirt using a wet vacuum. Most professional carpet cleaners use truck-mounted units but portable units can be rented for personal use..
Carpet Cleaning Tips

Acid Stains
• Get water and flush the area immediately.
• Blot it up then flush the area again.
• Repeat the process several times.
• Ensure that the acid is well diluted.
• Make a solution of one tablespoon baking soda mixed with Luke warm water.
• Apply this to the stained area with a cloth.
• Rinse the area again.
• Remove the water by pressing with a paper towel or cloth.
• Leave a fan blowing on it to help dry it up quicker and remove the moisture.

Blood Stains
• Rinse the stain with cold water immediately and blot it up with a white paper towel.
• Make a solution of a few drops of dish washing detergent in a cup of cold water and Work it in to remove any remaining stain the blood stain.
• Rinse again with cold water and keep blotting it up until there is no more blood being sucked up onto the paper towel.
• Repeat this process as many times as needed to remove the stain.
• The more water you can remove from the carpet quickly the less likely it is that the stain will resurface later on.
• Leaving a fan blowing on the area will help dry it quickly.

Chewing Gum
• Get out your electric hair dryer and Heat the gum.
• Use a plastic a plastic bag to lift the softened gum away.
• Dissolve any final traces of the stuff by dabbing with a small amount of dry-cleaning fluid.
• Blot on a detergent solution of 1/4 tsp. mild dishwashing liquid and 1 cup warm water.
• When you have completely removed the chewing gum clean the area with a few drops of mild dish washing detergent in a cup of warm water.
• Rinse with warm water and dry the area.
• Blot up any excess water using a clean white paper towel.
• Leave a fan blowing on the area to help dry quickly.

Coffee Stains
• Heat the area with a hot wet cloth.
• Dab with some white vinegar.
• Rinse well with water.
• Suck the water from the carpet with a white paper towel.
• Repeat these steps until the towel comes out clean.
• Dry the carpet well when you are done.
• Leave a fan on the area to help dry the carpet.

Nail Polish
• Apply non-acetate fingernail polish remover to a white cotton cloth.
• Dab the area affected
• Work from the edges towards the canter.
• Leave it for a few minutes.
• Blot it with a paper towel.
• Rinse it with water and blot it again.
• Repeat these steps as much as necessary.

Ink Stains
• Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth.
• Dab the stain carefully, so you don’t spread the ink.
• Extract it out after a few minutes using a cloth and blotting.
• Repeat the process until you remove the stain from the carpet
• Rinse well and remove any excess water dabbing with a paper towel.
• Use a fan to help dry the area quickly.

Hi My name is Mitchel and I have been in the Cleaning industry since 1995 having owned a cleaning business I believe that I am an expert in the field having gone from general domestic and commercial cleaning to professional carpet cleaning I can give quality advice on the subject. For other cleaning tips please visit my blog at
mitchelscleaningtips.blogspot.com mitchelscleaningtips.blogspot.com

Dividing the room into different use areas is a great way to break up the space. Obviously a fireplace is a great focal point. Keep seating in front of it perpendicular (i.e. sofas facing each other with ottoman or coffee table in between) or L-shaped. Don’t forget to put a small table at each end of the couch/love seat with table lamps and space for a drink and a book.

Next, create a gaming area either for board games or cards. A square or round table with 2 - 4 chairs and a pendant light/chandelier is all you need. Add a floor lamp nearby for more ambient lighting. If not for games, how about adding a bistro set for light dining or morning coffee?

I would take advantage of windows and their light by building or improvising a window seat. Use a large bench or settee or even a loveseat right under the window. Add a long cushion (you could even recover a body pillow!) and some coordinating throw pillows, and your reading spot is ready! Keep an end table and lamp close by for additional reading pleasure.

Fill in the corners with a screen and/or tall plants (can be silk). Don’t forget to uplight them with canister lights for dramatic effect. You may even have room for a writing desk and small bill-paying center. Use your imagination, look at designing magazines and go for it! You’ll be glad you did.

Happy decorating!

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“Making A Difference One Person & One Home At A Time” ™
Lisa is a WAHM and decorating consultant in the central Illinois area. Get deco ideas and home décor at Decorating with HGPgal. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and contest and share your decorating tip on the DecoForum. HGPgal.com HGPgal.com

Fish keepers know that koi pond aeration is an important element in a healthy garden pool. Animals need oxygen, and fish are no exception. Koi fish literally breathe the oxygen that is dissolved into their water. A lack of oxygen in the water is the number one reason for koi to die unexpectedly. To get that needed oxygen into the water, a system for koi pond aeration is needed.

Two factors affect the amount of oxygen in the water. Allowing algae to grow in the pond depletes oxygen and having too many fish for the size of the pond does the same. Either of these conditions require koi pond aeration be supplemented.

Waterfalls are a common addition to the backyard pond. Besides being pleasant to hear and to look at, the tumbling of the water increases the amount of oxygen in it. Waterfalls are a useful part of koi pond aeration. When the weather warms up, though, a small waterfall is not enough to provide adequate oxygen for your fish.

In the summer, especially if the temperature goes over 80 degrees F., koi pond aeration becomes very important. Large waterfalls, fountains, and other ways of keeping water moving, should be used day and night when it is hot.

There are also bubbling devices that can be placed in koi ponds to provide aeration if installing a waterfall is not practical. Especially in the bottom of the pool, koi pond aeration is a necessity, since this area is farthest from the surface. An air pump is needed to use these bubbling devices, which include airstones and rings.

Airstones are ceramic stones that attach to the hose from an air pump. The pump pushes air through the porous stone, which forces bubbles through the water. The stones are natural looking and sit on the floor of the pool, providing koi pond aeration where it is most needed. Several airstones can be used with the same pump.

An air ring also sits on the pond floor. It provides several outlets, through which the air bubbles up, providing koi pond aeration. Stones, rings, and electric waterfalls should be left on throughout the night for the koi to receive a healthy oxygen supply.

Carlo Morelli writes for onlineTips.org onlineTips.org, where you can read more about onlinetips.org/koi-pond-designs koi pond designs and onlinetips.org/pond-filters/uv ultraviolet pond filters.

Electrical underfloor heating is gaining in popularity throughout the United Kingdom for a number of different reasons, such as: it is inexpensive to install, economical to run and hardly needs any maintenance. It can be installed under every floor type or laid on an existing floor and covered with a normal floor covering. Electrical underfloor heating systems are generally available as heating mats: the heating cables are fixed to a mat, which is then applied to the floor and fitted by a professional or a DIY enthusiast.

For a DIY project some basic information is needed: the floor needs to be measured to determine what size of heating mat needs to be fitted, and a sketch made of the area to include where the power supply will be connected. The heating mat is then laid out according to the plan, and the matting, but not the cables, can be cut to fit around corners and obstacles. Some floor types, for example concrete, will need to have insulation fitted to the floor before the heating mat is laid, to stop the base floor absorbing all the heat. Thermostats can be fitted in each room, except for a bathroom, where the thermostat is situated outside the bathroom.

A qualified electrician should connect the electrical underfloor heating system and ideally, the system should be connected via a fused spur, which will isolate the system for any maintenance requirements of the heating system.

If the electrical underfloor heating mat is to be covered with tiles, tile adhesive is laid over the heating mat and the tiles are laid as normal. The floor should be allowed to dry for a minimum of three days before the heating is activated. The heating should then be turned on for one hour for the first day and increased by one hour per day over a period of six to seven days before the heating is left on continually.

Electrical underfloor heating is not restricted to the inside of the home: there are some heating mats that are designed for the outdoors. No longer will the driveway or path need to be cleared from ice or snow, because the outdoor electrical underfloor heating system has kept the area free of frozen precipitation. These outdoor electrical underfloor heating mats are designed to heat up driveways, paths, ramps, and porches. It is cost efficient as you only heat the essential ground areas, for example, for a driveway only the parts that are driven on are heated, and it is ideal if you have a disabled ramp that needs to be kept free of snow and ice. Just think of all the backache you’ll be preventing!

Another use for electrical underfloor heating is the greenhouse. The heating system warms the soil, which ensures the plants starts early, and a harvest is longer. Plants can also be cultivated that normally only grow in subtropical/topical regions. The heat in the soil and air can be adapted for the optimal growing conditions of the plants, which depends on the type and age of the plants being grown. Typical temperatures for plants in the greenhouse are between 15º and 25ºC, and for cuttings and seedbeds, the temperature is about 30ºC.

It isn’t just humans or plants that benefit from electrical underfloor heating: it is farm animals. It has been found, when electrical underfloor heating is used in buildings that house piglets and chickens: they have a higher rate of survival, piglets develop faster and the heating system is more cost effective than traditional modes of heating.

Therefore,