San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
DIY: When drywall is no longer dry, it’s time to repair
Homeowners who like the
DIY repair approach need to determine how extensive the damage is, are they capable of doing the repairs, and do they have all the necessary tools and materials?
Thousands of homes across Texas experienced water damage as a result of the winter storms, so homeowners have to decide if they’re capable of repairing this damage themselves or if they need to hire a professional for the work.
Drywall absorbs water easily, so it could get heavy enough to pull away from the mounting screws and/ or nails. It can also be a magnet for mold growth, so before you begin patching and repairing, make sure it is completely dry.
Cut out damaged drywall in rectangles or squares using a drywall or keyhole saw. These are long, narrow saws. Go slowly and be cautious, avoiding contact with wire and plumbing.
After cuts are made, measure the size of the hole. You will need to cut a new piece of drywall the same size. Place drywall clips around the hole and secure each with a drywall screw. Countersink the screwhead (drive it below the surface). Cut out the patch and insert it, securing it with drywall screws to the drywall clips.
Tape over the seams with mesh or paper tape. Then, apply the first coat of joint compound (“drywall mud”). Cover the joint and use the mud to blend the repair in with the rest of the wall. Spread the mud out 4 to 6 inches from the repair area’s edge. Then, let it dry for 12-24 hours. Later, wearing a dust mask, sand off any ridges. Vacuum or wipe off any dust and apply a second coat of drywall mud. Let dry, and then sand smooth to match the surrounding surface.
Repaint waterdamaged wall
Using a brush or roller, apply two coats of oil- or alcohol-based primer. Allow the spot to dry between coats, which seals any leftover dampness. It will also prevent the stain from coming through.
Sand until smooth, making sure it blends with the rest of the wall. Wipe off dust. Brush or roll on a finishing coat of paint.
Homeowners who like the DIY approach need to determine three things:
1. How extensive is the damage?
Are they capable of doing the repairs? Do they have all the necessary tools and materials?
Hiring a professional is a wise move if patches or spackling
2.
3. are out of the question due to extent of the damage.
“We repair water damaged walls and we’re getting a lot of calls from people with them,” said Shannon Taylor, office manager at Home Remedy Houston. “Their needs vary. Some have minor damage, while others have extensive damage. It’s all different.”
(SwimmingPool.com)
1. Clean the pool
2. Balance the water
3. Remove pool accessories
4. Clean and backwash the filter
5. Lower water level
6.
7.
8.
9.
Drain pump, filters, heaters and chlorinating equipment
Empty chemical feeder
Cover pool if possible
Insulate vulnerable pipes
With rolling blackouts and power surges causing big fluctuations and hard re-starts, home electronics can be affected, and that includes appliances.
How do you detect if an appliance has been damaged, and why did it happen in the first place?
Hunker.com’s article, Can a Sudden Power Outage Damage Electrical Appliances?, stated that a “tidal wave” of electricity can hurt appliances. When power returns, the surge flows rapidly to fill wires, and can exceed the basic current appliances were designed to handle. With this in mind, severe surges can damage — or destroy — most equipment.
Waiting game
The article also stated if the power goes out for an extended time, it’s wise to switch off or unplug electric lights and any appliances including computers, televisions, and refrigerators. After the power returns, let the electricity stabilize before turning appliances back on.
Yuriy Gerassimenko, owner of Reliant Appliance Repair in Sugar Land, said some appliances can suffer damage as the high voltage comes on.
“Some can’t take it, and it will damage the whole thing at once,” he said.
The best protection for your home is being proactive. Gerassimenko recommended turning off breakers to prevent the surge.
“It depends on appliances. Once they have lost power, they’re not going to be stable,” said Gerassimenko.
When damage occurs, it’s time to evaluate if an appliance is repairable if it is not working.
HouseLogic. com offers recommendations in its story, When to Repair or Replace
Your Appliance — Is It Truly at the End of Its Useful Life?
Take stock
It stated to follow the “50 percent rule” that if an appliance is past more than 50 percent of its lifespan, and if the cost of one repair is more than the cost of buying new, you should replace instead of repair.
Also keep in mind there could be a “trip charge” for someone to diagnose the problem. If a company repairs the appliance, the fee could be possibly waived, depending on policy.
“Most parts are replaceable, but all these computer circuit boards are expensive,” Gerassimenko said. “Sometimes it’s cheaper to replace,” adding that surge protectors can be beneficial for future power outages.
“It depends on the brand. They have to be certified; read reviews to get better quality,” he said.
NBCNews.com reported the Best Surge Protectors and Power Strips 2020 in March 2020. Some in various categories are:
■ Tripp Lite 8-Outlet Surge Protector,
■ Tripp Lite 6 Outlet Clamp Mount Surge Protector,
■ Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector with Rotating Plug,
■ Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Surge Protector, and CyberPower CP825LCD UPS System.
Gerassimenko also said to keep your appliances maintained for a healthier lifespan.
“You have to do regular maintenance at least once a year,” he said. “Replace water filters. Also, clean condenser coils if the appliance is working hard, especially on refrigerators.”