Of mice, wireless thermostats and comfy kitchen flooring
DEALING WITH RODENTS
Q What can I do about mice that have burrowed into the foam insulation in my walls? Big channelling has happened and I’ve noticed some places are colder than they used to be.
A I’m sorry about the trouble you’ve had. The only option is to pull off the drywall, remove the chewed foam, replace it with more insulation, then reapply drywall. It’s a lot of trouble, I know, but there’s nothing else to be done. While you’re working, it’s important that you find out where mice are getting in. Wall insulation is usually completely encapsulated by wood on all sides. You need to find out how the mice got to the foam and take measures to stop them. Mice can also chew wires and cause a fire, so it’s important you act.
GAS FIREPLACE THERMOSTATS
Q How can I stop a gas fireplace from influencing the thermostat for my forced air furnace? I’m considering a fireplace, but I don’t want it to cause the rest of my house to get cold because the furnace doesn’t come on.
A Have you considered wireless thermostats? They’re available both for gas fireplaces and furnaces. If the furnace thermostat isn’t in the same room as the fireplace, then you’ll probably be fine without anything special. But if you find you need to move the furnace thermostat further from the fireplace to work properly, then a wireless thermostat might do the trick. Amazon has a wide selection of wireless thermostats, both for furnaces and fireplaces.
COMFORTABLE KITCHEN FLOORING
Q Can you suggest a non-ceramic kitchen flooring that’s durable and easy on the feet?
A Ceramic or porcelain tiles are a great choice for kitchens because they’re so durable and easy to clean, but they can make your feet hurt after a day of standing. Cork is one of the nicest floorings for foot comfort, and factory-finished, click-together cork is easy to install. Something called Fiberfloor is good, too. It’s something like linoleum, except it lays very flat and doesn’t need to be glued down. You can even roll it up if you need to remove it temporarily. Wood isn’t a great option for a busy kitchen, but if you’re careful it can work. Polymerized tung oil is a good choice because it’s easy to repair and rejuvenate without sanding the floor.
RIVETS FOR CRAFTS
Q What’s the best way to install rivets to secure handles onto the bags and totes I make? I sew as a hobby, and the better handles I see on other bags are all attached with rivets of some kind. Obviously, I’m trying to get away with something as cheap as I can, but it also needs to look good.
A A pop rivet gun will definitely do the job from a mechanical point of view, but pop rivets don’t look as nice as other options. One of my favourites for working with leather and fabric is a two-part brass rivet. They come in different lengths and are easy to use. Just punch a hole through the fabric or leather you’re joining, then slip the hollow half of the rivet through the hole. Push the end of the solid half into the hollow half, then tap the two together with a hammer. These rivets work well, they’re strong and they look great. Choose rivet length based on the total thickness of the material you’re fastening together. You’ll also find a revolving leather punch is the perfect way to make holes for rivets. They look like pliers and can make different diameters of holes depending on the setting. A punch like this works just as well on fabric as it does on leather. Steve Maxwell is Canada’s go-to guy for home improvement and how-to advice. Sign up for his free weekly newsletter at BaileyLineRoad.com