SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Friday from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, requiring newly sold or installed electric garage door openers to be equipped with backup batteries. The new law will prevent people from being trapped in their garages during power failures such as those triggered by recent wildfires.

“Requiring backup batteries on garage door openers will saves lives and ensure no one is left vulnerable,” Sen. Dodd said. “With the threat of more wildfires to come, we must do everything possible to keep people safe. I thank Gov. Brown for recognizing the importance of this bill.”

Senate Bill 969 follows the devastating October wildfires that caused widespread power outages, leaving many evacuees unable to open their garage doors to flee the flames. The remains of at least five victims were found where garages once stood.

The senator is personally aware of the peril posed by power failures in the face of emergencies. He was forced to evacuate his own Napa home the night of the fall fires and could not open his heavy wooden garage door because power was out in his neighborhood. While garage door motors can be disconnected and opened manually, many people, especially seniors, find it difficult or impossible to do so.

“Most people don’t think about this until it is too late,” Dodd said. “My goal with this bill is to raise awareness and give people the security of a battery backup.”

Senate Bill 969 was supported by the Consumer Federation of California. Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, is co-author.

“It is clear from this past year’s fires that we need to protect people when the power goes out,” said Richard Holober, the Consumer Federation’s executive director. “I applaud Sen. Dodd and Gov. Brown for this important new law that will keep people from being trapped in their garages.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.

 

Link to the article: http://eastcountytoday.net/wildfire-related-garage-door-safety-becomes-law/

Related articles: https://greenhomeinspections.wordpress.com/tag/safety/

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10 Maintenance Must-do’s To Make Garage Doors Last Longer

(guest post by Ran Keller)

Garage doors are opened and closed multiple times a day, yet few homeowners conduct regular checks and inspections on it. In fact, they are often the most neglected part of a house, even though they are frequently used and make up a large portion of a home’s outward appearance.

Conducting repeated tests on a garage door and its opener can help you catch any problems before they become worse. Moreover, inspections ensure that it is safe. Safety is a particularly important concern when you have kids and pets in the house.

How can you maintain your door so it lasts longer? Here are 10 tips:

Check the hardware

The easiest way to do a quick hardware check is to listen to the door when it opens and closes. It should move effortlessly and make minimum noise. Scraping noises, grinding sounds and jerky movements suggest there is an issue.

Furthermore, ensure that all loose hardware is tightened up. Use a socket wrench to fasten any loose bolts or roller brackets.

Review the balance

To review your door’s balance, you’ll need to first disconnect the opener to the door. Next, manually move the door halfway up or down. It should stay in place. If it doesn’t, the garage door isn’t balanced. You will need to seek a professional garage door repairman to correct this problem.

Replace batteries in remote

Garage doors are opened and closed innumerable times a year. Therefore, it’s essential to replace the remote’s batteries periodically. The remote’s manual should provide the information on when you need to replace the batteries.

Replace weather-stripping if needed

Look at the sides and bottom of your door. There should be weather-stripping on the sides and a rubber weather-seal on the bottom. If it’s cracked or the weather-stripping on the sides is jamming the door, consider adjusting it or replacing it altogether. Use your judgment.

Wooden garage doors might not have weather-stripping at the bottom. However, ideally, you should add weather-stripping to it – which can be purchased at any hardware store – and get it painted.

Lubricate the moving parts

Garage doors are connected by springs, rollers, nuts and bolts. All of these moving parts are used constantly every time you press the remote, and the door opens and closes. Hence, it’s vital to lubricate these moving parts with spray lubricant for springs, and white lithium grease for the chain or screw.

Don’t smear lubricant on the track, because it could cause the door to slip and lose its balance.

Examine the cables

Cables are responsible for lifting your door. Examine them periodically for damage. If you notice signs of wear and tear, contact a garage door repair service rather than take matters into your own hands. High-tension cables have the ability to inflict serious injuries and should always be handled by a professional.

Inspect the garage door’s safety feature

Every door is equipped with two safety features which are mechanical and photocell. To test the mechanical safety feature, simply place a piece of wood or brick below it and close the door. Once the door comes in contact with the wooden piece, it should automatically reverse its direction and go up. If it doesn’t, you will need to adjust the downforce control limit. Read your opener’s manual for directions on how to adjust it.

The second safety feature, photocell which uses photo-eye sensors, are located at the bottom of your garage door and has a beam. They prevent the door from closing if an object is in the door’s path. You can test this feature by closing the door and placing an object quickly in the path of the beam. If the door stops closing, it’s in good working condition. If it doesn’t, clean the sensors with a damp cotton ball and retry the process.

Remove rust

Rust tends to accumulate on steel doors. Locate the rusted areas, sand it, prime it and finally paint over them. Wooden doors should also be examined for damages and kept painted to protect the wood.

Check if tracks are clean

Talk to a garage door specialist in order to get the best cleaner for the tracks on your door. Do not lubricate or use an all-purpose cleaner.

Clean your garage door

Last but certainly not the least, it’s imperative to wash your garage door with an all-purpose cleaner. You can do it while washing your cars during the weekend and make it a fun family activity. Cleaning removes built-up grease and gunk and maintains your house’s spotless appearance.

Use the aforementioned garage door maintenance tips to ensure that your door lasts long and saves you on repair costs. Most of these suggestions are easy to follow and only take a few minutes. It’s a good idea to call a garage door repairman to conduct biannual inspections. Always keep your door clean, fully-functional and safe throughout the year.

 

Editor’s Note: Ran Keller is an experienced handyman who’s been working for EliteGarageWA for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repairment ideas and knowledge with others.

 

Link to the article: http://blog.extremehowto.com/2018/02/20/10-maintenance-must-dos-make-garage-doors-last-longer/

Related articles: https://garagedoorrepair111.wordpress.com/

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Rosie on the House: Sunscreens can help prevent damage to home’s windows

Rosie Romero Rosie on the House

Each year, thousands of Arizona residents email or call Rosie Romero’s radio show with questions about everything from preventing fires in their chimneys to getting rid of tree roots invading their sewer systems. His goal is to provide answers that suit the specific lifestyle wherever someone lives in Arizona.

 

QUESTION: I’m replacing four windows in my house that had suffered serious sun damage, and I’m curious about whether putting sunscreens on them each summer would provide protection so this type of thing doesn’t happen again.

 

ANSWER: Yes, that’s possible. Just be sure to install a shade that will reflect 80 percent of the sun’s heat.

If you don’t have sunscreens, the summer heat and UV-rays can damage the vinyl frames on windows and bleach furniture, flooring and rugs.

 

The heat on glass can also break the seals in dual-pane windows. In that case, you might end up with moisture penetrating the seal and fogging up windows.

One thing to remember: Sometimes installing sunscreens can void the warranty on your windows. So check the fine print on the warranty first.

 

Q: What about blocking the sun with the old “aluminum foil inside the window” trick? Will that help keep sun and heat out of your house? Is there any harm in doing that?

 

A: It might keep the heat out of your house, but then all the sun and heat would still hit the outside of the windows and could damage the glass.

Q: I had two air conditioning units installed in my house in 1999 as part of a remodel. I was told they were horizontal units installed vertically due to tight spacing. But as a result I have had a big problem over the years with condensate leaking into my walls. I’ve even used tubs under them to catch the excess water. I was told I couldn’t install new units without removing part of the remodeled area. I was also told that replacing them might cost $45,000. What can I do about this continuing problem?

 

A: I think you have to install new properly positioned units to solve the problem. You can buy vertical air handling units that would probably fit the space without ripping up the house. I also don’t think this would cost you $45,000. Have a reputable air conditioning contractor come to your house and give you an estimate for free. It’s also probable that those old units are now reaching the end of their natural lifespan by now.

Q: I have a very tall palo verde tree that helped shade a window on the second story of my house. Then a microburst from a monsoon storm came along and tore off some of the branches. About one-third of the tree was damaged. Can I keep the tree or does it have to be removed?

 

A: Desert trees are very resilient. If you trim off some of the jagged edges on the broken branches, the tree will probably sprout new growth and continue to shade your home.

 

Q: I have a red bud tree that was planted as a sapling that I got from Georgia about 19 years ago. Now, some of the branches are starting to die off. What can I do to save it? I’ve mulched around it and I was wondering if I should fertilize it some more.

 

A: It’s very impressive that a red bud has lasted for 19 years. Arizona is definitely out of a red bud’s normal growing zone. But many unusual things can happen here if you build a little microclimate to keep a tree like that sheltered from desert winds.

These imported trees can get established and do pretty well. Unfortunately, however, it sounds as if your tree will have to be replaced at this point.

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. Romero, an Arizona home-building and remodeling-industry expert for 29 years, is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning “Rosie on the House” radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST (790-AM) in Tucson and from 9-11 a.m. on KGVY (1080-AM and 100.7-FM) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.

 

Link to the article: https://tucson.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/rosie-on-the-house-sunscreens-can-help-prevent-damage-to/article_26f033de-c9d1-5cc4-bf08-123eef551390.html

Related articles: https://247wallst.com/housing/2018/05/13/6-home-maintenance-chores-to-do-now/

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6 Home Maintenance Tasks You May Not Even Realize You Have to Do

By Audrey Ference | Jan 9, 2018

Home maintenance and ownership go hand in hand, so you’re no doubt aware that there’s plenty you should be doing (hello, gutter cleaning!). Sorry to lengthen your to-do list, but we thought you should know that there are actually a few more home maintenance tasks that may require your attention—and odds are you don’t even realize it.

Curious what you might be overlooking? Here are some home maintenance chores that might be flying under your radar—and why they’re important to cross off your list.

1. Clean your refrigerator drip pan

Did you know many refrigerators have drip pans? I did not. But as you can imagine from the name, it’s a thing you really should be cleaning once in a while.

Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, puts it this way: “Failing to clean the refrigerator drip pan will result in mold growth.” Yuck.

How to do it: To clean it, first you have to find it.

“Remove the kick panel at the bottom of your fridge, and trace the defrost drain line to the pan, which is where it empties out,” says Rogers. Use a flashlight if you need to.

“Be sure to gently pull the pan out as it may be full of water, and dump any excess liquid in the sink before cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner,” he says.

2. Flush the water heater

“Flush” the water heater? What does that even mean? Great question. According to Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter plumbing, you need to remove the water sitting in your water heater to remove any sediment that may collect there.

“Sediment causes corrosion, reduces efficiency, and shortens your water heater’s life span,” James explains.

How to do it: First, turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. Open a bathroom hot water tap and let the hot water run for a few minutes to lower the temperature of the water in the heater. Then shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank, and put a bucket under the water heater drain valve. Open the valve and drain the water until it runs clear, with no sandy stuff. Be careful, because the water can come out hot! When it’s clear, put everything back the way it was and you’re done until next time.

To keep your water heater running at its best, James advises setting the temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Reseal your grout

When your tile was installed, whether it’s floor tile, bathroom surround tile, or countertop tile, the grout was sealed to protect it from wear and tear. But did you know that you’re supposed to reseal it every year? If you said no, you’re not alone.

“You have to reseal grout every year, and most people don’t,” says Debbie Gartner of The Flooring Girl blog.

The reason: Most grout is a mixture of sand and cement, which can absorb water, bacteria, and stains.

“A grout sealer protects your grout so it’s waterproof,” explains Gartner. Sealing will help your grout look better and last longer. The only exception is epoxy grout, which is generally used with glass tile.

How to do it: To reseal grout, apply grout sealant, wipe off any excess that gets on tiles, wait 15 minutes, apply a second coat, then clean the tiles again. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours. After it cures, test it: Water should bead on top of the grout instead of being absorbed.

Here’s more on how to reseal grout.

4. Test for water leaks

Checking for water leaks around the home—even small, slow ones—will pay off big-time down the road. Why? It can help you save water (and money on your water bill); but more importantly, it will eliminate damage to your house done by water behind the walls or in other hard-to-see places.

How to do it: “Take a water meter reading and avoid using your water for a couple of hours. After two hours, if the reading changes, you have a leak,” James says.

If you have a leak, inspect the pipes of your water-using appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine for cracked, bulging, or damaged hoses. Leaky hoses are easy to replace yourself. If, however, the damage is more extensive, you can hire a plumber.

5. Reseal stone countertops

If you have granite or marble countertops, you should be sealing those babies every year, or possibly more often. The only exception is if you have a presealed countertop. In that case, you’re excused from this one. Not sure if you need to seal? Put some water on your countertop. The more quickly it is absorbed, the more porous your stone is, and the more frequently you should be sealing. That’s also a good test to see if your sealer has worn off: If the water doesn’t bead on the countertop, it’s time.

How to do it: Wash your countertop with mild soap and water, and wipe it dry. Apply a stone sealer, let it sit 15 minutes, then wipe away the extra.

Here’s more on how to reseal countertops.

6. Wash your dryer lint screen

You know that thing gets gross, right? You’re always scraping piles of lint, shredded tissues, and other weird substances off of it. But it can get clogged in less obvious ways, too. The residue from dryer sheets and fabric softener can start to build up on the screen, blocking the airflow. That can lead to less efficient drying and even fires.

How to do it: “Soak it in hot water and dishwashing soap designed to remove grease and oil,” says Rogers. “Gently scrub the screen with a soft brush, rinse it, and let it air-dry before reinserting it into the slot.”

It’s a small thing, but it’ll help extend the life of your dryer, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home safer.

Link to the article: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/home-maintenance-tasks-you-may-not-realize-are-important/

Related articles: https://knudtsen.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/5-garage-cleaning-tips-for-new-homeowners-in-spokane-wa/

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Article source here: 6 Home Maintenance Tasks You May Not Even Realize You Have to Do

8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage

Sep 26, 2017

(StatePoint) Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations.

Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more of precious garage space.

• Keep trash in its place: To keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a tight-fitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh.

• Invest in a multi-purpose job box. Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs. Consider the shape, capacity and compartments needed for your tools. Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box may be better for those who do work elsewhere. If portability is important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such as the Toter HardHead, combine the strength, durability and security of a large metal box with enhanced maneuverability.

• Build up, not out: Ceiling storage racks are an excellent way to use what would otherwise be dead space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable totes are also good choices.

• Choose multipurpose storage: Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment.

• Think mobility: Being able to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a lot easier.

According to Jeniffer Coates, director of product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit more upfront, but will stand the test of time.

• Protect items: Moisture and pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids.

• Categorize: Assign and color-code dedicated areas for each type of item — tools, decorations, lawn equipment, etc. — to avoid the hassle of searching.

• Allow room to grow. While it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items.

For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.

Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think.

Link to the article: https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/online_features/home_improvement/article_d16c2c65-8b99-5ed3-859c-6b75688cd2b0.html

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Repairing the garage door in emergency

By admin – October 16, 2017

It is quite annoying if the garage door gets stuck in the odd hours. It is a double impact situation for you. On one hand you cannot leave the door open just for this and secondly getting a professional technician to repair the garage door is a herculean task. In this type of situation, your problem could be resolved only by a professional service provider who can understand your situation. You can take the help of your friends or search online to have the address of the professional to have emergency garage door repair done in your home.

Why you should hire a professional for garage repair?

• Emergency service provider: a professional garage repair person knows the importance of his work and takes pride in giving services to the clients. He knows that his services could be required by a person at the odd hours. So, he is ready to understand your problem and very much willing to provide his services at times other than normal working hours.
• Efficiency: Your time and the proceedings of the day depend upon the quality of repair work carried at the garage door. If the door is repaired in a proper way, then you can have the proceedings of the rest of the day move smoothly. As you will not be required to call the technician again and again for the repair work. Hence, the quality of repair counts a lot.
• Safety: Safety of yourself and your family is utmost important. Hence, it is very much necessary to have a professional for the job who can handle the electrical as well as mechanical aspect of the garage door effectively.

Thus, hiring a professional not only solves your problem of emergency door repair but also provides you an effective and quality job work done in an economical way.

Link to the article: http://www.rockfordrealestategroup.com/repairing-the-garage-door-in-emergency/

Related articles: https://houstongaragedoorrepair42.wordpress.com/

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