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Ideas for a Split-Level Exterior Renovation

Thousands of split-level homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s as suburbs bloomed around major cities. These homes are characterized by large setbacks from the street, a lack of front porches, low roof pitches, and vinyl or aluminum siding. To deal with this home style's sometimes-dated appearance, some homeowners are looking for good exterior renovation ideas that will bring new life to their homes. Siding If your house is covered with vinyl siding that has faded with age or aluminum siding that has become dented, or is covered with peeling paint, replacing the siding is one of the easiest ways to improve the exterior look of your home.

How to Paint Roofing Tar on Fence Posts

Roofing tar is a traditional way of protecting fence posts. The tar adheres to the fence posts so that nothing can penetrate, prolonging the life of the wood by keeping insects and rot away. This method still works today and, while not attractive, treated fence posts don't need any maintenance. Treat your fence posts as soon as you get them, and they will last for the lifetime of the wood.

How to Troubleshoot a Two-Cycle Leaf Blower That Will Not Start

Two-cycle leaf blower equipment needs maintenance, particularly with regard to dust which can block air flow and foul the equipment. If you follow the recommended maintenance schedule, you are less likely to encounter starting problems. A two-cycle leaf blower needs regular maintenance However, if the engine does fail to start, you can follow some troubleshooting steps to fix it. Tip Clean the air filter, exhaust port, muffler, spark arrestor and vacuum bag regularly on a two-cycle leaf blower.

How to Remove Shoe Polish From Skin

Shoe polish cleans and fills in small scratches on footwear, making the shoes look their best. Since shoe polish is a bonding agent, it can stain the skin that it comes in contact with. Removing shoe polish from your hands or other areas of your body can be quite difficult. Shoe polish can restore the look of your footwear but it can also stain skin. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies for removing shoe polish from your skin.

How to Support Long Closet Rods

Many metal closet rods are expandable to accommodate various closet widths. Because these rods are hollow, they often sag when mounted to cover a long distance and loaded with clothing. Prevent your telescopic closet rod from sagging with extra support. Things You Will Need + Wooden dowel -- a fraction smaller than the closet rod Shelf & rod support bracket Measuring tape Pencil Power saw Fine grit sand paper Stud finder Standard level Power drill Drill bit Many metal closet rods are expandable to accommodate various closet widths.

How to Add Leveling Feet to Furniture

The primary function of leveling feet for furniture -- also sometimes called glides -- is to compensate for variations in floor level, and they can make your table more comfortable and your cabinet more stable. They're easy to install on any piece of furniture that doesn't already have them, but you will have to turn the piece upside down to do it. Each glide comes with a mounting sleeve, and you have to drill a hole for the sleeve, so it isn't practical to install glides on metal furniture.

How to Pick a Sentry 1170 Fire Safe

The Sentry 1170 is a compact and fire-retardant safe which is used to protect files and valuables. The Sentry 1170 comes equipped with a secured lid and key lock. The lid will seal shut in the event of a fire. The lock is used to secure the lid shut, but not necessarily against theft. Therefore, if you lose the key to your safe, you can pick the Sentry 1170 fire safe with a few tools.

The Best Wood Finish for Full Sun

The sun's damaging UV rays require the choice of an appropriate finish for your home's deck, siding, shutters, doors or outdoor furniture, which can take a little research. Finishing a wood surface, especially if the surface is as large as a house, can be costly; also, the finish you use may need to be reapplied every 2-3 years. Choose your finish wisely, and you will need to refinish less frequently.

How to Use Glazing Tape

Glazing tape is used to seal windows and make glass installation much easier. There are two main types of glazing tape: a basic adhesive used to hold glass in place and one that expands where it is applied. This kind of glazing tape is used in skyscraper windows and others that require that the glass be held firmly in place. Using glazing tape is easy, and it can be applied quickly.

How to Build a Garage Foundation

Pouring a proper garage foundation is crucial to building a steady garage. The garage is only as sturdy as the foundation it is built on. When building your garage foundation, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Check to ensure the form boards are straight or your foundation will pour crooked. Build a Garage Foundation Make sure the concrete mixture ratios are correct or your foundation will lack strength. When placing the rebar double check for accuracy so your garage walls do not fall down in an earthquake.