Shrubs and hedges can be trimmed monthly during the growing season. By trimming them back they’ll grow more slowly. The slower a shrub grows the thicker and better it will look.
Shrub Trimming
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Tips
Structural Composite Panels
Structural composite panels (the APA tradename is COM-PLY) consist of veneer faces bonded to a wood-base core material, such as OSB. Composite panels are manufactured in three- or five-layer arrangements. A three-layer panel has a wood fiber core and a veneer face and back, while a five-layer panel also has a veneer crossband in the center. When manufactured in a one-step pressing operation, voids in the veneers are filled automatically by the particles or strands as the panel is pressed in the bonding process. Typical composite panel applications include sheathing, siding and industrial applications.
Wall Bumps
If you find bubbles or specks of some kind under new wallpaper, first cut an X pattern over the defect. If the problem is a speck, remove it with a tweezers or a utility knife. Then work seam adhesive into the cavity, squeeze out the excess, and seal the opening. For air bubbles you also can use a paste-injecting syringe found in paint and wallpaper departments.
House Viewing Questions
Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller’s or real estate agent’s answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they’ve given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.
Securing a Loan
The first step in securing a loan is to complete a loan application. To do so, you’ll need the following information: Pay stubs for the past 2-3 months; W-2 forms for the past 2 years; Information on long-term debts; Recent bank statements; Tax returns for the past 2 years; Proof of any other income; Address and description of the property you wish to buy; Sales contract. During the application process, the lender will order a report on your credit history and a professional appraisal of the property you want to purchase. The application process typically takes between 1-6 weeks.
AC Settings
Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
Night Lights
Consider using 4-watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night lights. Both lights are much more efficient than their incandescent counterparts. Also, the luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
Lead Paint Removal
Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping, or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the national Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.
Efficient Washers
Energy Star labeled clothes washers use 35-50% less water, and up to two-thirds less energy that conventional washers. The average family can save up to $100 each year in costs by switching to an Energy Star labeled clothes washer.
Recycled Wood Safety
One of the more dreaded occurrences for any woodworker is when a tool collides with a metal object in recycled wood. Before you start to cut, plane, or sand, be sure to thoroughly inspect the wood for metal objects such as nails or screws, especially if you are using power tools
