Installing Replacement Window Handles

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Window handles and locks, like other mechanisms, can succumb to regular wear over time, making them work improperly. They can also be damaged accidentally or intentionally. Whatever the cause of the damage, the result can be as serious as your safety being compromised. That’s why installing replacement window handles and/or window locks should be done as soon as possible should you notice anything wrong with these window components.

What You Need to Know

When shopping for replacement window handles, you need to know the exact type you need to replace the existing ones. Also, find out which specific part of the window handle was damaged so you know the exact part that needs to be replaced.

Common Types of Window Handles

Espagnolette

When you turn this type of handle, the spindle will trigger a gearbox that will open the lock mechanism. When this doesn’t happen, either the window handle or lock or both is broken and need to be replaced. When shopping for espagnolette replacement window handles, make sure you know the length of the spindle of your window handles as well as how long the locking mechanism is to make sure you get the handles with the correct length.

Record the name of the window handles’ manufacturer as well as any marking or stamped information on the handle that can help identify the correct replacement. You can also take the old handles with you when you shop to see if you can get an exact match.

1. To install espagnolette replacement window handles, remove the old handles first. Close the windows.

2. Gently lift off the damaged handle. You can now access the window lock to remove it with the handle removed.

3. Next, slide the metal bar at the handle’s back through the window frame’s hole.

4. Screw the window handle into the frame. Replace screws and put back the screw cover, if necessary.

Cockspur

When choosing cockspur replacement window handles, make sure the new and old handles have the same space under their noses. If the handles are sticking or not working, as they should, remove the handle from the window to see what part has the problem.

1. First, locate a screw at the handle’s base and remove it to reveal two other screws. Remove these screws as well.

2. Turn the handle into open position and remove all other screws to completely remove the handle.

3. When replacing the handle, line the replacement up onto the screw holes and screw it into place. Put back the screw cover, if necessary.

Need help installing new window handles?

To ensure replacement window handles are installed properly, rely on a professional to do the job. Finding reliable service professionals is quick and easy with the help of Seva Call. Let us know what service you need and we’ll connect you to local professionals in minutes. Contact us now!

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Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

If you want to profit from the amazing benefits of organic gardening, you could start by cultivating a few vine growing plants in your outdoor space. Kiwi vines are easy to grow and offer you tasty, healthy, nutritious fruits with a unique sweet-and-sour taste. Keep reading to discover a few basic things you should know before growing kiwi fruit vines.

Varieties

There are two varieties of kiwi fruit vines: the Fuzzy Kiwi and the Hardy Kiwi. The latter variety is much-appreciated for its tiny, sweet fruits with soft skin. While the Hardy Kiwi can be cultivated in areas exposed to both sun and shade, the Fuzzy Kiwi requires extensive sun baths to grow properly.

Growing Conditions

Any successful kiwi grower should know that there are two important elements that kiwi fruit vines need in order to develop a solid root system: soil nutrients and plenty of water.

The soil should always be well-drained, and it should contain an elevated amount of organic matter. If you want to put big, juicy organic fruits on your dinner table, remember to add nitrogen fertilizers to the soil in which you are growing kiwi fruit vines.

You also have to water the vines regularly, especially during the hot season. Drought stress is a major threat that should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you grow your kiwi vines in a location with friendly temperatures and offer them year-round protection against powerful winds.

Planting Recommendations

Start by digging the hole where you plan to accommodate the roots of the kiwi plant. Mix the soil with compost and rock phosphate.

If you are dealing with fragile potted plants, make sure to plant them with maximum care to avoid damaging the roots. It is highly recommended to maintain a distance of up to 10 feet between vines.

During the first year, you should water the plant regularly and add mulch to ensure an ideal level of moisture and reduce weeds. Insecticide soap can come in handy, especially if you’ve had insect problems in the past.

Ask an Expert

Growing kiwi fruit vines can be a very rewarding experience, as long as you count on excellent advice ensured by a skilled landscaper. If you don’t know how to take care of your small vegetable garden or if you simply want to rely on an expert option, don’t hesitate to contact the best landscapers who operate in your area.

Find the best ones with help from Seva Call, a free service created to help you get in touch with respectable specialists in a matter of minutes.

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Never a Slow Day in San Antonio

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Well, it’s officially our first stop on Seva Call’s Texas Tour, and so Seva Man has been chillin’ in San Antonio.

Actually, he hasn’t been chillin’ at all. There’s so much to do! So much to see! The culture, the arts, the restaurants, the sight-seeing. Seva Man hasn’t had a chance to rest his feet.

There are over 200 awe-inspiring attractions to keep you entertained. You can take a stroll along the beautiful River Walk, visit a truckload of art museums including the San Antonio Art Museum and the McNay Art Museum, or check out a host of traditional and annual events including a huge Cinco de Mayo celebration, the Texas Folklife Festival and the Fiesta de la Luminarias.

When Life has You Too Busy…

As residents of this amazing city, you barely have time to do everything San Antonio has to offer to begin with. But, when there’s a kink in your plans, the last thing you want to do is spend hours online and on the phone searching for a service professional to do the job when you want.

That’s where Seva Call comes in handy.

When a car tire goes flat, or your sink springs a leak, you no longer have to spend time searching for a reliable service professional. Seva Call will do the searching for you. See how with this quick video.

Seva Call will use a variety of consumer quality metrics to find the most reliable service professionals based on the needs of your job, your location, and your availability. After we gather all the data and find the right local professional for the job, we will put you directly on the phone with them and monitor the call for tip-top quality. We also always promise to protect your contact information from spammers and telemarketers.

So, San Antonio, got a busy week ahead of you? Take 10 seconds to check out Seva Call, and we’ll find you a professional in 90 seconds.

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Wiring Wall Lights

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

A wall light can add the perfect amount of light to a room. Whether you need additional lighting for your work space, or some mood lighting to create a nice ambiance when entertaining guests, wiring a wall light can be done by the average DIY homeowner with basic wiring know-how and techniques.

Thinking of tackling this job this weekend? Here’s what to do:

Arrange the Circuit

1. Choose an area near a wall stud to install your light. Using a jigsaw, proceed to cut out the wall to fit the electrical box so that one side of the opening is against the wall stud.

2. Take the wiring cable and drop an end of it inside the opening you just cut.

3. Then make another opening to accommodate the wall switch and, through this opening, insert the wire and run it to the switch.

4. Then, connect the switch and basement by running another length of wire between the two. If you cannot readily access your basement, you will need to drill through the flooring inside the wall.

Fasten the Boxes

5. Take the bundle of wiring and secure it inside the box. Pull out the wires and separate them out: bare copper, white, and black.

6. Attach the electrical box to the wall stud at an angle, drilling the long screws right through the box’s screw holes. Secure the plastic box the same way.

Wiring Wall Light

7. Attach the mounting bracket of your new wall light to the box using the provided screws. Using a wire cap, connect the fixture’s white and black wires to the matching ones on the wall. Take the copper ground wire and attach it to the mounting bracket’s grounding screw.

8. Follow the product instructions on how to install the wall light fixture. Tuck the wires inside the box.

9. To wire the switch, wire the white wires together and the copper ones together. Use the provided connection screws to attach the black cables to the switch. Position the light switch over the box and secure with the covering plate.

Connect to the Electrical Supply

10. Shut off the power in your house by turning off the main circuit breaker.

11. Locate the specific circuit breaker that corresponds to the circuit you’re working on. With the breaker pulled out, hook the black wire to it using the connection screw. Locate the brackets where the ground wires will go and attach the copper and white wires into available spots.

12. Turn on the power.

When You Need Expert Help

Working with electricity is always risky, so if you’d rather be on the safe side, rely on a qualified electrician to handle wiring your wall light instead of attempting it yourself. Use Seva Call to locate a quality electrician right now at no cost!

Tags: Wiring a Wall Light
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Fire Retardant House Paint

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Fire accidents are disastrous events that can happen at any time. You might recover your money from your insurance company, but it would be better if you could reduce the risk of fire breaking out or delay its spreading. You can do that by using fire retardant house paint to cover and protect the walls of your house.

Regular Paint versus Fire Retardant House Paints

Most paints that are used on walls and furnishings are usually flammable, and in case of fire, they work as a fuel, feeding the fire, and making it spread faster. On the other hand, using a fire retardant house paint can delay the fire from spreading, protecting the infrastructure of the building.

How Does Fire Retardant House Paint Work?

This kind of paint is specially designed to be a poor heat conductor. When the temperature rises because of fire, fire retardant house paints swell up, forming what is called char. This substance prevents fire from spreading, giving fire fighters the chance to try to put it out. Each fire retardant house paint is rated with regard to fire resistance, which means that you can know for how long it can keep the fire at bay.

When they first appeared, fire retardant house paints were extremely toxic and expensive. Nowadays, there are many options at hand if you decide to use fire retardant house paints for your house or office. They are safer and less expensive.

Whether you decide to use fire retardant house paints to protect your home from fire is up to you, but if you want to limit fire damage, keep in mind that they can be an effective alternative.

Ask an Expert

Need help to paint your house? Not sure about what kind of paints to use? Let Seva Call track the best professionals in your area. By using our free service you will get what you need in minutes.

Tags: Fire Retardant House Paint
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How to Restore Windows 8 DVD Drive Missing from a Computer

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

A common issue that many Windows 8 users are experiencing is the missing icon of the optical drive. According to reports, Windows 8 fails to recognize the DVD drive after the operating system has been installed or upgraded from Windows 7. As a result, Windows 8 DVD drive is missing both in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

While tech experts cannot pinpoint what is causing this problem, you can try the following fixes to restore the drive when Windows 8 DVD drive is missing. However, if your computer is new and you just assembled it, make sure to check first if the optical drive cable is connected properly before trying the steps below.

Fix Option 1:

1. Launch the Command Prompt with admin permissions by switching to the Start screen and typing CMD. Then, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys all at once to launch the elevated prompt.

2. When prompted for user account control, click “Yes.”

3. Next, you need to type a specific string of commands into the elevated prompt and press the Enter key. You can copy-paste the command from the Microsoft tech support forum site.

4. Once you’ve entered the command, exit out of the prompt and reboot your computer. Afterwards, you should be able to see the DVD drive appear in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

Fix Option 2:

The first option described above may not work for some users. If this happens to be your case or you’re hesitant opening the Command Prompt to run the command, you can download a free utility called CD-DVD Icon Repair and run it on your computer to fix the problem.

This standalone tool is specifically designed to help users with Windows 8 DVD drive missing due to the OS failing to detect the existing drive. Even though this application is primarily programmed to work with Windows 7, it’s perfectly compatible with Windows 8.

Simply launch the utility once you’ve downloaded it and click the button that says “repair CD-DVD icon”. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Call In a Professional

If you’re still having problems with Windows 8 DVD drive missing from your computer, it’s time to call in a professional computer repair technician. Seva Call offers a free service that can connect you with trusted service professionals quickly and conveniently. Try Seva Call now, the first step to having your computer problem fixed in no time.

Tags: Windows 8 DVD Drive Missing
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Install Heating Ductwork

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Properly installed, high-quality heating ducts can help you profit from considerable energy savings in the long run. You can choose to install heating ductwork on your own, by conducting a simple, time-effective DIY project, or you could hire a heating and cooling expert and let him do the heavy lifting. Here are a few easy steps that every do-it-yourselfer should follow, to attain excellent results.

1) Estimate How Much Material You Will Have to Use

Draw a sketch and take a few measurements and calculations to determine how much material you’ll have to purchase. Based on the ductwork layout, you could also estimate the amount of money that should be invested in this project.

Don’t hesitate to overestimate. Spare material could be used in the future, to conduct repairs or replacement projects.

2) Estimate the Amount of Heat that You’ll Need

How much heat do you actually need? Do some basic math to find out. Generally speaking, you will require 1 CFM (one cubic foot per minute) for every single square foot of a certain room that has to be to be heated up.

3) Opt for the Right Duct Size

To enhance the performance of your furnace, determine the ideal duct size. To experience considerable savings, you will have to factor in different elements, like for instance the number of vents, the size of your rooms, and also the duct length.

Buy the duct size that matches the ideal number of cubic feet per meter. Four-inch ducts are for 30 CFM, 6-inch ducts go with 110 CFM, 14-inch ducts correspond to 1,000 CFM and so on.

4) Cut and Assemble the Ducts

Cut the ducts to match your needs, by using a knife. Assemble them properly and don’t forget to seal them with duct tape to prevent heat losses. Insulate your ducts to avoid heat dissipation.

Ask an Expert

Can’t seem to be able to install heating ductwork on your own? If so, don’t hesitate to let a heating and cooling expert complete this project in a cost- and time-effective manner. Find the most respectable ones in your area with Seva Call, a free service introduced to help you meet the right professionals in just minutes.

Tags: Install Heating Ductwork
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How to Open a Stuck Car Trunk Latch

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

A car trunk latch that will not release or seems to be stuck is a common problem for car owners, but, fortunately, this is relatively easy to fix. This problem can happen if you don’t keep your vehicle inside a garage, allowing the gears or the mechanism of the latch to become corroded by moisture.

If you’re unable to open your car trunk from the outside, you’ll have to get inside the vehicle to access the latch and repair it.

Repairing a Broken Car Trunk Latch

Most of the newer vehicles today include a safety feature that lets a person open the car trunk from inside. If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have this feature, there are kits available that you can use to retrofit your vehicle. Also, some newer cars are equipped with a special mechanism for emergency car trunk latch release.

If you cannot open your trunk either because it’s stuck, the lock is broken, or you don’t have a key, here’s what you can do:

1. Test the car trunk latch. If you have a remote control for the trunk but pressing the release button doesn’t work, use your trunk key to open the trunk manually.

2. If your car is equipped with a manual car trunk latch release, locate this inside your vehicle. In a minivan, this feature may be found on the inside of the vehicle’s luggage area underneath a trim panel. In other cars, generally, it can be found either at the back of the car trunk or by the wheel well on the trunk’s sides. This mechanism can be an actual lever like a ripcord or a button.

3. Inspect the mechanism of the latch to check whether there is a broken plastic component. Any broken parts will need to be fixed by a qualified mechanic.

4. Remove dirt and debris from the mechanism by spraying compressed air into it.

5. Put lubricating oil on the gears and hinges of the latch. Turn the key, opening and closing the car trunk latch to work the lubricant into the parts. Then, put lithium grease on the moving parts and the hinges to keep them well lubricated.

Need Help Opening a Locked Car Trunk?

Get help quickly from a reputable local mechanic. Seva Call can connect you with one in just a few minutes. Simply let us know what service you need and we’ll match you with the right professionals immediately. Try our service now!

Tags: Car Trunk Latch
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Sears Carpet Cleaning

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

If you don’t want to clean your dirty carpets at home, then profit from some of the most convenient carpet cleaning services currently available. Sears carpet cleaning services are an excellent option worth considering. People often choose to embrace it for a number of reasons, including the following:

1) Risk-free, 2-step cleaning method

2) No hidden costs

3) Professional services ensured by skilled, well-trained technicians

4) Cleaning method that does not threaten the optical brilliance of your carpets

5) Services that come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and last for the longest period of time

6) Conveniently scheduled appointments

What Makes Sears Carpet Cleaning Services So Special?

Sears carpet cleaning services meet your highest-quality standards without burning holes in your pockets. You don’t have to worry about hidden costs, and the results last for a long period of time. On top of that, the company also enables its clients to profit from a wide range of carpet deodorizers and carpet protectors, allowing them to keep their rugs looking and smelling like new for weeks in a row.

Sears often surprises customers with special offers and also provides many other types of services, including upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, and professional tile and grout cleaning at your best convenience. This way, while you clean your rug, you can also solve various other household problems that may have been on your mind for a while now.

Ask an Expert

Chances are that there are hundreds of types of carpet cleaning services in your area, so how could you possibly choose the best ones? When in doubt, just call a carpet cleaning expert who lives and works near you. Spot the most competent ones with TalkLocal, your number one provider of fresh, accurate, regularly updated information. TalkLocal connects you with the right professionals, fast and free.

Tags: Sears Carpet Cleaning
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Aluminum Roof Repair to Patch up Holes

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Aluminum roofs are known for durability, but they can still be damaged from hail, heavy winds, and other severe weather conditions. A hole can also develop from corrosion if the roof was improperly sealed. Whatever the reason for that hole in your roof, quick aluminum roof repair is necessary to patch it up immediately and prevent water from entering inside your home.

For this job, you’ll need a piece of aluminum, either a scrap of the original roofing material, or you can buy a new sheet from a hardware store. If purchasing new material, make sure to choose roofing with the same corrugation as your existing roof to ensure the patch will fit tightly and securely. Schedule the repair when you’re expecting sunny weather. Here are the steps for DIY aluminum roof repair.

Be Safe

1. It’s important to wear protective gear before starting work because the edges of cut aluminum are sharp enough to break skin. Wear gloves and a shirt with long sleeves.

2. Use a ladder to get to the roof. If possible, aluminum roof repair should be done from the ladder. If you have to step on the roof, make sure to step only on areas where there are screws, which indicate there’s wooden support underneath the metal sheet.

Make a Patch

3. Use tin snips to cut around the hole to remove its serrated edges and make them even.

4. Take the measurements of this new hole and add 3 inches to it on all sides to get the size of the patch.

5. Take the sheet of replacement aluminum and cut out a patch to size.

6. Place the patch over the hole and trace it around with a grease pencil. Check that the patch is positioned directly over the hole.

Prep the Surface for the Patch

7. Set aside the patch and work inside the traced area that surrounds the hole. You’ll need to put butyl tape inside this area so that you have a 2-inch taped section.

Install the Patch

8. Put the patch over the taped area.

9. With a power screwdriver, secure the patch by driving screws around its perimeter in 2-inch intervals.

10. Caulk the edges of patch and the screw heads with roofing compound. Allow the compound to dry.

11. Using a paintbrush, paint the patch with roof coating that is suitable for aluminum roof repair. There should be about 2 inches of overlap in between seams.

Call in a Professional Roofer

If the job is too complex for you to handle, you can always count on a professional roofer for help. And you can count on Seva Call to find the best service professionals in your area. Give us the details of your service request, and we’ll match you with up to three, local, qualified roofers. Our search service is fast, convenient, and free. Try us today!

Tags: Aluminum Roof Repair
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