Warming Up to Idea of Heater Installation in Converted Den
Question: I converted our single-car garage into a small den off the kitchen this summer, but because funds were short (and I thought perhaps the heat from the kitchen would be adequate), I didn’t install heat. Last weekend changed my mind. It was so cold we couldn’t sit out there, and because the kitchen is open to it, the kitchen was cold too. What do you think of installing a wall heater?
Answer: Before doing anything, check the building codes in your area to be sure a wall heater is approved. If the answer is yes, it sounds as if a wall heater would be a good answer.
Recently, I saw a Direct Vent Heater (manufactured by Williams Comfort Products, 225 Acacia St., Colton, Calif. 92324) that appeared to be relatively easy to install for the do-it-yourselfer, and it has a built-in thermostat. Tools required for installation were only a keyhole saw (or whatever it would take to put the vent through the exterior of your house), standard and Phillips screwdrivers, a drill and wrenches for the gas connection.
You’ll have to get someone to run the gas line to the installation if you can’t do it yourself.
The model I saw was at Builders’ Emporium in Hollywood. You might want to check the manufacturer for an outlet near you.
The question from the reader who was having trouble with rust on a 36-inch-high wrought-iron fence subjected to ocean air brought reader responses:
Robert P. Hann, owner of Mechanical Distributors in Whittier says:
“There is a product called ZRC, 95% zinc and 5% epoxy vehicle in the dried film, which has been recognized by Underwriters Laboratories as being the equivalent in corrosion resistance of hot-dip galvanizing. This product can be brushed, sprayed or rolled on the surface just like paint. This would mean the 100-foot-long fence could be galvanized in place. If so desired, the ZRC finish can be color top-coated once it has dried.
“Prices and applicable data are available from Mechanical Distributors, P.O. Box 4062, Whittier, Calif. 90607. The product is stocked in their Santa Ana warehouse.”
Q: I plan to put down forms and lay a gravel walkway from my back door to our spa. Do you have any tips?
A: If you’re putting the walkway across a grass lawn, I’d reconsider using gravel. Even with the forms, there’s no way the gravel will not splash over into the grassy area occasionally. This creates problems when mowing the lawn. Nobody wants to have a mower spraying rocks that can cause injuries.
Dale Baldwin will answer remodeling questions of general interest on this page. Send your questions to Home Improvement, Real Estate Department, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Baldwin cannot answer questions individually. Snapshots of successful do-it-yourself projects may be submitted but cannot be returned.
