Sliding Doors Let Rain In
Q. I’ve noticed that the inside tracks of our aluminum sliding doors in our new home are wet after it rains. Despite the installer’s efforts to enlarge the drainage holes and use additional caulking, the problem persists. What could be causing this?
J.S.J.
Dana Point
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A. There are several possibilities, including that the door frame might have been installed improperly, says Dee Watt of College Glass & Mirror in Anaheim. The frame may have been cut short, which has allowed water to leak inside. Or, if the bottom track has been set at an angle, it could be directing water into the house. Also, if there’s a problem with the roof or eaves above the door, you may have too much water running down the stucco, which could be getting inside.
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Q. I have a small rental house, just 400 square feet, that seems to collect mold and mildew. Tenants frequently complain of condensation on the windows. It has a new roof and is built on a raised foundation. Is there anything we can do to prevent the moisture from accumulating?
M.B.
Seal Beach
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A. There have been quite a few complaints about mold and mildew recently, many more than normal, says Gary Lillge of Crown Hardware in Newport Beach. Of course, with an older home you’ll want to be sure that the windows and doors are properly caulked and weatherstripped. And, you may want to have a plumber check to see that a broken water pipe isn’t the cause of the excess moisture.
If everything checks out, you can use a product such as Damp Out, which is basically a can of moisture-absorbing crystals that can be placed in a closet to prevent mildew. Closet dehumidifiers, which are electric “wands” used to remove moisture, and room dehumidifiers may also be needed to control the problem.
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Q. I have a blue-and white-striped awning across the back of my home. It’s become very dirty and discolored. What’s the best way to clean it?
J. N.
Los Alamitos
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A. If it’s a plastic or vinyl awning, there are a number of simple cleaners that can be used including soap and hot water, says window cleaner Jeremy Torran of Santa Ana. The tricky part is getting up on the ladder with a bucket and sponge and doing the work. After soaping them down, spray them off with a high-pressure nozzle on the hose. If the awnings are made of canvas, it’s probably best to remove them and have them professionally cleaned to prevent them from shrinking.
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Q. My bathtub has marks on the bottom where I removed nonslip stickers years ago. How can I get these adhesive marks off?
A. E.
Laguna Hills
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A. You might want to try putting some rubbing alcohol on a cloth, says plumber Ed Zamora of Anaheim. If wiping the marks with alcohol doesn’t work, try acetone. Remember when doing this to keep the windows, fan and door open in the bathroom to keep from inhaling too many of the fumes.
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Q. We recently moved to a home with a gray slate entryway that has been waxed over and over through the years. We want to strip and re-seal it, but we can’t seem to get the old wax layers off. Any ideas on how to do this without hurting the stone?
D. K.
Fullerton
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A. As long as you don’t use a caustic chemical or an acid, you shouldn’t hurt the slate, says floor installer Dave Green of San Clemente. “I would consult with a slate dealer to find out what cleaners are recommended. Make sure that you’ve entirely removed the layers of wax before sealing the floor, since that could make the slate blotchy and won’t protect it very well.”
