How to Brighten Fiberglass Awnings
QUESTION: I have fiberglass awnings on my house. They are more than 10 years old and in good condition but fading. They are coral and white. Is there anything I can do to make them look a little brighter? Can I wash or paint them? What products can I use?
ANSWER: Painting the awnings will cause them to lose their translucency. If the panels are in good condition, you can hose off the accumulated dust and dirt. If the dirt is caked on, you may have to use a pressure washer. You should hose down the panels periodically to prevent dirt from accumulating.
If you decide to wash the awnings, don’t use a detergent, which may contain ammonia or chlorine. This may cause the awnings to become yellow. Instead, use a mild nonabrasive soap.
When the panels have weathered extensively and fibers appear on their surface, you may want to take additional measures. The exposed fibers entrap dirt particles that contribute to further deterioration and reduce light transmission.
In this case, one manufacturer recommends that you rinse the awnings with a garden hose then lightly scrub their surface with steel wool. Soak the steel wool pad periodically in water to free the glass fibers that build up on it. Follow this treatment with clear water and allow them to dry thoroughly.
How You Can Tell If You’re in Hot Water
Q: The typical hot-water tank has a dial for water temperatures at the bottom. It reads hot, warm and normal. What would be the minimum temperature and the next temperature and then the hot temperature? I have heard of a code in most places that the minimum temperatures should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum 140 degrees.
A: Not all water heater manufacturers use the same names for the thermostat settings. Nevertheless, the settings are basically hot, medium and warm. According to the manufacturers, the respective temperatures in Fahrenheit are 160 degrees, 140, 120 and 60. These temperatures are not very precise as there can be a difference of 10 degrees or more between the dial setting and the water temperature.
The thermostat for a tank-type water heater is at the lower portion of the tank. Because hot water rises, the temperature of the water at the top of the tank (where the hot-water outlet pipe is situated) will be higher than the water surrounding the thermostat.
For the most part, a thermostat setting that produces a water temperature of 140 will be adequate for such household appliances as clothes washers and dishwashers.
To submit a question, write to Popular Mechanics, Reader Service Bureau, 224 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y. 10019. The most interesting questions will be answered in a future column.