Drywall Screws Can Cure Squeaky Floors

Question: We have a problem with squeaky floors in our 50-year-old home and will be tearing up the floor to correct the problem. What can you suggest to ensure that the squeaks don’t come back?

Answer: We suggest that you use 1 5/8-inch-long drywall screws instead of nails to attach the plywood to the joist. Drywall screws don’t require pre-drilling a hole and will countersink themselves. They hold tighter than nails and won’t come loose even if the wood shrinks.

These screws are also used by some contractors on outdoor decks, and we have seen boards stay as tight as when they were attached in areas where temperatures vary from subzero to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity varies from 0% to 100%.

A Simple Test Can Check for Fridge Leak

Q: I have an old Frigidaire combination refrigerator-freezer with the freezer on top and the thermostat in the evaporator. With the thermostat set at A, the freezer is cold enough, but the refrigerator is at about 28 degrees Fahrenheit and the food freezes. With the thermostat at C, the freezer is about 20 F and the refrigerator at about 34 F.

When a serviceman looked at the refrigerator, he said there were drops of oil on the compressor terminals. This indicated a refrigerant leak, which he said would cost $300 to fix. I realize that this appliance has reached a ripe old age. But it’s still capable of freezing food and is only used intermittently for extra cold storage at holiday time. Is there any way to nurse it along without major expense?

A: A drop of oil on the compressor terminals might or might not indicate a refrigerant leak. A good way to see if you have a leak is to look at your freezer coil. Begin by defrosting the refrigerator thoroughly.

Turn the thermostat back on and let the refrigerator run for a while, then open the door. Check the frost pattern on the freezer coil. There should be frost all over the coil. This would indicate there is no refrigerant leak.

If only a small portion of the coil is frosted, this could indicate a slight shortage of refrigerant in the system. You can have a serviceman add refrigerant to the system. This would not be too expensive and it would keep your refrigerator going, especially if it is not in day-to-day service.

If you do have a good frost pattern on the coil in the freezer, we would suspect a defective thermostat if everything is getting too cold in the refrigerator section when the freezer is operating correctly. Replacing it is a straightforward job. Just make sure you get the correct part for your model.

Stucco Will Spruce Up Cracked Retaining Wall

Q: Our concrete block retaining wall has become cracked and dingy. Is there a way to freshen its appearance?

A: A coat of stucco will do wonders for your wall. If the blocks were new and clean, you could trowel on the stucco right away. In your case, however, first apply a coat of concrete bonder. Check with your local concrete products dealer to recommend the best bonding agent.

If the wall is cracked or damaged but still standing straight, apply a layer of wire lath over the entire wall to tie the blocks together and ensure that the stucco will adhere. Secure the wire lath with concrete nails driven into holes bored with a masonry bit and electric drill. Space the nails about 12 inches apart.

Mix a stucco base coat of one part portland cement, one part mason’s cement and two parts fine sand. Trowel this coat on to a thickness of about one-half inch, or enough to cover the wire lath if you’re using it.

With the base coat dry, trowel on a coat of stucco mix. After applying the first cover of stucco coat, use a trowel or rubber float to create a textured stucco pattern.

For Carpet Stains, Rotate Your Rag

Q: My carpet has become stained over time thanks to my two young children. What is your recommendation for removing stains from carpeting?

A: Any number of the commercial stain removers available will work satisfactorily. In any case, when removing stains, always apply the solvent to the rag first, not the carpet. Solvent can damage the back of the carpet. Also, make a point of using a white or nearly white rag, so that dyes from the cloth don’t bleed into the carpet.

Before using the solvent on solid or sticky substances, like gum, try scraping as much of the material from the carpet as possible. It often helps to freeze solid substances with an ice cube before breaking them up.

When pulling stains from carpet fibers, use a wet-and-dab approach, always rotating the soiled area of the rag away from the carpet. This method may be a little tedious, but it works well.

Gentle Liquid Soap Can Clean a Painted Wall

Q: Can you give me some tips on how to wash painted walls? The walls are painted with white washable paint.

A: If you are interested in just cleaning a dirty wall, you can use soap and water. A gentle liquid soap, such as Ivory, is good. Rub the wall down lightly with a towel or a sponge. Don’t scrub too hard or you will create a slight gloss by removing the pigment.

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