The Timer Is Stuck On My Sears Coldspot Frostless Freezer

The Sears Coldspot Frostless freezer is an older-model upright freezer that is no longer manufactured by the Sears/Kenmore brand. The freezer is self-defrosting, which operates through an automatic timer that sets the freezer in defrost mode several times during a 24-hour period. If the timer is stuck and is not working, however, some inspection and troubleshooting might be necessary to get the timer and the freezer back into working form.

Defrost Timer

The defrost timer is a rotary control knob that slowly turns and sends the freezer into a defrost cycle at set points on the timer. If the timer gets stuck, the knob will not rotate, which can cause problems.

Symptoms of Stuck Timer

If the defrost timer is stuck, the freezer may not enter the automatic defrost cycle. You will know this is happening if ice develops on the freezer interior, including the bottom, ceiling or sides, or if food freezes even when the temperature control is not set accordingly. Alternatively, the defrost timer may be stuck in a defrost pattern, which keeps the freezer rotating constantly through that pattern. This causes the freezer to warm and thaw food, even if the temperature controls are set appropriately for freezing.

Locating the Defrost Timer

To check the defrost timer, you must access the timer. Disconnect power to the Sears freezer and pull the freezer away from the wall. You must remove the screws holding the back panel in place and lift the panel off the freezer. The defrost timer is located on the lower-right portion of the freezer rear.

Restarting the Timer

Once you have located the defrost timer, manually turn the timer in a clockwise direction slowly until you hear a loud click. This click means that the timer has advanced out of the stuck position and has moved to the next part of the normal defrost and cooling cycle. Replace the back panel on the freezer and restore power. Contact Kenmore for assistance if the freezer remains caught in one part of the cycle, as the timer may need replacement.

Tags: defrost timer, timer stuck, back panel, Coldspot Frostless, defrost cycle, defrost timer

Glue Styrofoam To An Aluminum Ceiling

White glue is a safe option for styrofoam.

Trailers and RVs sometimes have a layer of Styrofoam between the aluminum roof and ceiling fabric. In the event of damage, you may opt to replace the ceiling yourself by gluing a new layer of foam to the ceiling. Avoid using glues that contain any type of solvent as this dissolves the Styrofoam. Dow Chemical, the company that makes Styrofoam, recommends using white glue or a low-temperature glue gun.

Instructions

Cold Glue

1. Squeeze the glue onto the side of the Styrofoam that will attach to the ceiling.

2. Spread out the glue over the entire surface with a glue roller to ensure even coverage.

3. Press the Styrofoam to the aluminum ceiling and hold it in place until it sticks.

4. Smooth your hand gently across the surface of the Styrofoam to ensure the entire surface is in contact with the ceiling.

Hot Glue

5. Apply the hot glue directly to the metal and spread around with a glue roller. Hot glue can melt Styrofoam if applied directly to it.

6. Line up the Styrofoam piece with the glue on the ceiling.

7. Press the Styrofoam onto the ceiling and smooth over the surface lightly with your hand.

8. Hold the Styrofoam in place until it sticks without falling.

Tags: with glue, entire surface, glue roller, place until, place until sticks, Press Styrofoam, until sticks

Reverse The Blade Rotation Of A Thomasville Ceiling Fan

Many Thomasville ceiling fans have remote controls to reverse the blade motion.

Ceiling fans are used to move the air in your home. Not only does this help in the summer to push cooler air down into the room but in the winter months, you can reverse the blade motion causing the air in the room to be pulled up toward the ceiling and helping to keep the room warmer. Reversing the blade motion on a Thomasville ceiling fan does not require the removal of the ceiling fan blades but only a push of a button, slide of switch or using the fan’s remote control.

Instructions

1. Look at the remote control that you use for your Thomasville ceiling fan. Look for a button that either shows an image of the fans rotating one way and then the other way or a button labeled "For/Rev." Each Thomasville remote is slightly different. Press the button to change the blade rotation. If your fan does not have a remote proceed to Step 2.

2. Use a ladder or chair to climb up on to view the housing of the ceiling fan. Look for a button or a switch. Press the button or move the switch in the opposite direction. This will cause the fan to begin rotating the blades in the opposite direction.

3. Test the function by turning the Thomasville ceiling fan on and reversing the blade function. The blade function is generally reversed in the warm months and the cooler months. In the warmer months, you want the blades rotating so the air is pushed down into the room; in cooler months, you want the air being pulled up towards the ceiling.

Tags: blade motion, blade function, ceiling Look, ceiling Look button, cooler months, down into, down into room

Paint Ceiling Streaks

Tarps can also be hung on walls to protect them from splattering or drips.

Usually, homeowners take great care to avoid a streaked finish when painting ceilings and walls. However, an intentionally striated surface can add character and depth to your room design. There are three main ways to achieve a streaked ceiling: using multiple colors, painting in stages and employing a paint comb. You can perform the first two techniques from the ground without the assistance of a ladder which makes them somewhat safer. Using a painting comb is also disadvantageous because it is time-consuming, but this tool provides the most control over the length and width of each streak.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove furniture. Cover furniture with tarps or drop cloths to protect them from paint drips.

2. Open a window and use a fan to promote air circulation particularly if you are working with odorous paints.

3. Put on gloves and safety goggles. Wear a breathing mask if you are sensitive to paint fumes.

4. Stir paint to make sure that each color you are using is well-blended; incorporate all streaks of separated pigment.

5. Place the ladder in the corner.

6. Put painter's tape on each wall where it meets the ceiling.

7. Mount the ladder with a small can of base paint and a brush. Cut in -- apply paint to -- the edge where the wall meets the ceiling. Repeat, forming a border around the perimeter of the ceiling.

8. Attach the roller head to the extension pole; the handle of the roller head screws onto the threaded part of the extension pole.

Multiple Colors

9. Fill the right and left sides of the paint tray with two different colors of paint.

10. Roll the roller head into the paint, pulling up both colors on each half of the brush head.

11. Roll the roller against the textured part of the tray to remove excess paint and blend the colors in the middle. Continue until the paint sounds tacky.

12. Paint the ceiling in long strokes from end to end. Move the roller over approximately 1 foot and repeat to form a series of parallel lines. Leave a space between each row.

13. Repeat Step 1 to Step 4 with the remaining colors, filling in the areas of the ceiling that are not painted.

14. Dry and repeat to achieve the desired look.

15. Make sure that the ends of each line blend into the perimeter border. Touch up this area as necessary by applying paint to your brush and blending the streak into the perimeter with a rubbing motion.

Stages

16. Paint three to six separate lines across the ceiling using one color; multiple colors are not necessary for this process but may be used for a more dramatic effect.

17.Allow the lines to dry overnight.

18. Repeat Step 1 to form more lines. Overlap lines to create areas of richer color.

Painter's Comb

19. Apply a coat of paint to the ceiling; use one color.

20. Paint a second coat over the first immediately using the same paint. Do not wait for the first coat to dry.

21. Starting in the corner of the room, drag the comb from one end of the ceiling to the other, pulling paint and forming trenches and ridges of paint.

22. Use the tip of your paintbrush handle to draw additional line as desired.

23. Allow the paint to cure for 72 hours.

Tags: roller head, ceiling using, extension pole, into perimeter, meets ceiling, multiple colors, paint your

Drop Ceiling Installation Tools

Drop ceilings make for an easy way to cover pipes, ducts and wires in basements and commercial buildings while still allowing access without having to repair holes in sheetrock or other permanently affixed ceiling materials.

Drop ceilings consist of 2-by-2-foot or 2-by-4-foot tiles suspended on a grid system. The system is supported by hanger wires that are attached to the ceiling above and hold up the grid. The grid system consists of main tees which span from one side of the room to the other and 2- and 4-foot tees which interconnect between the main tees to fill out the grid. An L-shaped piece known as a wall angle or wall track is placed on the wall and it supports the ends of the tees as well as the edges of the ceiling tiles that butt the wall.

Laser Level

The quickest and easiest way to lay out a drop ceiling is to attach laser levels to the wall at the desired height of the ceiling. The laser levels itself and you just make marks on the wall along the path of the laser beam.

An alternative to the laser level is a standard level. Place the level horizontally on the wall at the desired height and mark along the level. Slide the level over and repeat until the room has been marked.

Tin Snips and Pliers

These snips are used to cut the mains and the tees to length where they butt the wall and also to cut the wall track. Pliers are used to fold and twist the hanger wire around the ceiling clips and the tees.

Rivet Hole Punch and Rivet Gun

The rivet hole punch is used to punch a hole through the wall track and the ceiling grid along the perimeter of the room so that a rivet can be inserted to keep the drop ceiling locked together.

The rivet gun is used to set the pop rivet in the hole made by the hole punch.

Alternatively, you can use a drill to make the hole if you don't have or can't find a rivet hole punch.

Powder Actuated Tool or Drill

The powder actuated gun is used to attach the hanger wire clips to the underside of the ceiling on jobs that have a steel or concrete ceiling.

For wooden ceilings, a drill is all that is needed to set the clips. The drill can also be used to attach the wall angle to the wall.

Large Speed Square

A 12-inch speed square is used to periodically check that the grid members are at right angles to each other. This is especially useful when installing grid on a diagonal.

Utility Knife

The utility knife is used to cut perimeter tiles to size, and to also cut holes in the ceiling tiles for any sprinklers, can lights or other objects present in the ceiling.

Rolling Scaffold

Not a must, but a rolling scaffold makes the job go a lot easier. Easy to set up and able to fit through standard door openings, this scaffold allows you to keep all the needed tools and materials at hand and push yourself along as you complete sections. Plus you have the bonus of not having to climb up and down a ladder all the time.

Tags: rivet hole, wall track, angle wall, butt wall, ceiling tiles

Which Is Cheaper To Run Box Fans Or Air Conditioners

Air conditioners and box fans are most effective when used together.

Box fans and air conditioners each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Box fans are inexpensive and create pleasant breezes, but don't lower room temperature. Air conditioners -- while more expensive -- efficiently cool your home but fail to help the cold air circulate. When it comes to choosing between the two, there are several factors to consider. Although keeping cool is the ultimate goal of summer, you must take other things, such as the cost of operation, into consideration.

Cost to Operate

The amount of money it costs to run a box fan or air conditioner depends on the amount of electricity used, and the cost of electricity. Its cheaper to run a box fan than an air conditioner, because a box fan is considerably smaller and uses much less electricity. According to Naturally-Speaking, a website dedicated to nature and conservation, box fans use about 50 watts of energy per hour of continuous use. A home central air conditioner system uses about 3500 watts of energy per hour of continuous use. If you run the box fan on high for 24 hours a day, the monthly total would come to about $12 per month (at 16 cents per kWh). If you run the air conditioner for only eight hours a day for a month, your total bill would cost about $136.

Working Together

Using your box fan along with your air conditioner will help you conserve energy. Keep box fans in each room in your home to help circulate the cool air put out by your air conditioner. Although box fans don't actually lower room temperature, they create a wind chill effect by speeding up the evaporation of moisture on your skin, making your body feel cooler. With fans helping cool you off, you can lower the setting on your air conditioner or raise your thermostat a few degrees. You'll reduce the amount of energy needed for your ac to work, and save money on your electricity bill.

Box Fan Tips

You can keep your house cool using box fans without an air conditioner. During the hottest parts of the day, place box fans in the windows of your home facing outward. Leave internal doors open, and windows without a fan closed. This will create a vacuum effect, and suck the hot air out of your home. Keep shades and blinds drawn to keep out hot sunlight. During the cool parts of the day, face your box fans inside to fill your home with cooler air.

Air Conditioner Tips

If your thermostat can accommodate programmable settings, set it to shut off when you leave home and turn back on about an hour before your return. Leaving your air conditioner on all day forces the machine to cool hot air repeatedly in your absence, wasting energy.

Tags: your home, your conditioner, cool your, energy hour, energy hour continuous

Install 12 Ft Beadboard Planks For A Ceiling

Table saw

Beadboard ceiling planks are just like regular, flat ceiling planks, except they have parallel lines all along their lengths to give the impression that the individual boards are only about 2 inches wide. In fact, they are usually 8 to 12 inches wide. If you've got 12-foot beadboard and your room is longer than 12 feet, you can stagger the ends of the boards to different joists. This will give the ceiling a random, natural look.

Instructions

1. Mark each joist in the ceiling, using an electronic stud finder to locate them and a level and pencil to draw the lines.

2. Measure along the edge of the ceiling by the wall where you want to start. It has to be a wall that's perpendicular to the joists. Find the last joist within 12 feet of the end, and measure from the center of that joist back to the wall.

3. Mark a piece of beadboard at that measurement. Subtract 3/8 inch from the measurement. Cut it with a miter saw, at 90 degrees, straight across.

4. Hold the board to the ceiling, from one end of the wall out to the joist that you measured to. Put the groove toward wall. Set the end of the board 3/8 inch from the starting wall, to allow for wood expansion. This should put the end of the board right at the middle of the joist, since you subtracted 3/8 inch from the cut. The long side of the board should be 3/8 inch from the side wall.

5. Shoot finish nails through the board, straight up, two nails per joist.

6. Measure the remaining space at the end of the board. Cut and install another board to fit there, leaving 3/8 inch of space at the walls.

7. Measure and cut the first board for the second course so that it lands on a joist other than the one you took it to the first time. Connect the board to the first course by its tongue-and-groove settings. Nail it through the sides, shooting one nail per joist at an upward angle.

8. Continue across the ceiling in courses, staggering the end of each board to a different joist than the board next to it. You can start each course at either end, so the end-seams aren't all on one side of the room.

9. Cut the final course of boards along their lengths on a table saw so they will fit against the last wall, with 3/8 inch of space there. Install wood trim around the edges of the ceiling with your miter saw and nailer to cover up the 3/8-inch gaps.

Tags: inch from, along their, along their lengths, ceiling planks, inch space, inches wide

Suspended Ceiling Design Specifications

Suspended ceiling are commonly used to cover pipes or bad ceilings.

Typically, suspended ceiling systems have a metal grid that supports lightweight infill panels. People used them in residential homes and commercial facilities. Gone are the days of the traditional horizontal suspension systems, which constituted most design options. Many newer systems specifications incorporate curves to add more depth and visual characteristics to any room, creating a layered look, floating clouds, free-formed islands and other configurations.

Quality Assurance

Like many building products, suspended ceiling manufacturers make recommendations regarding the skill level necessary to ensure a quality installation. The horizontal design of many residential projects makes for an easier installation for do-it-yourself projects. Some ceiling manufacturers recommend five years of professional experience in suspended ceiling construction for their product installers. In addition, installations must meet the International Code Council's (ICC) seismic criteria: the grid components and panels must follow the minimum requirements for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements for flame spread or smoke density. Parts also must conform to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire rating standards.

Submittals

Specifications typically require product data, which helps buyers and installers understand the system's components and the quantity of each item. Suspended ceiling systems include drawings depicting various grid layout plans. Some manufacturers include sample kits that contain suspended ceiling parts and roofing panels.

Materials and Structure

Specification design usually list the name of the suspended ceiling system's manufacturer and the parts, such as 21-foot main runners and 2-foot cross tees made from pultruded fiberglass with at least a 1 3/8-inch wide facing. Systems also include wall angles and anchors that must meet or exceed specifications for the product. Installer must also install the system to accept specific dead load, or constant load, requirements.

Installation Guidelines

The terms require the installation in accordance with certain industry standards, such as the Ceilings Interior Systems Construction Association and the manufacturer's instructions. It may require equipment, air diffusers or other items to have independent supports. Generally, grid systems have exact dimensions for the placement of the main runners 48 inches on center or install wall clips at point of tee-to-wall-angle intersections using corrosive-resistant anchors. Most traditional suspended ceiling design either a 2-by-4-foot or 4-by-4-foot grid patterns.

Storage and Handling

Many manufacturers' specification calls for the delivery of all materials in the original unopened packages and stored at the job site for a short duration between delivery and actual installation. Keep the material in a controlled environment away from the elements, such as water or excess humidity, which cause warping, sagging or poor fitting during installation.

Tags: suspended ceiling, ceiling manufacturers, ceiling systems, main runners, must meet

Change A Fluorescent Light In A Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can help keep your home cool. A light fixture can be attached to the fan to provide additional light. The type of light bulb used depends on the model and specifications of the ceiling fan. Fluorescent lighting is bright and will burn out after continuous use. Change a fluorescent light in a ceiling fan when the old light goes out or becomes damaged.

Instructions

1. Turn off the circuit supplying power to the ceiling fan from the circuit panel. The circuit panel is usually in a basement, garage or kitchen area. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before touching the light to ensure it is cool.

2. Place a ladder just below the ceiling fan.

3. Climb the ladder and unscrew the screws that secure the ceiling fan.

4. Remove the fan and set aside.

5. Remove the lens or diffuser that fits over the light bulb. Push the lens up and tilt to remove.

6. Turn the light counterclockwise to remove from the fixture.

7. Insert the replacement light into the fixture. Turn the light clockwise to secure it in place.

8. Place the lens or diffuser over the light bulb and push to secure.

9. Place the fan blades back over the light and screw in place.

10. Turn on the circuit supplying power to the ceiling fan and turn on the light switch that controls the light.

Tags: light bulb, over light, circuit panel, circuit supplying, circuit supplying power, lens diffuser, over light bulb

Paint With Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

Many homeowners choose Benjamin Moore Aura paint because of its beauty, durability, and low environmental impact. Aura paint is not difficult to apply, and its matte finish is very forgiving and doesn't show dirt easily. With sensible precautions, your paint job will be beautiful and professional-looking.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of area you're painting. If it is a room with a high ambient moisture level, such as a bathroom, choose Aura Bath & Spa. If it is a normal interior room, choose Aura Interior. If you're painting the exterior of your house, choose Aura Exterior.

2. Prepare your surface. Thoroughly wash and dry the walls to be painted. Find any holes and fill these with spackle (for interior drywall), wood filler, or other appropriate compound. Allow the walls to dry for 24 hours, then sand away the excess spackle.

3. Protect any surfaces you do not want to get paint on. Mask around any areas not to be painted, such as trim/moulding, shutters, or mirrors, with painter's tape. Lay down drop cloths to protect the floors.

4. Prime the walls. If you're painting a bathroom, use Benjamin Moore waterproof primer. For other interior walls, Benjamin Moore interior primer is the correct choice. Exterior primer should be used for exterior walls. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.

5. Apply your Benjamin Moore Aura paint. Use the paintbrush to paint around any masked areas, and finish up large blank surfaces with the roller. Allow surfaces to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat if needed.

Tags: Benjamin Moore, Aura paint, Benjamin Moore Aura, choose Aura, Moore Aura, hours then

Install Ceiling Grid Wire

Suspended ceilings hang on grids held up by wires.

Suspended ceilings require wires to support them. The wires are attached to special hanger bolts drilled into the ceiling joists. During installation of the metal grid, the other end of the wire is passed though a hole and twisted around itself, holding the grid in place. Installation of the wires in straight lines and bending the wires at the correct height to accept the grid beams and tees is critical to a square and level installation.

Instructions

1. Snap a chalk line on, and perpendicular to, the ceiling joists from which the grid wires will be hung. The first line should be directly above the first run of cross tees that rest on the wall angle parallel to the line. Space successive lines 4 feet apart across the width of the room.

2. Drill holes in the joists to accept the hanger bolts on the chalk lines. The first hole on a line should be 4 feet or less from the wall. Each successive hole down the chalk line should be no more than 4 feet from the previous hole. The drill bit size should be smaller than the threads of the bolts.

3. Install the hanger bolt driver bit in the drill. Place a hanger bolt in the driver bit and position the point inside a hole. Drive the bolt into the joist to the depth of the threads. Put a hanger into each hole.

4. Make a bend in each hanger wire, 4 inches from the end, using pliers. Insert the 4-inch end of the wire into a hanger bolt and twist the wire around itself using the pliers. Install a hanger into each hanger bolt.

5. Measure down from a joist to the wall angle with the tape measure. Measure the height of the ceiling grid pieces and subtract the height from the joist-to-wall-angle distance. The height of the ceiling grid is measured from the top of the hanger hole to the bottom the grid piece. This is the total hanger length.

6. Cut one wire to the total hanger length to use as a wire gauge. Place the end of the wire gauge against the bottom of a joist next to a hanger. Bend the wire hanger at the bottom of the wire gauge so that the bend is one wire gauge length from the ceiling joist. Do this for all the grid wires. When hanging the grid pieces, just insert a wire into the grid piece and twist it around itself.

Tags: hanger bolt, wire gauge, around itself, line should, bolt driver

Get Rid Of The Humming Sound In A Ceiling Fan

When a ceiling fan makes a humming noise, a whole host of possible problems could be the cause. The way to get rid of the sound also presents a multitude of possibilities. These range from throwing away the fan to some fairly simple fixes. Getting rid of the noise can be frustrating because it is often a matter of trial and error.

Instructions

1. Troubleshoot the motor. When a fan has a humming (or buzzing) sound, the motor is most likely the reason. A motor that lacks oil will burn out. Make sure the fan has the proper amount of oil. Many fans are maintenance-free, but some do require that you add oil. Add oil to the small hole above the motor. Run the fan for a day, if it has not been in operation for a long time. A humming fan can indicate the motor's bearings must be lubricated by the operation of the fan.

2. Tighten loose screws. A loose part can cause a noise. If a fan has a light fixture, tighten any screws there as well. Make sure the light bulbs are not touching their covers on a fan with a light fixture. Adjust covers so they are no longer in contact with the bulb. Tighten the screws of the plate where the fan is attached to the ceiling.

3. Look for an electrical problem. A dimmer switch can cause a fan to hum, and most ceiling fans are not made to work with a dimmer switch. Install the proper electric switch to stop the humming noise.

4. Check the fan's balance. An unbalanced fan can cause a humming noise. Balance it with a fan-balancing kit.

5. Run the fan at different speeds. One speed may produce more of a humming noise than others. Ceiling fans also often hum at lower speeds. Run the fan at a higher speed, a medium speed and lower speed. This may stop the humming.

6. Look for broken or bent blades. A damaged blade can create noise and must be replaced.

Tags: humming noise, dimmer switch, light fixture, Make sure, stop humming

Convert Inwall Speakers To Inceiling Speakers For Your Home Theater System

In-wall speakers and in-ceiling speakers used to be a much-maligned facet of the audiophile world. However, in recent years they've become more efficient and capable of higher quality output. They have the added bonus of maintaining your shelf and floor space while blending seamlessly into the walls. If you'd have your speakers in the ceiling, here's convert in-wall speakers to in-ceiling speakers to optimize your home theater system.

Instructions

1. Remove your in-wall speakers. Don't throw them out, though, unless you plan on purchasing new speakers. You can use the same speakers in your ceiling that you used in your walls.

2. Continue your wire runs from the speaker holes in the wall to the area of the ceiling where you are going to mount your ceiling speakers. You will probably need to purchase more in-wall wire for the extra length. Visit Radio Shack or go online to Cables to Go (see Resources below) to find in-wall speaker wire.

3. Cut out the mounting areas for your ceiling speakers. Measure the space you need for your ceiling-mounted speakers and use a hole saw to make the cut. Ensure that the holes are just large enough for the speakers or you will have some ceiling repairs to make.

4. Buy new speakers for your ceiling mounts. If you're choosing to buy new speakers, consider their frequency (measured in hertz) and sensitivity (measured in decibels).

5. Mount your speakers into the ceiling holes. Connect the speakers to the existing wiring before sealing them in the ceiling. Use connectors as opposed to bare wire to ensure a proper connection that will prevent having to remove the speakers again.

6. Paint your in-ceiling speakers to make them blend seamlessly into your home decor. If you don't want your speakers visible, you can purchase or make covers to go over them. Use paint or ceiling tile to cover the speakers so they match the rest of your ceiling.

Tags: your ceiling, in-ceiling speakers, your speakers, ceiling speakers, in-wall speakers, seamlessly into, speakers in-ceiling

Keep Bugs Away From Outdoor Light

One of the worst things about sitting outside in the evening is having to deal with bugs swarming around lights. There are a few theories about why bugs fly into lights, including navigation confusion. The bugs want to follow the brightest light in the sky, which used to be the moon, but they become disoriented by modern lights. While no one knows the exact reason insects are attracted to lights, it poses an annoying and persistent problem. Rather than keeping the lights off outside at night, there are a few ways to lessen this problem. You can make the lights less appealing and those pesky bugs will go elsewhere.

Instructions

1. Use yellow bug lights for your porch, deck and balcony. Unlike normal light bulbs where bugs are drawn to blue or ultraviolet light, they cannot see yellow light as well and are not attracted to the color. While these lights don't repel the insects, since they cannot see the yellow, they are less likely to gather.

2. Light citronella candles near the light source. Mosquitoes reportedly dislike the smell of citronella and may buzz away.

3. If bugs are gathering under outdoor porch lights, consider painting the porch ceiling a light blue. Often done in the South Carolina Low Country, one theory is that the color is helps keep bees, wasps and other flying insects away.

4. Install ceiling fans on your porch or balcony and sit beneath them. An oscillating fan plugged in an outdoor space is also a deterrent to flying bugs.

Tags: cannot yellow, they cannot, they cannot yellow, your porch

Install Sheetrock Over Warped Ceiling Joists

Warped ceiling joists are a common problem in older homes, or in homes that previously experienced a roof leak and had moisture issues in the ceiling. If you don't correct the warped joists, the resulting Sheetrock wallboard ceiling can have a definite wave pattern, and in severe cases, the panels will not match up. This project must be divided up into two phases -- fixing the joists and then installing new wallboard. Be prepared to spend at least two days on this project.

Instructions

Phase One -- The Joists

1. Plane down the worst of the warped ceiling joists with a hand planer. Run the planer over the boards to remove shavings of the wood. Check with a level to see how much progress you are making. Do not remove more than 1/4 inch of the wood.

2. Install furring strips, often called strapping, horizontally over the ceiling joists. Nail the furring strips across the joists, using one nail per joist. Use your level as you work to determine how far off each joist is.

3. Insert shims as necessary under the furring strips. If a joist is warped upward, insert wood shims between the furring strip and the joist to build the area up. Check for level and add or take away the shims as necessary.

Phase Two -- Installing the Sheetrock

4. Hang the Sheetrock on the furring strips. Have a friend help you. Sheetrock panels weigh in excess of 40 pounds each. Drive drywall screws through the panel, into the furring strips. Continue until all of the ceiling is covered. If you have to trim the Sheetrock, score the back of the panel, snap it and cut away the paper with a utility knife.

5. Tape over the seams with self-adhesive drywall tape. Press the tape firmly into each seam.

6. Apply joint compound over the tape and the screw marks on each panel. Scrape on the compound with a drywall knife. Smooth out the compound as you go.

7. Sand down the joint compound with a fine-grit sanding block. The entire surface of the panel should be smooth to the touch. You can now finish the ceiling with primer and paint.

Tags: furring strips, ceiling joists, compound with, joint compound, shims necessary

Stop Ceiling Fan Noises

A noisy ceiling fan can be very agitating. If your ceiling fan is brand new and is making noises, and you are sure that it is installed properly, there is probably a manufacturer's defect. In this situation the fan should be exchanged. Otherwise, a few simple inspections and repairs can be made in order to help relieve you of your noisy ceiling fan.

Instructions

1. Inspect the condition of each fan blade. Tighten the screws that connect the blades to the blade holders if the blades are loose or jiggle. Use a yardstick or measuring tape to measure the distance from each blade tip to the ceiling to make sure the blades are all even and level. If one measurement is off, the blade is bent. Gently bend it into place. Make sure to maintain the proper blade pitch.

2. Check the pitch on the fan blades by measuring the distance between the low side of the end of each blade and the ceiling, and the high side of the end of each blade and the ceiling. Each blade should have the same measurements. Gently bend a blade into place if its measurements do not match that of the other blades.

3. Check to make sure that the central housing unit is securely mounted to the ceiling. If there are any gaps or if it seems loose, remove the entire fan by unscrewing the central housing unit from the inner electrical box. Tighten the screws that attach the inner electrical box to the ceiling. Replace the fan and securely tighten the screws that attach the housing unit to the inner electrical box.

4. Add balancing weights to one or more of the fan blades if there is an uneven or wobbly fan rotation. Ceiling fan balancing kits are available at hardware stores. Ceiling fan balancing kits come with a clip-on tester weight as well as permanent adhesive weights. Move the clip-on tester weights from blade to blade, turning the fan on each time, until you achieve a balanced spin. Once you achieve balance, remove the backing from adhesive weights and stick them onto the topside of the blades.

5. Oil your fan if you have a fan that is designed to be oiled. Not all ceiling fans are designed to be oiled. Fans that are oiled are usually older or more heavy-duty models. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure. Locate the oil hole on the top of the motor. Fill the oil reservoir with 10, 15, or 20-weight non-detergent motor oil. Oil your fan at least once a year, depending on how much it is used.

Tags: each blade, blade ceiling, each blade ceiling, housing unit, inner electrical, screws that

Get Rid Of Textured Ceiling

If you are like most people living under a "popcorn" textured ceiling, you have developed a serious case of smooth ceiling envy over the last decade.

If your ceiling was textured after 1980 then removal will be a simple, yet time consuming task. However, if the texture predates the Regan administration it may be more complicated. Ceiling texture prior to 1980 was frequently made with asbestos, so it is not only important for your health, but legally required, to be tested prior to removal. See the link below for a list of labs approved for asbestos testing. If your ceiling texture sample is positive for asbestos you can only legally have it removed by a professional.

Instructions

1. Cover the floor with drop cloths. This will make for easier cleanup later on.

2. Wet a small section of the ceiling to soften the "popcorn." Using a spray bottle filled with water, wet a small area of the ceiling, about three to four square feet, and allow the water to soak in for about three minutes.

If you are having difficulty getting the water to soak in, your ceiling has likely been painted with oil-based paint. In this case you will have to break up a small area of the texture without wetting it and then wet the edges so that the water seeps underneath the paint.

3. Scrape the ceiling texture. Using the floor scraper, carefully scrape the textured material from the ceiling. If it does not scrape easily, spray with more water and let soak for two more minutes.

4. Scrape the entire ceiling. Continue working in sections by wetting and scraping with the floor scraper until the entire ceiling has been scraped.

5. Scrape any missed texture with the putty knife. Use the putty knife to scrape away any bits of texture left behind by the floor scraper. You may have to re-wet these areas.

6. Patch holes. Occasionally, you may accidentally poke holes in the ceiling while scraping. These can be patched with drywall paste. Apply the drywall paste over the hole with the putty knife, and then use a wet washcloth or sponge to wipe away any excess and smooth out the patch.

Tags: floor scraper, putty knife, water soak, your ceiling, about three, asbestos only, ceiling texture

Light Fixtures To Ceiling Fans

Pretty In Pink Chandelier-Style Ceiling Fan Light Kit

Nearly two-thirds of American households have at least one ceiling fan. They lower energy bills by providing a cooling breeze during the warm months, and by circulating warm air during cooler weather. Since ceiling fans replace a room's ceiling light fixture, it's not surprising that one of the first improvements made to fan design was the addition of a light kit. Light fixtures are available for almost all ceiling fans, with designs that complement any style of fan or room decor. Follow these steps to install a light fixture to a ceiling fan.

Instructions

1. Select a light kit that will fit your ceiling fan. Universal fit kits are available, but the safest bet for a good fit is to buy one from the same manufacturer as your fan.

2. Turn off the power to the ceiling fan at the circuit box. Stand on a stepladder or stable stool to comfortably reach the bottom of the fan.

3. Remove the screws attaching the bottom cover plate to the cylindrical switch housing at the base of the fan. Take off the cover plate and locate the white wire and black wire that power the light kit.

4. Twist together the bare ends of the black wire from the lighting kit and the black wire from the fan, then twist on a wire nut to secure the connection. Connect the white wires together in the same manner, and tuck the wires into the switch housing. If your kit uses plug attachments instead of wires, plug the pairs of wires together.

5. Align the base of the light kit with the switch housing and attach them using the cover plate screws. Install the style and wattage of bulbs recommended in your product literature, and then install the lamp globe if your light kit has one. Adjust and tighten spot lights or lamp shades.

6. Restore the power from the circuit breaker. Turn on the light with the pull cord, toggle switch or remote control.

Tags: black wire, cover plate, switch housing, black wire from, ceiling fans

Install Menards Ceiling Tiles

The tin or copper ceiling tile was invented in the mid-1800s to give the American home a Victorian feel for a reasonable amount of money. With modern technology, Menards has come up with a roll that resembles the look of tin ceiling tile. This material is an easy and inexpensive alternative to the traditional tin that is nearly extinct today. With traditional tin or aluminum tile, you need a plywood backer.

Instructions

1. Scrape the ceiling with a putty knife to remove any old, loose paint or wallpaper. Clean and dry the ceiling.

2. Measure the width of the room and mark the center using a chalk line. Have two people hold the chalk line at two center points in the room. Pull the line tight, pick up the line and release it. This leaves a line on the ceiling.

3. Measure the length of the room and mark a chalk line on the ceiling where a tape measure reads 28 feet. A roll of Menards tile is 28 feet long. This line will let you know when to stop applying glue. If the room is not 28 feet long, you do not need to complete this step.

4. Measure and cut the first piece of ceiling tile to the length of the ceiling with a pair of sharp scissors.

5. Apply a 2 ft. section of rubber adhesive or contact cement to the ceiling on one side of the chalk line. Continue to apply the cement the entire length of the ceiling, or to the chalk line marked at 28 ft. Allow the adhesive to sit for approximately 30 minutes until it becomes tacky.

6. Press the ceiling tile to the ceiling and work it into the adhesive.

7. Remove the air bubbles that are left behind the ceiling tile by sliding a block of wood over the air bubbles and forcing them out the sides and ends of the tile.

8. Apply the additional sections of tile in the same manner. Line each section together by matching the pattern with the previous section.

Tags: ceiling tile, chalk line, ceiling Measure, ceiling with, feet long, length ceiling, line ceiling

Choose A Semiflush Mount Ceiling Light

Choose a Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light

A semi-flush mount ceiling light is somewhere between a flush mount fixture and a chandelier. This type of light hangs about 4 to 8 inches from the ceiling, giving you the effect of a chandelier even in areas where a chandelier would be inappropriate, such as a low-ceiling entryway or a hallway. You can add drama with a semi-flush mount fixture while still allowing people to walk underneath. Choosing one of these fixtures is similar to picking out any light fixture. Personal style and taste are considerable factors, as is the main use of the space.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the location of the fixture. Before visiting a lighting store you will need to know the height of the ceilings. You will also want to determine what you will need to cover up. If there was an existing flush-mount light fixture, you may have an area on the ceiling that needs to be patched and painted before you can hang a new fixture. Get this task done before hanging the new fixture.

2. Determine the use of the space. Entryways and hallways need moderate light so that people can see where they are going. Reading areas and closets need brighter light to illuminate books and clothes. If the light's location is a walkway, make sure that even the tallest guest can walk comfortably underneath it.

3. Choose a size of light fixture. Choose the fixture based on a height that is appropriate for the use of the space. Additionally, choose a fixture that fits your home. Don't buy an oversize fixture for a smaller home or room. Likewise, do not pick out a small fixture if your 5,000-square-foot home has 18-foot ceilings.

4. Ask to see the fixture when it is illuminated. You won't be able to tell what the fixture looks like from a picture on a box or if it is sitting unlighted on the shelf. A salesperson should be able to show you the fixture with its recommended wattage of light bulb. Ask for the max wattage the fixture will allow so you know how bright the fixture could be. Look at the light with different bulbs.

5. Add some bells and whistles to your fixture. Your electrician can add motion sensors that will illuminate the light when someone walks in the room or a sensor attached to a door so that the light will turn on when a door is opened. Have the electrician put your fixture on a dimmer so you can control the brightness of the light for various uses.

Tags: light fixture, Mount Ceiling, mount fixture, semi-flush mount, will need

Install An Outdoor Lighting Fixture

Many people let the possibility of working with electric current keep them from doing simple electrical repairs. You don't have to hire an electrician for the job of installing a new outdoor lighting fixture. Save some money by following these steps and install your own new outdoor lighting.

Instructions

1. Find the circuit breaker that operates the outdoor light fixture and switch it to the "off" position.

2. Remove two screws holding the old fixture to the electrical box mounted in the wall.

3. Let the fixture dangle while you test for electric current with a test meter or light. When you're sure there is no current, remove the wire nuts that are clamping the white and black wire from the fixture to the corresponding wires protruding from the wall. Also undo the bare, or ground, wire where it is either attached to the house wiring or to the bracket holding the fixture.

4. Assemble the new lighting fixture.

5. Clamp the white wire from the fixture to the white house wire. Clamp the black wires together and either twist the bare ground wires together or reattach them as they were before, using new wire nuts of the appropriate size. Most new fixtures come with wire nuts.

6. Mount the new fixture to the wall bracket using new screws provided with the fixture.

7. Place a new light bulb in the fixture and flip the breaker back to the "on" position.

8. Switch on the new outdoor lighting and check your work.

Tags: outdoor lighting, wire nuts, bare ground, electric current, from fixture, holding fixture, lighting fixture

Diy Nutone Ceiling Fan & Light Fixture Removal

Exhaust fans help lower the humidity in your bathroom while you take a shower. Nutone makes exhaust fans that also double as a light. This system differs slightly from a regular exhaust fan because it has more electrical wires leading to it. Otherwise, installation and removal remains consistent from exhaust fans without the light. If the reason for removing your Nutone exhaust fan and light is because the motor no longer operates, it may be worthwhile calling Nutone to see if the company sells replacement motors for your particular model. Then you will not have to remove the entire unit.

Instructions

1. Remove the exhaust fan's grille. This will either be screwed in place, in which case you back out the screws with a drill and Phillips driving bit, or held in place by springs secured by hooks on the inside of the fan's housing.

2. Wrap a piece of masking tape around each electrical wire not coming from the fan. Label these wires either "light" or "fan" to indicate their power source. These labels will assist you when you install a new exhaust fan and light. Unscrew the wire nuts holding the electrical connections together and separate the wires.

3. Go up to your attic. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw on the wire connector on the fan's side. Pull the wires out. Cut through the foil tape holding the duct work onto the fan's duct collar, using a utility knife. Remove the duct work from the duct collar.

4. Go back to the bathroom. Back out the four screws from the fan's housing. Lower the exhaust fan from the hole in the bathroom's ceiling.

Tags: duct collar, duct work, exhaust fans, exhaust light

Use Soffit Under A Deck

Plywood soffits are easy to work with, but susceptible to water damage.

Soffit is installed on the underside of decks to protect the space below to create a finished surface beneath the deck. Soffits built underneath decks can use plywood or vinyl sheathing. Angling the soffit will allow water to run off and help prevent water damage to the soffit.

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the rafters underneath your deck and the overall width of the deck. Include the width of the rafters at the end of each side of the deck in your measurements. Divide the length and width of the space beneath the deck into sections that are shorter than the length and width of your plywood panels.

2. Cut the length and width of your panels according to the measurements you took to create identically sized panels that will cover the space below the deck without overlapping each other. Measure the distance between the rafters underneath your deck and mark each wood panel with parallel lines that match the spacing of your deck rafters. If your deck posts are inside the perimeter of your outer deck rafters, measure the width and depth of the deck's corner posts. Select two plywood boards and cut a square section out of one corner of the board that matches the measurements of the corner posts.

3. Install narrow wooden firring strips over the narrow bottom end of the deck joists at the end of the deck furthest from your home. Attach the firring strips using wood glue so that successively thinner strips run down the length of each rafter. This will create a raised flat surface that gradually slopes up towards the original level of the rafters as it nears the exterior wall of your home. Sand the ends of the firring strips so that each strip seamlessly matches the shims on each side of it.

4. Place the first section of plywood paneling against the joists and firring strips beneath the deck at one corner of the deck with the cut out section flush against the deck post. Use deck screws to mount the paneling to the rafters along the lines you marked. Add a deck screw every foot to ensure that the paneling stays flush against the underside of your deck.

5. Apply a light bead of caulking to the side of the first panel that will rest adjacent to another panel. Mount the next panel so that its sides are flush with the first panel you installed, with the caulk forming a seal between them. Scrape off any caulk that pushes out from between the panels when they are pressed together. Drive deck screws through the plywood and into the rafters above to secure the second panel. Repeat this process until the underside of the deck is completely covered with plywood sheathing.

Tags: your deck, firring strips, beneath deck, length width, corner posts, deck corner, deck rafters

Clean Memory Foam

Memory foam is made from polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its viscosity level, thereby increasing its density. Mattresses and pillows can help you sleep easier, relieve back pain and even help to prevent constant snoring. However, just like any other material, memory foam needs cleaning and it can be a little bit more difficult to clean memory foam that you might think. Here is a step by step guide on clean your memory foam mattress.

Instructions

1. Strip all of the bedding off of the mattress. You'll need to make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area so that moisture from cleaning doesn't get trapped in the fibers, which could create mold and allergens. Open up windows and turn on ceiling fans to help the mattress materials dry more quickly.

2. Use a dedicated steaming machine. Steam works best as it doesn't push water into the mattress like carpet extractors or shampooers. Hand steaming tools can be purchased at the local market for under $50 in most areas.

3. Add a cap full of vinegar and lemon juice to the steamer. This helps to keep the steamer clean, but it will also help to clean any trapped in particles from your mattress and pillows. The vinegar neutralizes any odors and the lemon juice helps leave the mattress and pillows with a light, crisp scent.

4. Prop the mattress up against a wall so that it is standing vertically. Then steam from the top to the bottom of the mattress in long, fluid strokes, just as if you were cleaning hanging draperies. Once you have finished one side of the mattress, flip it over and do the same thing to the other side.

5. Keep the mattress propped up against the wall after steaming for at least 30 minutes. This will help keep moisture from settling in the fibers, and will give you a clean, soft mattress to put back on the bed. Once you have allowed the mattress to dry, you can place it back on the bed and replace your bedding.

Tags: against wall, lemon juice, mattress pillows, memory foam, moisture from, Once have

Pros & Cons Of Led Recessed Lighting

More and more people are striving to live a greener lifestyle or become more energy-efficient by purchasing products that use less energy. Recessed lights using light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are one of many energy-efficient products. They can last 15 times longer and use less energy than incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. However, you should analyze your needs before switching to LED lights.

LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs are very efficient, use little electricity and generate virtually no heat. They last for about 50,000 hours, or seven years. LED lights are used in small to large electronics. They can be found in Christmas tree lights, flashlights, cellphones and TVs. In TVs, LED lights can produce a clearer picture, but can be more expensive.

They also are used in traffic signals and in tail lights in trucks. Recessed lights are a great option for a reading light or under-cabinet lighting.

LED lighting pros

LED recessed lights last for many years. In the long run, a person will save a significant amount of money by using LED lighting instead of compact fluorescent lights or incandescent light bulbs, because of the energy savings.

LED lights conduct little heat, so they do not usually attract insects and are ideal to use in outside light fixtures. A cleaner and sharper light is usually emitted from LED lights.

Because LED light bulbs do not contain mercury, they do not pose a health or environmental risk. They do not have to be recycled in a special manner like compact fluorescent lights do.

LED lighting cons

LED lights typically cost from $22 to $150--significantly more than compact fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs--and the output of light is less. These light bulbs usually provide direct light and do not scatter light in a room, so LED lights are better for lighting a small area.

Another downside of LED lighting is that some fixtures cannot use replaceable bulbs. There is the expense of buying a new fixture or product when the lifespan of the bulb is up. It also can be a challenge finding a fixture or electronics that use replaceable LED bulbs.

History of LED lights

LED have been around as a practical electronic component since the 1960s but have not been readily used or available in residential settings until the past few years. Because more manufacturers are producing LED lights, they are becoming more affordable than when they were first introduced.

Considerations

A 9 watt LED bulb is comparable to the light output of a 40 watt incandescent light bulb. Only four colors were available up until a few years ago, but now LED lights come in 13 colors, including white.

There are also several types of LED bulbs, intended for different purposes. Take this into consideration when purchasing an LED bulb.

Tags: light bulbs, compact fluorescent, incandescent light, compact fluorescent lights, fluorescent lights, have been, less energy

Find The Best Outdoor Speakers

Get the best outdoor speakers

Finding the best outdoor speakers can be a challenge with all of the different styles available. I am going to explain how you can find the best outdoor speakers for your needs.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the size of your backyard to determine what would be the best outdoor speakers. 100 to 200 watts is going to be more than enough for most outdoor settings. Remember that the neighbors may not appreciate you getting the loudest outdoor speakers.

2. Consider the amount of work you want to put into your backyard when looking for the best outdoor speakers. Most require mounting and dealing with hiding speaker wires. Although some newer models have made getting outdoor audio much more simple.

3. Check out the various options to find the best outdoor speakers.

* The wall or ceiling mount outdoor speaker.

- A bit of a project, but provides quality sound at a good level.

* The rock style outdoor speaker

- Blends in with decor nicely, but requires underground wiring.

* Landscape Lights with Speakers

- No wiring! Blends in nicely, and provides quality sound.

4. Use helpful online resources to find the best outdoor speakers. Amazon offers reviews of outdoor speakers from customers who have used them. I have provided a link to Amazon under resources below. Polk outdoor speakers are known for their value. The lights with outside speakers built in are compatible with an ipod too.

Tags: outdoor speakers, best outdoor, best outdoor speakers, find best, find best outdoor, outdoor speaker, provides quality

A Remote Control To Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans

Add a Remote Control to Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans

Adding a wireless remote control to your Hampton Bay ceiling fans lets you operate multiple fans using one control. The control mostly eliminates the need to pull the chains on each fan to turn on the lights or set the blade speed. Use the same universal remote on all of the fans you want to operate together. Using different controls would let the fans operate separately and defeat the purpose of adding remote controls. Pull the chains on the fans to turn on the lights and set the blades at high speed before beginning the remote installation.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the Hampton Bay ceiling fans by turning off the breaker supplying electricity to the ceiling fans' circuit.

2. Remove the screws holding the Hampton Bay ceiling fan canopies. The canopy on a ceiling fan rests against the ceiling and covers the mounting bracket and electrical wiring. Drop the canopies, and let them rest against the fan motors.

3. Untwist the wire connectors holding the black wires and the white wires from the house wiring to the black, white, and blue wires from the Hampton Bay ceiling fans. The blue wire connects to the ceiling-fan light, and the black wire from the fan connects to the motor.

4. Lay the remote receivers on your work surface to identify the wires. The labels on the black wire and the white wire from each receiver are labeled as "In" or "Line." These wires connect to the house wiring. The remaining three wires on each receiver -- black, white and red -- will connect to the black, white and blue Hampton Bay fan wires.

5. Remove the battery covers from the backs of the remote controls. Match the dip-switch positions on the controls to the dip-switch positions on the receivers. When the dip switches are all matched, one remote control will operate all of the Hampton Bay ceiling fans.

6. Connect the black "In" or "Line" wire from a receiver to a black house wire at a ceiling fan by twisting an orange wire connector onto both wires. Connect the white "In" or "Line" wire from the receiver to the white house wire with another orange wire connector. Repeat the receiver-to-house wiring connection at each ceiling fan.

7. Twist an orange wire connector onto the remaining white wire from a receiver, connecting it to the white wire from a Hampton Bay fan. Twist another orange wire connector onto the remaining black wire from a receiver, connecting it to the black wire from a fan. Complete the receiver wiring by connecting the red receiver wire to the blue Hampton Bay wire. Repeat the receiver-to-fan wiring connection at each fan.

8. Push the remote receivers into the mounting brackets. Cover the brackets with the canopies. Turn the power on to the Hampton Bay ceiling fans by turning on the breaker in the main house panel.

Tags: wire from, black wire, from receiver, Hampton ceiling fans, orange wire, orange wire connector, wire connector

Paint Walls Without Painting The Ceiling

Paint can

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to spruce up the interior of your home is by covering up worn or yellowed paint with a new coat. While painting walls is fairly simple, painting the ceiling can be time consuming, tedious work. Fortunately, it is possible to paint the walls in your home while leaving the ceiling as is. Because the ceiling is well out of reach, it is not subject to the same abuses and impacts as the walls, making it unnecessary to repaint this surface very often. Using some basic planning and simple tools, this project can be completed over the course of a weekend, leaving your home looking fresh and new.

Instructions

1. Choose your paint color carefully. Because paint tends to yellow or darken over time, you can't use the same color you originally used on your walls and expect the ceiling to match. To get the right match, choose a shade slightly darker than the one that was originally used in the room.

2. Patch any holes in the drywall before you begin. Use spackle or wood putty to fill cracks and voids, leaving a smooth canvas for your work. Sand the walls and allow them to dry before you proceed.

3. Cover the perimeter of the ceiling with blue painter's tape. This material will prevent paint from getting on the ceiling itself, but is easier to remove than masking tape or similar products.

4. Use a paint roller or brush to paint the walls. In situations where you don't want to disturb the ceiling, a sprayer is too risky and will likely splatter paint that will have to be removed or covered up. A brush or roller will allow you to control your work more carefully.

5. Consider using a ceiling edger to paint the top of the walls where they meet the ceiling. This tool comes on a long pole and is designed to paint the walls while keeping paint off of the ceiling. You can purchase an edger from your local home improvement or hardware store for a reasonably low price.

Tags: your home, originally used, paint walls, paint walls, your work

Wallpaper Ceiling Tiles

Wrap ceiling tiles in different patterns for wallpaper for a quick fix.

Make a ceiling pop with pattern and design by adding wallpaper to ceiling tiles. Wallpaper is available in a variety of patterns from florals, stripes and contemporary geometrical finishes. Embossed wallpaper may even give the impression of faux ceiling tin, once painted with metallic paint. Still, the wallpaper must be installed correctly to avoid peeling and curling paper.

Instructions

1. Brush all loose debris from the ceiling tile. Use a soft bristle brush or rough sponge.

2. Roll on a coat of sealer and stain blocking primer to the surface of the ceiling tin. Use a mini roller and quickly cover the surface of each tile. Allow several hours for the tile to dry.

3. Cut wallpaper into squares the size of the tile. Use a pencil to trace the shape around the wallpaper. Use a sharp razor blade and a yardstick to make quick cuts in the wallpaper.

4. Roll glue on the back of each wallpaper section. Place the section directly onto the tile. Smooth out any bubbles and lay flat to dry.

5. Wrap the edge of each wallpaper tile with masking tape. Only allow a small amount to show on the front of the tile. The grid in the ceiling will hid any small amount exposed on the front of the tile.

6. Replace the freshly wrapped ceiling tile and put back in ceiling. Keep extra wallpaper handy for emergency repairs or damages to existing tiles.

Tags: ceiling tile, ceiling tiles, each wallpaper, front tile, small amount, tiles Wallpaper

Construct Tray Ceilings

Molding and indirect lighting enhance tray ceilings.

Tray ceilings add architectural interest to rooms with high ceilings. Embellishments like indirect lighting, special paintings and molding can add to the effect. While it is possible to create the appearance of a tray ceiling by installing crown molding a couple of feet below the ceiling line and accenting it with rope lighting, a true tray ceiling features horizontal ceiling surfaces at different levels. Make sure to find out about local building code requirements, and contract a professional electrician or carpenter when necessary.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of tray ceiling you want by leafing through home decorating magazines and speaking to experienced professionals. You can choose to construct the recess in the shape of a rectangle or an octagon, and some spaces can accommodate multiple levels for added dimensions. If your home is under construction, ask the builder to make a notch in the roof trusses to create the tray ceiling. If the ceiling abuts an attic crawl space, you can recess the tray ceiling into the attic space.

2. Construct a box frame around the periphery of the ceiling to build a tray ceiling in an existing flat ceiling. Use wood or metal studs and fasten them to the ceiling joists with a screw gun, since a hammer may crack the drywall. Attach drywall to the frame and tape. Take the height of windows and doors into consideration when determining the depth of the tray ceiling recess.

3. Add embellishments to the tray ceiling, such as tone-on-tone painting or crown molding. For high visual impact, paint the recess sky blue to give the appearance of open sky. Some tray ceilings feature murals or textured materials such as tiles, plaster or wood. Skylights and ceiling fans are other options for a tray ceiling recess.

4. Select the type of lighting you want in your tray ceiling. For a formal room, an elaborate chandelier can contribute to the formal decoration. Rope lighting is a popular option that provides indirect lighting by laying a flexible tube with tiny strung lights behind the crown molding. Recessed "can" lights can highlight a specific area in the room, such as hung artwork, a fireplace or a dining room table. Track lighting, pendant lighting and ceiling fan lights also serve tray ceilings.

Tags: tray ceiling, crown molding, indirect lighting, ceiling recess, tray ceiling recess

Change The Fan Switch On A Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan

Hampton Bay is a popular ceiling fan brand. Even though Hampton Bay is the house brand of Home Depot, a replacement fan switch can be purchased at most home stores. Installing the switch requires removing the fan housing and extracting the old switch. The job is not time consuming and requires only a few tools to complete. It is very important to turn off the supply of electricity before you start to work on any electrical device.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power to the fan. The easiest way to do this is to locate the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the fan and shut if off.

2. Remove the decorative nut at the base of the pull chain.

3. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold on the fan housing. Depending on the model you have, there may be four or five screws. Remove the housing and set it aside.

4. Write down where each colored wired attaches to the pull chain switch. Pry out each wire with a screwdriver.

5. Attach each wire to the new switch. Press the wires into the spot on the new switch that corresponds to the notes you took when you removed the wires from the old switch. Remount the fan housing by replacing the screws. Replace the nut that screws onto the base of the pull chain.

Tags: pull chain, base pull, base pull chain, each wire

Choose A Ceiling Medallion

Set your ceiling off with a medallion.

A medallion provides an easy way to add a decorative touch to your home ceiling. This commonly ignored space can become much more aesthetically pleasing by the addition of one of these decorative pieces. Adding a medallion can also enhance the overall beauty of your room as it draws viewers' eyes to the ceiling, and, when properly selected, echoes themes present throughout the rest of the space. To ensure that your ceiling medallion addition is beneficial, exercise care when selecting a medallion for your space.

Instructions

1. Calculate the size of your room. A ceiling medallion can easily become overpowering if you select one that's too large for your space. Measure your room and calculate the square footage to determine how large a medallion the room can accommodate. If you're placing the medallion in a small room, such as one of less than 140 square feet, don't select a medallion that's any larger than 20 inches in diameter. If you're placing a medallion in a larger room--280 square feet or more--select a grander piece that's at least 40 inches in diameter.

2. Measure the fixture that must fit into the center. If you plan to center a light or hanging fixture in the middle of your medallion, determine how large the center must be to accommodate this planned piece, then select a medallion with the appropriate central opening.

3. Decide on a shape. Most medallions are circular, although some more contemporary options are available in other shapes. Determine which shape best suits your desires and fits into your room's theme.

4. Pick a color that accents your decor. Place a plain wood medallion on your ceiling, or use a plaster medallion that's white or painted to match the dominant hues in your space. To make your medallion pop, paint it a different color than the surrounding ceiling. To make the addition more understated, select one in the same hue as your existing ceiling space.

5. Select a pattern that fits with the room's current aesthetic. Medallions range in style from simple to ornate. Consider your room design and select a medallion that echoes the same shapes and feel as the remainder of the space. For example, if you have flowers as a dominant feature of your decor, seek a medallion that contains engravings that echo this floral theme.

Tags: your room, medallion that, select medallion, your ceiling, your space, ceiling medallion

What Type Of Light Fixture In A Living Room

The right type of lighting in the living room can make it feel like a more relaxing place.

Depending on the household, the living room is one of the most important rooms of the house. It's where members of the family kick back, watch favorite television shows and entertain guests. It's a place of relaxation and amusement and should look and feel that way. The right type of lighting in the living room can help you create the right type of atmosphere for this room.

Pendant Lamp

A pendant lamp is a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling via a single cord or chain. At the end of the cord or chain is a large, decorative light fixture made out of glass, crystal, brass, wrought iron or other materials. Because a pendant light usually hangs from the middle of the ceiling in a room, it tends to dominate the entire room, not only radiating light all around, but imposing a strong decorative style or idea. Thus, pendant lights are very effective when you want your central light fixture to either reflect your style or to act as the main accessory of your style.

Track Lighting

Most households have something in the living room that they wants guests to take notice of. For some it might be a professional portrait of the family or a framed photograph of the family on a recent vacation. For others it might be an antique or piece of artwork. Track lighting will help you in accentuating these items by casting a gentle spotlight onto each article that you want people to take notice of. You can direct each track lighting fixture directly on each item, adjusting them as necessary, helping to draw attention to each piece, yet not in a harsh, obtrusive way.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces give you the best of both worlds; they're both decorative and functional. Wall sconces install into the the wiring present within your walls, emitting a gentle glow on either side of them. They're particularly suitable for dark corners or beside wall art. Less direct than track lighting, wall sconces allow light to diffuse indirectly upon items, making them suitable to use beside framed wall arts. Sconces come in a variety of shapes, materials and types, such as wrought iron, glass, mosaic tile, brass and others, rendering them appropriate for nearly every decorating scheme.

Tags: living room, light fixture, right type, cord chain, hangs from

Calculate A Ceiling Grid

Suspended, drop or grid ceilings are made with a metal framework in which square or rectangular ceiling tiles are placed to form a ceiling. A professional-looking installation is one where the grid and tiles are balanced from end to end and side to side, meaning the tiles at the front and back are the same size, and the left and right sides are the same size. Calculating these tile sizes and making adjustments to the grid create a balanced installation.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the room using the tape measure and record the measurements on paper. Measure width parallel to the ceiling joists and measure the length perpendicular to the ceiling joists. The room we will use in our example is 15.75-feet wide and 27.25 feet long. Our tiles will be common 2-by-2 feet square tiles.

2. Calculate the width of the side wall tiles. Divide room width by tile width and round down. Multiply the result by tile width and subtract the result from room width. Divide the remainder by 2 to obtain the cut tile width on either side of the room .

Example: 15.5 feet / 2 feet = 7.75; round it down, and you get 7. 7 x 2 = 14 feet. 15.5 - 14 = 1.5 feet. 1.5 feet / 2 = .75 feet or 9-inch tile on the left and right sides of the room.

3. Calculate the length of the end wall tiles. Divide room length by tile length and round down. Multiply the result by tile length and subtract from room length. Divide the remainder by 2 to obtain the cut tile length on either end of the room. Example: 27.25 feet / 2 = 13.625; round down equals 13 feet. 13 feet x 2 = 26 feet . 27.25 feet - 26 feet = 1.25 feet. 1.25 feet / 2 = .625-feet. The tile length at the end walls is .625-feet or 7.5 inches.

4. Adjust the grid according to the calculated cut tile lengths. Measure a main beam from the first cross-tie slot toward the end for the room end cut tile length and mark the main beam for cutting. Mark and cut the first main beam for each run the same way.

5. Adjust the grid according to the calculated cut tile widths. At each end wall, measure from the left and right corners the distance of the side wall cut tile width and mark the end wall. This gives you the starting and ending points for the first main beam run. Use these marks to snap a chalk-line on the ceiling joists for placement of hangers.

Tags: feet feet, feet feet feet, tile length, main beam, round down, tile width, ceiling joists

Connect Ground Wires In Light Fixtures

Grounding is a safety feature used in electrical wiring. Grounding reduces the risk of serious electric shock by distributing displaced electrical current throughout the grounding system in your home and finally into the ground via the "grounding rod". A grounding rod is a six foot copper rod that is driven into the ground outside of your home. All of the ground wiring in your home leads to this ground rod. If for some reason a live electrical wire comes in contact with a metal portion of your homes electrical system, or with a person and metal parts of the electrical system, the grounding system will distribute the electrical current so that the person who comes in contact with the electrical current doesn't receive the full blast of the electrical shock.

Instructions

1. Locate the green ground screw that will either be on the light fixture itself or on the mounting bracket used to hang the light fixture. Sometimes the light fixture will have a green wire coming from it. This green wire is the ground wire and if it is present there will be no ground screw.

2. Locate the ground wire coming from your home's electrical box where the light fixture is to be installed. The ground wire will be either green or bare copper wire. If the wire is covered with green insulation you will need to strip 1/2 inch of the green insulation off of the tip of the wire.

3. Make a "screw loop" on the tip of the wire by gripping the very tip of the wire with your needle nose pliers an twisting the pliers to form a hook on the tip of the wire in the shape of a letter "J".

4. Hook the screw loop around the green ground screw on your mounting bracket or light fixture and tighten the screw to hold it in place. If your light fixture has its own green ground wire you will need to connect the two ground wires using a wire nut. To use the wire nut simply insert the tips of both wires and turn the wire nut in a clockwise direction until tight.

5. Finish mounting your light fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tags: light fixture, ground wire, your home, electrical current, green ground, ground screw, comes contact

Mount A Ceiling Speaker

You can mount speakers in the ceiling

A home audio system is a great way to enjoy your favorite movies, music, sports and television shows in a broader sound spectrum than the basic, two-speaker system. Sometimes, speakers can get in the way or flow against a room's aesthetic appearance. A creative and unassuming solution is to mount speakers in the ceiling.

Instructions

1. Place a step ladder underneath the area of the ceiling you want to install the speaker. Climb the ladder and trace the circumference of the speaker onto the ceiling with the pencil, leaving out the areas of the speaker with screw holes in it.

2. Drill a hole in the middle of the traced area using the large drill bit. Fit the tip of the hand saw into the hole and begin sawing out the area you traced. Make sure to cut the edges as closely as possible to the line you drew with the pencil.

3. Place the speaker into the hole and drill through the mounting holes using the small drill bit. Set the speaker aside and drill out the holes you just made, using the medium drill bit. Carefully tap a wall anchor into each hole using a hammer, until each anchor is flush with the ceiling.

4. Place the speaker back into the hole and drive screws through the speaker's mounting holes and into the anchors. This secures and mounts the speaker. If the speaker came with a covering, secure it at this time.

Tags: into hole, mount speakers, mount speakers ceiling, mounting holes, Place speaker, speakers ceiling