Ceiling repairs due to cracks, water stain, holes and exposed nails are common problems for most homeowners. It may seem daunting to repair a drywall ceiling. However, it is a relatively easy task if you have some basic skills, the necessary tools and right materials.
Instructions
1. Get a drywall repair tool kit and the right materials before starting to repair a drywall ceiling. The kit should contain many of the tools listed above as well as other optional tools. It is best to be well prepared for any problems you can encounter while doing the repair.
2. Learn to use a hand sander to correctly repair ceilings. Most repairs require that you do some sanding of the damaged area to ensure a smooth finish for priming and painting.
3. Apply the drywall compound thinly, one coat at a time, until you have the desired coverage. Let each coat dry completely and use the sander after each coat to smooth out the repair area. By using this technique, you can avoid lumpy patched area.
4. Repair a small hole in a ceiling by using a drywall saw to cut out the damaged area; then, with a utility knife, cut out a piece of drywall that will fit the hole dimension. Use drywall screws to secure the drywall to the joist. Apply a thin coat of compound over the joints and screws and cut a piece of drywall tape to place on the wet compound around the joint. Add one more coat of compound over the tape, let dry and sand.
5. Scrape off any damaged paint area with a putty knife when repairing a textured ceiling. Use the hand sander to smooth the edges of the area then apply a thin coat of compound to fill in the area, let dry and sand again. Continue to Step 6 (for textured ceilings) or Step 7 (for ceilings without texture).
6. Blend a repair with the surrounding ceiling texture by using one of various types of spray texture-repair kits. Repair kits are good for textured ceiling styles such as popcorn, splatter and knock-down. You can use compound with texture brushes or textured rollers on the repaired area to achieve the look of the surrounding ceiling.
7. Prime and paint the repaired area to match the ceiling. It may be necessary to repaint the entire ceiling to get the desired match.
Tags: coat compound, area then, coat compound over, compound over, damaged area
Knowing place home theater speakers will enhance your listening pleasure. You will have a center speaker, two back speakers, two front speakers and a subwoofer. Making sure that each of these speakers is in the correct position will make the theater system work the way it is intended. If you do not place the speakers correctly, you will not get the surround-sound effect that you need to watch movies with theater quality.
Instructions
1. Place the center speaker on top of the television or as close to the top of the television as possible. You can place the speaker directly below the television if you have no room above.
2. Place the two front speakers on each side of the center speaker, but make sure that each speaker is the same distance from the listener as the center speaker. Each speaker should be the same distance on each side from the center speaker.
3. Place the rear speakers on each side of the listening audience. The speakers should not point directly at the listeners. They can be angled up (if they are floor-standing speakers) or off to the side, but not directly at the area where people will be sitting.
4. Place the subwoofer in a place where you will get the best bass sound. This could be in a corner or under a table. Try different places to find the best bass sound.
5. Measure each speaker wire. You want the back, front and center wires to be the same length even if you do not need as much for the front and center speakers. This ensures the sound travels the same distance from the subwoofer to the speakers in the same amount of time. Variations in wire length could cause delays in sound, but only tiny fractions of a second.
6. Connect a speaker wire to each speaker and into the back of the subwoofer.
Tags: center speaker, each side, each speaker, same distance, bass sound, best bass, best bass sound
Decorating a ceiling can add to a festive atmosphere.
Decorate the ceiling of your party room with balloons to add color and festive interest to an otherwise dull part of your room. When decorating your ceiling with balloons, take steps to avoid damaging the ceiling. This way, when the party is over, you are not left with repair work or the frustration of a damaged ceiling. Decorating a ceiling with balloons not only adds to your party decor -- but the balloons can be used in party games and can be taken home as favors.
Instructions
Without Helium
1. Blow the balloons up and then tie a knot into the spout to prevent the air from coming out. Since you are attaching the balloon to the ceiling, there is no need to use helium to blow the balloons up.
2. Tie yarn around the knotted spout, measure approximately 2 inches and then cut the yarn with scissors. Use a festive colored yarn. For example, if having a Halloween party, use a fall color such as orange or brown. Yarn works better than string as the fibers adhere to the tape better.
3. Cut a 1-inch length of 1-inch wide painter's tape. Painter's tape is low tack and does not leave residue on your ceiling. It also does not pull paint off surfaces and it comes off easily.
4. Hold the string against the ceiling and then stretch the tape across the string and press it against the ceiling. Allow the balloon to lower into place. It hides the string and tape.
With Helium
5. Fill your balloons with helium the day of the party. Tie off each balloon or use plugs if provided with your helium. Aim to fill enough balloons to fill the ceiling space of your party room.
6. Cut narrow curling ribbon, the kind that used for gift wrap, in a range of lengths -- though each at least 3 feet long. Use several colors of ribbon coordinating with balloons and other party decorations.
7. Tie one end of each ribbon to a balloon. Run the dangling end of the ribbon over one blade of your scissors, pressing down with your thumb to curl the ribbon.
8. Let the balloons float to the ceiling with their ribbons dangling down at different heights above the party. Guests can reach up to take a few home as they leave.
Tags: with balloons, ceiling with, your party, , ceiling with balloons, Decorating ceiling, party room
A medium-sized bedroom needs a fan whose blade span is 44 inches.
When you add a ceiling fan to a room, you must select an appropriately sized fan for the room. A fan that is not large enough will deliver ineffective air movement for the room size. A fan that is too large will overpower the room with more air movement than necessary. Pick fan blades based on room size to ensure your fan can do its job properly. Determine fan-blade size by the blade span of the fan.
Instructions
1. Measure the length and width of the room with the tape measure. Write the dimensions down.
2. Multiply the length measurement by the width measurement to find the area of the room. For example, if the length of the room is 20 feet and the width of the room is 15 feet, multiply 20 times 15 to get 300 square feet.
3. Select a fan with an appropriate blade span based on your area measurement. Using the example from Step 2, a 300-square-foot room requires a fan with a blade span of between 50 and 54 inches. Room areas between 144 square feet and 225 square feet require a 44-inch blade span. Room areas between 76 square feet and 144 square feet require blade spans between 36 inches and 42 inches. Rooms below 75 square feet need blade spans between 29 inches and 36 inches.
Tags: square feet, blade span, , areas between, areas between square
The PicooZ mimics the traveling patterns of a real helicopter.
Hong Kong's Silverlit toy company released the PicooZ in 2006 for both children and helicopter enthusiasts. The company bills the PicooZ as one of the world's smallest remote controlled helicopters. The toy device is ready for flying right out of the box after a short charging session. The manufacturer designed the toy to be easy to handle and fly, even if you don't have a pilot's license.
Instructions
1. Place batteries inside the PicooZ's remote transmitter. Unscrew the transmitter's back panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Insert six AA-size batteries according to the polarity "+" and "-" symbols inside the transmitter's battery compartment. Screw the cover back onto the transmitter when you're done.
2. Charge the lithium-ion polymer battery inside the PicooZ helicopter. Locate the PicooZ's charging port, found on the helicopter's left side when it's facing you. Pull out the charging wire from the remote transmitter and insert it into the helicopter's charging port. The transmitter's green LED light will become illuminated and will turn off when charging is complete.
3. Put the PicooZ onto a flat surface, like a countertop or the ground. The helicopter must always get started on a flat surface for an even and stable takeoff.
4. Push the throttle on the remote, located on the left side of the remote transmitter, forward. This engages the PicooZ's spinning motor and makes it lift off of the ground.
5. Control the PicooZ in flight. Press the helicopter's rudder stick, located on the right side of the remote transmitter, to the right to make the helicopter fly forward. Press the rudder switch to the left to make the helicopter turn in a counterclockwise fashion.
6. Land the helicopter. Gently pull the throttle switch backward while the helicopter is hovering over a flat surface. This brings its spinning rotor to a slower rate and causes the PicooZ to fall downward. If the helicopter falls too quickly, push the throttle back up to slow its descent.
Tags: remote transmitter, , charging port, inside PicooZ, left side, make helicopter, side remote
When you need a POWER TOOL for the handyman or the craftsman in your family but your budget is limited, it is possible to find bargains if you know where to look. Ordinarily you would shop your local home improvement or hardware store for new tools. However, if you have a limited budget you can find good tools at the right price.
Your local PAWN SHOP is a great place to find power tools or at great prices. Learn shop effectively at a pawn shop.
Instructions
1. Go directly to the tool department. It is easy to be distracted by the you find. Look at available tools carefully. Many times the tool is still in the original case. If you find something you want take it to the sales person and have them plug it in for a test. When testing power tools listen to it run. The motor should run smooth and should not miss, skip, or drag. If the sales person refuses to plug in the item you should find another PAWN SHOP. The item is suspect.
2. Battery tools should definitely be tested before you purchase. If the BATTERY is not charged, have them charge it for you and make sure the charger goes with the tool. This assures you that the battery is good.
3. To purchase your item always try to get a reduction from the . Most pawn shops will deal with you if an appropriate offer is made. You should ask for 10% less than the asking price. Although pawn brokers do not pay retail prices they must make a profit on the items they sell. You will be surprised at how much they will reduce the price if you ask.
4. Start shopping around for your before you need to purchase so that you will be able to take your time and get the best deal. Pawn shops have many bargains if you shop carefully.
Tags: asking price, have them, other items, Pawn Shop, POWER TOOL
The Hunter Original fan is the only ceiling fan that Hunter makes that still requires lubrication. Since 1906, Hunter has manufactured its "Original" cast iron fan with bearings that require lubrication with ceiling fan oil; the remainder of their product line uses sealed bearings that do not require oil. Before lubricating your Hunter ceiling fan, spread old newspapers or sheets over the floor and furniture to avoid possible oil splatter.
Instructions
1. Measure a half-inch from the end of a pipe cleaner and bend the pipe cleaner 90-degrees. Measure a half-inch from the first bend and make another 90-degree bend in the pipe cleaner to create a hook.
2. Insert the hook into the motor, over the switch housing and into the oil reservoir. Find the switch housing in the center of the ceiling fan directly beneath the fan blades.
3. Remove the pipe cleaner from the reservoir and check the end of the pipe cleaner. You'll need to add oil to the Hunter Original fan if the pipe cleaner remains free of oil.
4. Add oil to the fan using the 1 oz. tube of Hunter ceiling fan oil. Cut the tip off the tube and place the tube in the oil hole above the ceiling fan motor. Do not squeeze the tube; let the oil slowly fill the reservoir.
5. Recheck the oil level by reinserting the pipe cleaner into the oil reservoir.
Tags: pipe cleaner, Hunter Original, bearings that, bearings that require, bend pipe
Ceiling beams give your home a rustic, comfortable look. You can get the look of structural wood beams by installing decorative ceiling beams. A variety of real wood timber beam designs and man-made materials make it possible to have the look, without having to tear out your ceiling to reveal the beams beneath your roof.
Solid Wood
Choose rough sawn, solid wood beams for their rustic, unfinished look. These beams are available new or as reclaimed timber taken from old buildings, with the original mill marks and stains still on them. Some of these are antiques that have aged to shades of gray. A consideration with solid timber beams is their weight, which may have an impact on your ceiling structure. Solid wood beams can be sawed to half-sizes, which reduces their weight.
Box Wood
Choose box for the look of real wood, without the expense and weight concerns of solid timber beams. These are three-sided structures, consisting of three boards nailed and sealed together to resemble a solid beam. They can be stained or painted any color.
Rafters
If you have a high enough ceiling, combine your ceiling beams with rafters for maximum dramatic impact. Exposed beams and rafters in a large room with very high ceilings will enhance the drama of your ceilings, while also creating a feeling of intimacy. These can be installed after your home is built, and can be custom-built for the dimensions of your room.
Faux Beams
Get the look of real wood beams for less money with faux wood beams. Faux wood beams are made of hardened polyurethane, and in addition to being less expensive than real wood, they will never rot, crack or attract insects. They look like real wood because they're formed from molds were made with real boards. Real wood grain and surface imperfections from the actual wood show up on these look-alikes. Choose cedar, pine, oak beams stained in natural colors, or try modern-looking white beams.
Patterns
Ceiling beams can be arranged in different ways to create the look you want. If you have an open plaster ceiling, run the beams around the edge of the ceiling and up the sides of the open areas. Or, choose a box design on a flat ceiling. Box-style ceiling beams create an intimate feeling and visual interest without overpowering the decor. Another possibility is to paint the beams and the ceiling the same color, for a monochrome look.
Tags: wood beams, real wood, ceiling beams, your ceiling, , look real
Speaker location determines how well your audio system performs.
Planning where your speakers should be located in your home is an important part of getting the best sounding audio possible. Whether you are installing speakers after the fact, or actually incorporating them into your home's building plans or blueprint, you should carefully consider the size and shape of your room, as well as the objects likely to be in it, in order to achieve an effective flow of sound from your stereo or television sound system.
Instructions
1. Draw a reflected ceiling plan, or obtain one from 's blueprints. Reflected means that when placed over the same room's floor plan, they line up, making it much easier for you to visualize the room in 3-D. If you draw it yourself, try to get an accurate shape and scale of the room, and mark outlets and switches, so you know where the power sources are located.
2. Draw circles or squares on the reflected ceiling plan that indicate where the speakers are to be located on the ceiling. Use a code and legend to mark your plan, so you understand and can read your plans when finished.
3. Mark on the plans whether the speakers are to be recessed or mounted, and if they will be wired into the room's wiring system, or plugged in externally. Also mark L (left) or R (right) to determine the channel for each speaker installed.
Tags: your home, ceiling plan, from your, reflected ceiling, reflected ceiling plan
Twin Mountain is in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities all year long such as skiing, moose watching, hiking and the ever popular snowmobiling. Motels in the Twin Mountain area often are located near prime snowmobiling trails and sometimes provide snowmobile rentals to guests or can direct them to someone who does.
Carlson's Lodge
Family owned and operated, Carlson's Lodge first opened in 1972. Guests can enjoy a traditional Swedish Inn experience, with a range of dining options nearby including Pizza Pub Family Restaurant, Munroe's Family Restaurant and Shakespeare's Inn. For snowmobile enthusiasts, there is a snowmobile trail just a step away from the lodge driveway.
The lodge features an outdoor seasonal pool and a playground with swings and a slide for the kids. The lobby living room provides guests with a game room including a pool table, ping pong and bumper pool. Some guest rooms feature kitchenettes, along with a refrigerator and microwave available in the lobby. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan and cable television.
Carroll Motel and Cottages
Carroll Motel is centrally located near all of the Twin Mountain attractions. Miles of snowmobile trails are in direct access to the motel. Visitors often take snowmobile day trips from the motel to the nearby towns of Gorham, Franconia Notch and Littlefield. Nearby restaurants include Pizza Pub Family Restaurant, Munroe's Family Restaurant and Shakespeare's Inn.
Guests at Carroll Motel have a choice between a large cottage, a smaller cottage and a motel guest room. The large cottages come in two or three-bedroom accommodations with a full kitchen and cable television. Some have a fireplace or a barbecue grill. The smaller "cozy" cottages are one-room cabins with a refrigerator, charcoal grill and microwave for your convenience. The cabin also has a screened-in porch for lazy summer days as well as a picnic table. All cabins include cable television. Each motel guest room is equipped with cable television, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Some rooms have remote controlled air conditioners.
Four Seasons Motor Inn
The Four Seasons Motor Inn is located deep in the White Mountains close to fishing, hiking and skiing activities. Snowmobiling is a welcome activity as enthusiasts have access to snowmobile trails linked throughout the Twin Mountain area. For nearby nourishment, guests can dine at nearby restaurant's Brenda's Country Kitchen and Inn, Pizza Pub Family Restaurant and Munroe's Family Restaurant.
The inn features an outdoor seasonal pool. Other outdoor activities the hotel specifically provides are volleyball, horseshoes, badminton and croquet. The indoor game room is perfect for rainy days and includes board games, video games and more. If guests prefer to dine outside, a picnic table and barbecue grills are available. When guests return to their room, they are able to enjoy a color television in their own easy chair or eat a snack at the table provided. Each room has a full bathroom and individually controlled heating and air.
Profile Deluxe Motel
Guests at Profile Deluxe can ride their snowmobiles to and from the motel as it is located directly on a system of snowmobile trails that are linked throughout the White Mountains. For meals, guests can stop by one of the area restaurants such as Munroe's Family Restaurant, Pizza Pub Family Restaurant and Brenda's Country Kitchen and Inn.
The motel features an outdoor seasonal pool to cool off with during the day as well as a barbecue grill and picnic tables for a meal outdoors. For the kids, the motel provides a playground to keep them busy. Guests can utilize the microwave and pour themselves a cup of coffee in the lobby. Each room is equipped with cable television, refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer and a table and chairs.
Tags: Family Restaurant, cable television, Twin Mountain, Munroe Family, Munroe Family Restaurant
Popcorn ceilings were common in homes during the 1960s. However, some homeowners do not like the textured appearance and prefer a smoother wall and ceiling. Removing the texture from the walls and ceiling is a messy job. This project probably will take an entire weekend. Once the texture is removed, you will need to apply a primer to the exposed drywall before painting.
Instructions
1. Remove all furniture from the room. Take down any ceiling light fixtures. Pull the floor molding off the wall using a small crowbar or hammer. Unscrew faceplates from outlets and light switches.
2. Turn off power to the room. Test that there is no electricity running to any outlets or light switches using a circuit tester. Lay a protective plastic sheet on the floor.
3. Roll strips of rosin paper along the floor over the protective covering. This will help absorb water and make clean up easier.
4. Use a spray bottle or garden hose sprayer attachment to moisten the ceiling. Work in small sections. Once a section is damp, use a wide putty knife to scrape the popcorn texture off the ceiling. Hold the putty knife at a 30-degree angle to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. Continue working in this method until the ceiling is stripped.
5. Dampen small sections of a wall the same way as the ceiling. Begin scraping off the texture from the top of the wall down.
Tags: light switches, outlets light, outlets light switches, putty knife, small sections, texture from
A drop ceiling, also known as a suspended ceiling, is a very efficient and economical method for installing a ceiling. At one time these ceilings were used only in basements and in commercial applications. With more ceiling tile options and designs available, these ceilings are now finding their way into all areas of the home. Calculating your material needs for your ceiling does not need to be a difficult task.
Instructions
1. Measure your room, taking very precise measurements. For this example our room will be 10 feet by 12 feet. Determine the square footage of the room by multiplying the width times the length. For our room this will be 120 square feet. To determine the number of 2-foot-by-2-foot square tiles you will need, divide the square footage by 4. ( 120 divided by 4 = 30 ceiling tiles.) If you are using 2-foot-by-4-foot tiles, divide the square footage by 8. (120 divided by 8 = 15 ceiling tiles.)
2. Calculate the amount of "L" for your project. The "L" bracket is the bracket that will be mounted along the outer walls. To determine the amount needed for your project, simply record the measurements of all exterior walls. In our example, this would be 10+12+10+12=44. In most instances "L" brackets are sold in 10- or 12-foot lengths, so you can expect to have some waste. But proper measurement can keep this to a minimum.
3. Divide the width of the room by two, then subtract one to determine the number of rows of "T" bracket you will be installing. In our sample room this would be 10 divided by 2 = 5 minus 1 = 4 rows of "T" brackets. Multiple this number by the length of your room to determine the total amount of "T" bracket needed to complete your ceiling. 4 x 12 = 48 feet of 'T' bracket needed.
4. Determine the number of 2-foot "T" brackets needed to complete your grid. Divide the overall length of one row of "T" bracket by four, then subtract 1 from your answer. Count the number of rows of "T" brackets to be used in your room and add one to this number. Now simply multiply these two numbers to calculate the total number of 2-foot "T" brackets needed for your grid.
5. Take the total amount of "T" bracket calculated in step 3 and divide by 4. This will tell you the total number of anchors you will need. Measure from the overhead anchor point to the desired level of the ceiling, and add twelve inches to this measurement. Multiply this times the number of anchors to determine the total amount of hanger wire you will need. You are now ready to take your list to the hardware store and begin your project.
Tags: amount bracket, bracket needed, needed your, room this, square footage, total amount, will need
Good technique will help you paint walls and a ceiling professionally.
In most cases, walls and ceilings should be painted in different colors for architectural and lighting purposes. While this isn't a hard rule---and more people are painting ceilings the same color as walls these days---it is a rule that makes sense. Ceilings that are a separate color from a wall help to visually separate the space and put a solid "lid" on the room. Ceilings that are painted white can be very effective in increasing light refraction and distribution throughout the room.
Instructions
1. Remove all the furniture from the room or move it to a central position. Cover the furniture with canvas painters' tarps or thick plastic tarps. Remove any baseboards or ceiling trims with a hammer and small pry bar, or mask them with painter's tape. Remove electrical outlet and switch covers. Cover the floor with tarps.
2. Take down all draperies and art work. Remove any ceiling light covers or "bag" hanging chandeliers with a clear plastic bag or wrapping of clear plastic tarp. Make sure light bulbs don't make contact with the plastic wrapping.
3. Spackle any holes in the walls using a fast-drying spackle. Apply the spackle with a flexible metal spackle knife. Let the spackle dry and then use a sand block to remove any rough areas of spackle.
4. Patch any ceiling cracks using a spackle product especially designed for ceiling crack repair. Follow directions on the packaging. You may need to reinforce large cracks with ceiling crack repair tape. Let the patch work dry thoroughly.
5. Don a cap, long-sleeved shirt, eye protection and a nose and mouth mask before painting the ceiling with a roller applicator. Painting a ceiling with a roller assembly and a long extension pole is the fastest way to get the job done, but the roller creates a fine spray of paint droplets that can get into your eyes and hair, on your skin and can be inhaled.
6. Paint the a high-quality primer-sealer product. If you're painting white onto white, ask your paint technician about adding disappearing tint products. Primer tints go on pink or blue, but dry white. They will help you keep track of what you've painted and what you haven't painted. Let the paint dry completely.
7. Apply the finish paint. For most rooms, choose a white, an off-white, a very light gray, or a very faint pastel color paint that will complement your wall color. It is rarely a good idea to paint a ceiling a very dark, solid color since it will make the ceiling feel much lower. This could work, however, in a room with a very tall ceiling (12 feet or more in height) to "bring the ceiling down" visually.
8. Paint the walls with primer-sealer. "Cut in" the edges of the walls, and the corners, with a sash brush, and then fill in the walls with a roller applicator. Let dry.
9. Paint the walls with your selected wall color. Cut in around the edges and corners with a brush first, and then fill in the wall with a roller applicator. Let dry.
10. Apply a second coat of paint, particularly for red paints or dark colors. Let dry.
11. Restore the electrical covers, baseboards and trim and re-dress the room. Remove the plastic from the lighting fixture and restore any light covers.
Tags: with roller, ceiling with, roller applicator, walls with, with roller applicator, ceiling crack
Two types of plasterboard repairs may be needed. If it's a small area, a bit of or spackle can fix it. But if the area is larger, a piece of plasterboard will have to be replaced. Ceiling plasterboard is 5/8-inch thick and a large area can be quite heavy (a 4-by-8 foot sheet weighs 75 pounds). Consider the size and whether you are physically comfortable with taking down one piece and putting up a new one.
Instructions
1. For a small repair, scrape around the damaged area with a tradesman's knife to remove loose material. Apply mesh tape (it is sticky on one side). Spread a small amount of joint compound over the tape with a 6-inch plasterboard knife. Wait for it to dry and sand. If a second layer is required, apply it, wait for it to dry and sand before priming and painting. Larger damaged areas need to be cut out and replaced.
2. For a larger repair, use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists on each side of the damaged area. Mark along the joist centers with a long pencil line (two pencil lines will be parallel). At six inches each side of the damaged area, mark pencil lines across to create a square (or oblong) outline.
3. Run a tradesman's knife a number of times along the outline until it contacts the two joists and cuts through the plasterboard on the other two sides. Remove the section (some screws in the joists may have to be taken out). Cut a new piece of plasterboard the same size. Insert the new plasterboard into the hole, screwing it into ceiling joists with 1 5/8-inch plasterboard screws (every eight inches).
4. Cover all joints with . Apply joint compound with a second layer if required. When you are happy with the smoothness/finish, prime and paint to match the surrounding area.
Tags: damaged area, joint compound, ceiling joists, each side, each side damaged, layer required, mesh tape
Vents are available in a variety of styles and materials.
Vents are those metal registers through which heated and cooled air flows into your home. Generally, each room has at least one vent. They can be located in a ceiling, a wall or a floor. Ceiling vents, like wall and floor vents, allow the direction and amount of airflow to be regulated by the user. Vent covers generally come with their own hardware and are easy to install.
Instructions
1. Measure the opening in the ceiling for the vent. Measure the opening itself and not the ductwork inside the opening. Otherwise, the screws will not have anything to bite into.
2. Purchase the vent cover. Many styles and material options are available at hardware and home-improvement stores. Look for a vent cover that allows you to aim or direct the air where you want it to go and also lets you adjust the amount of air that goes through the vent.
3. Place the vent cover over the hole in the ceiling so that it covers the entire opening. Secure the vent cover, using the screws that came with it. There are usually two screw holes, one on each side. The hardware that comes with the vent matches the vent so that it doesn't really show.
Many homeowners want to replace their old, tired wallpapered walls with a bright coat of paint. Painting is the easy part. Removing wallpaper is often an involved, tedious process that causes many homeowners to delay updating the room. If the wallpaper is not damaged and has good adhesion to the wall, it may not be necessary to remove the paper before painting. But to ensure that the colors of the wallpaper don't bleed through the new coat of paint, you need to paint the wallpaper first with a primer such as Kilz.
Instructions
1. Check the wallpaper for lifts or tears. Glue the wallpaper back to the wall anywhere it is torn or lifting. Patch dents and holes with spackling paste. Allow the spackling paste to dry completely, then sand to a smooth finish.
2. Wipe the wallpaper with a damp sponge to remove dirt and oils from the surface. Allow to dry completely.
3. Paint a small area of the wallpaper with Kilz and allow to dry overnight. Check the area the next day to see if the wallpaper is still adhered to the wall and the Kilz is smooth. If the wallpaper pulls away from the wall or the Kilz is bumpy or cracked, you'll have to remove the wallpaper entirely before painting.
4. Prepare the wall for painting. Turn off the power to the room at the breaker box. Cover wall light fixtures with plastic bags and tape the bags closed with masking tape. Remove all electrical cover plates from the wall. Tape moldings, ceilings and adjoining walls that will not be painted with masking tape to protect them from the primer. Cover the floors with a drop cloth.
5. Paint the wallpaper with Kilz primer. You can use a roller, a brush or both. Allow the Kilz to dry completely. If color from the wallpaper bleeds through the layer of Kilz, apply another layer to the wallpaper. Once the walls are primed and the color isn't bleeding through, paint the walls as you would normally.
Tags: before painting, coat paint, from wall, masking tape, spackling paste
The Hampton Bay line of ceiling fans is the house brand for Home Depot. The fans come in a wide variety of styles and colors. The flush mount fan fits close to the ceiling providing a sleek look. When you want to change the ceiling fan or perhaps put in a standard light fixture, removing a Hampton Bay flush mount ceiling fan involves taking the fan apart completely.
Instructions
1. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the Hampton Bay ceiling fan. As an extra precaution, turn off the wall switch if the fan is wired to a wall switch. Position a step stool under the ceiling fan so you can reach the top of the unit.
2. Remove the globes and light bulbs, if your unit has a light fixture. Light fixtures with four open globes use three screws through the metal collar that holds the base of the globe to secure them to the fixture. Turn the screws counterclockwise by hand and remove the globes.
3. Loosen the three screws securing the light fixture to the fan with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Turn the light fixture body counterclockwise and gently lower it until you can see the wires. Untwist the wire caps securing the light fixture wires to the ceiling fan and place the light fixture out of your way.
4. Remove the screws securing the ceiling fan blades to the motor with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Removing the blades makes it less cumbersome to remove the rest of the fan from the ceiling.
5. Find the three to four screws securing the canopy cover over the ceiling fan motor housing. Loosen and remove the screws with the screwdriver. Lower the canopy away from the housing.
6. Remove the nuts securing the motor housing to the mounting bracket stud with a wrench. Lower the housing and hook one side on the hook of the mounting bracket. Turn the plastic wire caps securing the ceiling fan motor wires to the house wires counterclockwise. Separate the wires and twist the caps onto the ends of each individual house wire until you are ready to connect them to another fixture.
7. Unhook the ceiling fan motor housing from the mounting plate hook. Unscrew the bolts securing the mounting bracket to the ceiling junction box with the screwdriver.
Tags: light fixture, , motor housing, mounting bracket, screws securing
Plasterboard access panels are aesthetically pleasing and are functional for regular access to the attic.
When you need access to electrical, plumbing or attic space, an access panel will need to be installed. There are many types of prefabricated plasterboard access panels. The panel door can drop-in or have hinges with a lock, and be shaped as a circle, square or rectangle. Access panels can be used in new construction or for adding an attic access in an existing ceiling. Access panels are designed to blend seamlessly into the ceiling. Access panels come with an energy-saving gasket seal around the panel to prevent heat transfer between the attic and living space, saving you money.
Instructions
1. Measure the distance between the ceiling rafters to choose the width of the needed. Cut 2-by-4 studs for blocking to frame a box between the rafters using the recommended size for the rough opening for the panel. Example: If the measurement between rafters is 24 inches, the width of the panel would need to be 22 inches; if it is 36 inches between the rafters, the panel would be 30 inches wide. If the access panel is used in new construction, pick the access panel size you want and frame the opening to fit the access panel.
2. Screw the access panel frame to the ceiling rafters with drywall screws. Plasterboard the rest of the ceiling, butting the drywall up against the frame of the . If the ceiling is finished before the access panel is installed, cut the plasterboard ceiling with a drywall saw between the rafters for the width of the panel and along the rafters for the length of the access panel. Example: The rough opening would be 24 inches wide and 36 inches long for a 22-by-30-inch access panel.
3. Apply a thin coating of drywall compound around the seam of the access panel where the plasterboard meets the panel with a 4-inch putty knife. Cut the paper drywall tape to fit the seam and stick it to the compound on the seam. Scrape the excess compound off the seam, smoothing the tape flat onto the seam. Apply three coats of drywall compound on the seam, letting it dry between coats.
4. Sand the excess dry compound with a sanding block to blend the access panel into the ceiling. The ceiling and access panel are ready for paint.
For a canopy effect, use ceiling-mount drapery rods to hang curtains above your bed.
Most of the time, a standard wall-mount drapery rod does the job just fine. However, sometimes you might have a need -- or simply a want -- to hang curtains from the ceiling. For example, if your windows go right up to the top edge of your wall, ceiling rods are a necessity. Additionally, curtains used as room dividers or privacy panels are typically hung from the ceiling, as are faux bed canopies. In these cases, you have several options.
Ceiling-mount Drapery Rods Without Brackets
Drapery rods with an integrated hanging bracket can be hung either on a wall or on the ceiling. With this type of rod, the brackets are wrought from the same piece of metal as the rods, making the entire unit one piece. Because the brackets do not detach from the rods, they are a very sturdy choice. However, unless the rod is made of two pieces that slide together to adjust in length, these rods often must be custom-made to the correct length.
Ceiling-mount Drapery Rods with Brackets
You can use drapery rods with separate brackets as long as the brackets will hold the rods when they are turned upside down to be mounted on the ceiling. Many wall-mount brackets are U-shaped, and the rods simply rest inside the U. With this type of bracket, the rods will fall when the are installed on the ceiling. Shop carefully and make certain you purchase rods with O-shaped brackets. O-shaped brackets encircle the rods completely, holding them secure even when they are installed on the ceiling.
Track-style Ceiling Drapery Rods
Track-style drapery rods are often used in commercial applications. For example, they are used in hospitals as privacy screens and room dividers, in office buildings to divide offices and workspace, and in schools and hotels to open up or close off ballrooms, conference rooms or classrooms. However, they can certainly be used in homes to divide space and create rooms. Curtain tracks are especially helpful in a loft space to separate living space from sleeping space, or to create a closet where there is none.
Make Your Own
With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can fashion your own ceiling-mount drapery rods. Some crafty homeowners have devised ceiling-mount curtain rod systems from electrical conduit and conduit brackets. Another option, if your windows are narrow enough, is to install bathroom towel bars on your ceiling and use them as drapery rods.
Paint hibiscus flowers on your bedroom walls for a Hawaiian feel.
Your bedroom is the place you go to escape the stresses of everyday life and get a good night's sleep. For children, the bedroom can be a place to play as well as sleep, and for teenagers it can be a place to escape the family and listen to music. When redecorating your bedroom, it is important to come up with ideas that not only reflect your personality and your personal needs, but that also show your individual taste and preferences. A Hawaiian-style theme bedroom can be fun for kids of all ages--from newborn to elderly adult.
Flower Prints
Purchase photographs or paintings of Hawaiian-style flowers, such as Hibiscus or orchids. Use simple frames to hang the pictures so as not to detract attention from the beauty of the pictures themselves. Alternatively, buy or make a large tropical flower stencil and use it to paint flowers directly onto the walls using bright paint colors such as red and fuchsia.
Tropical Fixtures and Lamps
Search your local home-improvement stores for a palm leaf ceiling fan, which can replace the light fixture in your bedroom while helping to circulate the air. The palm leaves tie in with the Hawaiian theme, giving the room an island feel. Look for table lamps made of natural materials such as raffia. To accentuate the Hawaiian motif, look for island themed lamps with hula girl or pineapple bases.
Murals
If you are artistic, paint a Hawaiian-theme mural on the bedroom wall. Create a relaxing beach scene complete with sand, sea and palm trees. For extra color, paint a tropical bird or a tropical flower arrangement. Other ideas for murals include a sunset scene, a volcano scene or just a cluster of large, bright flowers.
Beach Colors
Give your bedroom a tropical beach feel by painting the walls sky-blue and installing a light pine wood floor. The floor color together with the bright blue will remind you of the sea and the sand. Place brightly-colored flower arrangements on your end tables for an added splash of color. If the floor feels too bare, search for a tropical-themed area rug in a natural material.
Tags: your bedroom, bedroom place, place escape, tropical flower
A plasma TV that is too large to fit on a wall can be installed on the ceiling instead. This Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project lets you custom install the plasma TV, rather than having to call in a professional to do it for you. The TV mount can be acquired from select home and garden shops or hardware stores. Any tools not already available in your home can be purchased from the hardware store as well.
Instructions
1. Remove any objects or furniture beneath the ceiling where the projection screen will be mounted. Rotate the plasma TV so that the back is facing you.
2. Line up the holes on a ceiling mount-style TV mount with the mounting holes on the back of the plasma TV. Screw metal screws through the holes in the mount and into the mounting holes on the TV using a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Place a ladder beneath the ceiling where the plasma TV is to be mounted. Make a hole in the ceiling with the drywall hand saw. Look into the ceiling, using a flashlight, to find a wood brace inside the ceiling.
4. Place the TV mount's ceiling plate against the section of the ceiling that's over the wood brace. Draw a circle around the inside hole on the plate with a pencil.
5. Cut out the circle on the ceiling with a power drill cutting saw. Pull the cut off section of the ceiling out and throw it away in the trash.
6. Place the mounting plate against the ceiling, over the hole. Run a toggle bolt through each of the holes in the mounting plate. Reach in through the hole. Place a wing-nut on the end of each toggle bolt. Rotate the wing-nut to tighten it up against the where it meets the ceiling.
7. Place a second ladder by the first. Have an assistant help you pick up the plasma TV. Hold the plasma TV by the ceiling so the bracket extending from the top of the TV mount is next to the hole.
8. Place the bracket into the hole, up against the wood brace. Place wood screws into the holes in the bracket. Screw the wood screws into the wood brace, using the power drill. The power cord from the plasma TV can now be run across the ceiling and down to a wall outlet.
Exclusive to Home Depot, Behr and Glidden both have hundreds of choices in color for indoor and outdoor paint. Both offer test samples, which customers can take home and use to paint swatches on walls. In addition, they both offer different types of paint such as flat, semi-gloss and satin finishes.
Price
A gallon of Behr semi-gloss or satin enamel approximately $24 in 2009. A gallon of Glidden, on the other hand, costs approximately $20.64 for either semi-gloss or satin enamel.
Samplers
Both Behr and Glidden offer sample paints to take home. An 8-oz. can of Behr paint costs approximately $6.95. The price also includes a roller, handle and tray. Glidden's sample comes in a small glass jar with the brush attached to the lid at a cost of $2.97 per jar.
Colors
Behr paint currently comes in nearly 3,800 colors. Glidden only offers 282 choices of paint colors.
Coverage
Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a combination paint and primer. Painting should take less time since it will take fewer coats of paint to cover a surface. Glidden promises its new formula will cover most colors in one coat. Paint is stain resistant and holds up when scrubbed.
Low VOC
Behr offers a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) option in their Premium Plus Ultra line. Glidden does not specifically market a low-VOC paint, but the manufacturer, ICI Paints, claims all of its products are ultra low solvent.
A drop ceiling, also called a suspended ceiling, offers some advantages over plain drywall ceilings, including acoustic improvement. In a basement or similar utility area, where you may need to reach pipes or overhead wires, drop ceilings allow you to conceal the pieces while still allowing you access at a later time. You don't need to be an expert to install these ceilings, but you must take careful precautions during planning and installation to ensure that the ceiling hangs straight and lasts for years to come.
Instructions
1. Measure 4 inches down from the current ceiling and make a pencil mark at that point on one of the walls. Line up a level with this mark and trace a straight line along the 4-inch mark that spans the walls in the entire room.
2. Locate the studs in the wall with a stud finder and mark their location with pencil marks, drawn over the line you drew before. This indicates where you will attach the support structure for the drop ceiling. If you are installing the ceiling in a room with masonry walls, such as concrete or brick, there will be no studs to find.
3. Attach the perimeter support molding for the drop ceiling. Set each piece so that the top of the molding piece lines up with the perimeter line you drew. Attach the molding to each stud using 6d finishing nails and a hammer. For masonry walls, attach them with masonry screws through every screw hole in the molding.
4. Line the walls with the perimeter molding until it is completely outlined with the molding. For inside corners, put one piece of molding firmly against the corner, and set the next piece butted firmly against the first.
5. Miter the edges of the perimeter molding that will meet at outside corners. Use tin snips to cut the edges of the molding pieces at a 45-degree angle so that they meet around the outside corner. Continue to cut and fasten as necessary until all perimeter molding is installed.
6. Locate the ceiling joists in the room with a stud finder and mark their location with pencil or chalk lines. You will install the main support runners for the drop ceiling running perpendicular, or at right angles, to these joists.
7. Measure the length of the ceiling from one wall to the next, running perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Divide this number by the width of the panels to determine how many panels you can fit in the room. For example, if the ceiling is 8 feet wide (96 inches) and each panel is 5 inches wide, you can fit 19 panels, with one-fifth of a panel (or 1 inch) left over.
8. Measure out from one wall the distance leftover from your calculation. In the example, measure out 1 inch from the main wall. Snap a chalk line running perpendicular to the joists to mark this as a starting point.
9. Measure 4 feet out from the starting line and mark another perpendicular line. Continue measuring and marking until you have marked all of the lines; these represent the locations of the main support runners.
10. Install eyebolts along each of the lines of the support runners. Screw an eyebolt into every third ceiling joist along the line. These will be the supports to hold up the main runners.
11. Thread 16-gauge wire through each eyebolt so that you can twist it around itself at least three times and leave at least 2 to 3 inches hanging below. If in doubt, use more wire than you think you might need; you can always trim away excess later.
12. Attach a piece of string to the bottom of the perimeter molding under each support runner line. Stretch them across the room to the other side and attach it to the bottom of the molding there. This will help you ensure that the runners are lined up with the molding.
13. Line up the first main runner piece along the runner line so that it touches the string. Thread the excess 16-gauge wire through the open holes in the runner and twist it around itself at least three times to hold the runner up. Repeat with every hold along the main runner's body until it is held firmly in place by the wire.
14. Hang runners along the designated lines. Each should be supported by the eyebolts and 16-gauge wire you hung before. When you have to join runner pieces, attach them together with the slots and tabs that are built into the end of each piece. When you reach the end of the runner, trim off any excess with tin snips. Continue until all are in place.
15. Install cross tees running perpendicular to the main runners and spaced every 2 feet apart. These pieces need no wires; instead, they snap into the main runners with slots and tabs. As you install these pieces, you will begin to make out the characteristic grid shape.
16. Attach pieces to connect the edges of the grid with the perimeter molding, cutting pieces of the cross tees to fit with tin snips. These pieces also attach together with slots and tabs. This completes the grid shape for your ceiling.
17.Slide the ceiling panels into place in each of the gaps in the grid. You will need to push the panels up at an angle to get them through the gaps, then allow them to drop straight down to be supported by the grid. Install all full pieces first.
18. Cut the panels to fit along the edges as necessary. Measure the gap you need to fill and add 3/8 inch so that the panel will be wide enough to sit on the grid's support flanges. Cut through the finished side of the panel with a sharp utility knife, using multiple shallow passes until you have cut completely through the panel. Install all cut panels as well until the ceiling is complete.
Tags: perimeter molding, main runners, running perpendicular, 16-gauge wire, drop ceiling
Encon is a manufacturing company that manufactures emergency safety equipment like wall-mounted fire extinguishers and emergency shower and eye wash stations. The Therma-Flow is an emergency shower and eye wash station. Both Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American National Standards Institute require work places with potentially hazardous chemicals to post emergency shower and eye wash stations within a specific set distance of dangerous chemicals. Federal law mandates these showers have their own drainage system and emergency backup electrical power.
Instructions
1. Shut off power to the emergency breaker where the Therma-Flow's electrical system will be connected.
2. Physically position the Therma-Flow so that the power panel on the unit is facing the wall, where it will be connected to the emergency backup .
3. Open the power panel of the safety shower with a Phillips screwdriver, remove the electrical wiring and feed it through the safety grommet on the panel. Close the panel and fasten it shut with a Phillips screwdriver.
4. Remove the switch plate on the wall where the electrical supply of the shower will be connected. Remove the plate with the Phillips screwdriver.
5. Connect the white wire from the shower to the white wire at the wall circuit. Twist the wires together with pliers and then place a plastic end cap over them. Connect the red wire from the unit to the wall and the black wire from the shower to the wall in the same way.
6. Close the switch plate and replace the retaining screw. Test the shower to make sure the electrical system is functional. Do not turn the water supply on, though, unless the drainage system has been completely installed.
A tongue & groove ceiling fits together under the same general principle as a tongue & groove floor, but the ceiling is actually a little easier to install, because it's softer, lighter wood and it doesn't require a special floor-nailer to secure the boards. A standard trim nailer is fine, though it isn't used in the same manner throughout the project. The first and last boards have to be top-nailed for solidity. For the rest of the ceiling, you'll be going in through the sides of the boards, so the nails will be hidden.
Instructions
1. Locate each of the ceiling joists (the support beams behind the ceiling plaster) with your electronic stud finder. Mark the length of the location of the joists with your level and pencil.
2. Measure the length of the ceiling, in the opposite direction that the joists are running. Transfer that measurement to your first board. Cut it to size on your miter saw.
3. Hold the board on the ceiling, with the grooved side facing the wall. Shoot two nails into the face at each point where the board crosses a joist.
4. Measure and cut your next board. Press it in place next to the first one, locking the groove of the new board around the tongue of the one that was hung previously. Secure the board by shooting one nail in through the side of the board, just above the tongue, at an upward angle, at where the a joist.
5. Continue cutting and hanging planks across the ceiling, nailing them in from the sides.
6. Nail the last board up in the same manner as the first one (with two nails shot straight through the face at each point where it crosses a joist). Hang ceiling trim around the perimeter to hide the joint between the planks and the walls.
Tags: crosses joist, each point, each point where, point where, board crosses
Draped rooms often have curtain falls along side bed or lounge areas.
Piping can have two meanings in reference to ceiling drapes. The first refers to pipes that are used as curtain rods that mount to the ceiling. The second are raised seams with cording inserts that are used to add detail to the curtain panels. Ceiling drapes are used to transform a hard ceiling into a softer, more tent-like appearance. The drapes can span from wall to wall or they can cluster in the center and drape to the outside walls. The style depends on the look you want.
Instructions
Curtain Rod Pipes
1. Move a stud finder along the surface of the ceiling to detect the direction of ceiling joists and their location. Mark the joists within four inches of the nearest wall along each wall in the room.
2. Measure the room using a tape measure. Transfer the measurements to 1/4-inch graph paper, noting the location of each wall. The pipe flanges will mount withinsix inches from the ceiling wall corner on the ceiling joist. Draw the pipe position onto the plan. The pipes will connect continuously around the perimeter ceiling of the room.
3. Measure your pipe and cut the pipe with a cutting tool. Add 3/4-inch of threads to the pipe using the threading tool and lubricant. The tool screws onto the pipe by hand and allows you to cut new threads so that you can connect pipe pieces together easily.
4. Assemble your pipe curtain rod on the floor of the room. Screw your long wall-length pipes into three-way corner pieces. Add a small, 1-inch section between the vertical part of the three-way and the mounting flange. Repeat this for each corner. Lift the pipes with one person at each corner and screw the flange into the ceiling at your ceiling joist marks. Screw directly into the joists. Curtains can be draped over the rod or attached using curtain rings and alligator clamps.
Add Raised Piping Seams
5. Seam together fabric to increase the width of curtain panels for ceiling applications.
6. Cut a 1 1/2-inch strip of curtain fabric. Fold the fabric in half along the length of the strip. Insert a cord into the fold and sew tight to the cording. This is called piping.
7. Place the curtain panel's right sides together. Insert the piping between the panels so that the raw edges line up. Pin the piping in place. Sew the seam tight to the cord. This will create a raised and decorative seam between the curtain panels.
Tags: curtain panels, ceiling joist, each corner, , , , your pipe
Starting up a new business can prove tricky for anyone. A woman seeking to establish her own business, however, faces the added difficulty of institutionalized sexism, both in America's corporate sector and modern society.
In order to better overcome these barriers and achieve success for her business, an aspiring female business owner must take into account the many barriers that stand in the way of starting up a small business.
The Facts
As of 1997, women-owned businesses only constituted 26% of America's total businesses, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau. Since then, the number of businesses owned by women has risen to 40%, but difficulties still abound for women seeking to succeed in the male-dominated business market.
Perhaps one of the greatest obstacles for women business owners to overcome is the "Leisure Gap." While a working woman can shoulder a great deal of responsibility in the workplace, she is also routinely expected to take on most of the burden of the home, including household chores and family responsibilities.
Working women, too, must struggle with breaking through the "glass ceiling" - a term coined to describe the societal restrictions placed against business women, due to their gender. Although the term has been a part of the popular lexicon since the mid-1980s, its significance still continues to influence working women all over the country, as evidenced by the fact that, on average, women workers only earn 78 cents to every dollar earned by their male coworkers.
Significance
As stated above, any would-be female entrepreneur must be fully aware of what roadblocks she will be up against on the path to business success. Sometimes, from a strictly societal standpoint, it is paramount to know just how far we haven't progressed in some regards, too.
Without a deep and in-depth knowledge of an obstacle, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to achieve personal and professional success. For women especially, these obstacles can be great and varied, and thus, plotting a roadmap for business success is critical.
Types
Although the types of barriers cannot always be broken down into simple, digestible forms, some general roadblocks encountered by women in starting up a business include:
Difficulty in making time for business measures and necessities. As stated previously, the Leisure Gap presents possibly the greatest barrier for women in trying to start up a business.
A general lack of assertiveness. According to the Small Business Bible, women are more likely than men to set lower prices for their products and services, for fear of driving clients away with too high prices.
The looming presence of the "glass ceiling." A writer for the Boston Herald pointed out recently that sexism and preconceived notions about a woman's place being in the home still abound. An article from CNN even found that men are twice as likely to start a business as women are, which could help explain why only one out of every five million-dollar revenue firms is woman-owned.
Effects
It is perhaps unnecessary to point out that the effects of these barriers can be devastating for women, both professionally and personally. Obstacles like a hostile business environment and the unshakability of the Leisure Gap can discourage women from striking out and establishing their own business. This is why it is important for business women to take into account the barriers that they may face, and to understand how best to overcome them.
Prevention/Solution
In order to be successful in starting up a business, women should have a full understanding of what they will be up against. They should take precautions to budget their time effectively, and create an adequate and manageable business plan by which to conduct their work. They shouldn't shy away from hiring others to assist in the business---a common mistake for women business owners is to attempt to shoulder all of the workload, according to the Small Business Bible. Most importantly, women entrepreneurs must be willing to work extra hard, remain dedicated, and never give up on their commitment to making their business work.
Tags: business women, barriers that, Business Bible, business owners, business success
When spring gives way into summer, the days get longer...and hotter. One of the most cost effective ways to keep cool is to use your ceiling fan instead of your central air conditioning. But, what do you do when you pull the chain to turn on your fan and nothing happens and a quick check in the electrical panel doesn't indicate any tripped breakers? Odds are the ceiling fan's speed control switch is bad. Here's change it so you aren't faced with purchasing an entirely new ceiling fan.
Instructions
1. Turn off the electric to the circuit that powers the ceiling fan. Turn off the actual breaker in your electrical panel, not the switch on the wall.
2. Locate the ceiling fan speed control switch on the body of the fan. If your fan does not have a light kit installed, this will be the only pull chain switch on the fan. If there is a light kit installed, the ceiling fan speed control switch will be the one closer to the fan blades.
3. Remove the glass shades and light bulbs from the light kit if your ceiling fan has one. Then, remove the screws that are securing the light kit to the fan. If your fan has no lights, then you only have to remove the bottom cap. This is where all of the wire connections are located for the switch controls. The ceiling fan speed control switch will have either three or four wires coming off of it (depending on your model of fan).
4. Test for voltage with the touch-type voltage tester.
5. Remove the screw-on cap that is securing the speed control switch to the body of the fan. Once the cap is removed, the switch will be able to be pulled out of the fan.
6. Pull the three, or four, wires out of the switch. They are held in place by a pressure clip inside the switch. Twisting them may help them to be released easier, but if you can't get them unseated, you can just cut them. But, before you cut the wires, make a note of which wire is connected to which terminal (write this information down). If you cut the wires, be sure to strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of each.
7. Take the new ceiling fan speed control switch and insert the proper wire into its associated terminal slot. If the switch comes with pre-installed wires, then you can simply connect wire to wire using wire connectors.
8. Remove the screw-on end cap from the new switch and insert the pull chain and threaded nipple through the hole used by the previous switch. Then, secure the speed control switch to the fan body by screwing the end cap back over the pull chain and threaded nipple.
9. Carefully push all of the wires back inside the fan body and screw the bottom cap/light kit back in place. Install the light bulbs and glass shades.
10. Turn the circuit back on and test the speeds of your ceiling fan.
Suspended ceilings are often installed in homes to cover old cracked plaster. As they age, they may become grimy and stained, but can be rejuvenated with a coat of paint. The fastest way to paint the entire ceiling is with an airless paint sprayer-but this can be inconvenient if the room is full of furnishings because you'll have to move or cover everything. Your other option, if you have the space, is to lift out the ceiling tiles, paint them with a roller and reinstall them.
Instructions
Spraying a Suspended Ceiling
1. Prepare the room by removing everything possible, including furniture, art work and window coverings. Cover what you cannot remove with plastic sheeting, and protect the floor with drop cloths.
2. Clean the ceiling with a feather duster or broom to remove spiderwebs and dust. Prime water stains with stain-blocking primer (a spray can is most convenient) and allow it to dry according to label directions.
3. Spray the ceiling with two coats of latex (water-based) paint. Apply the first coat in one direction, working back and forth across the ceiling. After it has dried for at least four hours, apply the second coat in the opposite direction. Avoid trying to paint acoustic ceiling tiles with one heavy coat. Two even coats of paint will give you a more uniform finish.
Rolling Ceiling Tiles
4. Remove the ceiling tiles. Be careful, as it's easy to bend and break the corners. Number the irregularly sized tiles you take down from the perimeter so you can easily put them back up in the right place. Use permanent marker and write the number on the back-it will show through latex paint.
5. Set the tiles up on your work bench and roll them with a light, even coat of latex paint. Carry them carefully by the edges to another area where they can dry. Count on this process taking about two days, unless you have a lot of space to set all the tiles out to dry at once.
6. Roll one coat of paint on the backs of the tiles, and two coats on the fronts. Don't worry about painting the edges; they'll be hidden once you reinstall them.
Painting the Grid
7. Paint the ceiling grid in between coats of tile paint. Use 2-inch blue painter's tape to protect the wall around the perimeter. Roll your chosen paint color on the metal grid with a 4 or 6-inch trim roller. You should be able to roll right up to the wall if you have taped it.
8. Use a small paint brush for corners and areas the roller won't reach. You may have to paint two or three coats on the grid, depending on the color you choose. Skip this step if the grid is in good condition and you don't mind the color.
9. Allow both tiles and the grid to dry for at least 8 hours. Being careful not to scratch the grid, drop the tiles back into place and remove the painter's tape.
Tags: ceiling tiles, ceiling with, coat paint, have space,
Air circulation in a room can dramatically reduce energy costs in both winter and summer. An effective way to achieve this air movement is to install a ceiling fan. The fan must be mounted with the proper support to ensure that the fan will not loosen or wobble and will work efficiently for you. A ceiling fan brace can be installed from the attic, if it is accessible. If not, or if you would prefer not to crawl into the attic, your local home improvement store will have an expandable brace which can be installed from the room.
Instructions
Remove Existing Light Fixture and Box
1. Turn off the electrical power to the fixture. This can be done at the circuit breaker box or fuse box. Make sure there is no power to the light fixture by turning the light switch on and off. If the light does not turn on, the power to the circuit is off.
2. Make sure the ladder is secure, climb it, and remove the screws holding the fixture base to the ceiling. Pull the base away from the fixture box.
3. Hold the light fixture in one hand. With the other hand, twist the wire nut connecting the black wires counterclockwise and remove the nut. Making sure not to come in contact with two wires simultaneously, remove the wire nuts from the white wires and the green or bare wires in the same manner. It may be helpful to have an assistant hold the light fixture when removing the wire nuts. Place the old light fixture aside.
4. Test the circuit using the electrical circuit tester to ensure that the power is off. Touch one probe from the tester to the bare black wire and one to the white. The indicator should show that no voltage is present.
5. Wear your safety goggles and dust mask for this step. Using the screwdriver, loosen the screw clamp connector which holds the wire bundle secure. Push all of the wires through the electrical box so they are not visible. Pry the old box off the ceiling joist using the hammer and pry bar.
Install the New Ceiling Fan Box and Bracket
6. Insert the bracket into the existing hole in the ceiling. The feet of the bracket will rest on the drywall or plaster.
7. Twist the expansion bar counterclockwise until the ends of the bracket are pressing against both joists. Tighten with the adjustable wrench until it is snug. Over-tightening may cause the joists to separate, damaging the ceiling. The cleats on the end of the bracket will secure the bracket to the joists.
8. Remove a knockout hole from the electrical box supplied with the fan bracket kit. Use the hammer and the pry bar to pound the knockout hole outward from the inside of the box. If necessary, grab the knockout with the pliers and bend it back and forth until it is removed.
9. Place the U-shaped bracket provided over the expansion bar. Install the new screw clamp connector on the knockout hole. Pull the wires through the screw clamp connector and attach the electrical box to the U-clamp using the bolts provided.
10. Pull the wires through the screw clamp as far as possible and tighten the screw clamp using the screwdriver. The clamp should be tight enough so that the wires do not easily move back and forth through the knockout opening. Install your ceiling fan per the instructions provided.
Building walls in areas where a suspended ceiling exists requires you to carefully cut and alter the ceiling or to simply attach the wall to the suspended ceiling. Attaching directly to the suspended ceiling is a good option when you do not want the hassle of modifying a suspended ceiling, which is not an easy task. Attaching to a suspended ceiling is sufficient anchoring for most walls, but not in all cases. You would not want to attach exercise equipment to such a wall because, over time, the wall could work loose.
Instructions
1. Build the wall and secure it to the floor. Do not place it at a height that pushes up the ceiling or is more than 1/2 inch below it. Ideally, the wall should be less than a 1/2-inch from the without touching it.
2. Plumb the wall and mark the grid of the suspended ceiling with a pencil. Mark it on each end of the wall. If your ceiling is aligned with the wall, measure off of the grid to set the location of the wall. If not, use your eye or a string to align the wall.
3. Insert shims between the ceiling grid and the top of the wall. This keeps the ceiling from bending when the screws are installed.
4. Install a drywall screw through the ceiling grid and shims into the top plate of the wall. Attach screws to the wall every 2 feet.
Unlike lower ceilings, cathedral ceilings look gorgeous when decorated with elaborate painting and paneling.
While cathedral ceilings can greatly enhance the style and impact of rooms, they are sometimes difficult to coordinate with other decor. Without careful decorating, cathedral ceilings can easily overwhelm rooms or make them seem cold. To integrate a cathedral ceiling more fully into a decor scheme, use lofty or oversize accessories, such as tall potted plants or trees. Hanging items from the cathedral ceiling, such as large potted plants or mobiles, helps blend the ceiling into the rest of the room's decor. Hanging curtains at a normal ceiling height makes the room feel warmer. Dark rugs or flooring keeps furniture visually anchored.
Paint
Whether to accentuate or downplay the cathedral ceiling depends upon personal tastes. Painting cathedral ceilings in tones of white or cream gives rooms an airy feel, while also reflecting and emphasizing any natural light. This choice works well for kitchens or bathrooms, especially when paired with tall cabinetry. On the other hand, to make a room feel more cozy, paint the cathedral ceiling in a dark color, which helps to visually de-emphasize it. Also reduce the impact of a cathedral ceiling by adding a high-impact paint stripe or wallpaper strip at normal ceiling height.
Beams
Ceiling beams can add rustic warmth to cathedral ceilings. If ceiling beams are already installed, accent them with a dark shade or with a shade that starkly contrasts with the color of the ceiling. For best results choose an accent color that is already repeated in the rest of the room's decor. If ceiling beams are not installed, consider adding faux beams. Wooden beams give rooms an old-fashioned feel, while colorful beams give rooms a modern, clean look.
Panels and Molding
Add visual interest to the cathedral ceiling by paneling it. Dark wood panels make rooms feel more inviting, while white-washed pine panels give rooms spacious country chic.
Molding can also effectively accent cathedral ceilings. Paint existing molding in striking colors or varnish it to a high gloss. Add molding if you like. Unlike lower ceilings, cathedral ceilings can withstand elaborate designs without feeling overdone, so use this opportunity to experiment with elaborate rococo designs. To bring rooms down to scale, add molding at a normal ceiling level.
Adding latticework to the ceiling gives it Victorian flair. Another Victorian trick that works well for cathedral ceilings involves wallpapering it in rich, textured papers.
Lighting
Rooms with cathedral ceilings require different lighting than rooms with lower ceilings. For best results, use a number of light sources placed at multiple levels. To emphasize the cathedral ceiling, direct lights upward; to emphasize ceiling height, direct lights downward. Tall lamps and oversize chandeliers complement cathedral ceilings' grandeur, while hanging ceiling lights on long cords helps make rooms feel less lofty.
Artwork
To best complement cathedral ceilings, hang artwork higher than eye level. Tall art pieces play well off the grandeur of the cathedral ceiling. Hang large, matching collections of artwork together. Long tapestries also work well for this purpose.
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If your popcorn ceiling is looking worn and dated but you don't want to tear it down for fear of asbestos, cover it up. Popcorn ceilings are typically tile, which is an inexpensive ceiling option. Another type of is created when a basic flat ceiling is sprayed with a coating of acoustic material, which has a cottage cheese texture. Popcorn ceiling tiles are usually fragile and thin, so no matter how you try to cover them, handle with care.
Paint It
For a quick, inexpensive fix, paint it. Although painting the ceiling will not cover up the popcorn look completely, it will get rid of the dull grayish white color. You can paint a popcorn ceiling any color you want using standard interior latex house paint. Add a simple white for a fresh look, or color it with a bold hue. To keep from breaking the ceiling, use a low pressure paint sprayer to apply the paint, if you have one. For a more traditional application, use a thick roller, which will in the deep spots, and use smooth, gentle strokes to prevent the tiles from breaking.
Tile It
Seal in your popcorn ceiling by applying ceiling tile over it. For a modern look, install a simple, bright white tile ceiling over the old ceiling. If you prefer a more detailed look, you can purchase more elaborate grooved tiles, featuring unique designs. Or achieve a vintage look by installing metal tiles. Purchase new metal tiles at a home improvement store or add authenticity by adding historic, used tiles.
Add Wood
If you're going for a natural or contemporary look in your room, use wood to cover your popcorn ceiling. Install beadboard on your ceiling for a touch of country style. For a more traditional look, purchase wood floor or ceiling planking and have it applied to your ceiling. If a real wood ceiling doesn't fit your budget, try a laminate wood instead.
Use Fabric
If your popcorn ceiling is in an apartment you can't change or you just need a quick fix, use fabric to cover it up. Attach hooks, either the screw in kind or adhesive ones, to your ceiling, spacing them out. Purchase a large piece of fabric, and attach it to the hooks, creating a swagged or bundled fabric look on your ceiling. For a simpler, less formal look, cut pieces of fabric to cover each ceiling tile.
Tags: popcorn ceiling, your ceiling, your popcorn, ceiling, apply paint
Decorate the ceiling with tulle in a variety of colors.
When decorating for your wedding, take all aspects of your venue into consideration, including the ceiling. Ceiling decorations can transform the ambience of your reception into a romantic and enchanting setting when tulle fabric drapes around the room. Using tulle or another fabric in decorating requires you to have an eye for balance, because adding too much fabric on the ceiling can feel overwhelming, while not adding enough can make the ceiling decorations look half-finished.
Instructions
1. Plot out the design of the ceiling and how you want the fabric to hang. If there are beams in the ceiling, you might want to wrap the fabric around the beams. Or for flat ceilings, add dimension by draping the tulle at various points. Canopies are another option if you want a lot of fabric coverage.
2. Position the ladder beneath the section of the ceiling on which you are working. You will have to climb down the ladder to move it as you continue working your way across the ceiling.
3. Secure the end of the fabric strip to the point of the ceiling from where the design is starting, using push pins. Push the pins tightly into the ceiling structure. If the structure is too thick for , use a hammer to nail the fabric into place on the ceiling.
4. Drape the fabric from the starting point to the center of the room or midway across a beam. Hold the drape effect in place with another push pin or another nail you hammer in. Continue this pattern as you work the length of the ceiling you wish to decorate.
5. Use double-sided, clear tape to connect the parts of the fabric - in between the push pins or nails - to the ceiling.
6. Wrap multiple colors of fabric around each other to create a color scheme on the ceiling. If your wedding colors are black and white, for instance, you can weave black and white tulle in and out to draw more attention to the ceiling. Keep multiple strands of fabric together with the double-sided tape.
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