into them, freeze, and cause erosion or movement. Start
by cleaning the cracks to remove dirt, weeds, or loose
concrete. Use an old screwdriver, a leaf blower, or a
combination of both. Then fill the cracks with a concrete
repair caulk. It may not match the color of the concrete
exactly, but it will fade slightly over time.
Q
H o w can I re p la ce a d am ag ed ro o f s h in g le ?
DAN N Y:
Slip a putty knife between the
damaged shingle and the ones below and
above it to break the seal. Use a flat pry bar to remove the
nails from the damaged shingle and the shingle above it.
Pull out the damaged shingle, and slide a new one in
its place—aligning the edges with the shingles on each
side. Nail the new shingle down, and the old one above it.
Apply dabs of roofing cement under each tab to reseal
the shingles.
win
H o w do I open a d o u b le -h u n g w in d o w th a t’s
p a in te d sh u t?
DAN N Y:
Cut through the paint film where the
stop meets the sash with a utility knife, being
careful not to let the knife stray. Spray a silicone lubricant
in the track between the sash and the stops on each side
of the window, then push up on the sash to raise it.
If it refuses to budge, go outside and insert a flat pry
bar between the windowsill and sash on one side of the
frame. Pry upward a little to loosen it, then repeat on the
other side of the frame, working back and forth. Once the
window is open, spray additional lubricant in the track
on each side of the frame to keep it sliding smoothly.
Get more advice from Danny and submit your own
questions at BHG.com/dannylipford
BETTER HOMES A N D GARDENS SEPTEMBER 2009
7 3
FACT: The soft places we love could be home to thousands of bacteria.
To Protect
Disinfect
Lysol® D isin fe c ta n t Sp ray can
a l s o
be used on so ft surfaces
to k ill
9 9
.
9
% o f b a cte ria . Use it on sofas, m attresses and
even b a ck p a ck s th is b a ck -to -sch o o l season.
wvAv.LYSOLcom
Use as Directed.
0 2 0 0 9
Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
