 |
||
| Home | Shop On-Line | Hornung's Rental | INCO Supply of Harrisburg | ||
 |
||
|
6005 Blue Bird Ave
Linglestown, PA 17112 717.545.1222 DEPARTMENTS
|
 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Do you have the Werner model D8220-2EQ available? It is a 20’ fiberglass extension ladder with factory installed EverLevel system. If so, I am interested in the price and also the cost of delivery to Hummelstown.
We stock only the 24 foot ladder (D8224-2EQ) not the 20 foot. The 24 foot would be $299.99 delivered to Hummelstown.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page 1. Didn't you used to be called the “HELPFUL Hardware Man”? Why the change?
2. I would like to put crabgrass preventer down. Is it too late? I think I remember you talking about this last week, but I missed the whole discussion. I do not want to have to water my lawn. Should I go out today and put it on the grass? I love your show, but am radio-shy. Thank you! You need to get crab grass killer applied ASAP. It is activated by moisture, either through rainfall or watering. You can save some effort by spreading it when it looks like rain, otherwise you should lightly water the grass.
The reason for the name change is we switched suppliers from ACE The Helpful Place to DoitBest. This could have produced a registered name problem so to avoid any potential problems we changed the name. However, it looks as if we are going back to ACE and may be changing the name back. Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page Our first floor is made from 2” (thick) tongue and grove barn floor. The gaps between are up to 1/2” on some, were filled with Elmers wood filler and cracked out in about 9 mo. Been fighting with this potentially beautiful floor for about 25 yrs. We've tried caulk and pourable epoxy, neither worked. Is there anything that has some flexibility that it won't crack out?
As always there are several options
The problem is the sides of the boards don't allow much to bond with so usually the filler just falls out. I hope this is helpful Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page On your show this past Saturday you mentioned there was something you could do about killing onion grass in your yard. Apparently, it was something you could spray or spread but you couldn‘t remember the name of it. If you remember it would you please provide me the name and any other ideas on how to get rid of these pesky onions growing in the flower beds as well.
We have in stock Weed Out lawn weed killer. It contains dicamba and trimec and controls over 200 broadleaf weeds including dandelion, chickweed, clover, spurge, wild onion, dollar weed, ground ivy, and many others.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page I look forward to your show on WHP every Saturday morning. It's interesting and very informative.
My concern involves the white powder (efflorescence) that appears in various areas throughout my unfinished basement (block) walls. This was new construction approx. 4 yrs. ago and I had painted the walls with Drylock. Using a garden hose to flush off whatever needs to be applied is not an option since there is no gap between the floor and the walls. In a recent visit to Home Depot I was directed to another UGL product called "Etch" and a wire brush. Is this a good remedy and could you please offer other thoughts. I'd very much appreciate hearing your expert advice. Thank you. You should not be getting the white powder on your waterproofed walls. One way to tell if it is coming through the wall or from inside is to tape a 2 ft length of tin foil on all 4 walls and wait. If the efflorescence comes back then it is from the humidity in the room.
If it is truely coming throught the walls then a second coat of UGL is in order and yes you will need to treat the walls and the ETCH product is a good one.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page Radon, what would be a good test kit and who would you recommend to perform any work if needed?
Thank you very much, I listen to you every chance I get. Keep up the great job... We have one that's made locally that I like and most people around here including myself use.
I recommend John Staz from Enviroquest to do the work. He is good and I find his prices incredibly reasonable. Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page Need to strip paint off of wooden clapboard exterior, Many coats, probably lead somewhere down near the bottom. There's a lot of pealing and wear on the surface.
What are your suggestions to do the stripping in an area where there are dogs? I try not to miss your Saturday morning program. I would not strip the paint off unless you want a particular clean look. If that is so then use a heat gun or my preference is a propane torch. The torch does take some practice but is the fastest. Also with the torch or heat gun, you will need to avoid breathing the fumes. A good chemical mask will work the best. If you are only striping the paint off to prevent pealing then use a special scraper which will remove any loose and any not so loose paint. As far as the dogs--don't let them eat the paint chips. You can use the liquid type paint removers but that will be expensive if you have any large area to do.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page On your radio show, you had talked about an odor removal product. I didn't write it down. What is the name?
What would you estimate the cost of servicing a MTD Yard Machine snow thrower? 22” clearing Model # 31A-32AD729-308-598. Will need oil change, spark plug replacement, also do not know if fuel line is clogged, tried bleeding it last year still can't get it to kick over.
We change the oil, check and adjust the power train for both the self propelled and the thrower, change the spark plug, clean the carborator, adjust the air pressure in the tires, lubricate where necessary and test run for $59.99 plus parts. We also have pick up and delivery that usually costs 50 dollars for this area. We guarantee our work and have professionals that have been with me as long as 25 years and every year get over 40 hours of additional training. We work on over 8000 pieces of equipment per year with about 20 returns because we missed something, which means we get 99.75 percent right. Not perfect but excellent. You can trust us, we care and we are committed to excellence.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page I am looking for a thermostatically controlled outlet to use while we are in Florida for the winter season. This would allow us a plug in a lamp which would only go on when the temperature would drop below a certain degree and thus notify our neighbor that there is a problem with the furnace. Thank you.
We have several products ranging in price from a simple outlet that turns on at around 35 degrees or a phone alarm that calls three numbers or a thermostat that you can plug a light into and set the temperature at which you want it to turn on the light.
Thanks for your question Bill Top of Page How do I select an adequate generator for my needs?
This is not an easy question. Do you have another question? Just kidding...
The best way to do this is to get the running amps of everything you want to run on the generator and multiply it by 1.3. Avoid things like electric water heaters, heat pumps, and electric heating devices, as these draw large amounts of electricity and will require a very large and expensive generator. Typically you will want to run a sump pump, a well pump(if you have one), some lights, and a refrigerator or freezer. You can also assist in keeping the cost down by turning on and off a series of appliances like the refrigerator or freezer which can go for some time without running without causing any losses. If this fits your needs then a 5000 watt generator will do the job. Now, getting the electricity to the appliance is always the problem. You can use a transfer switch which will automatically do the conversion to the generator even when you are not home or you can simply run extension cords to each appliance. If you choose to use extension cords, make sure you have them on hand and they are 12 gauge. One area that everyone gets in trouble with generators is that they need to be run every 3 months to make sure that when you need it, it will be ready. Few people do this and when the electricity goes out the generator will not start. And remember that you have to run the generator outside and not in the rain. Some people use their garage but you need to leave the garage door open and and still this can be dangerous. Some people will build a shed but it needs to be well ventilated. An overhang area works well. Remember you have both gas and electricity in one unit and that can lead to problems. Bill Top of Page I am looking to buy a couple of rubber door silencers. They plug into metal door frames with existing holes. Do you have or can you get four of these?
Yes, I have them in several styles but probably the black ones in my Servalite bins are more what you are looking for.
If you come in and ask we will find them for you.
Bill Top of Page I thoroughly enjoy your Saturday radio program and wish you had a store in the Carlisle area. My question is: I want to seal my deck. I have been using CWF. Is there a better sealer I should use or should I continue using CWF?
CWF is one of the better sealers but can't be applied with a pump up sprayer. Olympic has come out with a really good one also called Olympic Maximum, and then there is One Time Wood Protector which is really awesome but the price of around 80 dollars a gallon keeps most people away even though it lasts for seven years.
Bill Top of Page I'm looking for some type of window guard that will mount on the inside of a window to prevent a child from pushing out the screen. Do you carry such a product in your store?
We carry several products and if you know how wide your screen is I can determine the right choice.
Bill Top of Page Do you sell non-toxic termite spikes?
We have lounge chairs by our pool and the brackets that are used to recline the chairs have disintegrated. Is there something else we can use to hold the backs up or are there replacement parts for reclining chairs like these? They are made out of aluminum and with vinyl straps.
We don't have anything made for that but maybe we have something that we may be able to make work. If you can bring in the chair or the old bracket we may be able to help you.
Bill Top of Page On your Sat., May 21 radio show, I think I heard something about a product that fills out dents on attached chair cushions -- it's injectable, perhaps? I was in the car and couldn't jot down any of the details. Would you know what this product is?
Your 5/28/11 WGAL Hardware Man podcast has a listener calling in raving about improved performance of his lawnmower's engine.. it runs smoother and gets better mileage because of using a product recommended by your store. I think the referenced product is Ethanol Shield. Later in the program, a discussion follows which notes your shop has noticed significant engine problems because ethanol swelling the O-rings...in the shop, waste baskets are filled with carburetors and carburetor kits. I want to pass this information on to my sons, but I’m not 100% certain the reader was talking about Ethanol Shield—Please verify. And, too, I wonder why the shop must replace carburetor parts if Ethanol Shield can solve the customer’s problem. Does Ethanol shield do something in addition to shielding the ethanol? Or, am I zeroing in on the wrong product?
Yes, it was Ethanol Shield they were talking about and it is available in our parts department. Thanks for listening
Bill Top of Page Had water in basement on indoor/outdoor carpet. Please advise what product is best to apply to the carpet to prevent mold/mildew forming on the carpet.
We do not have a product that is made to stop mold forming on the carpet. Most anti mold products aren't human friendly even if they claim to be.
the best way to fight the mold is to pull up the carpet and use a carpet fan to blow air under the carpet. You can do this while the carpet is still on the floor. You can reduce the drying time by using a extractor carpet cleaner to suck as much water as possible from the carpet. Then, with the carpet fans and a dehumidifier you can usually salvage the carpet. Also, you can use an ozonator which we rent. This will prevent the mold from forming while drying the carpet. You must lift the carpet up to really assure fast drying and no mold growth.
Bill Top of Page Do you rent edgers for deep flower gardens?
We rent the standard edgers with a flat blade and also a bed edger that makes a V style trench around the beds. It's one of my favorite tools to use. Yopu can see pictures of the equipment on our Web site at www.hornungsrentals.com. Thanks for your question.
Bill Top of Page Do you handle Hydraulic floor jack oil?
Have you ever heard of a driveway sealer called Black Jack Ultra-Maxx 1000? It is a gel product made by the Gardner-Gibson company. It dries in 30 minutes and you can park on it after 1 day. Wondering if it is better than the coal-tar products out there. I do not like the way a driveway has an “iced with coal tar” look after applying the coal tar products.
This product is urethane/latex rubber based which means it is like waxing or polyurethaning (urethane is a higher quality then polyurethane) your driveway. It will not be slippery because of the sand particles. The latex helps to give it body and provide a longer life. This is a good product but will be more sensitive to a dirty driveway. So clean the driveway first to assure good adhesion. I do not recommend you pressure wash your driveway as this can remove resins that are vital to the life of your driveway. If you decide to pressure wash the driveway avoid holding the nozzle closer then 1 to 1.5 ft. A cleaner like Krud Kutter or Simple Green will help remove some of the oil stains. When applying it you can use a roller but I recommend that you brush it on. One of the greatest things you can do to your driveway is to fill any cracks with crack sealer especially the one between the garage or sidewalk and your driveway. This will advance the life of your driveway more then any sealer.
Thanks for your question
Bill Top of Page I was listening to Bill this morning and he said what to do for a lawn with weeds if you don't plan on overseeding but didn't say what to do if you DO plan on overseeding. I re-seeded my front lawn this past fall and plan on overseeding it again in a few weeks to thicken it up but there are a lot of weeds I think that came from the straw I put down.
If you plan on overseeding you have 2 choices:
1. Let the weeds go until later in the season--there is a liquid crab grass killer that can be applied later. You will still be able to put a broad leaf killer down in 6 weeks after the grass starts to come up. 2. Use a product that allows you to seed and kill crabgrass. it is called Scotts Step 1 for Seeding. It is rather expensive and we do carry it. Thanks for listening Bill Top of Page I listen to you on WHP 580 radio just about every Saturday morning.
Can you suggest a product for cleaning and perhaps sealing ceramic floor tiling? The ceramic floor is part of a condo that is rented at the beach where sand and dirt is tracked in by the tenants and imbedded in the tiled floor squares Regular cleaning products don't seem to take away the dirt and grime, and they doesn't give back the shine that was once there. I would like to clean the floor by myself, and without hiring an agency. Therefore, I may need a scrubber of some type. I would appreciate it if you could provide a solution for protecting and bringing the shine back to this floor, along with suggestions for any type of equipment that may be needed to do so. Without knowing how bad it is, I will suggest some cleaners in order of strength from least to greatest. Please realize the the stronger the greater the chance of harming the tile. the first should have no effect on the tile though the third you must be careful and try it on a small area. I would try Krud Kutter first. Soak the area for about 15 min then scrub by hand or a low rpm scrubber with brushes, then rinse with a mop. Next try T.S.P. the same way. do not get T.S.P. on skin or eyes. Then you can try vinegar solution or a very mild solution of muriatic acid. This is only a last resort as this can ruin the finish if there is one. Then when clean apply a tile sealer over the entire floor to restore the finish if it is gone or partially gone
Bill Top of Page A friend told me to plant grass seed right before a big snow on bare ground. He told me it sinks in and comes up nice next spring. Any truth to this? Thanks and I enjoy Bill's show on Sat AM-580.
Yes, your friend is correct, however there is a down side. Some of it doesn't come up. The winter weather causes the grass seed to work its way into the ground. However the weather also reduces the germination rate due to mold and other factors.
Thanks for listening, it's good to know people get value from it. Bill Top of Page How old to work there?
16 years of age although we will use younger for some jobs. I will not hire young adults when their parent approaches me, as the parent wants the child to have a job, not the young adult. I will only hire young adults when they are looking for work, not a job. This is a great place to work and our work force has had very little turnover. Unfortunately, this leaves very few job openings although we usually have some in the spring. I hope this doesn't come off as arrogant, but other business owners and managers feel the same way and won't tell you, so I am being honest to add to your success in finding a job. When considering an applicant I am interested in that person contributing to make Hornung's the best hardware store in the world. I hope this was helpful.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page Do you offer a trade-in discount on a snow blower? I want to trade in my old and working snow blower for a new one.
Sorry for the late reply but I was out of the country and had no access to the internet.
Yes, we do take trade ins and usually must see your trade in to give you a price. However, you will get a better price selling it direct because we need to tune it up and then guarantee it for some time. Most people still trade it in because the difference in price is usually not enough for the hassle. Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page We missed the section on home heating units where you were going to advise the saving by using an Eden Pure Heater and if they are efficient or not? True cost per hour to run?
This is a difficult question to respond to. The cost to operate on EdenPure's highest setting is about 14 to 15 cents per hour depending on your cost of electricity. They take 1.5 kw to operate per hour on high. The efficiency comes in how you operate it. Using it for spot heating or zone heating will save you the most. Most people are satisfied and buy more than one. It does take several days to determine full benefit from them and usually adds about 100 dollars per month to their electric bill but saves more on their other heating bill. Or if using electric baseboard saves about $150 per month on electric. Of course these numbers vary by the room temperature and R factor of the home and outside temperatures.
I get about 1 in 10 back because they feel it did not live up to their expectations. I hope this helps. Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page I have been told by the boro that there may be tree roots in my sewer line. I have had no problems yet but want to avoid complications down the road. Can you recommend a product that I can add to wastewater to address the problem?
There are several products but they all contain the same ingredient - copper sulfate. Use this about once per six months. If you have a problem then a monthly frequency is more typical. Products differ in price due to the concentration of copper sulfate so don't go strictly by price. Copper sulfate is copper sulfate.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page What do you recommend as the best way to treat the hard water in Middletown? I hear lots of conflicting information on the benefits/shortfalls of various systems
Softeners actually remove the hardness(calcium), but of course have an added costs of the salt. The ionizers use very small amount of electricity so are cheaper to operate. The salt style softener will also remove some dissolved iron. There is a lot more to consider when buying a softener. For one, always get a demand or metered type to save you salt. They are easy to install and can be done without soldering. If you have any further questions please email me again.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page I wish to buy Diamond Crystal Winter melt in 50 lbs bags. Is this being sold again this winter?
Yes, we still have it and it is selling for $5.99 per bag. If you buy 10, it is $5.09 per bag and or $4.49 per bag if you buy 49 which is a skid.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page The EdenPure heaters...are they efficient?
Yes, but if you are really asking are they more efficient than other electric heaters then the answer is not by much. They are well built and safe and they are very quiet. They are more efficient then a lot of heating systems because of the transmission losses and other inherent inefficiencies. What it all boils down to is cost. If used correctly and where and when needed they can save you about 100 dollars per month over conventional heat. The maximum electric a regular plug in heater can use is 1500 watts which, by physics, equals 5200 BTUs per hour. So the maximum any plug in 110W heater can create is 5200 BTU's per hour. Some houses can take up to 20,000 BTU's per hour of a standard whole house system to heat. Typically, an EdenPure heater will heat about 1000 square feet of a moderately insulated area. I hope that answers your question. One final thing, the people who own EdenPures swear by them. I sell more of that heater than all else and get very few returns.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page What can be done with a snow blower that has a leaking shutoff valve? Also, should the gas from last year be drained before we start it now, and what type of gas is best for snow blowers and powersaws? I know you and R.J. have addressed this on your show, however I did not write that down and I'm getting forgetful.
Thank you for all the info you give on the show. I wish we lived closer to your store.
The shutoff valve is easy to replace. Where is the snow thrower leaking from? If it is the carburetor, the problem is different and is caused by the alcohol in the fuel. Buy your fuel from the USA gas station on Rt. 22 which sells alcohol free fuel. Click to see a complete list of gas stations selling ethanol free gas. And yes, the old fuel should be removed if possible. If you have just a small amount of gas in the tank, you can pour fresh on top then prime it 20 times while sitting outside and keep the choke off. It should start pretty easily, otherwise it will need carb work.
Thanks for your question, Bill Top of Page I am renting a 30-year-old townhouse that has metal windows. They are sweating already. There is a clamp on the window that clips to the metal frame when you close the window. It does not seal tight. So, air comes through the window frame. What can I do to keep the water from the sweating, and the cold air out? I also have a sliding door that we do use during the winter. It also lets cold air in. Since I do use it, is there anything I can do to keep the air out without sealing it completely with plastic. Thank you.
The answer would be different if it was your own house but since it's not, I would put the shrink type window kits on the windows. If you don't want to do that, there are sealants that you can put in the cracks that will pull off when spring comes. To stop the windows from sweating, install either shades or curtains on the windows and keeping them closed, especially at night. As far as the sliding door goes, there are numerous types of strip type foam and rubber seals you can use. Apply the strip foam that is sticky on one side on the jam where the door closes on. And replace the pyle type strips on the other edge of the door. at the bottom there is usually a rubber type seal that typically needs to be replaced. If there isn't one, I would add one inside or outside. Although this won't make it entirely air tight it will help reduce the draft considerably.
Thanks for your question, Bill
Top of Page Besides sealing the house (already done), what do you recommend to kill stink bugs?
Ortho Max or BugMax work best of all for a continuous kill but last only about a week. Mix dish detergent, water and vinegar in a 1-to-1-to-1 ratio for an instant kill but it will have no residual kill. Good luck
Top of Page I have a door knob and lock set but do not have the key. If I bring the knob in, can a new key be made for it inexpensively?
Depending on the lock we can rekey it if you don't have the existing key. It will cost about 9 dollars to rekey. You will need to bring the lock into the store for us to determine. Sorry I can't give you a better answer, but some locks need to be picked if you don't have the key and I am not good at that.
Top of Page On Saturday we were listening to the show and just as you were about to say what would keep the stink bugs off screens etc, we were interrupted and missed the answer. I would greatly appreciate what the spray / chemical was that we can use. We are overrun with the stink bugs.
Thanks It's an invasion or infestation. I have killed over 10,000 stink bugs at my house. It's a war. I mixed a concentrate of chemical that is in a product called BugMax. I use a concentrate called Ortho Max and I mixed it triple strength and I sprayed it every day for last 3 days on the outside of the house where they accumulate. Also, I have heard that Dove dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and water, mixed in equal parts, will kill on contact. Probably true but it doesn't have any residual value. You will need to spray it directly on them. Put a screen on all of your dryer and exhaust fan vents to keep them out. Good luck
Thanks for your question and for listening. Top of Page I have been at my home 5 years here in Shermans Dale. I did Drylok the basement side of my block constructed foundation. I am considering painting the garage side block. Block is generally 2 thirds backfilled up on the outside. I see some minor cracks, no efflorescence, no signs of past or present water, floor is dry except humid summer conditions (condensation). No mold or mildew problems either. I've never seen any water on these walls. I want to paint to make the garage look better.
Question: Do I need to Drylok or can I use a good latex paint to ”whitewash“ the masonry? Thanks Because it has been dry for some time, your risk is low by not using a Drylock product. That means if you want to use just an exterior paint, I recommend a semigloss as it brightens the room and is easier to clean. Exterior paint is made for concrete and will hold up better. It is ok to put on the inside, it just dries slower, but because it is 100 percent acrylic it will last longer in moist conditions. Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts are working well and that the water is being directed away from the foundation to avoid water pressure on your basement walls that will eventually mean a wet basement.
Thanks for your question and for listening. Top of Page R J Harris talked about a product he got at your store last year to keep stink bugs out. What is the product and do you have any of it this year?
BugMax is what I use and find it works well. I spray it on the screens on the doors and windows but need to apply it about every 2 weeks.
Thanks for listening Top of Page I caught the tail end of your radio program on Saturday, September 4. You were speaking to someone concerning grass seed. The person stated that the best grass seed for central PA is Sunnyday Mix. Could you tell me where I can purchase this grass seed?
We have Sunny Day Mix made special for Hornung's Hardware in Linglestown. I had this made special for this area's needs and have received a lot of positive comments on it.
Remember, for optimal results, always use starter fertilizer when planting seed. Thanks for listening. Top of Page Do you repair Craftsman weedwackers? I have one that the pull cord broke and I attached a new one but it will not pull properly as it keeps getting tangled up somehow.
Yes, our techs in our service department can fix anything with a gasoline engine on it, except cars.
Thanks for listening. Top of Page I have an all metal Patton 14 inch fan. The motor has frozen and to get the motor out of the case I must remove the blade assembly. The blade assembly is fastened to the motor shaft via a set screw. The set screw is frozen! I have tried penetrating oil, vise grips on the hex wrench, etc. Any suggestions on freeing the set screw?
We use a product called PB Blaster that works better than WD40. If that doesn't work, heat usually solves the problem. Also, I have a mechanic named Randy who in 25 years has always solved this kind of problem. You can always bring it to Randy to fix.
Good luck. Top of Page You mentioned a product, ”craig's cutter“? Not sure I heard correct. The example was RJ using it on caked up grease and someone who cleaned rain gutters with it. Please let me know name and where it is available.
Love the show. I've seen some chemicals that supposedly kill poison ivy, which is growing at the edge of my yard. Do they work well, and if so, do they kill grass or garden-style plants?
Thanks. There are several products that work if the ivy hasn't developed too much into a vine. Roundup Poison Ivy & Brush Killer comes as a ready-to-use spray in a
24 oz. bottle and a concentrate in a quart sized container.
If the ivy is developed, Ortho MAX Poison Ivy And Tough Brush Killer works well. It comes concentrated in pint size and quart size. It also comes ready-to-use in a 24 oz. spray bottle. Be careful, these products can kill any plant, don't spray on a windy day if plants are close by. You can also use a sprinkler can to be more precise. Thanks, Bill Top of Page I have a brick house that has a beige brick caked with about 100 years of road dirt. What would you have to take that dirt off, would I use Krud Kutter?
Thanks. Yes, Krud Kutter House Wash would work well with either a pressure washer or scrub brush and some elbow grease. Be careful when using the pressure washer not to get too close. An easy way to apply the detergent is with a pump-up sprayer. Some mild acid washes will also brighten the brick after you have cleaned it.
Thank you for the question. Top of Page Is this a bad time to spread lime pellets, or is it too hot and dry?
Thanks. Yes, it may be a little too dry. It would be best to wait until there is some rain in the forecast.
Thank you for the question. Top of Page We have a split level house with central air. The upstairs floor is always hotter in the summer and colder in the winter...uneven heat/cold. We often use a floor fan in the summer to make the bedrooms cooler but it helps little. Would the installation of a ceiling fan in the upstairs hallway (we have 3 bedrooms and a bath off this hallway) help to distribute the air to make the bedrooms more livable? Is there a way to insure that an installed hall ceiling fan would work before we have one installed. Is there a better solution?
Thanks. You may be able to save the expense of a fan by closing some of the intakes downstairs and the vent outlets upstairs. Just be careful not to close so many that you restrict the air flow and thereby reduce the efficiency of your heat pump. This would assume that you will be leaving the bedroom doors open. If you want to close the doors, make sure there is about a 1/2 inch or better opening between the door and floor for the air to move. If not then open some of the vent outlets in that room. You should do the reverse for the winter time.
It also sounds like you could use some additional insulation in the attic or walls upstairs. Also, how well sealed are the windows? Could you be getting a lot of leaking through them? Anything you do will probably be a better investment than a fan. Thank you for the question. Top of Page I had my driveway replaced about a year ago, and I want to apply a seal coat. You have discussed various types and brands and applications, but I don't remember what you said. Can you recommend (from your stock) what is the best to use. I want to do a good job of maintaining the driveway, and if possible do it myself. The driveway is macadam. Also, how many square footage will the application cover?
Thanks. The Sakrete brand is a coal tar emulsion that seals the driveway against oil and gas. In addition, it seals in the asphalt to increase the flexibility and hence life of the driveway. It covers about 400 to 500 sq ft. but on new driveways only about 300.
Thank you for the question. Top of Page Hi, I heard Bill on the radio talking about some kind of deterrent to birds that make nests behind shutters. I was wondering if you sell anything like that. Some kind of spikes? I have shutters on an uneven fake stone finish which makes it even easier for the birds to get in. I'll be painting the shutters soon and want to try something while I am up there. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks. Birds behind shutters is a difficult problem that could be solved by putting a product called Tanglefoot Bird Repellent on the back side of the shutter or where they are building their nest. Tanglefoot Bird Repellent is a grease like material that the birds hate.
We do carry in the store Poly Bird Spikes Kit and Stainless Steel Bird Spikes that should be mounted near the bottom of the shutter. Thank you for the question. Top of Page You mentioned on your show this past Saturday that if your central air system is running and your basement door is closed that air should be drawing up, not down. Mine is drawing down. Any suggestions? Please advise.
Thanks. It should be neither, the air should not be moving either way. Adjust the dampers to achieve this. Be careful not to reduce too much the air movement through the HVAC unit as it will effect its efficiency and hence your electric bill. Close the intake dampers downstairs if there are dampers, or make sure all outlet dampers are open downstairs and close some in the upstairs. Also, close off areas that are not in use unless there is a thermostat in that room.
Thanks for listening. Top of Page Do you carry the refillable containers for tiki torches?
Are you either an Ace or True value affiliate?
We are now affiliated with Do It Best. DIB is as big as Ace and is mostly found in the west, mid west, and south. Like Ace and True Value, DIB is a buying coop that allows storeowners to aquire products at low prices because of their buying power.
The big reason we switched is because the fastest growing areas of my business are rental and commercial/industrial sales which are being downsized at Ace. Do It Best is going to help us remerchandise our store and put new life into it. With that said, everthing else will stay the same. My son Jason is starting to take over the store and has the same or possibly greater dedication to excellent customer service. We intend to take the business to even a greater level as our sales continue to grow. Thank you for your queston and your business. Top of Page Dog chewed ink pen and got ink spots on rug. Any ideas on how to get ink out? HELP. I know I should get rid of dog. HA!
Tried to get on radio show with question. Too late. Bill said to send an e-mail question.
Enzyme cleaners really work great as they actually break down the chemical into clear products. We have several of those. One of the most impressive is a cleaner called Sunsational. I've seen this take out dried paint.
Thanks for listening. Top of Page Can you tell me the best type of driveway sealer to use and what's the best way to put it on?
The best driveway sealer to use depends on what you want and the condition of your driveway. I recommend the coal tar emulsion sealer for driveways in good shape. The asphalt emulsion sealer is best for older driveways which are becoming brittle as it can soften them. Sealer and filler is best for driveways with cracks and or are on an incline.
The best way to put down sealer is with a brush and squeegee. A roller is easier and less messy but it is difficult to get enough on the driveway. Thanks for your question. Top of Page Bill: We recently power washed our house and now see little black spots which they said was an algae caused by the mulch. What is this and how do we get rid of it?
The fungus you refer to is a very difficult problem and may require removal of the mulch. Before that, I would suggest trying Jomax, a product that is for removal of fungus and prevents it from returning. We also stock other products that should work.
Keeping your mulch less then 2 inches thick will help to reduce the formation of fungus as will periodically turning the mulch to reduce moisture, especially during very damp times. The problem area is probably on the north side of the house. Spraying the mulch with a dilute solution of Clorox can help to reduce the problem, but it may also lighten the color of the mulch. There are other types of mulch that do not have this problem and may be the best answer. Bill Top of Page Several years ago I purchased a head for a weed eater that accommodated 4 strings - NOT on a reel. Can you tell me if you still have this item?
Thank you Yes, we have in stock a universal one and others actually made for different brands such as Stihl and Echo.
Top of Page Bill,
My house has a basement- half is finished and carpeted, and half is unfinished. I have a dehumidifier on each side to keep the moisture level down. Both are Frigidaire 50 quarts/day that I got at Lowes, and they do not seem to be working any more. The units are about 16 months old and did work at the beginning (water would drip out the hose into the house drain area). I set the humidity on the units at 65%, and they run most of the day. Lately, the humidity indicated on the unit is above 80% and the hose is dry, even though the unit is running continuously. I blew out the filters with an air hose, and turned them off for a while, but that did not seem to help. Temperature in the basement is approximately 65-70 degrees. What should be the expected lifetime for that size dehumidifier? What could be the problem that neither of them are working now? Do they run out of freon like an air conditioner might? Can I get them recharged or repaired, or should I just plan on replacing them every couple of years? Is there a more reliable or better brand/model that I should look at? Any other thoughts or advice? Thanks a lot. I enjoy your show on Saturday. It is hit or miss with dehumidifiers as they are a very price-sensitive item and one in 5 comes back with problems. They usually have a 2-year warranty so you may want to take yours back to Lowes. I am presently looking for a better supplier and since I just switched the store to Do It Best Hardware I am now buying a different manufacturer's dehumidifier and hope to see a better life expectancy. You can get them recharged but it's hard to find someone willing to do that for a price that beats buying a new one. I suggest taking yours back to Lowes.
Thanks for listening. Top of Page Do you take used propane tanks?
Mr. Hornung...this morning 6/5 on your morning radio show you mentioned a way to patch cracks in the concrete driveway.
What kind of Elmers glue or epoxy do you use and to what mix ratio...My wife said that we could use Quikrete with it. She gave me this info and is a faithful listener..Thanks in advance
Use the cheap white glue at a rate of about 4 oz. per 50 lbs of mix. The stones in the Quikrete may cause a problem when trying to smooth it out. You can another product if that is a problem, but the glue makes a big difference.
Thanks for listening. Top of Page Do you carry either Model 435 or 440 Husqvarna chain saws?
We carry only Stihl. Although Husqvarna chain saws are good and we do warranty work on them, I sold 20 times more Stihl and decided to carry just the one line. I can quote you a price on comparable Stihl if you want.
Top of Page Bill, first off, great show. Thank you for all the helpful advice.
Second, great store. Thank you for the great prices and more importantly, service. OK, here is my situation. We moved into this house approx 10 years ago. The previous owner had a 3 seasons room installed off of our kitchen that looks out over our large backyard. Over the years we have noticed worms on the floor and an odor coming from that room, usually in early spring. What I have since found out... The owner allowed the company to install the 3 seasons room on top of an existing wood deck that sits approx 4 inches off the ground. They installed 3mm laminate flooring. So, everytime it rains and water gets under there, so do the worms..and much like the water, worms "wick" up and we find them all over the floor, dried up (which my wife just "loves"). I believe that my odor problem is from the laminate flooring soaking wet, never able to fully dry..... So, I now need to deal with it. What I was thinking... Tear up the flooring and place concrete board down over the existing wood deck, over that, tile. Will this suffice or cause more problems? I know the correct procedure would be to pour a concrete slab however, I really don't want to go through all of the pain, aggravation and money for this as it really only gets used 3 seasons...Thanks Should this situation continue, eventually the deck underneath the laminate flooring will rot. To avoid a complete tear down because of a rotted floor you will need to provide an air space between the deck and the floor, and to reduce the rot, completely cover the ground under the deck with plastic sheeting. You can use stone ballast to improve the appearance and hold down the sheeting. To make sure you have some air movement under the deck you may need to install some vents or leave the area open.
Additionally, to prevent the wicking of water up the posts that support the deck you may have to install a separation plate if the posts go directly into the ground versus being in cement. It sounds like you also have a problem with water getting in from the sides especially where the wall meets the floor on the outside. This is a common problem and can be corrected with a good caulking like Lexel or Big Stretch. Another common source of water damage is from the edges of the windows. This will require caulking the flashing on the sides, bottom and top of the window. One last thing that gets a lot of these summer rooms in trouble is where the roofs meet. At this point there are different expansion and settling rates that cause leaks and water can run down and cause trouble depending on how it is constructed. Although you didn't mention this I thought I would bring it up as a precaution. Thanks for listening. Top of Page |
|
|
STORE LOCATION
|
STORE HOURS
Monday-Friday: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ET |
|
BILL'S STEALS EMAILS
Don't miss out on exclusive deals and big savings, register to receive Bill's Steals emails.
Enter your email address in the form below then press Go. 
|
HORNUNG'S ON FACEBOOK
Keep up with the latest from Hornung's, including special deals and helpful tips.  Click to join us on Facebook. |
|
| Home | Shop On-Line | Hornung's Rental | INCO Supply of Harrisburg | ||
Web site Copyright © 2012,Hornung's Hardware | Design by |
||
