5 Clever Repair Hacks Using Everyday Household Items

You don’t have to have a professional-grade toolbox and tool set to tackle some of the conventional home repairs we all come across from time to time. When you find yourself in need of a tool you don’t have, simply look around the house for some everyday items that can serve as a crafty alternative.

Not sure what to grab? Continue reading to learn 5 clever repair hacks using only simple, around-the-house stuff!

Indianapolis Home Remodeling
Use white toothpaste to fill in tiny drywall holes!

Drywall Holes or Scrapes = Toothpaste

Small and even smaller drywall holes are easily caulked with toothpaste. Simply dab on some all-white toothpaste, ensuring it gets into the crevice, and then wipe smooth. Once it dries, you can use a cotton swab to add a little paint and blend it in with the rest of the wall.

Wire Cutting and Stripping = Nail Clippers

Need to strip some wire, but have no wire cutters on hand? Well, just grab some trusty nail clippers. Without using too much pressure, squeeze the clippers together to cut through the rubber wire only, then gently pull up and off of the wire.

Hammering or Sawing Through Wood = Bar of Soap

If you have some wood that is very hard to hammer a nail into, or saw, grab your bar of soap. Soap will lubricate the wood, allowing you to easily hammer a nail through. Apply to the blades of your handsaw to make manual sawing and slicing easier when working with hard woods.

Torn Window Screens = Nail Polish

Torn window screens don’t always have to be replaced right away if you have some clear nail polish on hand. Small rips and frays can be patched up with a gentle, light coating of transparent nail polish. Just be sure you use a clear liquid polish.

Squeaky Doors and Stuck Drawers = Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has a lot of helpful uses around the house. Not only will a small application cure a squeaky door or jammed drawer, it will also do wonders for your shower curtain rod, sticky locks, sliding door tracks, and similar areas.

Home Repairs That Require a Professional

Sometimes, things like doors, windows, and drywall can’t be repaired with DIY methods. For larger-scale home repairs, you need a professional handyman on the job. For an example, see our blog, “Why You Need a Pro for Sliding Glass Door Replacement” and learn why professional work is so vital to your safety, as well as your overall ROI.  

When You Need Professional Home Repair and Remodeling in Indianapolis

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable home remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Tips for Choosing the Proper Caulking Material

You wouldn’t use shampoo to mop your floors; right? Well, the same principle applies to caulk products. It is important to match your caulking material with the intended application or surface. Otherwise, you can expect to have an even bigger repair on your hands once you are through. Not sure how to choose the right caulk for your renovation needs?

Continue below to learn which types of caulk are recommended for common applications, including windows, bathrooms, gutters, glass, and more.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Where to Buy Caulk

These days, you can order almost anything online. If you choose this route, simply visit your favorite online retailer and add some product to your cart! For those who prefer a more personal experience, simply head over to your local home improvement or hardware store for a vast selection of caulking products and supplies. You can even get some great advice and instruction from their staff!

You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars, to up to $25 or more, depending on the brand, size, and quantity you need. Some caulking products come in multi-packs, which will cost more, while many others are sold individually, but in a wide range of sizes. Estimate the amount of product you need first, then make your purchase based on your calculations.

Types of Caulk

Here is a quick guide of different applications and the caulk recommended for each:

Roof – Choose a gun or brush-grade caulk that will adhere to common roofing materials, including metal, asphalt, tile, and masonry.

Gutters – Use butyl rubber-based caulk for gutter applications since it is weather and waterproof.

Glass – The best caulks for glass applications include silicone and siliconized acrylic products. Just make sure it is designed for glass applications.

Siding – For siding, you will need a product that provides an airtight and watertight seal. Suggested options include polymer, silicone polymer, butyl rubber, and paintable silicone caulks.

Windows – To properly caulk windows, you will also need an air and watertight caulk. Use any of the same recommendations for siding.

Doors – The same caulks for siding and windows can be used to create weatherproof and waterproof seals for doors.

Kitchens – The best caulks to use for kitchen repairs are siliconized acrylic or polymer caulks. These are also referred to as kitchen and bath or tub and tile caulk.

Bathrooms – For bathrooms, opt for a caulk that is acceptable for water resistance and mold-resistance. A silicone-based acrylic or polymer caulk will do.

Concrete – Concrete is trickier because it is susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles. So, you will need a polyurethane caulk. You can also use a silicone-based caulk.

Need Some Caulk Work Done in Indianapolis?

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable home remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612