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King Hong Kong posted:Going back to old house asbestos chat, there is a potential future small job that if I do I will want a HEPA vacuum for (in addition to PPE) as a precaution but was wondering if there was a recommendation for a decent one that is not extremely expensive. Get a Ridgid shop vac then buy the HEPA filter and bags for it. 
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Oct 2, 2021 19:24
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Sirotan posted:Get a Ridgid shop vac then buy the HEPA filter and bags for it. I did this but technically it doesn't qualify as a HEPA vac unless the drum is sealed. So I bought some 3/8" black rubber weatherstripping and laid a gasket around the drum. Takes more effort to latch but it's close enough to the certified $350 version for me.
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Oct 2, 2021 19:33
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King Hong Kong posted:Going back to old house asbestos chat, there is a potential future small job that if I do I will want a HEPA vacuum for (in addition to PPE) as a precaution but was wondering if there was a recommendation for a decent one that is not extremely expensive. skybolt_1 posted:I did this but technically it doesn't qualify as a HEPA vac unless the drum is sealed. So I bought some 3/8" black rubber weatherstripping and laid a gasket around the drum. Takes more effort to latch but it's close enough to the certified $350 version for me. This is my suggestion as well, except I've used the thick A/C duct tape. Not sure which is better tho. Also, if theres a window for it I use a fan to exhaust particles outside. Also I'm not a doctor and know nothing about the actual risks of aesbestos, just kinda doing what I can.
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Oct 2, 2021 20:44
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Another thing to keep in mind is that asbestos, as a airborne dust, is very filterable. Since the particles are so sharp and fiberous they tend to be easy to catch in the media, unlike other things like lead dust. So as long as you are using HEPA filters you should be fine.
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Oct 2, 2021 20:47
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Thanks, I needed a new shop vac anyway.
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Oct 2, 2021 21:55
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CarForumPoster posted:
Supposedly the hue bulbs, along with Ikea and a few others all use an open standard now, so long as you have a ZigBee device to talk to them, haven't looked into it much but a quick Google seems to confirm Hue is sort of their flagship smart home offering, and the company is 100+ years old , it's possible they stop giving firmware updates but that's a gamble I'm willing to take, certainly a better bet than rando Chinese offbrand
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Oct 2, 2021 23:47
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Hey Home Ownership thread. This is out of left field and I lurk this thread a lot but haven’t posted in a month or so. My wife and I spent the last five months renovating our house after closing in April and finally had our housewarming today. There are still a ton of projects to do and some moldings and trim to finish but everybody loved the place and I wanted to say I got a lot of good advice about home improvement, contractors, and general living tips from real peeps who own real goony homes in this thread. Keep up the chatter and hopefully we can all avoid being the next Grover.
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Oct 3, 2021 02:46
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Whoreson Welles posted:Keep up the chatter and hopefully we can all avoid being the next Grover. If only I should be so lucky as to have that many outlets.
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Oct 3, 2021 02:52
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My garage has a total of 2 outlet boxes. One is overhead and used for the garage door. The other is by the door leading into the house and one outlet is used for my motorcycle trickle charger. Something I'm thinking of tackling this winter is finding a better way to organize the garage and add more power and better lighting. I want to add a new opener as well, something with a safety feature and a remote opener. For the size, it's pretty big, tall and has a lot of potential, the space is just being used less efficient than it could be. I've also got a flat screen tv that the previous owners left on the wall so I'll put it in the garage for when I'm working.
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Oct 3, 2021 03:44
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King Hong Kong posted:Thanks, I needed a new shop vac anyway. We got the rigid shop vac and HEPA filter that the thread recommended as well to clean our entire house just in case (because I didn't see any of the demo work so I don't know exactly what might have been kicked up and now my wife won't use our cordless Dyson anymore and I had to buy $30 more in attachments. PageMaster fucked around with this message at 06:12 on Oct 3, 2021 |
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Oct 3, 2021 06:09
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Friendly reminder to clean your dryer ducts if you haven’t in a while. If you can’t remember the last time then it’s probably been too long. I used one of those flexible rod kits today and it worked like a champ. I had someone deal with it a year or so ago because it was super clogged; it had likely not been cleaned in a very very long time.
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Oct 3, 2021 17:32
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devmd01 posted:Friendly reminder to clean your dryer ducts if you haven’t in a while. If you can’t remember the last time then it’s probably been too long. I want to clean ours dryer vent as well as our hvac ducts. We just moved in and I want to start fresh, we have so much dust every day. Need to also upgrade the furnace filters too. Does the thread have any recommendations on home security/camera systems with low monthly monitoring fees? It seems the options are we pay upfront costs to purchase equipment (ring, simplisafe, blink) or we go with a national company like protection1 (we had this before). Monthly monitoring is cheaper with the first option and more expensive with the second so leaning more towards the first. Not sure which of those is reliable and has good equipment (sensors and such). I’m leaning towards ring because we already have the doorbell. Edit: The previous owners had installed Insteon Outdoor cameras but didn’t leave the hub. Insteon no longer supports the system or the app. I tried to connect one to my PC by connecting it to the router and running their old software but didn’t recognize it. If I could I’d buy a hub off eBay and see if I can get it working but not sure if it’s worth it. Glumwheels fucked around with this message at 21:58 on Oct 3, 2021 |
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Oct 3, 2021 21:51
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Glumwheels posted:I want to clean ours dryer vent as well as our hvac ducts. We just moved in and I want to start fresh, we have so much dust every day. Need to also upgrade the furnace filters too. I'm happy with my Ring's relative lack of nuisance triggering compared tot he harbor freight kit I had previously. I like that the only big security stuff theyve had was people using lovely passwords and not having 2FA on by default. That said they've also been pretty okay with law enforcement historically, now they give you more options tho.
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Oct 4, 2021 00:45
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CarForumPoster posted:I'm happy with my Ring's relative lack of nuisance triggering compared tot he harbor freight kit I had previously. I like that the only big security stuff theyve had was people using lovely passwords and not having 2FA on by default. We’ve had a lot of false alarms due to our own errors, one leading to the cops being called because it triggered the silent alarm and we didn’t know it. I had to take that “class” as my first strike to prevent losing the license. Is ring pretty good at calling you right away and recognizing it was a false alarm if you disarm it quickly? My one complaint is the door/window sensor seem large but that’s the case if you don’t hardwire the system.
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Oct 4, 2021 20:15
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What is the name of the part on blinds that raises and lowers them, and how easy is it to replace? Previous owner decided to remove them all :gasp: Day 1 of home ownership 
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Oct 5, 2021 01:14
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Upgrade posted:What is the name of the part on blinds that raises and lowers them, and how easy is it to replace? Previous owner decided to remove them all :gasp: Some quick googling suggests that the little clip is called the "pull tab".
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Oct 5, 2021 01:19
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What's everyone's thoughts on crawl space encapsulation? I'm in the southeast, if that matters. Had our annual termite inspection today, and moisture levels are slightly elevated. Also have critter ingress in some spots, so that needs to be addressed. They're trying to sell me on a bunch of stuff so I'm trying to separate the BS from the upcharges. They have a good/better/best BS that ranges from $1,800 to $5,000 for various levels of stuff, starting with wildlife exclusing/sanitation/vapor barrier and going up to that plus a thicker barrier and air inducers. Then they also want $11k for full encapsulation (with dehumidifier as opposed to air inducers). We've been thinking about encapsulation anyhow, which would address the critter ingress and the moisture problems all in one job. I don't want to pay a couple grand to something and then have to pay twice that again in a few years or something to do it right. So this is our pest control company selling this. I was thinking of talking to our HVAC company as well. Or is this something we should use a "specialist" encapsulation company for?
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Oct 5, 2021 01:55
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Yeah, crawlspace specialists are a thing in the southeast. Probably should spring for encapsulation if you plan on being there a decade, otherwise just vapor barrier and seal up the ingress points. Depends on how well your lot drains though.
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Oct 5, 2021 02:21
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Depends also on what things in your crawlspace critters can attack. Encapsulation can mean a bunch of things, but in this context I'd guess it means creating a space where insects can't gain access to the crawl. From an HVAC/home comfort perspective, this is a thing and it usually means your crawl becomes a conditioned space. I'm less certain about the critter perspective. Homes are generally porous so it seems like it would take a lot to keep the crawl truly clear of pests. What's your goal? The price tag will probably depend on that. Some of the items on the list seem like BS, though. Wildlife exclusion and a good vapor barrier are givens in every crawlspace and are relatively cheap. I'd be curious to hear what's included in the 11k option. Magicaljesus fucked around with this message at 02:32 on Oct 5, 2021 |
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Oct 5, 2021 02:28
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Upgrade posted:What is the name of the part on blinds that raises and lowers them, and how easy is it to replace? Previous owner decided to remove them all :gasp: You should call your realtor and demand they be returned
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Oct 5, 2021 02:32
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Upgrade posted:What is the name of the part on blinds that raises and lowers them, and how easy is it to replace? Previous owner decided to remove them all :gasp: The uhhh strings? You're gonna have a real hard time if those are cut. Pic?
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Oct 5, 2021 02:33
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Upgrade posted:What is the name of the part on blinds that raises and lowers them, and how easy is it to replace? Previous owner decided to remove them all :gasp: Do you mean the stick thing that rotates the thing on top of the blinds to change the angle they are at? I have no idea what that is called but your blinds are nasty and whatever it costs to get that stick is like 75% of the price to just buy new blinds that are both clean and in the color you want.
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Oct 5, 2021 02:41
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Deviant posted:You should call your realtor and demand they be returned Pretty much this, who the gently caress takes those?
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Oct 5, 2021 02:56
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Tbh I'd make a huge fuss just to be a dick but I'd also buy new blinds Signed the guy who replaced all his blinds
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Oct 5, 2021 03:02
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Glumwheels posted:We’ve had a lot of false alarms due to our own errors, one leading to the cops being called because it triggered the silent alarm and we didn’t know it. I had to take that “class” as my first strike to prevent losing the license. Is ring pretty good at calling you right away and recognizing it was a false alarm if you disarm it quickly? My one complaint is the door/window sensor seem large but that’s the case if you don’t hardwire the system. I only use the cameras. We have some very mild security threats due to occupation and live where there are basically no home invasions. We have sufficient cameras and lighting that someone breaking in would have to be pretty blasé about getting caught. Hard to imagine needing a system that auto dials the police, that’s rough.
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Oct 5, 2021 04:19
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CarForumPoster posted:I only use the cameras. We have some very mild security threats due to occupation and live where there are basically no home invasions. Gotta ask in light of recent times, how do cameras help in catching someone if they are wearing a mask and a full on crime outfit?
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Oct 5, 2021 04:50
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Inner Light posted:Gotta ask in light of recent times, how do cameras help in catching someone if they are wearing a mask and a full on crime outfit? It provides corroborating evidence when the police catch the guy a few blocks away with your things, or find your things months later in some crack house.
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Oct 5, 2021 10:25
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Motronic posted:Do you mean the stick thing that rotates the thing on top of the blinds to change the angle they are at? No, the string on the other side. They controls the blind height. Yea it’s weird. I’m gonna take most of the blinds down anyway. And probably just replace them in the bedroom where it’s the only room we care about. Blinds are stupid. I need to take one apart and see what’s happening because I’m confused how that piece is missing while everything is still strung. Upgrade fucked around with this message at 13:23 on Oct 5, 2021 |
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Oct 5, 2021 13:15
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Also plantation shutters are loving stupid and it pains me that after I take these things down I need to store them for the next owner because these dumb things are custom made and cost probably thousands of dollars.
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Oct 5, 2021 13:31
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GEMorris posted:Yeah, crawlspace specialists are a thing in the southeast. Yup, I know encapsulation specialists are a thing, but I didn't know if they were the correct route to go for this, or if they were the "cheap" option that cuts corners and half-asses things and I should be talking to someone else about it. Magicaljesus posted:Depends also on what things in your crawlspace critters can attack. Encapsulation can mean a bunch of things, but in this context I'd guess it means creating a space where insects can't gain access to the crawl. From an HVAC/home comfort perspective, this is a thing and it usually means your crawl becomes a conditioned space. I'm less certain about the critter perspective. Homes are generally porous so it seems like it would take a lot to keep the crawl truly clear of pests. So the critters are mice, and there's not so much for them to "attack" down there, rather it's a safe space for them. With the old plastic/screen vents we have, I can patch them but the mice will just find a way around it. They're certainly the weak point, and encapsulation would functionally eliminate them. Main goal is to do The Right Thing with the crawl space. My understanding is that crawl spaces were built using outdated building practices, which means they're a liability now. It's also big enough where it's great for storage, so honestly a semi-conditioned space wouldn't be bad... as long as moisture stays low, it'll be way better to store things there than in the attic. Stays way cooler down there, the only issue is it's dirty/grungy and just full of moisture. I know encapsulation won't stop ALL pests, but it'll slow bugs and make it way harder for critters to get in, so by that point it would be way nicer to store things in than the attic. According to the quote, the 11k option is: quote:Full encapsulation: For reference, their $3k option is: quote:Remove old moisture barrier For $5k they do a 8 mil barrier and replace the crawl space door, and I don't remember what else. We do have a vapor barrier already, but it's old and was just laid in loose, so it has a habit of shifting/migrating. Also the PO never put it back after the last termite treatment, so it's pulled back from the walls all around the perimeter, which is likely why we have moisture issues... easy fix, but doesn't really address all the issues of a vented crawl space.
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Oct 5, 2021 13:52
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Upgrade posted:No, the string on the other side. They controls the blind height. They're not that difficult to restring, and it will be way cheaper than replacing all of your blinds. Idk what kind you have, if you google "<blind style> restring" you should find a million guides. New blinds/shades for an entire house are surprisingly expensive.
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Oct 5, 2021 13:53
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Sirotan posted:They're not that difficult to restring, and it will be way cheaper than replacing all of your blinds. Idk what kind you have, if you google "<blind style> restring" you should find a million guides. New blinds/shades for an entire house are surprisingly expensive. I don’t understand how it can be strung correctly but not have the adjustment pull. I need to take one apart. But yea we only use blinds in our bedroom so I’ll probably just end up buying new ones if that doesn’t fix it and get rid of the rest. They’re fairly nice ones with wooden slats.
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Oct 5, 2021 14:12
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Upgrade posted:I don’t understand how it can be strung correctly but not have the adjustment pull. I need to take one apart. They make ones without string, you just pull it down and lift it up. Safer if you have kids. Or cats. I put in a bunch, and should honestly just replace the rest due to said kids and cats.
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Oct 5, 2021 14:28
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Upgrade posted:I don’t understand how it can be strung correctly but not have the adjustment pull. I need to take one apart. Post a photo?
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Oct 5, 2021 14:57
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Mirror chat, I have like 3 standard sized mirrors (4ft by 2ft maybe), I think I'm sadly going to put them in the alley and let someone pick em up. Probably differs by each place but where the heck can I even put these? I'm planning on buying 1 full size mirror, then I have the others in the bathrooms, and that's probably all I need.
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Oct 5, 2021 16:39
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Alarbus posted:They make ones without string, you just pull it down and lift it up. Safer if you have kids. Or cats. I put in a bunch, and should honestly just replace the rest due to said kids and cats. I should have gotten this type but oh well, I've already covered the windows I wanted to cover. I had a feeling they might be this. I think they're called "cordless". I actually have a mix now, some drapes, some wood, some faux wood. I first got ones with an adjusting rod but the newest ones have adjusting cords for the angle, I like those a lot more, easier to adjust. Blinds under a curtain are wonderful for making a room super dark. I could sleep til 1pm in my guest bedroom.
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Oct 5, 2021 17:11
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Oh my God you just push them up. I am so stupid
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Oct 5, 2021 21:26
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They stopped selling corded blinds a couple years ago, most of them are cordless these days. Easy mistake to make if you're not aware.
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Oct 5, 2021 21:34
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Upgrade posted:Oh my God you just push them up. I am so stupid Thread success story.
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Oct 5, 2021 21:50
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Upgrade posted:Oh my God you just push them up. I am so stupid My mind was blown the first time I encountered these in the wild. Didn't know it was a thing, and I couldn't understand why a whole apartment had broken blinds.
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Oct 5, 2021 22:15
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