Adhesive works wonders to bind things together. Then comes a time when you want to pull them apart again, and that smudge of hardened glue is left. Although carpet glue can be stubborn, a little persistence and a little caution will remove it without damaging the underlying material. Keep the underlying material as you're collecting supplies. If it is something that would be damaged easily, be sure to purchase adhesive remover that isn't too caustic.
Instructions Citrus-based adhesive removers are often considered the safest and easiest to use, but If you are still worried about damaging the underlying material, test a small amount of the adhesive remover on it to see if it causes any damage. If it does, wash immediately with a damp rag. If the spot was left undamaged, apply adhesive remover to the hardened glue. It should cover the glue entirely so that it can do its job. Make sure to let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Scrape the glue away using a plastic putty knife. Do not apply too much force or you may cause damage to the stairs. To get rid of any remaining glue residue, apply a small amount of adhesive remover to the area, let it sit for awhile and scrub the area with a damp rag. Tips & Warnings Adhesive removers tend to come in two types, liquid and paste. Use the paste style for vertical surfaces. Mineral spirits will work for some types of glue. If the glue is tan or dark brown, mineral spirits should work and will not be as likely to damage materials.
0 Comments
Crawl spaces are dark and often have poor ventilation. With the addition of moisture, they become the ideal place for mold to grow. If you have a lot of standing water in a crawl space, you will need to remove it using an immersible water pump or wet/dry shop vac before starting to fully dry the crawl space.
Drying the Crawl Space Out Use a crawl-space dehumidifier in your crawl space. Crawl-space dehumidifiers are commercial-grade and well give the best results, though you can also use a household humidifier if the problem is not too severe. Make sure not to set it or any electrical wiring in standing water or overly damp places. Clear away any debris on the crawl space floor while the dehumidifier is running. Depending on the size of your crawl space, the dehumidifier may take additional time, but it should be run for at least 24 hours. Once your crawl space is dry, install a moisture barrier on the ground. Moisture barriers are made of heavy-duty plastic and come in a variety of thicknesses. Thicker is generally better, but if budget is an issue, you don't absolutely need the highest grade of moisture barrier. Each strip of moisture barrier should run across the length of your crawl space continuously from wall to wall. Place each strip so that they overlap over the previous one just a bit, and tape them together. When you reach a wall, run the plastic about 6 inches up the wall, and tape it there. To hold the plastic in place, hammer lawn fabric stakes into the ground, through the barrier. This will not make the moisture barrier less effective, and will also create a way for any water that does get in to drain. Tips & Warnings Running a crawl space dehumidifier regularly will help keep moisture levels down. If dampness continues to be a problem, you may need to get moisture-proof installation installed along the walls of your crawl space. |