Common Issues: How to Remedy
| Issue |
Usual Cause |
What to do |
| Jammed sliding door / windows |
Door & window tracks can become filled with dirt and debris; adjustment screws become misaligned. |
Vacuum the bottom and top door tracks and dislodge large debris with a heavy bristle brush. Wash with detergent and water. Tweak the adjustment screw found near the bottom roller so that the door moves freely and the frame does not drag along the bottom track. Lubricating both bottom and top tracks will keep the door moving freely. |
| Stubborn burners on a gas stove |
Burners are polluted or blocked. |
Turn gas off, remove burner covers, and clean with detergent on a rag. Remove blockage from holes with a small needle. |
| Dark areas of growth on exterior surfaces |
Mould can form on damp exterior areas, areas of poor-quality paint, or sections where paint was applied to damp/bare timber. |
Test for mould by placing two drops of bleach on the dark area; if the spots disappear, the growth is probably mould as opposed to dirt. Wearing goggles and rubber gloves, clean by brushing on a four-part water, one-part bleach mixture and let stand for 30 minutes. Scrub, rinse, apply an exterior latex primer, and finally a high-mildewcide content exterior paint. |
| Timber Decking discolouration and build up of dirt & mould |
Dirt and fungus get trapped on deck wood and cause moisture and mould to build up. Dirty decks easily decay without regular maintenance and cleaning. |
Clean regularly with soap and a high pressure cleaner. Mop and/or scrub dirty areas, and dislodge debris from in between boards with a putty knife. If timber is exposed it might be wise to seal it with timber oil. This will assist in long term durability. |
| Sticking Doors |
Doors will stick in particularly humid areas when moisture causes doors and door frames to swell and sag. For especially tricky problems with doors, call 1300 ALLTRADES to have a carpenter check out your problem. |
Loosen stuck doors by tightening the screws near its hinges. For stubborn doors, sand the door edge near the sticking section and refinish. |
| Overflowing Gutters |
Build up of debris and leaves over time can cause blockages within a guttering system. For a long term solution, call 1300 ALLTRADES to arrange for a quote on gutter protection. |
Regular cleaning of gutters on a seasonal basis will prevent any overflowing that may occur. |
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Most of the projects we describe are safe and straightforward for experienced tradesman. However, we recommend you seek help for projects that you are not familiar with. Call 1300 ALLTRADES or
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