This is another catch-all page documenting some of the things done around our home.  This is more or less my personal blog since I don't do the social network sites; e.g., Facebook, Twitter,  etc.

ROOF VENTILATORS COVERED

This has been an extremely cold winter, especially December 2022 and 14 degrees F. is very cold around here.  I decided to cover the roof ventilators to help keep heat in the attic instead of venting it out.  I am sure there are covers available, but I improvised and used a couple black 30 gallon trash bags which should work ok.

The heavy cloth water proof ventilator protectors would not doubt hold more heat in and plan to purchase two of them.

It should be noted that the end (gable) roof vents are not closed off, but will still allow moisture to escape.

PLACED COMMERCIAL COVERS OVER VENTILATOR TURBINES

I received the heavy duty rain proof cloth ventilator covers on 01-26-2023 and got them installed over the existing black plastic bags that I used in a pinch.

These covers should be more efficient in keeping the heat in the attic space.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 01-28-2023.

BATH TUB SPOUT WATER DIVERTER REPLACEMENT

Our bathroom was remodeled in 2006 by yours truly and my neighbor Johnny Hildreth (now deceased) and his son Allen who did the plumbing.  Lately the bath tub spout water diverter was allowing too much water flow into the tub versus going into the sprinkler heads.  I checked with an inspection mirror to ascertain that there was not a set screw that holds the spout tight against the 1/2 inch copper line, of which there was no set screw.  The bath tub water line going to the bath tub spout has a 1/2 inch copper soldered threaded fitting, versus a plastic compression fitting.  I attempted to rotate the spout (counter clockwise) with a large pair of Channel Lock pliers with cloth protector for the spout, however it didn't budge and didn't want to risk breaking the copper line behind the shower surround which would be a nightmare to repair.  In all probability, it would have rotated with additional torque applied, but as stated, I didn't want to risk breaking the copper tubing off.  Currently, there is no access opening or panel on the back side of the shower wall to allow access, however there was one on the original construction if I am not mistaken which was covered up with tongue and groove wainscoting during the remodeling.

I viewed videos of the bath tub spout water diverter replacement, however no one installed the repair kit without taking the bath tub spout out of the tub and I believed I could do it with the usage of an inspection mirror held in place with one of my gadgets I use to hold spoons, forks, etc. while photographing food items for my recipe pages on this website.

Above is the water old water diverter which shows the stem, gasket and white plastic gate that holds the gasket in place.  As stated later, I broke the small notched tip off the stem while opening the U shaped portion of the gate which worked ok too.

A close-up of the parts made by Danco and available from most hardware stores.  This one came from the Ace Hamlet Hardware store in Hamlet, NC.  Lowe's in Rockingham, NC had one which was supposed to be universal, but it would not fit the Peerless model in our bath tub and made for the Moem products.

It was challenging to get the plastic U shaped tab opened up on the white plastic gate to allow the stem to be removed from the plastic gate since I was having to look into the inspection mirror and everything is reversed while using a pair of long nose pliers to get the stem loose.  I broke the end of the stem off which worked out ok to allow the gate and gasket to be removed from the bath tub spout housing.  While the parts were out of the water spout housing, I used a putty knife to clean any calcium water deposits where the gate and gasket moves up and down.

It was hard to get a good pix of the parts in the bath tub spout due to reflection from the camera flash.

This is the best pix that I took showing the "innards" of bath tub spout.  There is a vertical tab built into the spout housing that keeps the gate and gasket in place which the gate moves up and down controlled by the stem with the knob.

The repair was a success and it was wonderful to get the full force of the water pressure coming from the shower heads.

The ole saying, "There is more than one way to skin a cat" manifested itself in this repair and I enjoy being able to think outside the box which many times is certainly unorthodox to say the least and probably the correct political terminology to use!

NOTE:  I could have cut the stem off below the knob with a pair of Lineman's pliers and the plastic gate and gasket would have dropped out.

This coming Spring, our Lord willing of course, I have annual maintenance to perform on two generators, lawn tractor, weed trimmer, Troy Bilt tiller, leaf blower, chain saw, cooling and heating system along with changing oil and filters in two vehicles every 3K miles.  Also, I have to till up the ground where our tomato patch is located and get some fertilizer into the ground before planting time.

My White Oak tree nicknamed Tom Dooley, of which I hang the deer harvested for skinning and quartering up has died and have one large section and several long limbs I need to cut back.  I tried to get the tree removal outfit that did the major trimming back of the tree, but only got lies as to him coming by to check it out.  I guess the job was too small for him.

NOTE:  I had Xylem Tree Experts cut the tree back on 01-24-2023 documented here.

TILLED THE TOMATO PATCH

On or about 02-14-2023, I fired up the ole antiquated Troy Bilt tiller and tilled up the tomato patch area.  I plan to add fertilizer, crushed egg shells, etc., to the patch and till it up again before tomato planting time.

Web page created by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 01-14-2023 and updated on 02-17-2023..

DRYWALL AKA SHEETROCK REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT

Prior to having our last roof on our home replaced, we experienced a torrential rain for a few days, whereby creating a serious leak in the main living room and a small bedroom my bride uses as a dressing room.  I was able to go into the attic and add reinforcement between the ceiling joists in the living room and pulled the sheetrock back into a level position.  I was also able to locate the leak in the roof and repaired it with silicone adhesive.  The sheetrock aka drywall wasn't seriously damaged, but sagged after getting wet with the tapped and compound joint separating.  Due to the restricted height of the attic space in the small bedroom where the leak occurred near the wall, I was not able to find the slow leak or repair it either.  Since the roof needed replacing, it was a waiting game.

NOTE:  DRYWALL VS. SHEETROCK

Drywall is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper.  It is used to make interior walls and ceilings.  Drywall construction became prevalent as a speedier alternative to traditional lath and plaster.

Sheetrock is a trademark for drywall made by the US Gypsum company.

LIVING ROOM REPAIRS NEEDED

As evidenced by the above pix, this was an eye sore and I nicknamed it the "railroad track" and definitely needed repairing.  I could not located anyone that wanted to do this small job and never got around to it myself.  I have done drywall stuff as an amateur replacing some drywall when I remodeled our main bathroom, but knew this entire project might be too much for an amateur.

DRESSING ROOM REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT TO SHEETROCK 

As stated earlier, water had damaged the sheetrock and it was falling down from the joint.  The tape and the compound could not hold the weight of the 1/2 inch thick sheetrock once it was water logged/wet.  Once the new roof was installed, the slow leak stopped, but the damage to the ceiling sheetrock took its toll.

The forward sheetrock panel is not damaged, but the rear sheet is not repairable, but will have to be replaced.

BART BIRGO TO THE RESCUE

Our neighbors, Stephen and Connie Marsh had their pool deck replaced by Bart Birgo of Rockingham, NC recently and I asked Bart if he did drywall repairs and he stated he did.  After he finished building another deck for them, he came down and surveyed  the repairs needed and agreed to do the job and stated he would purchase a sheet of sheetrock aka drywall from Lowe's in Rockingham, NC for the small dressing room repairs.

The first thing Bart did was remove the damaged sheetrock, pix below.

The sheetrock removed was around 4 x 6 feet and I helped hold one end while he worked the replacement panel into place.  When this home was built in 1956, sheetrock nails were used instead of screws to secure the drywall in place.  Building technology has rapidly changed over the decades.  This home was "stick built" meaning the rafters were put together on site without metal corner and end plates and the cabinets were made on site or off-site in a personal woodworking shop by the finish carpenter.

Sheetrock in place, taped and compounded ready to be sanded and painted.  Bart used Zinsser primer that I had and semi-gloss white & pastel base interior paint manufactured by PPG Architectural Finishing Inc, that I purchased locally from H. W. Little, Inc.

The border below the sheetrock replacement will be painted when we have the entire room walls painted at a later date.  The original drywall compound extended several inches below where the ceiling and the wall joints meet.

LIVING ROOM REPAIRS

Bart removed the old drywall tape, screwed the "railroad track" drywall screws flush, taped the seams needing repairs using self-adhesive Easy Joint Tape and starting to apply the first application of ProForm all-purpose joint compound.

The second coat of compound applied, dried and I believe lightly sanded ready to paint.

Bart primed the entire living room using a can of Zinsser primer I had on hand which was still good.  He had to work it with a paint auger and one of his battery drills.  I later gave him the auger that I used mixing paint for our holiday outdoor decor projects, of which I no longer build.

I am well pleased with the job that Bart Birgo of Rockingham, NC did.  His specialty is building decks, replacing doors and windows and highly recommend him for the same.  Bart finished this project in two (2) days and was amazing to watch him work, basically non-stop. 

We both enjoyed lunch together; the first day I made us a Philly cheese steak hoagie and the second day, I prepared us a Chicken bog with 5 Cheese toast oven baked bread. 

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 04-01-2023.

BEDROOM OVERDUE FOR PAINTING

Our bedroom has the same "puke" green color since we purchased our home in 1989 and it has been overdue for decades for a new paint job.

Above is the horrible color which I don't think was the original color when this home was built. 

BEDROOM FINISHED PAINT JOB

I contracted with Robert Poplin of Lilesville, NC cell phone number (704-475-9284) to paint the ceiling and the walls and him and his helper Shawn Ponds of Rockingham, NC finished the job in a day plus an hour or so and well pleased with the results.  It took a couple coats of paint on the ceiling and walls to cover the ugly green color!

The ceiling is now a flat white color and the walls are China White flat Valspar Ultra White.  I have blackout paper shades behind the drawstring shades which keeps the room fairly dark, especially at night.

NOTE:  Robert Poplin specializes in painting, however he is a "handy man" doing carpentry work, plumbing and decks!

SWING MAINTENANCE

I normally take our yard swing down in the month of October or November each year and store it in my basement woodworking shop to dry out.  I will then bring it out in Spring, clean it with mineral spirits and after a day or two of drying, will spray a coat of oil based stain onto it to keep it going.

The weather finally got dry enough with a low humidity level on April 24, 2023 and applied a good coat of stain to said swing.

Today is April 28, 2023 and it has been raining off an on since the 25th and have not put the swing back up in the front yard, but will do so very soon.  I enjoy going out of the morning with a fresh cup of Java aka Ole Joe and put the swing to good use.  It is also a good time to mediate on the goodness of God through our Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for another day that He allows! 

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 04-01-2023 and 04-28-2023.

SPRAYER IN ACTION

The weather was extremely nice on May 6, 2023 and got the sprayer out again and sprayed for ants and termites.  I used the sprayer several days ago to apply weed killer for the clover patches in the yard, mostly the back yard.  I then sprayed Roundup around the lower milky quartz wall and drainage ditch.

So far, I have experienced excellent results with the performance of this Field King sprayer.

My next project will be the planting of tomato plants and hopefully no more cold weather in the high 30s which we had a few days ago.  Also, I need to remove the roof ventilator covers and paint the North side gable facer boards of our home..

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 05-06-2023.

TOMATO PLANTS IN THE GROUND

I waited too late this season to purchase the three (3) gallon and one (1) gallon size tomato plants since Ace Hardware in Hamlet, NC was sold out and only had one (1) one gallon plant in stock, therefore I had to purchase much smaller plants on 05-10-2023.  Also, there were no cherry tomato plants available either.  I planted thirty seven (37) tomato plants today being 05-11-2023.

After getting the tomato plants in the ground and watering them, I took a time out and parked myself in our yard swing enjoying mother nature and all that God has created!

Now is a waiting game for some home grown tomatoes.  There is a man in Lilesville, NC that usually has early slicing tomatoes for sale and will check on his tomatoes in a week or two.

My bride of fifty-five (55) years cautioned me about waiting so late to purchase tomato plants and my bad for sure!  She has far more common sense than myself in such matters.

There are several pending projects to complete; staining the wheelchair ramp and painting the North end of our home gable/fascia.  The South end paint is still holding up well.

The transplanted tomato plants have livened up some since a couple good watering yesterday.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 05-11-2023.

TOMATO PATCH UPDATE

It has been over a month since the tomato patch was planted and here a few pixs taken on 06-19-2023:

The above tomatoes are on the one gallon size plant and two of them are ready to harvest.  I plan to make my bride a club sandwich with one of them either today or tomorrow.

There are several of the smaller tomato plants that are bearing tomatoes and it will probably be the end of next month before they have matured and ready to harvest.

As evidenced by the above pix, the plants are growing and we will have a late harvest for sure, our Lord willing of course.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 06-19-2023.

TOMATO PATCH UPDATE

There are plenty of green tomatoes on the plants and should be ripened by the middle of next month for sure!

This was the one gallon size plant, all the others were very, very small plants.

Click on above thumbnail pixs for a larger screen view.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-15-2023.

A FEW MORE TOMATOES

The tomatoes are beginning to ripen; the top row tomatoes are left:  Pink Brandywine and the other three are Cherokee Purple.  The second and third row are Celebrity if I am not mistaken.

I need to spray some Sevin Insect Killer on the tomato plants and tomatoes.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-22-2023.

MORE TOMATOES

Several varieties of home grown tomatoes; e.g., Cherokee Purple, Pink Brandywine, Celebrity, Big or Better Boy and another one, but don't remember the name.

Some "beautimous" sandwiches will be derived from these tomatoes and a salad or two!  Will give some Lisa Gonzales and Wink and Rachel Myers.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-03-2023.

SMALLER PROJECTS FINISHED

The weather was fairly cool this morning and removed the covers from the roof turbines.  While on the roof, I cleaned the gutters of leaves and debris and should be good until late fall of the year when leaves start accumulating again.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 05-12-2023.

POWER WASHER - ELECTRIC

I have needed a power washer for a long time and finally decided to purchase one.  I didn't want to purchase a gas powered one because I have enough gas powered small engines to keep running, although the gas powered power washers are more efficient.  Since I will not be using a power washer, but for a few times a year, I decided to go with an electric powered one.

There are plenty of reviews, however most of the time I am a "Doubting Thomas" since some sellers post their own reviews in order to enhance the sell of more products.

As to what one purchases, how deep your pockets are will determine how much money you will outlay and if one is used for home usage and/or business related.

I decided on a Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI unit, however actual reviews with a pressure gage in line shows the Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI is overrated as far as the PSI claimed and was around 2700 PSI if I am not mistaken.

I replaced the standard hose that came with the Greenworks pro with a Uberflex 50' instead of the 25' hose.  I also added quick disconnect fittings for the pressure hose, water supply inlet and the standard wan.  The swivel gun came with a quick disconnect fitting.

Since my first project was to power wash our vehicles, I purchased some accessories just for that purpose.

ACCESSORIES

Above is an Armor All foam canon and works very well.  Not the most expensive or cheapest, but an above mid-range price.

A couple five (5) gallon buckets and plastic inserts to allow dirt and grime to be removed from the Chemical Guys microfiber noodle mitt.

Dirt and grime will settle to the bottom of the bucket and not stay on the microfiber noodle mitt when rinsing it out.

Chemical Guys sticky snowball car wash soap which works well.  They recommend using 8 oz. and fill the 32 oz. container the rest of the way with water.  You could pressure wash a couple vehicles by the amount of solution left in the container.

Pix of McKillons swivel gun which is much easier to handle than the standard longer wan that comes with the Greenworks pro and this gun is ideal for vehicle washing.  The foam canon would be very awkward to have on the end of the standard wan.

I will use the long wan with a couple extensions when I wash the front gutters and gable ends of our home.

I need to power wash the Troy Bilt tiller and get some of the grease and grime off it.

CAR WASHING

After getting everything set up, the first order of business was to rinse the area of the car before applying the foam.

I used the 40 degree nozzle to wet the car down.

I removed the 40 degree nozzle and attached the foam canon.  It took a couple tries to get the amount of foam desired and also the pattern or coverage desired.  I took a quick pix before I got the maximum amount of foam dispensed.

As evidenced, the Armor All foam canon applies plenty of foam to start cutting the dirt and grime from the vehicle.  Next order of business was to use the Chemical Guys microfiber noodle mitt to aid in removing the dirt and grime.  The mitt was then rinsed out in the five gallon bucket that has the plastic insert to help remove dirt and grime from the mitt.  The area just foamed was then rinsed off.  This is where the quick disconnects come in handy.

The Greenworks Pro power washer worked OK, but it definitely isn't continuous duty as you have to give it time to build back up to maximum pressure after a minute of usage.  I didn't time the procedure, but will next time I use the power washer on my vehicle.  As I have stated many, many times, "most of the time, you get what you pay for"  however, this pressure washer is far above the mid-range price for similar pressure electric power washers.

When you depress the start button, there is a delay and it sounds like a jet engine revving up.

I plan to add a 40 degree nozzle with a 3.5 mm orifice to reduce the water pressure and increase the water flow; e.g., GPM, gallons per minute to avoid damaging the vehicle paint by using too much water pressure.  The distance from your vehicle to the pressure washer nozzle is very important when using high pressure.

DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT

In conclusion, I personally would not recommend this Greenworks Pro 3000, and believe the reviews and ratings are over rated for sure!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 06-16-2023.

ANOTHER PINE TREE DYING

It seems like every 5 to 7 years or so, one of the large pine trees on our property will disease and die, requiring it to be cut down to prevent a potential accident.  A couple days ago, I noticed one of our large pine trees, the top limbs had turned brown.  Upon further investigation, it was observed there were large deposits on white sap in many places on the mature pine tree, from ground level up six or eight feet.  I did not detect any lightening strike on the tree, therefore insects were the culprit.

When I cut the tree down, I will cut into the sections where the sap is oozing out and try and locate the culprit and identify what species it is.

I will pull a tape around the base of the tree and get the circumference and the diameter and count the growth rings for an age estimate.

That is a large amount of sap leakage for sure.

The tree is not too far from the end of our tomato patch and the lean should be in a direction away from the tomato patch, but will err on the side of caution and wait until the tomatoes are finished, but think that is wishful thinking on my part.

I will not doubt cut it down in the near future after surveying the scene a few times.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 06-28-2023.

CUT THE TREE DOWN

I was antsy this afternoon and looked at the dying pine tree again and was confident I could fall the tree in the direction needed, therefore I got the Husqvarna model 55 chainsaw out, gassed and oiled it up.  However, my first cut for the removal of the wedge, the chain was too dull.  I then replaced the chainsaw chain with one recently sharpened and tried again.  It cut fairly well, but was not leaving the desired chips.  I believe the raker teeth on the chain is too high, inhibiting the chain cutting teeth to fully engage the tree.  I could not locate the device to check the raker teeth earlier when I sharpened the chain and will have to get a new tool.

The pine tree was much larger in diameter than the length of bar on this chainsaw which is eighteen (18) inches and presented a little problem trying to work around the tree, but finally did so.

The tree fell in the direction of the wedge cut and the hinge steered it in that direction.  However, my chainsaw cutting skills is lacking due to not using one enough; only a time or two a year.  I usually don't make a parallel cut, but it is at an angle as evidenced by the pixs below.  Normally this is an indication of an improperly sharpened chain, but the electric sharpened does a good job.

I did cut a portion of the log in two, but the chainsaw chain was not cutting properly and stopped.

I was a few inches from the ground with the above survivors tape.

The above tree was approximately 94 feet in length and 28 inches in diameter and if I counted the annual hard growth rings, it is about fifty (50) years old too.

STUMPED THE TREE BASE

The Husky model 55 chainsaw got a workout cutting the stump.  As stated earlier, my chainsaw cutting skills are definitely lacking!  The good news if any on losing this mature pine tree to insects; it will allow more sunlight into our small tomato patch.

I will cut it into manageable lengths when the weather cools down and let nature take its course to render it back to nature which will take several decades for sure.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 06-29-2023 and 07-03-2023.  

STAINED WHEELCHAIR RAMP

I had about 7/8 of a gallon of redwood oil type based stain TWP 100 from SealandProtect.com left over from staining our yard swing back in the spring and decided to use it to stain our wheelchair ramp on 08-02-2023.  I used a roller to apply the stain and a small sponge type brush for some detail work.  However, I needed about one pint to one quart to finish some of the trim work on the ramp.

NOTE:  Do not order from SealandProtect.com, they are no longer a TWP dealer.

Rain is forecast for the afternoon of 08-03-2023, but with the hot weather the stain penetrated the treated and prior stained wood just fine.

The wheelchair ramp was stained sometime around August 23, 2021 and has held up very well.  The current treated wood cracks badly and treated wood is definitely not as good as it was 30 years or more ago due to having to change the chemicals used due to EPA regulations!

I plan to order a 5 gallon pail of the redwood  oil based stain TWP 102-5 from SealandProtect.com and stain our deck, but will use the 2.5 gallon pressurized tank and my CAT technologies spray gun for that job.

NOTE:  SealandProtect.com is no longer a dealer for TWP products and their phone lines are out of service.  I had to get my credit card company to issue a refund for the above order.

I plan to order said stain from world of stains who is a dealer for TWP products..

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-03-2023.

REMOVED TWO DYING DOGWOOD TREES

For the past few years, we have two dogwood trees adjacent a drainage ditch in our back/side yard that are diseased and each year have to cut back the dead/dying limbs, of which the trees needed to be removed.

The morning of 09-11-2023 was fairly cool and got the antiquated Husqvarna farm model 55 chainsaw out and cut them down. I didn't take any pixs of the before and after and that is my bad!   However, there is a pix of one of them on this page where I took a pix of the tomato patch.

A few days earlier, I removed the last of the tomato plants, stakes and cages and we certainly will miss those fresh home grown tomatoes.

I having two pending projects being 1) stain our deck and 2) paint the south end of our home, eve and gable area.  This afternoon if the weather permits, plan to cut our grass, our Lord willing of course.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-12-2023.

MURPHY'S LAW NEVER SLEEPS

Today is September 15, 2023 and finally got around to staining our deck.  After getting out the 2.5 gallon pressurized paint tank and getting it hooked to the air supply to test it before putting a fresh liner in the tank and adding the TWP redwood oil based stain, I noticed two air leaks from one of the air hoses that I have attached under the deck that leads to the car port where there is probably another 50 feet of air hose, used to check the air pressure on tires and for spraying our wheelchair ramp.

My High School English teacher would be not be please with the above two sentence paragraph; grin if you must!

I got in a semi-panic mode, but had enough spare air hose with that one section removed to get the job done.  In the mean time, I misplaced my spray gun and took about 5 to 10 minutes to locate it, of which I had it in my hand when I removed the bad section of air hose and placed the spray gun on a window ledge underneath the deck.

Pix of the finished job.  I sprayed one end and moved the table, chairs and grills onto the area just sprayed and finished the job.  It took nearly the entire 5 gallons of stain to get all the deck area sans the outside posts and supports.

In the above pix, I am getting ready to remove the top from the tank and liner.  I then used lacquer thinner to flush out the 25 feet of fluid line.  Murphy's Law was still awake and could not get the tank to pressure seal to spray lacquer thinner through the fluid hose.  The seal was twisted and had to straighten it out and they everything was ok!

The equipment clean-up is definitely a job, but is necessary to keep the spray equipment operating at peak performance.  I am soaking several parts of the spray gun in thinner also.  It took a couple hours or more to complete this project and a good portion was moving the deck items and of course the clean-up of the system.

I have one major project left and that is to paint the south end of the eve and gable of our home.  I had the entire trim work painted about 7 or 8 years ago, but the water based exterior paint the contractor used has about run its course, therefore going to use oil based enamel paint which works fine over latex paint.

I already power washed the area down and added two 5 feet extensions to the power washer wan and it was a "dawg" to control.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-15-2023. 

USING PAINT BRUSH AND ROLLER.

I have been watching the weather prophets trying to get a couple days of some good dry weather and went to Lowe's in Rockingham, NC on 09-20-2023 and purchased a couple gallons of oil based enamel white gloss paint, a couple Mohair 9 inch rollers and wanted to get some boiled linseed oil, but they were out.  I had some mineral spirits on hand for clean-up and also would work in a pinch if I needed to thin the paint some, of which I didn't need to do so.

I knew it was going to be a serious job because I needed to use my Little Giant ladder in the A-Frame configuration and also the 24 feet extension ladder at the highest point of the roof, although I extended it out only a couple or three rungs.  I also got the stand-offs installed on the 24 feet ladder and only needed to have them out about eighteen (18) inches since the overhang is less than two feet.

I had a good Wooster 3 inch wide natural hair bristle brush (China White) which applies enamel paints very well.

A few items used for this project.  My pole for the paint roller was way too short and had to use the small A-Frame step ladder often.

Pix of the Werner 24 feet extension ladder with the stand-offs in position.  I moved it at least two times to the right and two times to the left.  It would have been easier to use a roller and paint tray, but the paint tray I had would not adapt to the ladder, therefore the paint brush worked OK.  I emptied half of a gallon of the paint into a new clean one gallon paint can and used a short cord to attach the paint can to the upper ladder vertical support member.  I painted over the worst section (frieze boards) two times and it looked pretty good for an amateur with a paint brush and ladder, grin if you must.

The frieze boards are the uppermost boards above the soffit vent which has mesh wire over it to keep the pesky bats out.  Originally, there was thin screen wire on the backside of the soffit, but over the years it had rusted out in places where bats were sleeping on the ledges of the soffit and guess their body heat caused the rust out places, therefore 1/4 inch galvanized mess wire was added to the outside to prevent the bats from sleeping on the ledge boards of the soffit.  The gable which is the A shaped side wall of the home that forms the peak of the roof was painted using the Mohair 9 inch length roller and paint roller tray.

Yes, I did some praying to our Lord before and during this project to keep me safe, because ladders will cause serious injury and death.  Murphy's Law never sleeps!

Above pix of the Wing Little Giant ladder in the A-Frame configuration.  Notice I have some pieces of wood with four (4) clamps (Erwin SP-11) used as a leveling device for the ladder since the ground is tapered aka sloped from the carport exterior brick wall.  That Wing Little Giant ladder is a monster for sure weighing at least fifty-two (52) pounds.  Might not seem much for the younger folks, but for an 77 year old senior citizen, that is a good amount to move around.

The job is progressing along very well.  I used three different ladders for this job!  There was a problem working around the bush and tree adjacent the carport when getting the A-Frame ladders into position.

Standing on the third rung from the top of the A-Frame ladder, you have a good 12 feet reach, but didn't need to go that high.  Painting the eaves aka the overhanging portion of the exterior wall was a little tricky because it was difficult to get into position where I could see what I was doing.

The ladder with the stand-offs is not being used, but there out of the way trying to keep from pulling down the cable vision cable. 

CLEAN-UP

I used mineral spirits to clean up the paint brush including getting paint off yours truly!  I did not keep the plastic paint roller tray, not worth the trouble and the tray is around 3 bucks or trying to clean the Mohair paint roller which was a little pricy.

The China White bristle Wooster brush is soaking in the mineral spirits as I type and will finish cleaning it tomorrow, our Lord willing of course.

Only container I had to soak the 3 inch wide Wooster China White bristle brush was a plastic coffee container, of which is way too large and you waste a good amount of mineral spirits.  After cleaning the brush, I was able to recycle a good amount of the mineral spirits and left the dregs in the container for disposal later.

I noticed that a square orange juice plastic container would be ideal for cleaning the 3 inch wide brush without having to use an excessive amount of mineral spirits; yes I can be frugal at times!

The Simply Orange juice container works perfect!

After dragging the Wing Little Giant ladder back to its storage position and also the Warner 24 feet extension ladder after removing the stand-offs and other equipment, it was time for a shave and shower and kick back before "supper."

Again, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for my personal safety and protection for this project!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-21-2023 and 09-29-2023.

POWER WASHED NORTH END OF HOME

I decided to power wash the north end of our home and will probably give it a coat of oil based exterior enamel paint when the weather permits.  It has not weathered as much as the south end of our home due to being in the shade most of the day.

After power washing, I believe the paint would be good for a few more years, but will probably paint it, never the less.

After using the Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI unit the second time on our home exterior, about the only thing it is good for is power washing vehicles in my humble opinion.  It doesn't remove dirt and grime without a lot of effort having to go over the same area a time or two.  As stated earlier on this page, it wasn't the cheapest electric power washer by far.  Seems like I have to learn the hard way many times, but this is a part of life!

I am definitely not comfortable on a ladder that is about twenty (20) feet or more extended and many decades ago, it was not uncommon to climb a tree and get 30 to 40 off the ground using my own manufactured US Patented foot climber tree stand; US Patents 4,953,662 and 5,167,298, but the date on my birth certificate has finally got caught up with me, grin if you must!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-26-2023.

PAINT ROLLER TRAY HOLDER

REASON FOR THE PAINT TRAY HOLDER

What painting I have done using a ladder and paint roller tray has been awkward to say the least with no efficiency whatsoever!

I went on line and viewed several different products available for usage on a standard step ladder and extension ladder and did find one called the Ladder Companion and ordered one.  The product was designed more for holding tools and accessories than holding a paint roller tray.  However, the seller has been extremely slow to deliver said product and needed one for the first week in October while the weather is still conducive for painting.  Also, the seller had a couple complaints on file with the BBB for delivery issues.  I sent the seller an email and made a couple telephone calls and got voice mail and never got a reply.  Therefore, I decided to build one (impromptu) out of scrap aka unallocated wood and make it as light as possible and still be sturdy enough to hold a gallon of paint and large enough to hold a paint roller tray.

If I don't get the product ordered in a couple weeks, I will have my credit card company get me a refund.

I plan to give this a test run when I paint the North end of our home.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-04-2023.

PAINTED NORTH END OF OUR HOME

I gave the above paint roller tray holder a test run today on 10-09-2023 and totally stoked with the way it performed.  It cut the labor time in half as in reference to painting the South end of our home. 

It took only two (2) hours to complete and I rolled most of the paint using a nine (9) inch Mohair roller and used a twelve (12) feet telescopic paint roller pole.  I didn't have to use the A-Frame ladders and only had to move the Werner twenty four (24) feet extension ladder four (4) times.

The ladder leg leveler is a must and works on either side of the ladder as needed!

It was a dawg to control the 12 feet paint roller pole extended out when rolling in a east to west direction, but it saved from moving the ladder no more times than necessary.  I did some serious praying while on the extension ladder, even though I had it secured right and left with a couple ropes, but it was probably more of a confidence thing than actual safety, but everything worked out fine!

I used a paint brush just a little on the frieze boards.

Next year, I will probably paint the two 260 gallon home heating fuel tanks since the aluminum paint has weathered badly over the decades.

NOTE:  When I took a shower, my right thumb pulled in tight to the palm of the hand a few times and had to pull the thumb out; that was no doubt caused by the 12 feet paint roller extension pole having to grip it so tight; grin if you must!

Come cold weather, I will put the roof ventilator covers back on to conserve some heat.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-09-2023.

LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please take this moment to accept him by Faith into your Life, whereby Salvation will be attained.   

Ephesians 2:8 - 2:9 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Open this link about faith in the King James Bible.