Posted on: Friday, July 16, 2004
HOME HANDYMAN
Many ceiling fans aren't difficult to install
By Glenn Haege
Q. I bought a large ceiling fan eight years ago, and it was never installed. It is up to me to do something with it, but I cannot install it myself because I am 84. Is there some way that I can use it as a conventional fan?
A. Unfortunately, ceiling fans must be mounted on the ceiling to do any good. If it needs to
be wired, it is a job for an electrician. If it is just taking the place of a ceiling fixture that you already have, a friendly neighbor or relative could do it. Failing that, go to a hardware store or home center and ask for the names of a couple of local handymen.
Q. Could you tell me what causes asphalt shingles to stain mostly on the north side of the house?
A. The shingles are not staining; moss or mold is growing on the shady side of the roof. Next time you have the shingles replaced, get shingles with built-in algae resistance and that will solve the problem. Meanwhile, get copper sulphate crystals from the plumbing department of your local hardware store. Mix 12 ounces dry measure of the crystals to a gallon of very hot water. Brush the solution on the black-stained area and let dry. Next day, wash the black away with a garden hose. Afterward, attach zinc strips above the black-stained area. This will impede further mildew and mold growth. One manufacturer is Chicago Metallic, maker of Shingle Shield.
Q. The exhaust vent in the bathroom vents out the ceiling into the attic and then out the roof. It seems like it is not exhausting like it should. Is it possible to disconnect the motor and use a shop vac to clean out the pipe that leads to the roof?
A. Check the motor on your ceiling fan. If it does not produce a minimum of 77 cfm (cubic feet per minute), it is not powerful enough to vent air through the roof and must be replaced. If the fan has sufficient power, I suggest that you buy a Product Worx Lint Eater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit, www.linteater.com. You will also need to purchase extra rod extensions. The kit attaches to a power drill and has an auger tip that will be perfect for cleaning the pipe. You can also use the $39.95 kit to clean your home's dryer vent.
Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News. Reach him at Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI, 48068-1498 or askglenn@masterhandyman.com.
