Dear Allegra:
We have carpet in the bedroom that isn’t even a year old yet. My one dog decided when looking for a bone to put a hole the size of a fifty-cent piece right in the middle of the carpeting. Any ideas about how we can fix the carpeting? We have some spare carpeting but I would hate to tear the entire room up. Thanks for any help.
Scott and Donna
Dear Scott and Donna,
So, Fido thought the carpet was a great spot to dig a hole and bury a bone. Send for the dog whisperer. Meanwhile, there are some things to do to make the fix. It’s good that you have carpet remnant handy. You will need a piece of it to patch the area.
Have on hand duct tape; a utility knife with a fresh, sharp blade; a carpet remnant scrap and carpet adhesive.
Using four strips of the duct tape mark off a square around the damaged area. Using a sharp utility knife, cut out the entire damaged area, being careful not to plunge too deeply. You want to avoid cutting into the carpet padding.
Lift out the cut piece of damaged carpet. The carpet padding should be visible and intact. Use the carpet piece as a pattern to make a patch. Lay the pattern down on the carpet remnant, making sure to match the direction of the pile or pattern on the remnant patch piece with the area of the carpet you are repairing.
Spread carpet adhesive all over on the back of the patch, being sure to get the edges. Also spread adhesive under the edges of the carpet surrounding the hole. Press the patch into the hole. While holding the patch in place, rub your hand over the repair and surrounding area to blend the pile. Block off the area with a chair or some other obstruction and allow the glue dry for six or seven hours. That’s it. The repair should be unnoticeable and not vulnerable to vacuuming.
Snow birds pre-departure plans
If you are among those lucky birds flying away to warmer climes when things turn stubbornly chilly at home be sure to take care of home before you leave. Start by creating a preventive checklist with the headings: water, fire, burglars and prepare to do a little preventive maintenance.
Water
Turn off the water supply to outside spigots from inside the house. Leave the spigot turned to the open position to drain the pipeline of water that could freeze.
Insulate any bare outside and inside water supply lines with a foam sleeve or other insulation material. Wrap an electric tape strap on the basement pipes to keep them warm in case of a freezing spell while you are away. Turn the heat down low but not completely off.
For homes with uninsulated basements, leave a faucet open at the lowest part of the house with a very thin stream of water running. This will help prevent water from freezing in the supply line.
Fire
Make sure the fireplace or wood stove is clean and free of all warm embers, which in a confined space like a fire box can slowly build to a full on fire after you’re gone.
Unplug appliances
Check the pilot light on gas furnaces and hot water heaters to assure they are lit.
Thwart burglars
Install a mail slot in your door so mail is delivered inside. Have a neighbor collect ad circulars from the lawn and porch daily. Stagger the pattern of your programmable lights. Install outdoor motion sensor lights.
Give a key to a family member, trusted friend or neighbor. Ask them to check on the house by entering it from time to time. Be sure to leave a “who to call if…” instruction list with them.
Enjoy the pool!
