Onward Manufacturing Co. is recalling about 4,800 Broil King gas grills because the bottom of the cook box that contains the burners can melt or crack as a result of a grease fire. The gas grills were sold nationwide from February 2006 through April 2008 for between $450 and $700. This recall includes the Signet, Sovereign and Sovereign XL series gas grills and involves model numbers starting with 986. Consumers should stop using the grill immediately and contact Onward Manufacturing at 1-866-7455 for a free repair kit.
Living in the Northeast, I can tell you from experience that shoveling snow is one of the most arduous tasks you will ever have to complete. Now, a company called I-Shovel is looking to automate this chore with a Jetson-style robot. Its patent-pending technology allows the robot to detect snow accumulation and determine the perimeter of the area to be shoveled. Once it determines the area has received enough snow, the bot goes to work. While only in the prototype stage, it looks promising from the video. The makers believe it will be affordable and hope to get a production model out later this year, hopefully just in time for next winter.
Sad to see the end of winter? Sorry to see your skis packed away for the season? Well, one company's innovative design lets you use them year-round. Green Mountain Ski Furniture
recycles old skis and snowboards into "usable art" such as Adirondack ski chairs, ski benches and outdoor furniture. They'll even custom-design and build products with your own old gear. Not only is the furniture attractive and practical, but the company's helping the environment. They pick up any old equipment for free in Vermont, where they are located, and encourage people from outside the state to mail anything to them to donate.
As you emerge from another long, harsh winter, it's time to think about your roof. Most roof damage occurs before it's visible from the ground so it's best to catch it early.
First, when you take out the ladder to do the inspection, make sure it stands on solid level ground and is secured at the top, extending three feet above the gutter. A good rule of thumb is to position the ladder so it stands one foot away from the roof for every four feet of height on the roof.
Here are some things to look for during your inspection as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association:
Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering.
Loose material or wear around chimneys and pipes.
Excessive amounts of shingle granules in the gutters.
Also be sure to inspect interior walls and ceilings for water damage. If you do spot a problem, call a professional roofing contractor but not before reading our article on finding the right contractor.
Dealing with ice this winter? How do you protect yourself and your family as well as the environment? Envirocast has a great article called "Put Your Sidewalk and Driveway On a Low Salt Diet" filled with tips to select the right de-icing product for your home and the environment.
If you read this blog regularly, you know I'm obsessed with lists. Here's another one. The Daily Star out of Oneota, N.Y., published the 10 most popular winter home improvement projects. They are:
1. Addressing insulation issues, eliminating drafts and installing energy-efficient bulbs. 2. Reconfiguration of room furniture. 3. Painting. 4. Carpeting/removing carpeting or refinishing hardwood floors. 5. A redo of light fixtures. 6. Tile work. 7. Adding a closet. 8. Electrical system upgrades. 9. Bathroom remodels. 10. Kitchen remodels.
