Use easy fixes to prevent ‘putting it off’

If you have a concrete patio or walk that contains one or more curling or bowed wooden dividers, pay close attention to this easy repair.

We have been watching the ends of our divider boards curl for years.

One day we realized that the buckled wood was a trip hazard and someone might be hurt. How do we make the repair: glue, bolts, what?

Suddenly it occurred to us that if we could force the wood back into place we could then wedge in a shim shingle and it just might hold. So, here is what we did:

UFirst we drove a wood chisel between concrete and the bowed end of the divider. This created a pressure point between the concrete and the divider.

UWe were then able to use a wooden mallet to drive the top of the curved end of the wooden divider flush with the top of the concrete. We had to gently tap the chisel from time to time to ensure the continued pressure needed to prevent the divider from popping up.

UWith the divider down and wedged in place it was time to make the repair permanent. We drove cedar shim shingles between the divider and the concrete. We actually used three shingles to provide the “wedge” force needed.

UNext, we carefully removed the chisel by wiggling it back and forth parallel with the gap and then replaced the hole left by the chisel with additional shims.

UFinally, we used a razor knife to cut and remove the excess shims.

This whole process took about 3 minutes and was simple to repeat in four additional locations throughout our yard. All is safe now.

We needlessly agonized over this repair for a very long time because we thought that we had to completely replace the dividers. When we decided to try the wedge idea it was like a light bulb going off.

As it turns out, most repairs that we do are just as simple. For example, to find a toilet leak simply add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. The food coloring will travel toward the leak (along with the leaking water) and the food coloring will leave a trail similar to a lightning bolt that will point directly to the leak.

Or, what about using toothpaste to fill a nail hole or using glued toothpicks to repair a loose screw hole?

So no point in delaying — an easy fix can be as effective as a difficult one.

XFor more home improvement tips and information, visit www.onthehouse.com.