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Buckskin /

May2024

2024-05-23

  • "Jeremy Meyer" arrived at 2:15 PM, delivered 1302 gallons, filling Tank #1 (closest to shop) to 850 gallons (85%), and Tank #2 to 650 gallons. He will return next Friday to top off Tank #2, and fill the others.
  • He taught us how to check the quantity in each tank using the meter which shows percentage of 1000 gallons, so a reading of 10 is equivalent to 100 gallons.
  • He showed us how to "shut off" a tank, by turning the handle, just like a hose faucet.
  • He suggested shutting of Tank #4 and Tank #5, as a reserve supply.
  • He suggested that checking the meters each month as a way to determine our expected usage going forward.

2024-05-21

  • "Randy" and "Mario" from Healthy Home returned to pick up the radon test rig. Based on the past 60 hours, we are seeing an average of 1.7, which is well below the EPA limit of 4, and a good change from the reading of 9 in the pre-test. Good to have that completed. The fan installed outside is running at 75% capacity, and at about 2 amps, guestimated (2.8 amps is max load), that would be about 240 watts. So, every 4 hours would be a kilowatt, and that means 6 kilowatts per day, thus, at 10 cents per kilowatt, that makes 60 cents per day, or $18 per month. Ugh.
  • Finished installation of the kitchen island sink disposal. Because the new 1/2 HP disposal unit is smaller diameter than the older 1/3 HP unit, the drain outlet didn't quit reach. I used a 'flexible' corrugated fitting from Lowe's to make the connection. All is good.
  • Connected the new 100-foot garden hose to the back of the house, using a SunCrest hose reel bought at Lowe's. Need spray nozzle.

2024-05-14

  • Logan of Portneuf Tree Service, along with his helpers, Steven and Heath, felled/removed all of the aspen trees on house perimeter, as well as the ornamental cherries and maple (east of master BR). Logan pruned the ornamental cherry and apple trees along the perimeter fence in back yard, pruned the two ornamental plums on patio, and started to clear lilacs from the north side driveway retaining wall. Big rain/hail storm cut the day short.
  • Spoke with Wiley of Collier Iron Works about the perimeter fence and balcony railing. We touched on:
    • Gates, panels are bent and need repair
    • Gate latches are broken, missing, or unaligned and need repair
    • Missing finials
    • Surface finish needs a refresh. He doesn't do it. Recommends that we use a "dustless sandblasting" company to clean the fence, then have a painter on hand to repaint (within 7 days).
    • Balcony removal, refinish with new medallion.
  • Wiley promised to do an on-site inspection within the next 10 days.
  • Phoned "Blaze" at Rays Pump Service, seeking inspection and education. He said there would be the normal call-out fee, and might be able to come later this week.
  • Replaced 'whole-house' water filters (50 micron, upstream and 5 micron, downstream) with Rebecca's help. Some sediment and sparkly bits (metal shavings???) in upstream filter canister. Not to bad though considering we filled the pool on these filters, perhaps a total of 20,000 gallons having passed through them.
  • Discovered water on mechanical room floor from seepage on west wall where all the pipes and conduits penetrate the foundation wall. Need to get that fixed.

2024-05-11

  • Pool filled, hose removed.

2024-05-10

  • Pool cover: had help from Rebecca, and was able to retract the pool cover, even though the east side track had pulled free of the overhang.
  • Pool filling: resumed refill of pool with garden hose
  • Filled covered patio "ceiling" with foam and 1-1/2" closure ring. A pair of birds (blue bunting?) have been building a nest up in there. This prevents them from nesting up there at all.

2024-05-09

  • "Jacob" from Pella Windows arrived at 8AM
  • General comments:
    • when the outer pane glue becomes yellow and cracked it needs to be re-sealed. Use quality clear silicone caulk on outside in between frame and pane.
      • In good weather (48 hours of dry weather): use DOW DOWSIL 1199
      • In wet weather: DAP UltraClear
    • Overall, windows and doors look to be in good shape for their age (1997/1998 manufacture dates).
  • He inspected all windows and doors, finding the following:
    • Laundry Room: right-side window crank is damaged and needs to be replaced; he will order parts. Also appears that crack in external stucco may allow water to come over top of casement frame; repair stucco.
    • Master BR: patio door sill is bowed from ice/water getting underneath, recommends removal of the rock facia and refinishing with stucco to match the rest of the structure. With the rock removed, make sure to clean under the door's metal sill plate to allow it to return to normal flatness before refinishing.
    • Master Bath: both operable windows needed geometry adjustments, which Jacob did.
    • Master Bath: shower window surrounding molding and woodwork showing signs of wear in sealant; needs re-coating.
    • Office: right-side operating window needed repairs to correct mechanism geometry, okay now.
    • Office: right-side window frame is delaminating, needs to be re-glued and tacked.
    • Office: large central casement is delaminating; needs replacement. Jacob will check for availability of replacement inner-casement.
    • Office: patio door sill is slightly bowed but not a problem.
    • Entry: lower level windows are showing signs of aged seal around outer pane and needs to be resealed per above comment.
    • Kitchen: sliding door, needs locking handle. Jacob will check for availability.
    • Family Room: Upper level windows appear to have blocked vents, need cleaning, use stream of water outdoors to remove debris around frame gap.
    • Upper BR (Craft, Taylor, Library): all windows showing signs of cracked outer-pane seal. Need exterior caulking with silicone per above comment.
    • Balcony BR: French door okay but showing signs of possible rot in the corners of the sill. Possible black mold. Use white vinegar to kill it.