Faulty Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Q: I installed a remote unit for the ceiling fan in our bedroom. It's a kit from Hampton Bay. It has been working fine until a week ago. I woke up at 6:45 in the morning and the fan was running on HIGH. I thought I might have hit it when I turned of the light before I went to sleep. Then a few days later it happened again. This morning I was just about to get out of bed at 6:10 when the fan and light came on. There isn't a timer on this thing, how can this be happening? I'm a rational person, but this is starting to freak me out!

A: The control unit, or wiring on or going to the control unit has shorted (caused by the fan vibrations). Check the unit and make sure all wires are tight in the wire nuts. If the wires are in good shape, you can try resetting the control unit by turning the breaker off and waiting 60 seconds and turning it back on. If that doesn't work, you need a new control unit.

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Heating Floors

Q: My kitchen floor is always cold in the winter, and I have heard of heated flooring. I wondered what it cost, and if it could be done in a first floor condo where I wouldn't be able to get underneath the floor.

A: I believe you are talking about electric radiant heating - it would go under, ceramic or natural stone tile, hardwood or laminate. It is also available for under rugs and carpets.

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Hardwood Flooring Finish

Q: We installed pre-stained oak in our house- we did mix up the boxes but some of the pieces are more matte and others are more shiny- which makes the floor look awkward- is there a floor polish that would even things out when we go on the market, yet not hurt the finish?

A: The finish should have been the same, sometimes there are variations in the color primarily because wood being a natural material, will stain differently depending on which tree it is from and from what area of the tree. They make both a satin and gloss finish. If it is a name brand flooring, such as Bruce, I would contact them.

That being said, if you buff the floor with a fine grain sand paper, you should be able to coat it with a high gloss polyurethane floor finish, which will make the entire finish the same. I wouldn't apply a wax or other polish to a finished hardwood floor.

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New Roof, No Flashing!

Q: I had a new roof put on my house 2 years ago. It seemed to be fine & then the kitchen ceiling started leaking during a heavy rainstorm. We were shocked because the new roof should have taken care of that. We looked in the attic & the chimney was wet. We called the roofer who said it's probably because there is no flashing-I don't do flashing. We looked in the contract-it doesn't say anything about flashing one-way or the other. My questions are: shouldn't flashing be included in a roofing job? What damage could the leaking have caused in 2 years? Can I sue this guy for the price of what the flashing & repairs will cost me?

A: I have never heard of a roofer who doesn't do flashing. The flashing is an integral part of roofing and usually goes on before the final layer of roofing material.

You will have to inspect the attic for damage. It is impossible to say how much or how little damage you might have sustained.

I am not a lawyer, if he is licensed you might want to call your state licensing board. You could always try small claims court - it will depend on how specific the contract is - if it states; "I do not do the flashing" you are out of luck - if it says a "complete roof job" you might stand a chance.

Selecting the right contractor is very important. The link may help you choose a contractor for your next project.

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