Read & Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions - WARNING!

Recently a neighbor called me over to his home to show me what had happened to the vinyl siding from his propane barbeque, it had melted.

I asked what had happened and he told me that the fat on a Prime Rib Roast that he was barbequing had caught fire. Apparently, flames were exiting the barbeque from the front, back and the sides.

The back of the barbeque was situated approximately 18 inches from the vinyl siding. The “white” vinyl siding, in the area that had suffered the most heat, was black, twisted and buckled.

I noticed a label on the barbeque, which said, “Allow A Minimum Of 30” Of Clear Space On All Sides Of The Barbeque”.

Pretty clear to me! When I pointed it out to my neighbor, his response was, “I never noticed that”.

It is important to read and follow all instructions that are provided by manufacturers, not only for propane barbeques, but for all products. The manufacturers do know their products better than anyone else, and the safety, operation and use information that they supply is for your benefit!

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Right Ladder For Exterior Painting

Q: I'm considering painting my house. Probably not until spring but I like to plan ahead. So I'm wondering about the best type of ladder to get.

What looks most stable to me are the ladders whose feet spread out rather than the straight up and down ones. What do you think?

My house is about 20 feet high. Is there an easy way to more accurately judge the height of the house without being able to get up there? I'll need to know what height ladder to get.

Also, I presume the best way to clean my aluminum siding in preparation for painting is to power wash it but isn't that dangerous, handling pressure at the top of a ladder? Is there a better way?

A: You shouldn't need to be that accurate with the height. 10' per story should take you to the gutters. If the house is 20' you will need a 24' ladder or more. The wider the feet the more stability. You can rent a good ladder rather than buying something flimsy!!

Scaffolding is great if there is a lot of work in spots, however if it is just to paint around windows you will spend 90% of your time putting up and taking down the scaffolding.

I would not use a power washer while standing on a ladder. A decent power washer should hit a 20' height from the ground - otherwise use the scaffolding.

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