Category: Repair

Remove and Replace Drywall Tape Over Joints

Dear James: The drywall tape is coming loose on the walls and in the corners, so I pulled it off. What is the correct method to retape the corners so that it stays on longer? —Pamela D. Dear Pamela: If you have ever watched a professional tape drywall, it looks easy with little sanding needed….


‘Non Standard’ Repairs Made to Fix Cracks on Military Helicopters: Commander

OTTAWA—The commander of Canada’s air force says he is concerned about the recent discovery of tail cracks in most of the military’s new Cyclone helicopters, and the need for “non-standard” repairs to each aircraft, but he remains confident in the fleet. The cracks are the latest in a growing list of issues with the Cyclones,…


BC Safety Agency Issues Worker Hazard Warnings for Flooding Cleanup

VICTORIA—Restoration companies and contractors in British Columbia that are about to help launch a massive flood cleanup and repair effort must be aware of the risks and hazards their work could pose to employees, says the province’s worker protection agency. The risks may be different depending on the flood and slide damage, but potential problems…


Military Repairing Cracks in the Tails of Some CH 148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopters

HALIFAX—The Canadian military’s fleet of maritime helicopters is undergoing inspections and repairs after cracks were recently found in the tails of four CH-148 Cyclones. The Royal Canadian Air Force confirmed today in a statement that the Sikorsky-made aircraft have not been grounded or placed on an operational pause. The Air Force says cracks were first…


Replacing a Broken Screen on an Apple iPhone 13 Will Be More Complicated and Costly Than Previous Models

A new report indicates that Apple Inc.’s new iPhone 13 has a significant restriction that makes it harder for consumers and independent repair shops to replace a broken screen. As per the report, the Face ID will not work if you try to swap the screen. Replacing the display also requires successfully moving a tiny…


Repair Asphalt Driveway Gaps, Holes, and Cracks

Dear James: My asphalt driveway has many cracks and small holes. It is only a few years old. My repair attempts don’t last for long. How can I fix them better? —Carla A. Dear Carla: Asphalt driveways do require periodic sealing, but they should not be deteriorating in just a couple of years. It sounds…


Sole to Soul: Mending Our Treasures, Repairing Ourselves

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Some of us still practice the frugality of that New England proverb. We wear a favorite sweatshirt until it’s falling apart, we keep our fingers crossed and hope our 10-year-old pickup truck has another year or two of life, we patch up a…


How to Maintain and Prevent Damage on Brick Walls

Dear James: I am using recycled brick over a wood-framed wall for my new house. Should my builder take any special precautions to ensure the old bricks do not crack over time? —Rosie H. Dear Rosie: There are not many solid brick houses built today, so if some bricks do crack, the house will not…


Flood Repairs at Victorian Coal Mine to Cost Millions

Repair works at the Victoria’s Yallourn coal mine are expected to cost tens of millions of dollars as power company EnergyAustralia seeks to repair cracks caused by last month’s flood. This comes as the Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) approved the discharge of 232 megalitres of water from the Morwell River Diversion into the Latrobe…