Bunk bed shopping - 10 point safety checklist to protect your childrenWritten by S.A. Smith
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Sturdy ladder construction Make sure ladder in well constructed and is firmly attached and bolted to bed frame. Test it out with your own weight - if it moves around it is not safe. Sturdy mattress support A lot of injuries are caused by children in lower bunks pushing up on underside of top bunk and dislodging mattress or support frame. Ensure top bunk has sturdy mattress supports that are secured to bed frame with bolts or screws. You don't want a floating board support system, as these will move around and can possibly fall through opening. Repair and maintenance Immediately replace or repair any loose or missing fasteners on bed. Periodically check tightness of fasteners holding bed together, as well as cross support rails holding upper mattress. Safe use Teach your children not to push up on underside of bed, or to climb on it like a jungle gym. Proper safety is important at all times, and you may wish to also use a night light near ladder so children can see ladder steps in dark. If you follow these basic tips then you should get years of safe enjoyment out of your new bunk bed. For more bunk bed resources and tips you can visit http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com/bunk-beds.htm
S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of the Loft Beds Bunk Beds resource site, and can be reached at http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com
| | SLIDING GLASS DOOR REPLACEMENT Written by John Rocco
Continued from page 1 is flush with exterior material, such as in case of stucco, then you want to get retrofit frame, which comes with outside fin. That will eliminate need to trim outside. If you have brick or siding surrounding opening, then you need to get a replacement frame and trim outside yourself. You can use wood, vinyl, or other composite materials available in most major hardware store chains. You also need to measure depth of old frame. The majority of vinyl replacement doors have a frame depth of 4 3/4". Most door openings, when framed, have a depth of 5 1/2" to innermost surface of wall, whether it's drywall, plaster, or whatever else. Therefore, when you install new door, you will need to add some sort of trim product to build inside of door frame so it is flush with wall surface. We sell vinyl extrusions specifically for this purpose. It's a two piece system that allows you to bring frame flush with wall, then apply molding to wall and door frame to finish it. Pictures and descriptions of products are available by going to http://www.how-to-install-windows.com and clicking on "shop".You want to be sure and order all of materials you will need to do job at same time that you order replacement door. That way, when new door comes in 2 to 4 weeks later, you will have everything ready to do job. In addition to any trim needed, you are also going to need caulk, a roll of R-13 Insulation, liquid nails for track, 4" deck screws, shims, dust masks, and safety glasses. Once new door arrives, it will be time to take out old door. That will be our topic in next week's article. John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
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