Tips, Tips, and More Tips from June 2008

Don’t keep shelves of books near hot-air vents or radiators. Heat is bad for books.

If your home is water-damaged, ask friends to help. Time is critical. Hire a company that specializes in water-damage restoration. Experts have the necessary equipment to circulate air to keep out mold, mildew and fungi. For more advice on how to handle losses from floods, fire and other calamities, read our special report, Kovels’ Dealing with Disaster, available for $25 at Kovels.com.

Don’t wax a bronze. It retards the formation of a desirable patina.

Every few years, check the hooks that are holding your paintings on the wall. Eventually, a heavy picture will loosen the nail and hook and the painting will fall. Also check the wire holding the picture.