November 19th, 2008 — Clean, Handy Man, Refresh, Refurbish
Your deck is subject to all kinds of weather, and within a few years, it’s easy to end up looking like you need a completely new one. If you want to keep your deck looking brand new for years to come, there are a few techniques that you can use. Some should be applied when you first install the deck, but the rest can be implemented as simple maintenance chores.
Let’s start with picking the right kind of wood for your deck. If you love redwood or cedar, keep in mind that these woods are going to need to be sealed more often. Pine is the most durable, but then again, it will end up looking the roughest over time. The key is finding the right kind of sealant that is rated for your area. If you get a lot of rain, look for a heavy duty waterproofing sealant. If sun is the main issue, look for a sealant that is fade resistant. When you apply the sealant to your deck, make sure that you use enough and let it dry completely between coats for the best effect.
Now, let’s move onto maintenance. The first step you’re going to need is powerwashing on a regular basis. Don’t blast off your sealant with too much pressure, but make sure that you do keep your deck clean. Light woods in particular will need some extra care to make sure they don’t end up looking dingy. Aim for washing it at least once a month and more often in areas that are prone to more wind and dirt.
If your deck is already in trouble, don’t worry! Fixing it is a snap. Most people can do this on their own and will not need the help of a professional. First, you’ll need to completely clean off your deck and then sweep it to make sure that all dust and debris has been removed. If the wood is cracked, misshapen or overly rough, you’re going to need to sand down these spots. This has the added benefit of revealing the healthy wood under the surface.
Once you’re ready with either clean or sanded wood, you can either restain your deck or add new sealant and keep it the same color as it already is. Once again, allow for enough drying time in between coats and do it on a day where there is no wind to avoid bubbles in the finish. After the stain is dry, apply a least a few coats of sealant to give it a great shine and protect it from water.
If your deck never got these benefits in the first place, it’s not too late to seal it for the first time. Clean it, sand it, stain it and then seal it. It will look like new in just a few hours. Decks do best when they are regularly cared for, so make sure that you schedule more than enough time in to do your part.
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August 20th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Handy Man, Outside, Stucco, Walls
If your home is starting to look a little run down, or you just don’t want to go through the expense of painting it again, you may want to consider purchasing siding for your home. There are many benefits to using siding and it can be virtually maintenance free if you pick the right kind. Here is a brief guide to the newest materials that are available for home siding.
1. Brick and Stone Look Siding –
This is one of the most popular new types of siding on the market. It gives the impression of a more expensive façade, but it is much more durable and easy to maintain. You’ll have a wide variety of color choices and this is much easier to install than traditional brick or stone. Most will last around twenty five years without any maintenance, beyond occasional cleaning.
2. Cedar Siding –
If you have always wanted the look of a log cabin on your home, you can now get it easily with cedar siding. These are actually more of a wooden siding and they will need a little extra care to keep them looking good. They come in a variety of different colors. You may need to stain them from time to time to keep them looking fresh. We do not recommend this type of siding for those that live in areas that get a lot of rain or wind, since this can degrade the siding.
3. Stucco Siding –
Synthetic stucco has been pretty popular through the years, but it is not quite as durable as the real thing. It is much easier to install however and many people prefer the luck of stucco on the exterior of their home. Maintenance is usually quite minimal and it will require an occasional cleaning to look fresh.
4. Cement Siding –
This is one of the newest forms of siding on the market and it is incredibly popular. It is actually made up of cement fibers and can be constructed to resemble a variety of different looks, such as natural stone, wood or even regular siding. Care is virtually nil and you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades. The best part is, this siding is both fire and termite proof, making it a natural choice for those that live near forests or out in the country where there are more risks for either problem.
5. Vinyl Siding –
The old standby is still going strong, thanks to its durability and the wide color selection. Vinyl siding is the most economical option for many homeowners and it will last for at least 25 years or more. It may not be the newest material out there, but it still has it uses.
6. Seamless Steel Siding –
This siding looks fantastic and is perfect for those that live in areas where the climate can change dramatically from time to time. Steel siding will not shrink or expand once it is installed and is pretty impervious to weather. It will cost more than vinyl siding, but it is incredibly durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
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June 30th, 2008 — Clean, Crawl Space, Handy Man, Maintain, Mold
Most of today’s homes have crawl spaces, but few of us ever venture up there. No one really likes to think of crawling up into that tight space, but there may be a few reasons to consider it. It is important to schedule an annual checkup for your crawlspace, since this can help you spot potential signs of trouble and get them stopped before they become larger issues. Let’s take a look at how to inspect your crawlspace for a very common problem and how to fight it.
If you live in a humid area, or your area gets a lot of rain, you may notice a mildew smell in the house that you can’t get rid of. Chances are, your crawlspaces have become damp and the mildew is forming up there. It is important to get rid of this problem as quickly as possible, since mold could also be forming inside that crawlspace. Take this opportunity to check your crawlspace and see what is going on up there.
Once you’ve determined that your crawlspace is indeed a bit damp, there are a few things that you will need to do. First, it is important to ventilate the area. Most crawlspaces are closed up all year round and little air can circulate through there. This creates the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew spores. If your home does not have a vent, you will need to install one.
You can find appropriate vents at your local hardware store, and the process of installing them is quite easy. Locate a spot on an exterior wall and cut a hole through to the outside. Place the vent in, and properly secure it. You now have a way to get rid of that moisture buildup!
This will help, but you may also need to see what is causing dampness in your crawlspace. If the mildew is not severe, it may just be the side effect of living in a moist climate. If it is severe, chances are you may have a leak. You will need to inspect all the walls inside that crawlspace and look for any leaks that may be occurring. If you do find a leak, repair it immediately. Overtime, this can lead to serious water damage on your ceilings and walls.
Lastly, it is a very good idea to completely clean out your crawlspace. If you are storing excess insulation or even household items up there, remove them and find a new storage space. Insulation is a particularly nasty culprit when it comes to mildew and can be the source of a lot of mildew odor problems. If your crawlspace is permanently smelly, get fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier. Install this throughout the crawlspace, with the vapor barrier facing the top of the crawlspace. This will help keep the odors inside the space instead of in your home. This is a great solution if the damage has already been done and you need to get rid of the smell of mildew in your home.
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May 20th, 2008 — Handy Man, House Damage, Pest Control, Termites
Termites are nasty little creatures that can be found throughout the United States. In fact, most homeowners have no idea they’ve been invaded by millions of termites until the damage is already done. If you’ve never seen a termite, they resemble a white ant and they have colony structures that are quite similar to ants. However, unlike their cousins, they have one main diet staple - the wood in your house. If you don’t want to deal with thousands of dollars in termite damage, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to termite proof your home.
First, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t have any decaying wood lying around near your house. This is a frequent cause of infestation. If you have firewood, make sure that you store it away from the house and when you bring it inside, burn it immediately. This cuts down on the risk of basically giving the termites the key to your front door.
It is also important to check your home’s foundation for any cracks. If you find them, seal them up properly. This will help prevent future infestations, but it really can’t do much if you already have a problem. However, before you move to the next step, you’ll have to get this done. You’ll also need to create a barrier around your home that termites won’t be able to cross.
This usually involves putting sand around the foundation of your home. If you have a lot of wood near the ground, this is very important. Cement block foundations usually do pretty well in preventing infestations on their own, but it doesn’t hurt to be too careful when it comes to termites. Make sure that you pack a good, thick layer of sand around the foundation. If you get a lot of rain or wind, you may need to reapply this every few months.
Next, it’s a good idea to schedule a yearly visit with the termite inspector. The less time you give them, the harder it will be for a termite colony to spread. Keep in mind that they can have thousands of offspring every month and it doesn’t take long for a few termites to morph into a few million. If you live in an area that has frequent termite swarms (cloudlike concentrations of termites seeking new homes) you’ll want to take extra care and be very vigilant.
If you do find termites on your property, it is best to let a professional handle them. Many people make the mistake of trying to use bug spray or even fire to get rid of termites that they find in nearby logs. Well, when you destroy that home, they’re going to need to find a new one and the ones that survive are going to head straight for yours.
Termites can be destructive, but you don’t have to give them free reign. Employ these protection practices to ensure that your home stays termite free.
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