What Is ‘Durock’ And What Is It Used For?
When installing tile, it is important to fasten it to a surface with a particular set of qualities that make the tile installation most likely to last for as long as possible without developing some type of an issue. The best “backer board” of this type that I have come across is a product that […]
The Best Stain To Use On Hardwood Decks
After a long and harsh New England winter, many homeowners find that their hardwood decks need attention. Decks made from dense woods like mahogany or Ipe can handle tough weather, but months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures still take a toll. Cosmetically, the wood may look faded, dry, or uneven in color once the […]
When The Snow Melts…
Living in New England, sometimes we get a winter to “remember”. Typically, these memories are not the type where we enjoy sharing how warm and sunny it was. Usually, it is the exact opposite. Constant dreariness, ice dams, snow piled 10 feet high that seems like it will still be there in July, etc. When […]
The Best Material for Inside Tile Corners (Hint: It’s Not Grout)
When you are finishing a tile job, one of the most important decisions happens at the inside corners. Many beginners (…and even some professionals!) assume grout should go everywhere between tiles, including where two tiled walls meet. But professional installers almost always choose silicone instead. That choice is not just preference. It is based on […]
What Are Soffit Vents?
Soffit vents are small openings built into the underside of a roof overhang. That underside is called the soffit and it wraps around the roof edges of most houses. The soffit vents help fresh air move into the attic while pushing warm, moist air out, most ideally through a ridge vent at the top peak […]
How To Prevent Ice Dams?
As we in New England are all VERY well aware, ice dams can cause serious damage to a home during the Winter months – particularly during Winters that are rougher than others! Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and then refreezes at the edge of the roof. This creates a ridge of […]
What Is A Ridge Vent?
Sometimes I am walking around a house with a Client, and the discussion comes up (for various reasons) centered around their roof’s ridge vent (or lack thereof). In the moment, working to explain the concept of a ridge vent can be a little challenging, as in the process I often try to point out a […]
The Dreaded Ice Dam
In New England, overall, we are VERY fortunate when it comes to ice dams. In the Winter of 2014, we were hit REALLY hard with them throughout the region and in 2015 we went through a ‘junior version’ of the previous year. Thankfully, dealing with ice dams is not as common in this part of […]
Which Parts of Your Home Does Winter Damage Most?
Winter weather can be hard on your home. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and strong winds can slowly wear things down if you are not careful. Knowing which parts of your home are most at risk can help you prevent costly repairs and keep your house safe and comfortable during the colder months. One of the […]
Where Can You Recharge Old Fire Extinguishers?
If you have an old fire extinguisher that needs to be recharged, there are safe and proper ways to handle it. Fire extinguishers are important safety tools, but they must be serviced correctly to work when needed. Not all places can recharge them, and some common assumptions can lead to confusion. One of the largest […]
