Why Do People Have Lions In Front Of Their Homes?
Recently, while walking down a street in Fall River, Massachusetts, I couldn’t help but notice that many homeowners had placed ornamental lion statues on either side of the entrances to their yards. This is something in certain areas that is surprisingly common. Many people also wonder why these stone or concrete lions are almost always […]
To Weave Or To Cut?
As many age-old dilemmas go, when roofing or re-roofing your home, the decision about how to handle your roof valleys—to “weave” them or “cut” them—is probably almost as old as asphalt shingles themselves. So which method is correct? Let’s explore. First, it helps to understand what a roof valley is. A valley is the area […]
Increasing Your Exterior Paint’s Fade Resistance
Years ago in Pawtucket, RI, we completed a painting project on an old Victorian home that came out absolutely fantastic. The colors were rich, classic, and exactly what the homeowner had envisioned. Within just a few short months, however, the paint on the exterior had dramatically faded. It was a painstaking exercise to get the […]
What Is The Cortex Fastening System?
Imagine standing across the street from a beautifully finished home. The trim around the windows is crisp, the corners are sharp, and everything looks clean and polished. As you admire the craftsmanship, you notice something unusual: you cannot see any nails or screws. The trim appears smooth and uninterrupted, almost as if it was installed […]
Do You Have A Sinkhole In Your Yard?
A little over a week ago, folks throughout our region heard a loud “BOOM!” in the middle of a Saturday afternoon. At the time, theories about what had just happened ranged from an unusual thunderclap to a construction blast, and pretty much everything in between. As it turned out, the noise was caused by a […]
Why Your Deck Coating is 100% Going to Peel
It really does not matter whether your deck is coated with some type of stain system or some type of exterior floor enamel or specialty deck coating. Your deck is inevitably going to peel, and most likely WAY sooner than you would prefer. Why is this the case? Whether it is a home improvement company […]
What Is A ‘Murphy’ Bed?
Recently, while traveling, I stayed at a hotel where the clerk excitedly told me that my room had a “Murphy” bed in it. Though I was familiar with the concept of a Murphy bed, I do not believe I had ever actually slept in one before. A Murphy bed is a special type of bed […]
How Do You Attach A Column To Concrete?
Attaching a wood or steel column to concrete is an important part of building decks, porches, carports, pergolas, and other outdoor structures. The connection must be strong enough to hold weight, resist movement, and protect the post from moisture damage over time. One of the most common ways to do this is by using a […]
Roof Box Vents
Roof box vents are small metal or plastic vents placed near the top of a sloped roof. They are sometimes called static vents, turtle vents, or louvers. Their main job is to let hot air and moisture escape from the attic. Most homes have insulation in the attic, but even with insulation, heat and moisture […]
What Is A ‘Puff Back’?
A ‘puff back’ is a sudden burst of smoke, soot, fumes, or pressure from a heating system when fuel lights late. It can happen with oil, natural gas, or propane equipment. The event may sound like a pop, bang, thump, or whoosh. It means the burner did not ignite the fuel at the normal time. […]
