Something Sneaky About Composite Material
Although certainly the material of choice (whenever possible) for exterior trim replacement and updating, there is something to realize when replacing rotted wood trim with composite material. Composite shrinks. This is something you may not realize when first electing to update things and convert to composite trim while aiming to guard against future rot. From […]
The Christmas Tree Nook
One of my favorite features of homes we work on – particularly older ones – is the seemingly random ‘bump-out’ that many of them have which serves as the PERFECT place to position one’s Christmas Tree. How did this come about being a common practice and was it originally meant for this purpose? Many homes […]
What Causes The Board Behind A Gutter To Rot Out?
When the board behind a gutter begins to rot, it is usually a sign that water has been getting into places it should not. This board – often called a fascia board – sits right behind the gutter and helps support it. Because these are often made of wood, they can break down quickly when […]
Why It Is Important To Make Sure Your Exterior Light Blocks Are Properly Flashed
“Silicone” is NOT the answer. When installing exterior light fixtures on your home, there are some folks – even some professional electricians – who believe that simply running a bead of exterior-grade silicone around the light block that the fixture itself is mounted to is proper enough to guard against moisture, various types of weather, […]
Are Your Bluestone Caps Popping?
Bluestone stair tread caps can be beautiful and durable, but many homeowners are surprised when they begin to “pop,” loosen, or shift out of place. When this happens, it usually means something has gone wrong beneath the stone that needs attention before the problem becomes worse. Many homeowners have no idea that this is even […]
The Power Of The Tack Cloth
A tack cloth is a special type of cleaning cloth used in home painting and woodworking projects. It is a soft, loosely woven piece of cotton fabric coated with a sticky substance, often made from resin or wax. The sticky coating is what gives it the name “tack cloth,” because it has a slightly tacky […]
How To Best Paint Old Oil Trim?
A number of years back there simply was almost no question. Painting the trim on the interior of your home with oil paint was undoubtedly the way to go. Although latex paint was available, there really was no comparison between the quality and durability of oil paint being used on your trim instead of latex […]
What Is The Purpose Of A Cedar Closet?
Maybe you have one in your own home, or perhaps have an Aunt Betty who, once in a while, refers to her ‘Cedar Closet’. You may already even be familiar with cedar closets in general, but never really understood much about them other than they were good places to store certain types of clothing. What […]
What Is The Difference Between A 5″ And 6″ Gutter?
When it comes to protecting your home from rainwater, gutters play an important role. Gutters collect the water running off your roof and direct it safely away from your house, helping prevent water damage to your siding, foundation, and landscaping. One of the most common questions homeowners have when replacing or upgrading their gutters is […]
Old Fieldstone Foundation Water Seepage
If you are someone who owns a home with an old fieldstone foundation, you may have a good ol’ ‘Catch 22’ (a problem you can’t solve because the conditions conflict) on your hands. While it is not unusual to appreciate its historical beauty, as with many types of beauty, this beauty may come with a […]
