Home Maintenance

There are several methods of anchoring, or bedding a fence post into the ground. The method you choose should take into account the type of fencing, posts and environment; as well as the budget...

Cleaning concrete with a pressure washer is one of the easiest types of work you can do with a pressures washer. Almost invariably the work is below you at your feet, which is much easier than...

Soil settling is a primary cause of cracks in a concrete slab. Soil compaction increases the density of the soil, making it less prone to moisture and settling. To compact soil correctly for a...

Concrete surfaces are very durable if they are protected properly. Concrete is a porous material, which allows moisture and other substances to penetrate deep into it if it is not sealed. Sealing...

Mold is a fungus that forms on virtually anything, including a patio made of concrete. Moisture is the main reason mold forms. Concrete can be particularly vulnerable. Concrete acts like a sponge...

Mold can grow virtually anywhere moisture exists, and grows in a variety of colors. White mold often grows in damp areas such as basements. On porous or semi-porous surfaces, such as concrete,...

Mold can grow on virtually any surface, including concrete walls. Concrete can be particularly vulnerable because its surface acts like a sponge, trapping water inside. Mold grows best in damp and...

Mold is a form of fungi that can attach itself to just about anything, including a cement patio floor. Mold grows best in areas that are wet (or humid). It is important to remove mold because it...

Concrete walls are durable and offer solid protection around your home. Because they are subject to many outdoor weather conditions, concrete can sustain dirt and soiling over time. Cleaning scuff...

If you have made the decision to refinish your basement, the renovations probably include the installation of a new carpet. In order to prevent moisture and mildew from penetrating the carpeting,...

If you need extra room or storage space in your home, you may be thinking of converting your crawl space into a finished basement. Depending on your construction expertise, you may want to hire a...

Pieces of dirty gum stuck to concrete is unsightly, unsanitary and downright inconvenient: There is nothing worse than getting gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Removing gum from a concrete...

Discovering mold in your home is a serious health issue for your family and visitors. Concrete houses are prone to mold growth if the concrete has not been properly protected from moisture. Once...

Poured concrete is a great structural product for your basement or other walls. Poured concrete is approximately 12 to 20 percent air, which means voids and pores result in the finished product. ...

A residential mailbox is a functional and decorative extension of your home. A mailbox can be basic or a more elaborate reflection of your taste and personality. Through the years, weather and age...

Concrete countertops should definitely be sealed because, unlike granite and some marbles, concrete is a very porous material. Due to this it can easily be stained by food, beverages and other...

Concrete is a durable building material for sidewalks, paths and driveways. The pitted surface of concrete can collect debris such as those from fallen leaves. As the leaves decompose, they may...

Concrete is a highly porous substance and, therefore, a very absorbent surface. Driveways and garage floors are often made of concrete, and work done on cars or other machinery can leave tricky...

You can cement over a brick chimney easily. The hard part is getting the cement to stick. Most skim coats of concrete will crack and peel off within a few months if you do not know how to properly...

When building a structure, a builder has a choice about which materials for flooring he may use for any particular room. For high traffic or storage area, the typical choice is concrete. ...

Concrete is a great material for a porch because it is durable, can withstand the elements and lasts almost forever. However, due to the large amount of traffic, concrete can be chipped away. When...

While we generally think of grass stains on the knees of kids' clothes or the sides of our shoes, concrete is susceptible to grass stains as well. Grass on shoes, car or bike tires and even the...

All inground pools are created using a form of concrete to secure the base of the pool into the ground. Pools that lack a liner, however, are referred to as "gunite" pools, while pools with...

Flooding, excessive dampness and other water-related accidents happen. Cleaning up a flooded basement is both frustrating and costly. Any furnishings and flooring in the space must be removed....

Outdoor cement patios can provide a relaxing escape after a long day or when you have company. Because most patios are exposed to the elements, they have a tendency to get dirty and stained....

Concrete driveways require minimal maintenance to retain their appearance and structural integrity. It is imperative that you set up a maintenance plan to keep your concrete driveway looking like...

A pilaster is used in construction to carry the vertical or axial load of a building. Particularly with masonry construction, a properly constructed pilaster is essential for controlling potential...

Tim Carter, a nationally syndicated columnist who writes about home improvement, contends that sealing a concrete driveway extends its life by protecting it from the elements. If you've installed...

When applied properly, concrete sealer can extend the new look of the surface of concrete by repelling substances that can stain the concrete. When a concrete sealer has been applied, spills and...

Pressure cleaning can be a green option to using chemical cleaning products or excessive amounts of water to clean driveways, patios, siding and vehicles. High-pressure water with the right...

Cleaning concrete walks is never much fun, but often has to be done. While there are several ways you can clean concrete, this is the method I used. This was done on very old concrete, which was...

Using a clothes line to dry clothes is a great green option that saves a lot of money throughout the year. Time, weather and pressure from hanging heavy wet clothes on a clothes line will slowly...

A concrete driveway or basement floor may seem as solid and impenetrable as rock, but it's actually porous. Concrete that hasn't been fully sealed can pick up some types of stains almost as...

Oil and grease can cause unsightly stains on concrete in your driveway or in your garage. This simple trick can keep your concrete looking great, no matter how much you work on your car. Even...

Concrete is a low-maintenance material that is used to build almost everything these days--from floors and porches to counter tops and sinks. Although concrete is low maintenance, wear does...

Laying concrete can be a fun and rewarding DIY project and can save you a lot of money. Many people find laying the concrete easy, but finishing it off a bit of a chore. Some people find getting...

One aspect of basement construction that is often overlooked is the waterproofing stage. Because basements are partially or completely underground, water will always find its way through the...

If you've got mold on the walls and ceilings of your concrete house, you don't just have an unsightly, stinky problem---you may also have a situation that's hazardous to your family's health. ...

Pressure washing concrete removes stains, evens out tones and is a way to spruce up curb appeal for your home or business. Concrete can often be cleaned with a pressure washer without the use of...

A backyard patio can be a relaxing retreat. It is good for entertaining and family time. Over time, however, concrete patios can become cracked and unpleasant to use. Refinishing a patio can...

A chain link fence is one home feature that often needs repair. Chain link fence does not necessarily break, but it does sag, droop and sway. It is not difficult to repair, but many homeowners...

Concrete porches are prevalent throughout the United States, and, for that matter, across the globe. A concrete porch will outlast a wooden porch by 10 to 20 years and, with proper care and...

Cement patios can outlast wood patios by 10 to 20 years and with proper care and maintenance, provide a beautiful atmosphere for evening barbecues. They can be designed to fit almost any need or...

In many homeowners' minds, nothing looks or feels better than a freshly paved driveway, glistening in the sun without a single crack or break in its perfectly uniform surface. Unfortunately, this...

As the years go by, your driveway can become cracked and damaged. This can take away from the curb appeal of your home. Your driveway can be repaired and restored to like-new condition, though. ...

Making a concrete bench top takes a bit of diligence and the right tools and materials. If you follow the appropriate steps, you will have a concrete bench top that will make you proud for years...

Sealing your concrete basement floor keeps moisture from seeping through and causing damage to flooring, pipes or goods. Choosing the correct sealer and applying it correctly will keep your...

When stripping clear coating from concrete, there are basically two approaches. By using a chemical stripper or a pressure washer, you will get the job done within a short amount of time depending...

Double-wide trailer footings are essential to consider when planning for setup. They provide a great base for construction material when you are planning on laying block or brick for underpinning....

Sealing crawlspaces from air leaks can improve your house's energy efficiency, building durability and indoor air quality. Improving indoor air quality by removing access points for pollutants...