Home Maintenance

Dry rot is caused by wood-destroying fungus that springs up when water penetrates wood, allowing the fungus and various bacteria and insects to infest the wood. Dry rot fungus feeds on the cells...

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...

Marble is a popular choice for homeowners who are going for the aesthetic beauty the natural stone has to offer. It does have a few drawbacks. Marble can require extra care to maintain it, because...

It's important to monitor the humidity in your home throughout the year, especially during the winter and summer months. Harmful bacteria, mold and water damage are more likely if your humidity...

Moisture buildup in a crawl space can be problematic. Crawl spaces are dark and often have poor ventilation, so moisture creates an ideal place for mold to grow. If you have a lot of standing...

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,...

Granite as a counter top material has several advantages. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing and does not absorb bacteria. Though it is a durable material, granite can still be chipped and...

Granite is often used to decorate homes because of its durability and beauty. It is not often scratched or chipped, but when it does get a nasty chip, it can lose its aesthetic value. Chips in...

The term "dry rot" generally is used to refer to rotting wood caused by various kinds of fungus. While mostly used for timber, the term can also be used for trees, roots, stem plants and rubber.

Dry rot can cause severe damage to your home. Unlike wet rot, which occurs when wood is very wet, dry rot can occur in minimally wet conditions such as high humidity. Stopping dry rot is a...

Want a gleaming bathtub? Scrubbing is still the best way to bring a shine back to a dull tub. As a benefit, this technique uses all green products and just a little elbow grease. If you're not...

Mold is a kind of fungi that tends to thrive in musty and damp parts of a house, such as attics and basements. Mold forms on a variety of materials, including wood, dry wall, carpeting and paper....

Mexican clay tile is usually handmade and fired at low temperatures. Available in either glazed or unglazed and sealed or unsealed, this tile is nonvitreous, which means it absorbs water,...

There are many different types -- and colors -- of mold. Attention is often focused on black mold because there is one variety that produces mycotoxins, a poisonous type of fungus. Like most...

Marble is a beautiful stone to use in your home. It wears well, but it is prone to etching---or losing its shine---from cleaning products with acidic ingredients, and acidic substances such as...

Taking a pool cover off of a pool is easier than putting it on. It is the first necessary step in opening your pool up for the summer and it can be done in a small amount of time. After removing...

Are you having trouble keeping your garage door close? Does it immediately pop back up when it should be going down? If this is the case then maybe your garage door sensors are due for a cleaning....

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...

Caulking is often thought of as a tediously messy task, and may be overlooked by people who lack the experience. Yet there are many benefits to caulking, including, helping to create a seamless...

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....

Dry rot is a fungus that weakens and destroys wood. The fungus is caused by extreme moisture in the wood, and it attacks the strength and durability of the wood. There are several ways to prevent...

Stains can disrupt the aesthetics of any fabric, material, or household item. If they are not treated and removed properly, stains can singlehandedly ruin a garment or piece of décor. Because...

Fungi, which include molds and mildews, love to make their homes in our houses. They can be disturbingly hard to get rid of if a person does not understand what fungi are or how they reproduce....

Shampooing carpets certainly gives them a deep cleaning, but shampooing is not ideal for weekly carpet cleanings. Dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, allergens and many types of microorganisms can...

Mold spores are everywhere---indoors and out---and the only way to limit their growth is to make sure that your home doesn't provide a mold-friendly environment. Fortunately, mold is a fairly weak...

Paint on a carpet is one of the toughest stains. Quick thinking and faster action are required for the best results. With a little luck, some advanced planning and quick action, disaster can be...

Lower the electric bill with these simple and easy tips. Combining several or all of these tips will result in greater savings.

Mildew is a term used to describe certain types of invasive molds that commonly form inside homes in damp areas like bathrooms and basements. Care must be taken when dealing with mildew, as the...

Formica is a brand name for plastic laminate overlays used to finish cabinets, counters and other furnishings. Though this material is known for its durability and low-maintenance requirements, it...

Wet and dry vacuums clean up dust, spills and messes around the home, in the garage, as well as in the shop, store and other commercial locations. Once the machine is powered on, the strong...

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. ...

Having the proper ceramic tile edge for your stairs is important not only for structural integrity but for providing the proper aesthetic look and feel. It is a simple procedure that can be done...

There are many easy ways to save money throughout your home and they won't cost you a dime to do so!

Vinyl siding is a very durable siding, and one of the most common. However, when it remains wet or is exposed to moisture on a regular basis, algae will grow on it. This is not only unsightly but...

Painted bricks create a clean, monochrome appearance. But like anything else in your home they need to be cleaned. The risk involved with cleaning painted brick is rubbing off the paint. You...

Waterproofing your stone basement wall is essential for a proper home environment. Water seeping in through the walls of your basement can cause structural damage and grow mold. This can not...

Mildew is a mold or fungus that can live and decompose organic matter. Mildew grows in warm (77 degrees Fahrenheit through 88 degrees Fahrenheit) and humid climates. Mildew secretes enzymes that...

Real wood kitchen cabinets attract more grease, grime and dust than cabinets in other parts of the home. Sometimes a good cleaning is all that's needed to freshen them up, but if they're scratched...

Over time, you can cut down on your home maintenance and heating costs by using washable metal air filters in your furnace. As with disposable air filters, there is a wide range of efficiency with...

Few surfaces are as durable as granite. It is an excellent choice for work surfaces such as kitchen counter tops, and when buffed to a shiny luster, nothing, except perhaps marble, compares to the...

Home improvement sometimes involves small cosmetic issues, such as touching up a bathroom paint job or filling a few nicks in the drywall going down the hallway. Fixing scratches on a white...

Spring has definitely arrived when you see your neighbors outside getting their swamp coolers ready for the summer season. Set aside an hour to get yours cleaned and ready. Replacing the old...

Well lets face it, you went the extra yard, you invested in the best possible products for your kitchen. After all the kitchen is the most important room in your house. When your granite...

Protecting your investment in the home not only applies to the interior but the exterior yard and landscaping. Harsh weather conditions can take a toll on the driveway, whether it is poured...

This how to is about recaulking the seal along the outside of your bathtub and shower area. It will consists of three easy steps and won't take much time. A good job on this will prevent you...

There are a wide range of waterproofing needs inside and outside a home. From a damp and moldy basement to a new deck that you want to keep looking new, there are products and companies that can...

Mildew is a living organism, a byproduct of fungus that feeds on cotton, paper, leather, wood, and other organic materials. This can be a nightmare to discover, but you can rid your camping and...

Chrome pits easily and relatively quickly if it is exposed to air. Many chrome items come with a clear coating designed to protect them from the oxidizing effects of the oxygen in our air, but...

It's so annoying when you need to brush your teeth or comb your hair and you have to keep wiping off a steamed up bathroom mirror. Some of us don't have an exhaust fan in our bathrooms to prevent...