Home Maintenance

Aluminum roofing is growing in popularity because of the great benefits of aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal, and, unlike a heavy tile roof, an aluminum roof doesn't need extra...

Considered one of the most effective forms of natural insect control in the world---consuming up to half their weight in mosquitoes, flies, and moths each night---bats can be a nuisance if they...

Routinely cleaning the roof of your house is vital to maintaining the overall neat appearance of your home. Stains from mildew, moss, lichens, mold and dirt can take over your roof. Traditional...

Roof shingles become dirty over time. They are exposed to wind, rain and other weather elements that not only cause dirt to form on the shingles, but also mold and mildew. Stained shingles take...

Cedar shingles are known for their distinct look and durability. Maintaining the cedar shingles ensures they keep their attractive appearance and protective qualities. Weathering of cedar shingles...

Asphalt shingles can often become stained with algae, dirt, and other substances. The inevitable exposure to the weather causes the majority of these stains. It is not necessary to replace asphalt...

Sewer vents, also known as roof plumbing vents, are a vital part of household plumbing. Household plumbing is made up of two systems, the drainage system and the vent system. The entire system is...

Icicles are a potential warning sign of ice dams, or sheets of ice that form on the roof. In addition to the ice dam, pools of water can form and leak into your home. Removing icicles from gutters...

Moss is a plant species of the class bryopsida, and thought to be the first green land plant in the process of evolution. While this fun tidbit perhaps explains why moss seems to have the ability...

A cedar shake roof lends a rustic, natural touch to a house, making it a popular choice for log cabins, cedar chalets and historic homes. Cedar is long lasting, and the natural oils in the wood...

Insulation is something we all have in our homes, but probably don't think very much about until we get those high winter heating bills. While you may be reluctant to spend money on something as...

Seamless gutters can help protect your house from damage caused by excess rainwater near the foundation of the house. Installing seamless gutters requires only basic carpentry skills and can be...

If your home is in an area that has hot, humid summers, you may have a problem with roof moss. Moss not only damages a roof, it detracts from the exterior appearance. You can use household bleach...

Do it yourself (DIY) home repairs can save homeowners hundreds if not thousands of dollars and offer an opportunity to make home improvements or renovations at the same time. However, before...

Most mobile home repairs can be completed by the homeowner. The construction of a mobile home differs slightly from the construction of a conventionally built home, but in general the repair...

For most homeowners, mold mitigation does not require a professional inspection. Preventing mold in your home can be as simple as proper sealing and ventilation. However, while this do-it-yourself...

If you live in an area with acid rain or chemical fall out, your home's roof may take the brunt of the abuse. Chemical deposits can stain and degrade your roofing, whether it be shingles, slate or...

During the winter months, the gutters on many homes fill with ice. Long icicles hang over the edges of the gutters and can be very pretty. However, icicles present a danger to those passing under...

Chimneys come in many shapes, sizes and finishes. Many chimneys are made from stainless steel, which helps conduct heat well and prevents the buildup of creosote inside the chimney. Still, regular...

Gutters are probably the last thing that a homeowner wants to think about, but they do have a purpose. Water damage is one of the most destructive things that can happen to your home; it doesn't...

If sounds of animals on the roof awake you at night, it is time to take the following steps quickly. An animal walking on the roof every night can ruin shingles and cause damage to a roof that...

With the increase of in home wood-burning devices comes the need for regular chimney cleaning. Regardless of the type of wood or method of burning, every chimney needs to be cleaned at least once...

Over months and years of exposure, your tile roof will collect dirt and grime. This can include anything from dust to tree sap to living annoyances such as moss and mildew. Moss and mildew can be...

Preparing your double wide mobile home for winter is an inexpensive way to avoid costly repairs and inconvenience when the cold winter winds begin to blow. Your home will be safer, warmer and more...

Roofing jobs are always a major event for a homeowner. They may not be the ones to carryout the project themselves but their preparation can make everything run smoothly. Being prepared will...

Gutters, while costly and sometimes unattractive, serve several important and some not-so-important functions. In any structure, keeping the ground surrounding the foundation as dry as possible is...

Photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, are a popular option for producing energy or complementing other energy sources. They are often located on the roof of the home where they are...

Photovoltaic panels are a green energy source used to power homes and businesses. Unlike regular solar panels, which only provide heat, photovoltaic panels can power many types of electrical...

Moss is usually found on the north side of a roof, especially when the area is shaded most of the day, such as beneath a large tree. The shade allows the roofing material (especially shingles) to...

Mold on a roof can be an eyesore and a potential health hazard. Checking the roof for mold buildup should be a semi-annual task, once in the spring and at the end of the fall. Armed with an...

Building a roof overhang is a process that involves extending the roof using similar sized truss boards, roofing plywood and shingles, if desired. A roof overhang can be built to any length, but...

So it's that time of the year again. The fall and the winter are behind you, but their mark has been left by what lingers in your gutters: A combination of foliage, muck, and roofing material. ...

The most accurate way to calculate shingles for a roof is to look at the planes of the roof and calculate the area of each plane. Discover ways to estimate how many shingles are needed for a...

Concrete roof tiles are low maintenance compared to many other roofing options. They are durable and will continue to look good for years to come. As with any roof, there are routine things you...

Rain gutters are an important part of your home. They are designed to catch the run-off of rain from the roof and channel it away from the home, preventing flooded basements, foundation problems...

Roofs become dirty and collect mold and fungus, which can be a health hazard. Mold and fungus also absorb heat, which may result in greater utility costs. Roofs should be cleaned on an as-needed...

While it's no replacement for a licensed home inspection (typically by an engineer), conducting your own home inspection can give you a good sense of the state of your property. This can be useful...

Home inspections are usually done to identify any problems in a home for the future owner. The home inspector covers all areas of the house, from roof to basement.

Insulating an attic over a garage can make it more comfortable for you if you like to tinker on projects. How you insulate depends on if the garage is heated in the winter or air conditioned in...

Properly insulating your mobile home is critical if you want to save on heating and cooling bills and keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, many mobile homes are poorly insulated or allow air...

You've found a house that you might want to buy. Actually, you have found several. How can you narrow your selection down so you aren't paying for too many professional home inspections? Here are...

First of all, climb into your attic while wearing gloves and a mask. Bring a flashlight. Carefully inspect for rat droppings, which resemble dark pellets. Be careful not to touch them without...

Some areas have very harsh winters, with freezing temperatures and blowing snow. It’s best for the homeowner to prepare their homes for the cold weather while the temperatures are still...

Purchasing a system to create renewable energy is too expensive for many homeowners. Leasing solar energy equipment is a good alternative. In some cases, the cost of a lease is less than normal...

Winter will be here before you know it. Is your manufactured home ready to stand the harsh winter weather? Get your home ready for the cold winds ahead. Do not wait until the roughest season. Do a...

Learn how to attach roof gutter extensions on your home - free video on home improvement and home winterizing.

Learn how to inspect and clean roof gutters and downspouts - free video on home repair and home winterizing.

Learn how to check and reseal flashing on your roof - free video on home repair and home winterizing.

Learn how to check your roof for loose and missing shingles - free video on home repair and home winterizing.

Properly maintained, a quality metal roof can last for a lifetime. To ensure that your roof stays in top condition, a regular cleaning is suggested. This is particularly important if your roof is...