Home Maintenance

Wood decay is a well-known problem for log house owners. Often this damage is mistakenly blamed on termites or other wood-destroying insects. The truth is, fungi are mainly responsible for wood...

The key to burning your own firewood is in the drying of the wood. Wood needs to cure at least six months to burn well, and you must cut and stack the wood properly. Improper wood drying can lead...

Taking good care of your deck is important to your home's appearance. Using sealants and stains on its wood surface keeps it both beautiful and safe. Understanding the particulars of your wood...

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...

A wood deck makes a beautiful addition to the exterior of any home. Over time, the deck may become dirty from its extreme exposure to the elements. It is not uncommon for algae, mildew and dirt to...

Teak furniture and cabinetry have a natural golden honey color that fades to a silvery gray if it is left untreated. Although this does not affect the wood's durability, many people prefer the...

Mold has the potential to damage wood. Mold is also an eyesore when it attaches itself to any surface. Mold requires "food,'' or organic materials, in order to grow. Wood is just such a material....

Since the invention of the screw in 1513 by a German clockmaker, building everything from furniture to houses got a lot easier. Screws with their threads have much more holding and gripping power...

Mildew is a problem on the inside of most homes, but when it appears on the outside, it can be even more difficult to maintain. One of the more common ways of mold and mildew control is air...

If you have purchased a wood stove for your home or workshop, you will need to install the fire bricks prior to firing up the unit. Properly laid fire bricks are essential to the efficient...

Black mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that grows in damp, shaded areas. Black mold has a slimy appearance that is usually black or green in color. Black mold can make a porch...

Mold is a fungi that grows in damp or humid areas. It can grows on just about anything, including your window sill. A window sill can be particularly vulnerable because of condensation on the...

Moisture is the main reason mold grows in a basement. Mold thrives best in humid (or damp) areas that receive limited sunlight. A basement can be an ideal place for mold to grow. It is important...

Mold can grow nearly anywhere and is a constant problem for homeowners. Mold not only looks bad, but it is also bad for your health. When mold appears on hardwood floors, it can be an even bigger...

Termites are one of the most feared insects for a homeowner. They can burrow deep into the wood frame of your home without your knowledge and can cause serious structural damage. If you stay...

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.

Black water stains result from iron reacting with wood furniture. The wood essentially rusts, causing unsightly black stains. They can be removed with some elbow grease and a simple solution, but...

Drywood termites are social insects which live in colonies that are constructed within sound, dry wood. The greatest difficulty in dealing with an infestation of drywood termites lies in finding...

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...

When you remove ivy that has grown up your siding, you're usually left with dark stains and tiny suckers all over the wall. Ivy holds itself in place with these suckers, casting tendrils that grab...

Wood floors have been used for hundreds of years and have a timeless beauty unmatched by any modern flooring material. A high-quality wooden floor that is properly installed can last up to 100...

Add extra storage to your home with the addition of a shed to your yard or driveway. Sheds can be purchased pre-fabricated or can be constructed to your specifications. To get the best use from a...

A termite infestation is most homeowners' worst nightmare. Termites can cause severe damage to a house, including structural damage to wooden floors and ceiling joists. Adding insult to injury,...

A wood stove can be an inexpensive and efficient alternative for heating your home. One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wood stove's safety and efficiency is to keep the...

Termites are a highly socially advanced insect, which divide their labor among gender lines, take care of their young, and produce colonies that utilize a self-organized system of activity. They...

Wood surfaces are found in most homes all over the world. From floors to furniture, keeping wood surfaces clean, shiny and beautiful can be accomplished with consistent care. Only a few materials...

The proper use of a wood burning stove begins with the right selection and installation so that it meets local health and safety regulations as well as the Environmental Protection Agency's air...

Regardless of finish, color or texture, all types of hardwood flooring require regular maintenance, especially cleaning. Proper cleaning is especially important with cherry wood flooring due to...

Boric acid works on insects both as a desiccant and as a poison. As a desiccant, it dries the insects' waxy layer so internal moisture leaks out. Termites eat wood, so injecting the boric acid...

Painting is always a challenging task requiring a careful balance between applying the paint to the designated area and preventing it from getting anywhere else. Water-based paints are commonly...

Wood treatment helps to prevent fungus and algae from growing on wooden structures outside. It also can prevent damage by insects and microbes. Cleaning and sealing of treated wood should occur...

Wood stain is a translucent combination pigment suspended in a solvent used to protect and decorate woodwork. Stained wood has a very natural appearance with much of the wood's natural color and...

After eight years in the high-pressure cleaning industry, I have seen many home owners clean and seal their wood decks in a variety of ways. Many of these do-it-yourself enthusiasts were...

Wood windows are decorative elements to a house. Caring for the wood and glass separately will make the windows last longer. Weather, pets, children and living in general can cause damage that may...

When Tom Sawyer's aunt wanted to preserve her fence, she had Tom paint it with a coat of whitewash. Today she might have had him use a fencing preservative or water seal product. Although today's...

After a certain amount of use, any kind of handle has a tendency to come loose. One of the problems in fixing a loose handle is that tightening the screws is often not enough to fix the problem...

Wooden decks are common on many homes and cabins. Because the wood on decks is subjected directly to the elements, periodic maintenance is needed to ensure the wood lasts. Untreated wood will...

Residue from cleaning products like Mop and Glo can build up on your wood floor over time. This can cause discoloration of the wood and a cloudy appearance. Removing this residue is a simple but...

Like all floors, laminate wood floors require cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning should be performed with the products recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that you do not damage the unique...

Termites are one of the most feared insects among homeowners. According to doityourselftermitecontrol.com, over $2 billion is spent yearly on controlling or preventing termite infestations.

Carpenter bees get their name from their habit of boring into wood to lay their young. Although they appear similar to the average bee, they live their lives as solitary creatures rather than in a...

Wood decks can make for a great home addition, but untreated wood is vulnerable to the elements. Wood stain bonds to wood, creating a protective layer that prevents the boards from absorbing...

Unlike termites that are known to eat wood as they destroy it, carpenter ants spit out the wood as they burrow. Carpenter ants burrow exclusively to locate a place to nest. Carpenter Ants.com...

When you have any wooden addition added to your porch or yard, it's important to keep it looking good and to prevent it from weakening and rotting. Fences, porches and decks should all be painted...

Blinds are both functional and decorative, providing privacy, light control and style to complement any room. While most are sturdy and low-maintenance, they will need some routine cleaning as,...

Squirrels like to chew on your wood siding because their teeth are constantly growing. They need to file their teeth down. If you have easy access for a squirrel to get to your wood siding, then...

Termites can be a serious danger to your home. Organized into colonies, much like ants, termites can build their colonies in mounds in the ground, in nests or underground; most disturbingly,...

Dealing with termites can be a hassle for any homeowner. Finding an infestation can be discouraging enough, but you then must decide how to deal with that infestation. When choosing a termite...

A wood burning fireplace has several uses, including reduced heating costs and familial enjoyment like watching the glow of a roaring fire, or roasting marshmallows. Soot is a sticky substance...

Trex is the brand name for an extruded wood polymer product manufactured for a variety of uses, the most common of which is decking. Trex is manufactured with wood products, which give it the...