Home Maintenance

Smoke detectors are also referred to as smoke alarms. They're used in homes and businesses to warn occupants of a fire. This gives the occupants enough time to get themselves and their pets out of...

Saving energy is on everyone's mind these days for a variety of reasons, and saving electricity at home is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to start. Using less electricity, which will...

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...

The cooler weather of fall makes home improvement projects more tolerable. Many fall home improvement projects focus on preparing the home for winter weather. This includes sealing, protecting and...

Termites are a socially advanced insect that live in colonies, have a division of labor between genders, take care of their offspring and possess an organized system of activity. These...

Homes that use boilers depend on them for a number of important tasks, mostly air and water heating. Boilers can suffer from a number of mechanical problems, and while some are simple to diagnose...

Cleaning can be a tedious chore; however, it is necessary to maintain your home as a peaceful, serene, sanctuary. A messy room, in particular, promotes additional stress that can be prevented by...

Polished marble is a luxurious material that can look stunning for a very long time. Modern homes are using marble in every room, including showers. Many homeowners wonder how often marble needs...

Defining pine tar, and what it actually is, can be an important step in removing it from stone. Most people refer to pine tar or pine pitch as the sap from pine trees that drips from the trunks...

In this article we will cover the steps needed to repair most cracks in concrete walls. It is very important to repair cracks in basements. If you are selling your house cracks can scare potential...

Rats have plagued mankind for centuries. In fact, the rat is the most successful mammal after humans. They are one of the hardest pests to get rid of because of their intelligence, agility and...

For most at-home welding projects, a flux-core welder is the best choice. As opposed to GMAW (gas metal arc welders), which need a large tank of shielding gas to accompany the welding machine...

Standard toilets often leak when a component becomes worn out, including toilet "flappers." New toilet designs use the "tipping bucket" concept instead of flappers.

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...

Milwaukee Tools manufacturers heavy-duty flashlights. The flashlights use rechargeable lithium-ion or NiCd battery backs to provide long-lasting power. Milwaukee flashlights come with replacement...

Using boric acid is a great way to naturally prevent odor or help keep things clean. This non-toxic substance can be used on household products, sheets and even on a human being to keep odors at...

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...

Adult raccoons typically build nests in hollow trees during the springtime to protect and raise their young. In suburban areas, raccoons have found a new place to set up their day care centers:...

White patent leather often comes in the form of shoes or purses and can be quite a fun and smart way to dress up your outfit. However, this type of material scuffs incredibly easily, leaving tiny...

Love the look of a stained door but fear your fiberglass door is unstainable? Fear not: A fiberglass door can be stained. Although standard wipe-on stain normally applied to wood cannot be used...

Keeping track of the relative humidity in your home is an important part of good home maintenance. Homes that have consistent high humidity are more likely to develop problems such as black mold,...

Bathroom fixtures often incorporate fiberglass. Resurface your bathroom fiberglass as you notice small cracks or dullness on the surface; regardless of the application, you'll always use the same...

Small, cramped crawlspaces aren't created for the best air flow and, as a result, they can accumulate moisture, putting part of your house at risk for problems such as mold, mildew and wood...

There are a few simple steps you can take to have an energy efficient home. Taking the time to inspect the areas in your home where energy escapes, can save you money each month on your energy bill.

Pest control products available for the average consumer are remarkably similar to professional products chemically; the real difference is that retail pest products are marketed for their ease of...

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...

If you installed a cedar closet or were fortunate enough to rent or buy a home with an existing one, then you appreciate the benefits it offers. Cedar closets keep your clothes smelling fresh...

Cookies, pies, brownies and cupcakes---they are all on your list of things to bake today. You pull out the flour, baking powder and sugar from your cupboard. When you open the container of flour,...

Garages are, by nature, less tightly sealed than houses. Their big doors let in more moisture and cannot close as tightly as normal house doors. Humidity can be a problem if metal tools, dry...

Throughout the years, cement stairs can become worn and old looking. Weather, daily walking and use, and the presence of potted plants on the stairs can cause unsightly stains. Resurfacing the...

Chlorine bleach is used in many households as a disinfectant and as an effective cleaning solution. The sodium hypochlorite solution is highly toxic undiluted; especially to plants. It is the...

Your washing machine's drain hose is not immune from clogs. Washing machine hoses clog for a variety of reasons, including a build up of detergent, thread from garments and lint from towels. The...

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...

Whether you connect to a public sewer line or a private septic system, your septic drainage system is an important element to your home value and to comfortable living. It is the guts and...

Moisture build-up is a problem anywhere in the home. In places like the garage, it can be difficult to control because garages are not always well ventilated. Poor ventilation causes stagnant air...

Automatic overhead, or garage, doors offer curb appeal, increased home value and an element of safety. To keep from opening overhead doors all around the neighborhood when you push your remote,...

Siding for your home is available in several types, including aluminum, vinyl and cement fiber. If you have siding on your home there are some disadvantages that you will have to deal with.

Roaches are nocturnal and can invade your home through cracks, doors and other openings in the home without you noticing. Once inside, roaches multiply quickly and their feces can cause allergies...

Owning a home can be a challenge; there are a myriad of chores that you take for granted if you've been an apartment dweller. Removing leaves from the gutters of your home is such a chore. If the...

You have a few different options for heating a garage. Installing vents to your garage from your house is not always the best solution, or even a practical one. The easiest and quickest way is to...

Cleaning marble is not always an easy task because of a variety of differences, depending on where it came from. With man-made marble (also called "cultured marble"), even more variables come into...

A garage, while typically used to house and protect cars and other vehicles, can be converted into a bedroom, play room, or other type of dwelling. With a reasonable amount of time, money, and...

Smoke detectors are alarm detection systems. They work by sensing products that use combustion. Currently, there are two types of smoke detectors. The two types are photoelectric (or...

Most wooden decks are made from finished wood, so cleaning blood stains requires little more than a quick swipe with a wet, soapy sponge or rag. With quick action, the stain won't have time to...

White mold, which is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is most known for attacking plants. White mold can grow on just about anything provided it's in the proper environment and has a...

Gas furnace output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Output BTU is important to know because it will determine which furnace you need to heat a particular area. When a furnace has too...

Swimming pools are a popular recreational gathering spot, but they require frequent cleaning. Owners often use common household bleach to disinfect their swimming pools. While bleach may make...

Squirrels are common animals in industrial environments. They tend to live in the trees of local parks, but may take up residence in the trees surrounding your home. Squirrels can become a pest...

Getting the right size furnace for the area you want to heat is important. The wrong furnace size will either waste energy or not heat the entire area. Furnace sizes are measured in British...