Home Repair & Maintenance

Tile flooring is one of the most durable and long-lasting finish materials available to cover floors in the home. These tiles may be made from ceramic, porcelain or natural stone products such as...

Mold can grow in just about any area that is moist and receives little sunlight, especially a damp basement. Mold removal is important because it can cause damage to the basement and create health...

Mold may not be just on the surface of a wall. If the material is porous, such as drywall or sheetrock, the mold may go all the way in or even be coming from the inside of the wall, especially if...

Most people have experienced a hot day outside and were too lazy to go inside and get a drink, so they just drink from garden hoses. You might think if you just let the water run for a bit you...

Mold can grown on virtually any surface under the right conditions. Wood paneling is vulnerable to mold growth, particularly if it is in a damp or humid room, such as a basement. It is important...

People take pride in the condition of their homes, inside and out. It is common for debris to blow onto your sidewalk or driveway. You dutifully break out the push broom and remove it. However, if...

Iron bacteria are not unhealthy to humans, but they can create a sludge that narrows pipe diameter, impairing water flow. The rust-colored sludge in the water chamber of your flush toilet comes...

Cement surfaces often bear the brunt of difficult-to-clean stains. Oil or other automotive fluids leak onto your driveway. Household chemicals and rust find their way onto basement floors or...

Caulking your bathroom or outdoor areas is a useful maintenance strategy to ward of moisture damage to floors and walls. It also creates an appealing boundary between tiles and the tub walls of...

Accumulation of moss on your roof could eventually do serious damage to tiles or shingles. There are a number of methods to get rid of roof moss, from hiring a private contractor to doing it...

Green algae growth on wooden stairs is usually an outdoor problem that occurs on places where water collects and forms a continuous wet area or on wood that has been exposed to the elements for a...

The siding on a home is exposed to extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice and excessive heat. These conditions may cause mold to form on the siding. Mold on siding can diminish the...

Redwood is one of the most durable deck woods because of its inherent resistance to rotting, decay and pest damage. Unlike many other woods, redwood does not have to be stained or sealed to...

Because mold grows in damp (or humid) areas that receive little light, a basement can be the perfect place for it to thrive. To get rid of mold from a basement, the first thing you must do is...

Fungus thrives in damp, dark conditions. Roofs that receive little sunlight due to thick foliage overhang often develop fungus very quickly. Fungus is easily removed from non-porous surfaces with...

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...

You must remove mold and mildew in an attic, along with any dry rotted wood, prior to remodeling. First find the moisture sources and eliminate them (i.e. repair roof leaks and/or seal them before...

An outdoor spa can be a relaxing and therapeutic haven after a hard day. The hydrotherapy that an outdoor spa provides can help relieve stress, headaches and sleep problems as well as ease tired...

Grout is the special cement that fillls the spaces between tiles on your floor. It seems rock-solid, but it's actually the weakest part of the dirt-and-moisture shield that your tile floor...

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....

The caulk around your tub provides a waterproof seal between the tub and the tile or other wall material, spanning the gap without allowing moisture to seep through. If your caulk is corroding,...

One issue that can make your home unsightly at first glance is roof mold. In most cases roof mold is not a danger to your health, but it is not something you want to see, and if it continues to...

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...

Ceramic floor tile is durable and, in most cases, easy to clean. In fact, ceramic tile usually needs nothing more than a damp mop to keep it looking like new. Ceramic floor tiles that are exposed...

Many roofs have black stains that streak downward, widening as they approach the gutter. This is from limestone powder used in fiberglass shingles to give it weight and increase lifespan, an...

Mold and mildew will not only physically damage the areas where they grow but will also affect the respiration of people who come into contact with it. Mold and mildew grows on organic materials...

Rubberized floor tiles are used for a variety of purposes including kid's play areas, yoga, martial arts and gym floors. Rubberized tile is lightweight, waterproof and shock-absorbing, making it...

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...

Everyone has seen those ugly green algae stains that are on many roofs. If you are considering replacing your roof simply because of these stains, you may want to reconsider. The truth is, you can...

Treated wood put in place before 2003 was treated with chromated copper arsenate, and wood pressure treated after 2003 is treated with amine copper quat and copper azone or other chemical...

We've all had them at one point in time or another...clogged up pipes and backed up drains in our kitchens and bathrooms...here are a few preventative tips that only take a second or two and will...

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...

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...

Iron bacteria in home wells are caused by iron and manganese deposits in the water. These elements combine with dissolved oxygen to form a rusty color in the water. Through time, these deposits...

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...

Mold commonly grows in warm, humid areas; bathrooms and kitchens are particularly vulnerable to mold growth. Mold is a health concern, and can result in respiratory problems, congestion, sore...

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...

Mold is a fungus that attaches itself to buildings. Mold thrives on buildings that are exposed to moisture and receive limited sunlight. The way one cleans mold from a building can depend on what...

In particularly damp climates, many people have problems with mildew developing on their plastic shower liners . Scrubbing every inch of the shower liner can be difficult and frustrating. The best...

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 thrives in areas that are wet, damp and receive little sunshine. A basement can be a perfect place for mold to grow, particularly if it has undergone some type of water damage. Bleaching (or...

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet (or damp) areas. When a house becomes flooded, it greatly compounds the potential mold problem. When mold grows in a house, it is crucial to treat it...

Mold in living areas can be dangerous to humans. Among the many health problems that it is linked to are respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and...

Mildew, a fungus, is an early stage of mold. It grows in areas of the home that have been exposed to moisture. This could be caused by a flood, plumbing leak, damp basement, leaky roof or high...

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...

Roof moss is a regular problem for homeowners everywhere. Excess moss buildup can cause damage to the roof as it holds excess water against the surface, not allowing it to dry out properly. It can...

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,...

Since its introduction in 1913, Clorox Bleach has grown from a popular household laundry aid to being tagged "the miracle bottle" because of its many other uses--from sanitizing Rover's dog bowl...

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...

Roof moss can commonly develop on areas of roofing that receive limited amounts of sunlight as well as excess moisture. This could be caused by an area of shade due to a large tree, or even parts...