Blacktop is a great material to use if you want a blacktop driveway. But not all contractors are equal. Some do great work at installing blacktop, while others do a poor job. To get a great job done on your blacktop driveway, you better know the right questions to ask.
Skylights are a great addition to a home. A skylight allows natural light to enter a home. But these skylight windows can create confusion from time to time. Water that appears in and around the skylight might be condensation or it might be a skylight leak. The challenge is to discover the source of the water.
Concrete slabs will crack. Most concrete will crack. Concrete reinforcement by your contractor can help minimize or stop cracking. The use of steel rebar, synthetic fiber or wire mesh will help control the cracking.
Well built cement stucco homes can last hundreds of years. Pigments can be added to color stucco so that it never needs painting. Texture and patterns for stucco are infinite.
A fence can be a useful addition to a home, as long as you have been cleared for construction concerning property and zoning lines. There are many types and materials for fences, such as a chain link fence, wrought iron, wood or vinyl fence. Use only the highest double hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, so they won't rust.
Exterior home design is important to the look, the running and the future of your home. Custom design of your home should include porches and deep overhangs for inclement weather. Driveways should have conduit piping underneath them for future electrical installation outdoors such as lighting or invisible fencing. Add beautiful features on your roof such as turbine vents and chimney caps.
Roof leaks can develop in new homes. Metal flashing prevents these leaks by connecting roofing materials to non-roofing materials. They are made from tin, copper, galvanized steel, lead, aluminum and rubber.
A patio that suits its purpose requires some thought in creating the best patio design with enough space. Patios should be oriented toward the best view of your backyard and take sun and shade into consideration, along with present or future backyard landscaping. Beautiful outdoor rooms can be created with walkways to link your new living spaces.
Drain tile systems serve two purposes. Water removal away from the house and water injection into the soil foundation during drought. Drought conditions can cause the soil of your foundation to shrink, causing foundation and footer to fall. Installing drainage systems to prevent two problems is discussed in this column.
During winter, ice dams on roofs can melt and soak the inside of exterior walls and ceilings. While you can't stop them, you can prevent their damage by installing ice dam membranes underneath your shingles. Even though ice dams may form, the membrane won't let the water into your house.
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