Borate chemicals are highly toxic to wood boring insects, like termites and fungi but are safe for humans and animals. They come in powdery mixes and can be applied to existing wood. Make sure the one you buy is marked as a wood preservative.
Q&A /
Lots need good drainage to avoid huge problems for the homeowner. Water problems cause massive headaches for people who suffer flooding, damage or even just soggy residential lots. Check the lot you are considering during a rainstorm to see if you are in for yard drainage nightmares if you buy.
Concrete installation by a seasoned professional is the best way to ensure that your concrete driveway will last for years. Concrete reinforcement with steel or rebar will help control cracking. Concrete expansion joints are critical as is a good solid base.
Carpenter bees rarely sting, but they do drill holes into bare or unpainted wood regularly to deposit their young. Pest control methods are primarily to get rid of the larvae by spraying insecticidal dust inside the holes. Another method to kill carpenter bees is to keep susceptible wood painted or apply chemical repellents every 2-4 weeks.
A chain link fence with vinyl coated chain link is very durable and comes in different colors. Look for a high quality chainlink fence constructed with fabric that is 11.5 or 11 gauge, and make sure local zoning laws allow you to install taller fence heights before installing chain link fences.
Fiber cement siding has old-fashioned charm and the fiber cement panels come in many styles. There are also cement fiber shingles in different sizes. The two materials are easy to install and can be painted.
Garage door openers are a great convenience. Get the right size garage door opener for your doors. Garage door springs must be adjusted by professionals before you install your opener.
To eliminate standing water problems around your house your foundation must be waterproof. Foundation drainage codes require a natural slope away from the house for water flow. Drain pipes, downspouts or a sump pump also can all pipe water away from the house.
Clean and seal your deck and take next year off? It can be done. Use oxygen bleach to get a beautiful clean. Power washing will chew up the soft wood of your deck. Penetrating water repellents made of synthetic resins soak into the wood. These are not film forming sealers that will feed algae and mildew. Follow the directions and then take a year or two off.
Artificial stone can be applied directly to a wood wall substrate for a great stone wall look. The materials used will be: treated lumber for posts and beams; plywood for the sub-wall; and tar paper, galvanized wire lath and mortar for setting the stones.
SPONSORS /