Roofs require maintenance, like any other part of your house. An annual inspection should suffice for most asphalt shingle roofs. Check the roof flashings and shingles for nail pops. Other roofing materials like slate, metal and tile require less upkeep.
Wood siding can develop mildew stains, especially in wooded areas. The best water repellent stains to use contain synthetic resins. The higher the price, the better the stain. You can also clean your wood siding with Oxygen Bleach.
Vinyl siding has always tried to imitate the look and feel of real wood siding. But if you pushed against vinyl siding you would know instantly you were dealing with an imposter. The addition of foam insulation and new texturing methods has created a vinyl siding that does a fantastic job of simulating real wood.
My squirrel proof birdfeeders stump the squirrels every time. Birds are able to feed in peace. And the squirrels give us quite a show at the bird feeders.
Aluminum gutters can prevent long-term damage like efflorescence, wood rot and peeling exterior surfaces on your house. The flashing should drop into the gutter, directing water into the drain pipes that all the gutters are slanted toward. These gutters hold onto the fascia board through fasteners.
Simple hidden trench drains really work well if your lot reminds you of the swampy Everglades. Try one of my Linear French Drains to turn your lot into a meadow or grassland like you see in travel films.
Wood decks built with CCA treated lumber should be cleaned and sealed to keep the chemicals from being washed out of them and into the soil. Power washing can destroy a deck by shredding the soft wood on top. Oxygen bleach cleaners are non toxic and clean wood beautifully. Seal your wood decks with a synthetic resin sealer which has no oils to feed the growth of mildew or algae.
A patio of flagstone makes a colorful patio design. Patios and flagstone patios remain solid if proper patio installation is applied.
Liquid siding and liquid stucco coatings claim they can be sprayed on your home. Before you believe the claims about their long-lasting, permanent results, consider the Federal Trade Commission's standing on these products as well as several user opinions. Think long and hard before you sign a contract to have these products applied to your home!
Screened in porches with removable screens are excellent alternatives to hot, open-air decks. The new system has Velcro strips for adding and removing the screens. These porches can be built free standing but must be wind resistant, so use metal framing connectors to lock it to a deck or concrete patio.
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