Wood roofing used to be the norm but fell out of favor with the introduction of asphalt shingles. Today, a wood roof is a specialty item. There are two varieties – shingle and shake. If you are springing for a custom roof, be aware that wood shingles don’t last too long (usually 15 years or less).

It makes more sense to invest in a thicker, high quality shake roof that can last 30-40 years. This material has excellent insulating properties. It also adds natural beauty to your home. Cedar can be sealed to preserve the original color or allowed to weather to a silvery grey over time.

Is Cedar Safe?

Cedar can be pressure treated and impregnated with fire retardants to make it fairly resistant to burning. However, its fire resistant rating is not as high as that of other materials such as cement, tile, and slate.

Some municipalities that experience frequent wildfires prohibit the use of cedar shakes; but in most areas they are permissible as long as they meet fire codes. When you look for materials, make sure the wood isn’t simply treated with a spray-on or brush-on flame retardant – those may wear off over time.

What About Moisture?

A properly installed cedar shake roof with appropriate underlayment and flashing doesn’t pose a leakage risk. A good power washing every few years will actually help keep the roof in good condition.

If you live in a particularly humid area, look for materials that have been pretreated with a fungicide. This should prevent excessive mold or mildew growth on the exposed surfaces of the shakes. Algae may also grow on the wood but doesn’t damage it.

Does your bathroom have one or more walls that look out on the outside world? This gives you a perfect opportunity to let in some natural light. Of course, you also want to retain privacy in this room. Heavy drapes make a small space look cramped and gauzy sheer curtains won’t give you enough opacity. However, there are plenty of window options that will let the sun in while keeping out prying eyes.

Location Specific

Consider placing casement (awning style) windows close to the ceiling. These let in the daylight and can even be opened to air out the bathroom and keep humidity low. They are too high for passersby or neighbors to peer through. If you prefer a window that doesn’t open, consider a nautical style round window.

Partially Opaque

Frosted panes are a good option for bathrooms if you want a large picture window. Just make sure the etching is consistent enough to provide your desired amount of coverage. For smaller windows, consider decorative stained glass. These work best in a bathroom that is painted a neutral ivory or white color to really show off the colored light from the artful window panes.

Bend The Light

Glass Block Window

Glass block windows (made of cubes of thick glass) are another choice that provides a “distorted” view of the outside while letting in the sun. Some installers can even build shower stalls out of this type of material allowing you to carry the motif from the window to the rest of the bathroom.

Do you want the look of wood veneer kitchen cabinets without the expense? Refacing the cabinets and replacing the doors and hardware is much easier and more cost effective than remodeling. You don’t even have to strip the paint off your existing cabinets. You can cover the paint with wood veneer or laminate panels.

First, remove and discard the old doors. Then, sand the boxes just enough to make the painted surface rough instead of slick. Fill in the holes where you removed the hardware with wood putty (scraping it even with the rest of the cabinet) and let it dry. Measure and write down where the holes were. That way, you can avoid installing the new screws in the same spot – they won’t hold well in putty.

Cut your selected veneer panels or self adhesive laminate sheets to the correct size and shape for your cabinet fronts. The end panels usually come in standard sizes, but you can also alter these if required. Glue or press the refacing materials in place over the sanded paint. Trim off any excess with a sharp utility knife. Sand down the edges just a little to make them smooth to the touch.

Stain the surface of your new cabinet doors to match the veneer. If you can’t get an exact match, consider going for contrast with a full shade darker or lighter. Take your time selecting the perfect hardware – all the money you saved on this project can be put to good use here. You will be able to afford ornamental handles and hinges in brass or other top quality materials.

Install the hinges no more than 1/2” from where the original hinges were – taking care not to drill into the old holes. Locate the handles at the bottom 1/3 of the door for upper cabinets and at the top 1/3 for lower cabinets.

Additional Tip:

Are you refacing the interior of your cabinet boxes too? Consider installing glass front cabinet doors to show off the wood grain on the interior. This will make your kitchen appear more open.

If you are looking for replacement windows in fairly standard sizes, one of the most common styles you will find is the double-hung window. These feature two panes of glass – each in a separate frame or sash. With a true double-hung window, the bottom pane and top pane can both slide up or down independently of one another.

Some cheaper models only allow movement of the bottom pane. In these cases, there is generally only a screen on the bottom half of the window. Either style works equally well to ventilate your home with fresh air and reduce the accumulation of indoor air pollutants.

These windows may be placed on either side of a larger “picture” window that doesn’t open. That way, the room has a view and plenty of sunlight along with a nice breeze. Double hung windows that open easily may also play a role in an emergency fire exit strategy.

Compression weather-stripping, springs, or counterweights are used to hold the open sash firmly in the desired position. If these components become worn or damaged, they need to be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, the open window sash may slide down into the sill forcefully enough to cause the pane to shatter.

Double hung windows can be purchased with vinyl, wood or metal frames. Energy efficient styles often feature double paned glass and UV radiation protection. Installing replacement windows that are the same size as your current windows is relatively easy. However, making sure the seal around the jambs and sill is airtight takes some attention to detail. Always read the manufacturer’s warranty before attempting a DIY window replacement to make sure you aren’t voiding your coverage.

When residential aluminum siding was first invented in 1947, it represented a giant leap forward in ease of maintenance for the average homeowner. Before that point, a wooden façade was the most common option. The downside of using wood was the constant maintenance required to keep it in good repair. Moisture could cause the siding to swell and contract making nails come loose. Infestation with termites and other bugs was common, paint peeled and flaked, and rot was a constant threat.

Aluminum changed all this. It is impervious to insects and can’t be damaged by water. However, this type of siding isn’t completely maintenance free. Besides the occasional dent repair, homeowners must repaint their siding after it has been in service 20+ years. The initial paint job will have faded and/or become chalky by this point. It may even be worn away completely in some places.

Prepping and Painting Aluminum Siding

A good power washing is the best way to clean aluminum siding prior to painting. This gets rid of dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, and other types of gunk. Any dents should be fixed during the prep phase. Gutters should be repaired as well.

After this, a coat of primer must be applied. If the previous coat of paint is chalky, a primer that contains oil may be used to provide better adhesion. When there is bare aluminum showing, latex primers that contain ammonia should be avoided. They may cause bubbling as the ingredients interact with the oxidized metal. It’s a good idea to get a professional opinion when choosing a primer since the results will affect how well the paint goes on.

After the primer has dried, apply high quality latex paint. Invest in the best paint you can afford – it will last longer than cheap products. You can use a roller or brush to apply this final coat; but a pressure sprayer offers the smoothest coverage. It does take a skilled hand to minimize overspray with this equipment. If you aren’t experienced with using a compressor and spray gun, it’s a good idea to leave this job to a professional

When you install granite countertops in your kitchen, you have lots of options for detailing. Since this material is generally thicker than standard laminate tops, the edge profile can be quite ornate. At the very least, the sharp corners will be slightly beveled or rounded down creating an eased radius. A steeper bevel is often used to add angular appeal to classic countertops.

For a smoother curved effect that looks good in any kitchen, you can choose from a variety of bullnose edges. The top edge can be curved and the bottom edge left straight for a half bullnose. Or, the top and bottom can be equally curved to create a half circle radius. This style is easy to keep clean since there are no creases where food crumbs or drips can collect.

Ogee Edge

Stair-stepped styles often couple a bevel with a half bullnose or an ogee (a shallow S curve) to create a fancier edge. These generally work best on a fairly thick slab of granite. That’s partly so the detailing won’t be too small; but making sure the edge is sturdy and won’t chip off under pressure is also important.

In the past, adding an elaborate edge profile could substantially affect the price of granite countertops. Today’s stone working technology makes it possible to get this extra detailing for a much more reasonable price. Make sure that your dealer has the right equipment to create the edge you want. Otherwise, you may have to hire a second contractor to handle that step.

Even for home owners who love wall to wall carpet, there is one room in the house that always has hard flooring. That’s the kitchen. Tile is currently the most popular option for this area, but alternatives are starting to garner attention in the home improvement world as well. Finishing the surface of bare concrete to create a variety of attractive effects is a great example.

Of course, concrete needs to be relatively unmarked for this to look good. The slab must be protected during construction or repaired after the existing flooring is removed. It should be free of pitting, flaking, dips, and uneven patches. Hairline cracks are usually ignored since they can be masked with a visually interesting pattern.

The Finishing Touches

Stained Concrete

Multi-colored stains or glazes are often used to create a faux marble or natural stone look for concrete. The floor may be scored or etched to add interest. For large, abstract designs, dyes are often used over staining to develop eye popping colors. Sealer and wax are applied on top of the colorant to preserve it and protect the underlying surface.

If your concrete slab is too damaged to be easily smoothed out for staining, an overlay may be your best bet. These can be sprayed on, poured on, or applied with a gauge rake to ensure a perfectly level result. The surface may be stamped or stenciled to create the look of tile. Color can be incorporated into the mix or applied after the overlay is dry depending on the product used.

Replacement windows are only as good as the warranty that backs them up. Limited warranties are just that – they restrict what a company will do to make things right if things go wrong. Look for manufacturers who offer products with at least a 20 year warranty period. Make sure you understand which components are covered and what circumstances might void your warranty.

Going with a name brand product may not be cheap. However, you may be stuck with a worthless agreement if you buy from a company that goes out of business or is sold after you purchase your windows. When this happens, you are likely to get the run around on who is actually responsible for honoring your claim.

That’s also something to take into consideration when it comes to the installation warranty (which is a separate agreement). There are plenty of fly-by-night home improvement “professionals” who will be long gone by the time the defects in their work become apparent. Choose an established installation company that has a reputation to uphold.

A full lifetime warranty that covers your windows for as long as you own your home is ideal. This type of guarantee generally means you can’t be charged any service or repair fees for fixing a defective product. In addition, the warrantor must actually correct the problem and can’t simply refund your purchase price and walk away without your consent.

Read the Fine Print!

Some manufacturers may offer to transfer the warranty when you sell your home to a new owner. That’s an additional perk that can increase the value of your investment in replacement windows. Always store your warranties for home improvements with your mortgage documents so everything is in one place when you need it.

Do you have dents in your aluminum siding? This type of damage can happen at any time – even with brand new siding. To keep your home looking new longer, fix damaged areas as soon as you notice them. Check your siding after any extreme weather event such as hail or windstorms that may have driven objects into your siding at high speed.

Here’s a quick step by step guide to fixing indentations in your aluminum siding:

Use a power drill with a 1/8” bit to create a hole near the center of the dent. For large dents, you may need to make multiple holes.

Thread a machine screw into the drilled hole. It should be a snug fit. Leave 1/2” of the screw shaft and the head sticking out.

Grip the screw with a pair of pliers and pull in a smooth, firm motion. This should pop the dent out. Remove the screw completely.

Use an automotive putty to fill in the screw hole and level out any remaining dip in the aluminum. Let it dry completely. This step may take more than one application – it’s better to put in too little than too much at one time.

Sand the putty so it is completely even with the surface of the siding. Prime the repaired area and allow it to dry again.

Apply two coats of paint, allowing it to dry between applications. Now, the formerly dented patch will match the rest of the aluminum siding on your home.

Windows can bring a lot of cheerful sunshine into your home. However, a perfectly clear pane of glass can sometimes be a “pain”. If you’ve ever had a child run into a sliding glass door or a bird fly into a window, you know this all too well. Fortunately, there are solutions that are both attractive and practical.

Celtic Window Decal

Frosted vinyl decals are available in sizes for every window and glass door. These can feature palm trees, lighthouses, frolicking dolphins, or other pleasant images. You can place decals on just the borders/corners or choose a large design for the center of the glass for greatest visibility. For kid’s rooms, decorative stickers that represent favorite cartoon characters or other interests may be appropriate.

Full color “stained glass” decals or intricately etched film can be applied in sheets if privacy is preferable to having a view. For best results, choose a product that is removable. That way, if you make a mistake during installation you can peel it off and start over.

If you want to maintain the clear appearance of your windows while keeping your feathered friends safe, consider bird decals. WindowAlert stickers are transparent to the human eye. However, they contain a substance that reflects UV light. Birds can see colors in the ultraviolet spectrum and will be able to avoid flying into the glass.

Damaged Chimney

As a homeowner, you probably check your roof (at least from the ground) after any significant storm event. However, it’s probably been a while since you inspected your chimney stack. The exterior brick portion of your chimney is exposed to hot and cold weather as well as moisture. It is common for wear and tear to take a toll. Freeze and thaw cycles can cause damage very quickly. Check your chimney every couple of years and have maintenance done before problems get out of hand.

Do It Yourself

Replace or repair metal flashing that is loose or has fallen off. Flashing keeps the seal between your chimney and the surrounding roof watertight. Preventing moisture penetration into your attic is important for reducing the incidence of mildew growth.

Install a metal chimney cap. This keeps birds and other animals from entering your chimney. It can also double as a rain cap keeping water out.

Waterproof the exterior of your chimney. A silane/siloxane sealant is ideal. It prevents liquid rainwater from penetrating into the bricks and mortar. However, it is breathable and permits water vapor to escape from the bricks.

Hire a Professional

Check the chimney crown for proper construction. Builders often cut corners when it comes to protecting the interior of your chimney from the elements. The crown should extend at least 2 inches beyond the walls of the chimney. It should be made of a precast (or metal reinforced) concrete slab – not mortar mix. The crown should slope away from the center slightly so water runs off the edges.

The flue liner extends up through this slab. It expands and contracts with the heat of the fire below. This means the crown slab should be protected from direct contact with the flue. Heat tolerant silicone caulk should be used to seal the gap between the flue liner and the crown to prevent water from seeping in.

If there are problems with the crown, chances are there is also damage to the mortar on the stack below. Get cracks and flaking repaired ASAP to prevent further deterioration.

If you are doing a kitchen remodel, this is a great time to do some basic pest proofing. Keeping this area free of food crumbs is just the start. Bugs and rodents have other reasons for visiting your kitchen – warmth, shelter, and moisture. Here are some tips for keeping pest problems to a minimum:

Remodeled Kitchen

Check the exterior of your home outside the kitchen. Seal any cracks or openings that may allow critters to infiltrate. Pay special attention to entry points for pipes. Use weather stripping or caulk to fix any gaps around windows or doors in your kitchen.

If your kitchen adjoins your garage, this is particularly important. Garages are usually not well sealed and pests can easily enter from outdoors. If you keep pet food or organic material like mulch in your garage, it is very likely that there are bugs present.

Check all the plumbing in your kitchen including the sink, dishwasher, and the water line to your refrigerator. Fix any leaks or drips to discourage pests. Replace any water-damaged or mold infested particle board.

When you repaint your kitchen or resurface the floor, take advantage of this opportunity to move all your appliances away from the walls. Check behind them for egg casings and rodent droppings that may indicate an infestation.

Are you installing new appliances? Choose built in models that don’t leave gaps between the countertop and the unit. That way you don’t have to worry about food crumbs or spills between the counter and the fridge or stove.