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Home improvement and renovation tips

Types of windows

Last time we looked at the various parts of a window. Now we'll look at some of the more common windows types and styles you might have on your house, or be thinking of getting. Divided light This is a style that can appear in many types of windows described below. It consists of a ...

The parts of a window

You probably know a few window terms; you can probably safely identify a sash. But if you're going to do any serious window talking, here's a glossary to help you pontificate with confidence. Sash Let's definie it anyway. A sash is any framed piece of glass in a window. It might move, but it can ...

Spring driveway repairs

Winter and frost can do a number on your driveway. If your final few feet of driving gives you a sinking feeling, here's help. Obviously, if your driveway's gravel, you just need to fill the holes. Other materials require a little more work. Asphalt Clean out the hole, and if it's really deep, fill the ...

Your spring home checkup

As if you didn't need more reminders about all the things you need to do to get ready for summer â€“ here's our pestering list of spring cleanup and inspections. 1. Check out the roof and gutters. Winter can be damaging to shingles and drainage areas. Look for missing or damaged shingles. Make sure gutters ...

How to de-ice your eaves with heating wires

We've talked before about how ice can build up on your eaves in the winter. If your roof isn't well insulated, heat escaping from the house can melt the snow. This drips merrily down the slope of the warm roof until it suddenly hits the eaves. The eaves, of course, aren't warm, so the water ...

Stop light pollution (save energy and money)

Outdoor and indoor lighting should be more than functional. It can make your home more attractive and set a mood. But it can also work to your disadvantage if turning on a few lights makes your house look a prison during a jailbreak. Here are some tips to keep your lights doing their jobs without ...

How to run electrical overhead

Last time we looked at how to get electricity to an outbuilding by burying the cable. This time we'll explore the other option â€“ overhead wires. As we said last time, before you start, check the code for details, but these fundamentals should give you an idea of what you're going to need to do. ...

How to run electrical underground

If you've built a handy new shed or outbuilding out back, you could probably use a bit of power out there to run lights, power tools, or heaters. Here's how to go about it. You basically have two options on getting the power to the outbuilding: underground or overhead cables. Underground is preferable when possible, ...

Gravel types and uses

Gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate â€“ to use a few of the words for those little rocks â€“ is a versatile material for a variety of projects. Here's an idea. Drainage. If you're building a flagstone patio or walkway, or if you're laying down a concrete driveway, adequate drainage is important to avoid problems such ...

How to install siding straight and true

It should be easy. Lap or clapboard siding comes with a rabbet in the bottom edge, which sits directly on the piece below, so keeping the siding level and consistent all the way up the side of the house should be a breeze. But if you plan it well, and keep an eye on it, ...