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Home improvement and renovation tips

Housewrap hints

Last time we looked at the advantages of housewrap. Now we'll show you how to install it. Manufacturer's instructions may vary a bit, so check them, but these basics should apply most of the time. Install the housewrap before you install windows or doors in the openings. Start at the bottom. In fact, one method ...

Housewrap and what it's for

When you build a house (or an addition), you generally apply sheathing to your wall studs, and then put your siding material over top of that. Another method is to install polystyrene installation over thinner (2x) walls, which helps to improve the overlap of insulation. But either one of these techniques will still allow air ...

Fascia treatments for gable ends

The fascia on a house's gable can be tackled in a number of ways. Here are a few examples. Simple and straightforward. In this case, the soffit on the side of the house is level, and the corner closes the end. More elaborate bargeboard - or gingerbread -- trim from days of yore. A return, ...

Garden tool care

Summer chores are just about over, but before you put away all your gardening tools for the winter, take a little time to take care of things now, so you'll be ready to go come spring. Clean all your garden tools now, rubbing off rust with a steel wool pad dipped in turpentine. Then file ...

Space saving outdoor storage – How to build it

Here are some hints on building your garden tool hutch and your power mower garage. Tool hutch Rather than building this as an "outbuilding" to your shed, attach it to the wall above the ground. This protects it by keeping it off the wet earth, and also puts it at an easily accessible height. Build ...

Space saving outdoor storage

Even if you have a garage or a shed to store your outdoor tools in, it seems that the clutter magically propogates until it's spilling out the doors. If you could find a way to corral it elsewhere, you can free up space for a workshop area, or for stuff that should be stored there, ...

Mortar mixin' (and more) tips

If you're getting into some bricks and mortar, here are some tips on using the latter ingredient. To make sure your mix is even, thoroughly dry mix any premix using cement before you add the water. You can color the mortar for a more pleasing effect with iron oxides. When you're mixing these in with ...

Solar powered lights for outdoor lighting revisited

Outdoor lighting can be complex or simple. Regular voltage lighting provides more control, the potential for brighter lightâ€¦ and requires proper electrical wiring techniques. Low-voltage lights give you some control (in that you can set them up to turn on and off from the house), lower light levels, and pretty easy installation. Solar garden lights ...

How to repair concrete (Part II)

Last time, we looked at materials and helped you decide how to tackle your concrete repair. Let's get down to patching that damaged area.Remove any loose or crumbling sections of concrete, and brush the area firmly with a steel brush. If the surrounding area appears loose, tap it lightly with a mini-sledge to test its ...

How to repair concrete (Part I)

Concrete's a hard material, but water and temperature changes can damage it, particularly if it's cracked. Water seeps into the cracks, where freezing and thawing causes it to expand and contract. The secret to long-lasting concrete is to repair cracks and damaged concrete as soon as possible.Here are some of the materials you can use. ...