Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Siding
Why Proper Nailing Is So Important for Vinyl Siding
Homes function best when every element works in perfect harmony. Even the smallest parts, like nails and screws, make a difference. But the type of nails you use — and your nailing technique — is extra important when you install vinyl siding on your home. Vinyl is a plastic product, so it’s a little bit…
Windows
Polymer Window Panes Could Be the Newest Way to Upgrade Your Windows
A small window firm in Mackinac Island, Michigan, is aiming to revolutionize windows in homes all across America. Construction professionals have long known that windows were a weak point in a building’s outer envelope. While a tightly constructed, insulated wall can achieve R-values over 50, even the most efficient modern windows top out at around…
Flooring
Non-Toxic Wood Floor Sealers and Finishes
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate the charm and warmth that a wooden floor adds to any home. Still, they require some upkeep if they’re going to last for years and years—which brings us to question that so many homeowners are asking. What is the least toxic, healthiest way to finish and…
Siding
All About Stucco Finishing Options
Any home improvement project has its uncertainties. How much will it cost? How long will it take? Will there be any surprises when you start to build? If you’ve decided to re-side your home with stucco, know one thing for sure: you’ll have tons of stucco finishing options to explore. From simple waves to smooth,…
Other Home Projects
Installing a Widow’s Walk on Your Roof
If you hail from the New England area—or have just visited Cape Cod—you’re well versed in the distinct charm and quaint appeal that is the rooftop widow’s walk. These features call to mind the deep regional history of the coastal northeast, and they add a unique touch to modern homes in other parts of the…
Other Home Projects
Green Your Fireplace with Gas or Woodburning Inserts
According to Punxsutawney Phil, we’re in for a lot more winter weather this year. Luckily for you, that means all the more time you can spend warming yourself by the fireplace. And your time in front of the hearth will be all the more enjoyable when you install a gas or woodburning insert in place…
Siding
How Sunlight Can Cause Problems for Brick and Stucco Siding
Moisture problems often arise from external factors like ice, rain, sleet, and snow, making it essential to protect your home. However, homes with masonry, stucco, fiber cement, or concrete exteriors may face a lesser-known issue called inward solar vapor drive. This occurs when cool, air-conditioned interiors cause condensation inside the house wrap, while rain-soaked exterior…
Siding
Does Liquid Protectant Work for Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding may be durable, but it struggles against the sun and rain. Prolonged sun exposure can cause fading and, in extreme cases, even warp or melt the siding. Rain doesn’t help either, especially in shady, humid areas where moisture encourages algae and mold growth, leaving behind permanent stains. That’s where a liquid protectant comes…