Home Improvement Exterior

What Is The Minimum Roof Pitch For Shingles?

Shingling a roof can be far more complicated than you may have realized. Because of the various materials involved, there are certain specifications that must be met to ensure that the roof and shingles are properly installed.

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Can Squirrels Climb PVC Pipe? (Find Out Now!)

Squirrels can be an entertaining sight in your backyard as they perform the gymnastic moves through the tree limbs. However, if you are like me and are more entertained by the birds attracted by your birdfeeder, squirrels are more of a nuisance. People suggest several methods to stop squirrels from raiding your birdfeeder. We wonder if squirrels can climb PVC pipes.

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Why Does My Sliding Glass Door Track Fill With Water? (Fix It Now!)

Sliding glass doors are preferred by homeowners who enjoy picturesque views. They’re great for many more reasons, but a downside is that they can sometimes have water intrusion problems.

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Can You Paint Cement Board? (Find Out Now!)

Cement board, widely known as Hardie board, is a form of fiber cement that is commonly used on the exterior of buildings or as the backing for walls, floors, and tile applications. The boards are incredibly durable and highly resistant to fire, rot, and mold and mildew growth. When used as an exterior building material, you may be wondering: “can you paint cement board?”

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What Is The Best Color To Paint An Exterior Chimney? (Find Out Now!)

If the exterior of your home is making you feel less than excited, it might be time for a change. Painting the exterior is a way to change the look of your home without a complete renovation. This includes painting the chimney, too, which can be a task in itself, but what’s the best color for an exterior chimney?

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Composite Vs. Vinyl Siding: What Are The Major Differences?

Vinyl siding is extremely popular, even if you’re in a location that is famous for being rough on siding. When you’re trying to get new siding, you’re going to be presented with vinyl options as well as options that are less common. One of the rarer ones is composite siding. For the right home, composite can be the best choice ever. For others, it’s all about vinyl. The question we’re asking today is, which is better overall?

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Where To Plant Trees To Save On Air Conditioning

There’s no denying that energy costs are out of control, getting higher and higher year after year. Utility costs tend to rise right along with the rising outdoor temperatures. Therefore, it’s not surprising that people want to reduce the heat entering their homes so that they can lower their bills. A popular method is planting trees to save on air conditioning. But this only works if you know where to plant them.

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What Exterior Paint Color Fades The Least?

Painting the outside of your home is a crucial and sizable undertaking for any homeowner. The job is likely to leave you spent between all the exterior prepping, paint selection, and the labor of several coats it takes to do the job right. 

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Quick, Easy Ways To Spruce Up Your Front Porch

The first thing people see when they come to your house is the front porch. Whether a small humble stoop or a large wrap-around showpiece, your porch should feel welcoming and make people want to see more. Therefore, if the front of your house needs a facelift, it’s time to spruce up your front porch.

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Do I Need A Permit To Install Solar Panels?

Making the switch to solar is one of the biggest decisions in a homeowner’s life. Whether you want to save money on your electricity or get completely off the grid, there are options for you.

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Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Stucco? (Find Out Now!)

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular ways to protect the outside of your home, and rightfully so. It prevents damage from the elements, adds a modern veneer, and also can raise the price of your home. Switching from one home exterior (like stucco) to vinyl seems like a good idea. The question at hand, of course, is if it’s even feasible to put vinyl over stucco in the first place.

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9 Types Of Chimney Caps (With Photos)

Chimneys offer curb appeal, functionality, and a classic vibe that appeals to countless homeowners. They are easy to spot from the street, but their primary benefit is that chimney caps protect your roof and fireplace. With all of the benefits that chimney caps have to offer; how many types are there?

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Can You Put Siding Over Asbestos Siding? (Find Out Now!)

Asbestos is the great boogeyman of building materials. Once seen in almost every home as a siding material, it’s now regarded as “blue death.” Builders do not want to touch it unless they absolutely have to, and rightfully so. It’s cancer-causing. But, when you have asbestos siding, it feels like you need to work with it. Can you place siding over asbestos?

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How to Level The Ground For a Pool Without Digging

Most people dream of having a pool in their backyard. It would be nice to go out your back door to swim, instead of going to a crowded public pool or lake. Except, there’s only one issue: You don’t want to dig up your yard. That’s okay! We have a way around that.

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Do You Need To Vent A Metal Roof?

Metal roofs have been used to top barns, country-style homes, and buildings across the U.S. since the 1700s. However, the metal roofs of today are nothing like the familiar tin roof of years past.

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How To Build A Wrap Around Porch (In 5 Easy Steps)

The addition of a wrap around front porch can be one of the greatest ways to enhance the exterior of your home and increase your living space. They provide an excellent location for entertaining guests, enjoying gorgeous views, lounging in a rocking chair and sipping on lemonade.

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What Colors Do Gutters Come In?

Gutters serve the important function of directing water away from your house, and they are a fixture of every house. Every builder-owner knows the importance of good gutters and the trouble that having them can save.

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How To Keep A Backyard Pond Clean

A pond in your backyard can be a fun feature, adding beauty and a relaxing, calming atmosphere. But if your pond ends up grimy, full of algae, or otherwise yucky, it’s anything but beautiful. So, how do you keep a backyard pond clean so it’s worth having as part of your oasis?

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How To Reduce Traffic Noise In The Backyard

Having a home with a backyard is a blessing. It allows you the opportunity to enjoy nature, peace, and tranquility, especially in the summer months. There are all sorts of leisure activities perfect for the backyard, including grilling, sunbathing, and reading. But if your backyard is near a busy street, your backyard tranquility might be stifled by irritating noises. While it is easy to block the sight of traffic, is it possible to reduce the traffic noise in your backyard?

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How To Winterize A Pond With Fish

There are many things to take care of on your property before winter hits, and it can be stressful. It can be intimidating if you have never winterized a pond with fish, but it’s necessary. Whether you’re new to ponds or have years of experience, you may still struggle with how to winterize a pond with fish.

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What Color To Paint A House Foundation?

Painting your house is a huge undertaking. And you probably don’t want to do it twice. So, choose the best color for your foundation the first time. Then, update the style every few years.

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How To Position Flood Lights On Your House

Outdoor lighting really adds glamor to your home’s facade if you design it right. But just as with lighting the inside of your home, exterior lighting is a bit complicated, and there are many ways you can go astray. When it comes to flood lights, for example, there are definite do’s and don’ts to consider when installing and positioning them.

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6 Types Of Concrete Curbs (With Photos)

It is easy to put concrete curbs out of your mind because of how commonplace they are in daily life. Whether you walk over concrete curbs every day or you simply drive alongside them, they’re a bigger part of your life than they may seem. With all of the functionality and benefits of concrete curbs, how many types are there?

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How To Paint Cinder Block To Look Like Stone

If there’s one building material that’s become known as an eyesore, it’s cinder block. These poured concrete blocks are often seen as a sign of something that’s cheaply made, and if left on their own, could even tick off a homeowner’s association. If you have a home that has cinderblocks as part of the building’s make, don’t worry. There are ways to paint cinder blocks to look more like stone.

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How to Anchor a Gazebo Without Drilling

A gazebo might be a great addition to your backyard patio or lawn. You can escape the heat of summer or have protection from the rain. Unless you have a concrete slab that you can drill into, you may find it difficult to anchor a gazebo.

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What Color Should I Paint My Back Door? (Find Out Now!)

The back door is not usually given a second thought. Most people think of it as strictly a means to the outdoor or back yard. And rarely is it considered a design component of a room.

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How To Install A Mailbox On An Existing Metal Post

If you’ve just moved into a new house and have a post but no mailbox, don’t panic! You can easily install a mailbox onto an already existing metal post. It’s a lot easier than it sounds, and it makes for an easier time with installation as you won’t need to dig the hole for the post or request permission. So, how do you install a mailbox on an existing metal post?

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Why Does My Garage Door Open By Itself?

The sound of your garage door opening when it shouldn’t is scary. Your garage is about more than parking your car; it’s also a gateway into your home. Every homeowner should trust their garage door to stay closed, but that’s hard when it’s faulty. So, why does my garage door open by itself?

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Can You Paint Fiberglass Doors? (Find Out Now!)

Fiberglass exterior doors are becoming more popular with builders and homeowners upgrading their homes. Fiberglass doors offer a lot of advantages like those offered by steel or PVC door units. However, fiberglass door units offer only a few color options, and many homeowners wonder if they can paint a fiberglass door to match the exterior of their homes. 

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How To Calculate Septic Drain Field Size

A septic tank needs ample space to drain. And without knowing precisely how big your field should be, it can lead to ground contamination at worst and a nasty cleanup effort at best. Taking the proper precautions beforehand will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

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How To Fix A Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

Driveways are supposed to be a place where your car can feel at home…and where your car’s wheels won’t get too banged up. When you first kick off your driveway’s life, the asphalt is smooth and accommodating. Unfortunately, wear and tear can happen. If left for too long, asphalt cracks turn into crumbles, and then you’ve got a mess to deal with. So, how do you fix this problem?

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Are Black Garage Doors A Bad Idea?

Owning a home can be fun and exciting, especially when it comes to styling the outside as an expression of your character. However, this can be done in more than one way. Instead of painting the house or trim, what if you change your garage door colors to add some pizazz? Some people even choose to have black garage doors, but is this a bad idea?

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Fiber Cement Siding Vs. Brick: What Are The Major Differences?

The exterior cladding that you choose for your home serves as the protective barrier against dramatic changes in temperature and inclement weather conditions. Though, depending on the type that you choose, it can also impact the value of your home. Choosing a siding for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration, as it’s going to last for many years.

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Can You Paint Over Thompson's Water Seal?

If you need to have wood waterproofed, then chances are you’ve applied Thompson’s Water Seal to it. This waterproofing stain is known for being one of the best in the home improvement world when it comes to keeping your materials looking great. Of course, many of us want to make our projects look even better with a fresh coat of paint. But, is this actually doable?

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Is A House Wrap Really Necessary?

With the increase in vinyl siding’s popularity, people are increasingly focused on finding ways to ensure that their siding can last longer than ever. That’s why people put house wrap underneath their vinyl siding. Of course, the wrap is known for being expensive. Is it really worth it? Do you even need it?

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Expanding Foam Vs. Concrete Fence Post: Which Is Better?

Setting a fence post can be tricky, but it does not have to be. The two most viable options for setting a fence post is using expanding foam or concrete.

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Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling

After binge-watching real estate shows, you might think you need to fix everything in your house before you can list it. But the truth is, you can overdo it. Some things just aren’t worth repairing or upgrading before you sell. However, there are undoubtedly home fixes you must complete before selling. 

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11 Types Of Door Sweeps (With Photos)

There is nothing worse than a gap in your door that lets pests and cold air in, and warm air out. It can increase your energy bills and make life uncomfortable when bugs enter your home unwanted. You have probably heard that door sweeps can solve this problem, but what are the main types of door sweeps?

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How To Winter-Proof Your Home (Winter Checklist)

Going into winter can be daunting when you don’t know where to start when it comes to preparing your home. The last thing that you want to do is struggle to catch up when the temperatures plummets.

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Vinyl Siding Keeps Coming Loose? (We Have a Fix!)

Vinyl siding is a popular exterior cladding option known for being lightweight yet highly durable. Although vinyl siding is damage resistant for the most part, it doesn’t mean that you might never face maintenance concerns over its lifetime.

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What Are The Pros and Cons of Sealing An Asphalt Driveway?

When looking for ways to protect your home, there are a lot of different things to think about. Your driveway is something that gets used every day but isn’t often taken into consideration with regards to protection. By covering your asphalt driveway with a seal coating, you can help keep it in good condition.

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What To Put Around Foundation Of House (Here's What You Can Do)

Whether you’re building a new house or want to do some work around your old one, it’s a good idea to have something around your foundation. Having something around the foundation of your house is an excellent way to improve its looks and provide protection. But are there certain things that are better around a home than others?

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What Is The Best Direction For A Backyard To Face?

When you’re building your home, you are in control of everything, including the orientation of your house. That small detail is something most people don’t think about but can make a huge impact on how you experience your home. After all, the direction your house faces will impact your heating, parking, as well as the amount of sunlight you get. So, what is the best direction for a backyard to face?

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How To Make Retaining Walls Using Concrete Bags

Retaining walls are constructed on a property to help hold back soil and other forms of dirt. You’ll often find these structures on a hilly freeway, around stairways, in gardens or where multiple levels to a landscape are needed.

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Can You Pour A Driveway With Bagged Concrete? (Find Out Now!)

You finally have the time to fix your driveway. Concrete is the ideal material, but it’s also expensive. As you look for ways to stretch your budget, bagged concrete may come to mind. Will it work?

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Do You Need A Permit To Replace An Exterior Door? (Find Out Now!)

Whether desiring an energy-efficient entry or just changing the look, replacing an exterior door makes a big impact. It can also be a relatively easy DIY project unless you need to start making structural changes. Depending on the extent of your replacement, you may or may not need a permit to replace an exterior door.

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Do You Need A Permit To Paint A Mural? (Find Out Now!)

A mural is an excellent way to capture people’s attention and communicate a message to the public. You’ll often see murals on the side of buildings throughout a city or inside people’s homes. But what kind of permission and permit do you need to paint a mural, if any?

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Stucco Vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Which One Is Better?

The main job of your siding is to protect your home from the elements – particularly precipitation and the negative effects of excess moisture. However, in addition to practicality, your siding also serves an aesthetic purpose and can drastically impact the value of your home. With this in mind, your choice in siding should be based on aesthetics, maintenance needs, durability, environmental impact, installation, composition, and overall costs.

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How To Jack Up A House To Replace Rim Joist

Damage to the foundation or rim joist of a house can be potentially dangerous for structural integrity reasons. Generally speaking, the rim joist will be located under an exterior wall and will more often than not be load bearing.

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Can I Paint The Outside Of My Home In The Winter?

The winter isn’t the ideal season to accomplish your outdoor projects. Landscaping, gardening, and exterior work are often scheduled for the spring and fall months when the weather is more suitable. But sometimes work needs to be done in a given time frame, which means you need to accomplish projects like painting your home’s exterior in the middle of the coldest season. But is it a good idea to paint the outside of your home in the winter?

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4+ Types Of Drainage Systems (With Photos)

Drainage refers to the method of removing surface or sub-surface water from a particular area. Drainage systems are intended to dispose of wastewater as quickly as possible, while also preventing the gases from sewers and septic tanks from entering residential locations. Their main objective is to systemically collect and remove waste matter to preserve the healthy conditions in a residential or commercial setting.

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How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway?

Like anything else in life, there will come a time where our driveway can become worn down, cracked, and generally look very poor. When this happens, it is time to repave the driveway to make it structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

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The 7 Best Colors To Paint A House With A Green Roof

Painting the exterior of your home can completely transform the entire look and feel of your house. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s curb appeal while giving it a cleaner, fresher look. But, choosing the right color is vital, and with a green roof, it’s important to consider color choices wisely.

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Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Dealing with a tree that falls on your property is a nightmare. Not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also be expensive to remove if you don’t get any help. So, does homeowner insurance cover tree removal?

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Just Filled Pool With Water? (Here's Exactly What To Do Next)

If you’re a new pool owner, you might be wondering how to properly maintain your pool while keeping your family safe. When you fill up your pool for the first time, there are specific steps you have to take to make sure the water is ready for recreational use. So, what exactly do you do right after you fill your pool with water?

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How To Find A Property Line

There are many reasons why you might need to know your property lines. You probably have a general idea as to where your property line is, but sometimes you require something more exact. Whether a tree has fallen and caused some damage, or you want to build a fence along the border of your property, you need to know your precise property boundaries. But how do you find out your exact property lines?

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Screen Door Vs. Storm Door: What Is The Major Difference?

It is tempting for any homeowner to maximize sunlight and keep pests away. The two most common ways for a homeowner to allow natural light into the house are with screen doors and storm doors. So, let’s settle a common debate amongst homeowners: screen door vs. storm door.

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How To Install Soffit Under A Porch (Quickly & Easily!)

By installing soffit boards underneath the roof system of your porch, you’ll create a cleaner look for your outdoor living area. Not only does installing a soffit complete the look of your entire porch, it also helps to insulate your home, shielding it from outdoor temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

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How Much Does It Cost To Build A Roof Over A Deck?

Decks are costly additions that are worth it when you consider that they can increase your home’s value. Sometimes, decks are overly exposed to the sun and it can be tempting to add some comfortable shade with a roof. So, how much does it cost to build a roof over a deck?

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How To Lay Paving Slabs On A Slope (Step By Step Guide)

Paving slabs can make a pathway or driveway look fantastic with just a little bit of hard work. We are going to show you the ins and outs, of laying down paving slabs on a sloped surface. Since not all properties are perfectly flat, it’s essential to know how to do this, especially if your property is on a slope!

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