Category Archives: Home improvement

Tips for Weatherproofing Your Deck

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Adding a deck to your property will increase the value of your home and provide you with opportunities to enjoy nature. Over time as your deck is exposed to the elements, it can get worn or even warp and rot. Weatherproofing your deck and doing routine maintenance will help you maintain your investment so you can enjoy it for years to come. Here are some tips for weatherproofing your deck.

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Add Structural Grates

Before you build that deck, think about having a fiberglass reinforced plastic structural grate installed. It will allow water to drain away from your deck and protect the wood from rot and mold growth.

Add Sealant to Your Deck

You also want to add sealant to your deck after you’ve installed it and again every two to three years. Sealant on wood provides a barrier that keeps moisture from warping and rotting your deck.

Remove Snow Quickly

Anytime it snows, be diligent about cleaning off the accumulation as quickly as possible. Snow that’s allowed to build up melts slowly, leading to standing water on your deck that could compromise the wood’s integrity. To keep that from happening, use a snow rake to clear the snow away on a regular basis. Think of it as a great way to get fresh air and exercise.

Clean Your Deck Often

It’s also important to clean your deck at least four times a year, if not more often. By cleaning your deck occasionally, you remove chemical buildup that could harm the wood in your deck. A clean deck is beautiful and adds to your property’s curb appeal.

A deck is a wonderful addition to any home so long as you take a little time every now and then to keep it maintained. That way, it will last for years to come.

3 Benefits of a Concrete Driveway for Your Home

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Your driveway often provides visitors with the first impression of your home. You may have a short driveway, or it can offer a panoramic view of a larger property. Whatever size your driveway encompasses, best practice ensures that the driveway’s surface remains hard, clean, and smooth for ease of use. However, the naturally occurring dirt in your area may not provide an adequate surface for vehicle and foot traffic that the driveway will endure over time. Therefore, many people find that using concrete on their driveway gives them three valuable benefits that would remain unrealized should they continue trying to use a dirt driveway.

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1. Cleaner Home

Many homeowners install a concrete driveway due to local weather conditions leading to an increase of mud and dirt that sticks to car wheels and the bottoms of shoes. However, when a hard surface gets utilized for the driveway, that excess mud and grime no longer cause the issues of tracking mud into the garage and home, meaning cleaner shoes and thus a more pristine home overall.

2. Easier Access

A muddy driveway can cause vehicles to get stuck in harsh road conditions. This inconvenience can cause problems if you need to travel to work or school promptly. A concrete driveway installation can solve this headache for you by eliminating challenging road surfaces. However, this work does require expertise that homeowners often do not possess. Happily, a professional concrete driveway contractor Lexington SC residents realize, can provide expert tips on creating drainage for the driveway and calculating the paving materials needed for the driveway project.

3. Fewer Repairs

Old dirt roads contain ruts and bumps worn into their surfaces. This condition can cause undercarriage damage to vehicles using the driveway. When you choose a concrete driveway, your car will have a smooth surface to travel, causing less wear and fewer car repairs.

Consequently, concrete driveways take many of the hassles out of trying to arrive at your home. Your home will stay cleaner, and your vehicles will experience the need for fewer repairs because of the improved driving surface.

Tips for Improving the Value of Your Home

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Buying a home provides you with an inflation-proof shelter that increases in worth the longer you live there. By improving the value of your home, you’ll have a comfortable, beautiful house that will give you an even greater return when it’s time to sell. Here are some tips for improving the value of your home.

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Add a Gate to Your Entrance

If you have an extended driveway on your property, consider adding an automatic gate to your entrance. It will provide you with safety from burglars and other annoying trespassers and also improve the value of your home. You can find the right gate for you by getting in touch with automatic gate design service Houston TX.

Update the Kitchen

People tend to spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house, so make sure your kitchen is updated. A beautiful, modern kitchen is not only easier to prepare meals in, but it also makes your home appealing and will increase its value.

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

The less energy efficient your home is, the higher your heating and cooling bills will be. Combat this by beefing up the insulation in the walls of your home. Replace the windows with newer ones that won’t let the outside air in when the windows are shut. Also, think about replacing your heating and air conditioning unit with a more energy-efficient model.

Improve the Landscape

The curb appeal of your home is crucial to its value and the value of the neighborhood, so spend some time improving the looks of your home from the outside. Add fertilizer to your grass on a regular basis and water it often to repel weeks. Set planters on your front porch and fill them with flowers that tend to bloom all summer.

Follow these tips to improve the value of your home.