Bored With The Look Of Your Home? Read These Excellent Home Improvement Tips!

Home improvement projects will help you make your home look different and increase the value. You will learn easy ways to make the changes that will accomplish the design that you hope for and increasing the value of your home at the same time.

When you are selecting a paint color for your home, be sure to make use of a light box or the sample cards at the hardware store. Many paint colors appear different under natural lighting, fluorescent lighting (common in most retail establishments), and incandescent lighting. You will be happier with your final choice if you make sure the color is what you expect once you take it home.

If you are doing work near a kitchen, fireplace, or gas appliance, make sure you know where the gas shutoff for your home is located. If there were to be an accident, and gas started leaking into your home, the smallest spark could set it off. If you know in advance where the shutoff is, you can respond faster to the issue before it becomes an emergency.

The land surrounding a house should slope away from it to encourage water not to accumulate at the bases of walls. Water flowing towards a house’s walls is easily the most serious possible drainage problem. Such water build-up can cause rapid and severe damage to walls and foundations. This can turn a minor drainage defect into a serious structural threat.

While most people know that taking a shower instead of soaking in a tub helps to conserve water, not everyone knows that you can actually save more money on your water usage by replacing your original shower head with a specially designed low-flow shower head. This is a quick and easy improvement that can be done in one day and with only a minor cost.

It is our sincere hope that this article has filled you with confidence in your ability to perform home improvement projects successfully. If you take the advice given here and put it into practice on your home improvement jobs, you will soon be the proud owner of a beautiful home that you can show off to everyone you know.

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Refinishing and Restaining Log Homes

restoring log homes

Log homes require different maintenance from conventional homes and that includes refinishing and restaining. Water damage is a concern as well as wood rot and borer insects such as carpenter ants/bees and powder post beetles.

Restoring a log home involves steps such as surface preparation, staining, caulking and applying borate preservatives. Performing these processes correctly will help prevent many issues from cropping up later such as air and moisture infiltration, mold, mildew, fungus and UV breakdown of the wood. For more information, click here at https://richardsonloghomes.com/.

Preparation

Log homes require restaining about every 4 to 6 years depending on exposure, sunlight and climate. If your log home is exhibiting faded or darkening areas, moldy spots, wet and rotted logs or timbers, the most likely cause is ineffective stain or coating. Re-staining with a similar product won’t help if the problem is deeper than the surface, so refinishing or restoration work is required.

Most homeowners can re-stain their log home with the right product and proper application, but the wood surfaces must be clean, bare and dry to achieve long term results. Using a pressure washer or chemical strippers is a quick way to remove old stain and coats but it also can be damaging to the logs, especially if the nozzle or pressure is too high. A gentle spray of water at a low pressure is the best approach to cleaning a log cabin.

A more comprehensive and efficient method to clean a log home is media blasting, or “sandblasting”. This process eliminates the old coatings, UV damage and exposes the natural beauty of the logs, which is often hidden by other products. Once all absorption restricting barriers are removed, oils and finishes are able to deeply absorb into the logs and work as they should. No other restoration method can compare to this.

With a blaster fitted with the correct media, we will spray the logs and any other woodwork that needs to be cleaned, including porches, decks, windows and doors. This is done quickly and efficiently, resulting in minimal cleanup. Tarps, plastic and towels are removed and any debris is swept up, bagged and disposed of properly.

While this step can be an expensive one, it is the most important part of a successful log home restoration. It is often overlooked by homeowners but without this vital step the new stain will not last long and you could end up re-staining your home over and over. After the house is clean, a visual inspection can be made to see what level of restoration is needed – if any. This includes a check for large cracks and checks that can allow rain to penetrate to the inside of the log and create wood rot.

Staining

Log homes need to be stained on a regular basis. This will help keep them protected and looking beautiful for years to come. If you’re thinking of staining your log home, it’s important to do some research to find a company that specializes in this type of work. They will have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that your log home is treated properly and looks great for years to come.

Before a new stain can be applied the old one must be removed. This can be done by either sanding or media blasting. If you choose to use sanding make sure the grit is not too coarse, as this can cause damage and inconsistencies. It is also recommended to use a vacuum system to remove the sanding dust. This helps to prevent re-sanding and maintain a consistent profile.

Once the old stain has been removed the logs must be thoroughly inspected and prepped for a new application. It is important to check for any areas that may be rotted or in need of chinking, as this can cause major issues with the integrity of your log home. Also, it is important to check for any areas that have had water damage or mildew growth. This is a sign that the stain has been compromised and needs to be repaired before it can be re-stained.

Next the logs need to be cleaned with a cleaning product like Sashco’s CPR or an oxygenated bleach cleaner. This will help to lift dirt, mold and mildew from the surface of the logs and studs. After the cleaning process is complete, the logs should be rubbed down and then pressure washed again to remove any remaining dirt or debris. This is a critical step in the restoration process to help protect your investment and extend the life of the stain.

Once the logs have been cleaned and prepped they can be restained with either a water or oil based stain, depending on what was originally used on your log home. Our preferred stain is Capture or Transformation, both of which are a water based stain and offer the best color retention for your log home. We do recommend using a clear top coat when you use either of these stains, as this will extend the life of your stain and protect it from UV breakdown.

Sealing

When log homes are properly sealed, they provide a barrier against moisture. This prevents the rot that occurs when water enters the wood and makes it susceptible to mold, mildew and infestation.

The sealing process should be on your log home maintenance schedule, along with chinking, caulking and other repairs. It is also a good time to perform a thorough inspection of your cabin to address any issues that might be present.

Before you can apply any sealant, it is necessary to remove the old finish and clean the logs. This is typically done with a power washer and chemical stripper. If you’re planning to do the stripping yourself, it is important that you read up on proper technique. Be careful not to gouge the logs or apply too much pressure.

Once the logs are dry, you’ll want to tape 6 mm heavy polypropylene to all glass and window frames, electrical outlets, junction boxes and aluminum flashing. This is a critical step in the restoration process, preventing leaking from affecting the interior of your log home and protecting the new stain.

It is also important that you inspect the exterior of your log cabin for any signs of rot and insect infestation. Some common indicators are fungus growth, soft spots in the wood and sawdust (called frass) on the lower logs of your home. If these issues aren’t addressed, they can eventually lead to structural damage and mold problems.

The last part of the restoration process is applying a quality sealant to the entire surface of your log cabin. This will help protect it from the elements, including UV rays that can damage wood and lead to cracking, abrasion and decay. It will also prevent moisture from entering the wood and causing mold, mildew, rot and insect infestations.

Aside from annual inspection and completing obvious repair issues, this is probably the most important part of restoring your log home. The right type of sealant will not only protect your home from rot and mold, but will also help to retain its natural color, while allowing the logs to breathe. It is recommended that you reapply your sealant at least every other year.

Maintenance

Log homes are truly unique and a beautiful way to live but they do require special care in order for them to look and stay in good condition. This includes routine inspection and maintenance to prevent problems from arising, which can lead to costly repairs later on.

The first step in the process is a general inspection of the log home and cabin to locate any areas that may need to be repaired, caulked or chinked and to determine the overall condition. This is a great opportunity to notice any rot, mold, mildew, insect or rodent damage and weather and UV degradation of the wood in your home.

Once the inspection is complete and any necessary repair work has been completed, it is time to start cleaning and staining. We usually recommend a high quality breathable stain that contains UV inhibitors to protect the wood from damaging sun rays and slow down the deterioration of the logs over time. A breathable stain will also add to the beauty of your log cabin and help it to maintain its character.

A breathable stain will also keep the moisture level of your logs in check which helps to prevent rot, mold and mildew. It is important to remember that your log home will absorb more moisture than a traditional home because of their natural construction. This is why it is essential to keep the moisture levels in check, or else your logs will begin to rot and will need to be replaced.

One of the best things you can do to keep your logs in good shape is to clear any overgrown vegetation around your cabin. This will help keep dirt, bugs and other debris away from the logs, making it easier for them to dry after rain storms. It is also a good idea to hose down your exterior logs once or twice a year to remove any dirt that could be eroding the sealant on your logs. The microorganisms in the dirt can eat through the sealant and cause damage to your home.

A Guide To Home Repair Services

Home Repair Services

Keeping up with maintenance jobs like unclogging a drain or quieting squeaky floorboards can save thousands of dollars compared to hiring outside help. This comprehensive guide covers essential repair and improvement tasks, plus tips on buying and using tools.

Expert instructions offer clear photos, drawings and understandable text for completing basic home improvement tasks. This fully illustrated book delves into topics other books leave out, including plumbing and electrical repairs.

Plumbing

Home repairs are a constant struggle for homeowners, especially during times of emergency or unexpected problems. While some repairs can be done by any competent home owner, others require more specialized skills and knowledge. Using a home repair book can save homeowners money and give them the confidence to tackle more extensive projects.

Home repair books come in a variety of formats, including step-by-step instructions and photographs. They can cover everything from basic repairs to more complex renovations. Some books are designed to be simple enough for novices to understand, while others are more detailed and complex for seasoned DIY enthusiasts.

This handy guide is written by America’s favorite carpenter from the hit TV show ‘Trading Spaces’. It demystifies repair techniques by providing details that other home improvement guides leave out. Learn how to install a dimmer switch, fix a leaky faucet and more with this comprehensive home repair manual.

Electrical

Home repair services offer a range of electrical services, including repairing outlets and lights and replacing old wiring. They also fix leaky faucets and water-logged toilets. They can even unclog a backed-up sewer and help homeowners discover the cause of an outlet that continually shorts out.

This is a fully illustrated book that shows you how everything in your house works, why it breaks down and what to do about it. It offers richly illustrated explanations of the electrical system, plumbing and heating and air conditioning, major household appliances, framing, and foundation.

This is one of the most comprehensive home improvement manuals ever published. It covers a wide range of projects, from remodeling kitchens and baths to building decks and reinforcing doors. The step-by-step instructions are clear and understandable. The book is arranged alphabetically by topic, making it easy to find what you need.

Roofing

Touted as one of the best DIY manuals ever produced, this be-all, end-all home repair guide features more than 2,300 photos and drawings plus understandable, practical text. It covers everything from plumbing and electrical repairs to heating and cooling and even roofing and siding. The ultimate resource book for home projects, it also includes a remodeling guide and a resources section.

Designed to be helpful to both novices and seasoned pros alike, this home maintenance guide is written to help save homeowners thousands of dollars each year by providing them with tips and techniques for doing more of the work themselves. It is easy to read and provides step-by-step instructions for all types of tasks, from the simple, such as clogged toilets, to more involved, renovation projects like installing new flooring. This is the kind of home repair book that every homeowner should have.

Siding

With 3,300 full-color photos and illustrations, this is the largest home repair manual on the market. It covers repairs and improvements top to bottom, inside and out-electrical, plumbing, floors and stairs, walls and ceilings, basements and attics, decks and porches, exterior structures, masonry, framing and carpentry, roofing and siding, cabinets and countertops, and much more.

From the publishers of the bestselling For Dummies series, this book provides walkthrough guides that are simple enough for novices and detailed enough for seasoned DIYers. This is the single most comprehensive home improvement resource available.

Insulation

Home insulation is an often-overlooked aspect of regular maintenance, but it’s crucial for reducing energy costs and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. In addition to preventing drafts, proper attic insulation can help reduce your utility bills and make your home more energy efficient.

This book arms homeowners with the fundamental knowledge they need to take care of their own homes. It covers plumbing, electrical work, flooring, and more with step-by-step illustrations. It also offers tips on protecting your home from burglary and preparing for natural disasters.

This Time-Life series covers everything from repairing leaky faucets to extensive renovation projects. It includes step-by-step photo guides and helpful advice on tool-buying and cost-calculation. Also included are handy how-to tips on painting, tiling, and more.

Painting

Homeowners have many responsibilities when it comes to maintaining and repairing their homes. Knowing when to do the work yourself and when it is best to hire a professional can save you time, money, and frustration.

This encyclopedic reference for DIY home repair and improvement offers step-by-step instructions, detailed photos, and useful tips for a wide range of projects. From clearing a clogged toilet to putting in new flooring, this book covers the most common maintenance jobs as well as more involved renovation projects.

Features more than 600 projects with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and thousands of full-color illustrations. Covers painting, wallpapering, woodworking, plumbing, electrical systems, walls and ceilings, doors, windows, shelves, counters, insulation, weatherproofing, exterior maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. Includes information on lead-safe work practices in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities.

Windows

When a window is cracked or broken it can compromise the structure of the house. A professional can help repair a window frame or sill, or even replace it altogether. They can also install double-pane windows to increase insulation and save on energy bills.

It’s important to hire a company that offers affordable services and has a reputation for providing quality work. If you notice a contractor trying to pressure you into signing a contract, walk away. Honest contractors will give you time to make a decision.

America’s favourite carpenter from ‘Trading Spaces’ demystifies repair techniques in this comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to everyday home repairs and maintenance jobs. Includes step-by-step photo guides for clearing a drain trap, sealing drafty windows, quieting squeaky floorboards and many more jobs that will make your home run smoother and look better.

Doors

There are a variety of systems and items in your home that need to be kept up with, in order to function properly. From your electrical wiring to your heating and cooling, these items are not immune from problems, and as such, you will likely need to undertake a certain amount of repair work. This resource guide offers a helpful look at common repair costs so you can better plan for these expenses.

Over time, the building materials in your home shift slightly, causing hinges to become loose and doors to shut incorrectly. A handyman can fix this issue by adding wooden shims to the frames and hinges to correct the misalignment.

Garages

Home repair services help homeowners keep their property in top condition. These professionals can identify and fix issues before they escalate into major problems that can be costly to repair. In addition, they can help prevent damage from occurring in the first place by conducting routine maintenance checks and catching potential issues before they get out of hand.

The ultimate DIY guide, this be-all, end-all of repair manuals packs more than 3,300 detailed pages of helpful tips and step-by-step project guides. It covers repairs from top to bottom, inside and out, including wiring and plumbing, floors and stairs, walls and ceilings, basements and attics, exterior structures, framing and carpentry, and masonry.

This handyman guide is a must-have for all homeowners. It includes clear, easy-to-follow instructions for many common tasks, such as repairing leaky gutters and installing new doorknobs.

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