Sunroom Furniture

Inviting sunroom furniture calls you to sit down and relax all year long. Arrange a loveseat, sofa, and upholstered sitting chairs in a semicircle to promote conversation. Add a coffee table for drinks and a card game. Read a magazine or paint a picture of the great view while sitting at a desk overlooking the outdoor landscape. Assemble benches or tables to display fresh flowers from the garden or photos of loved ones.

Sunroom Rugs

Area rugs pad the floor and brighten the room. Spread a large rug in the center of the room or lay runners to accent it. Place an indoor outdoor rug at the entrance of the sunroom to prevent outside dirt from tracking through the house. 

Sunroom Entertainment

Install Direct TV for yearlong entertainment. Watch the big game with your buddies or play on a gaming console with your family. Install a mini refrigerator and microwave to ensure you do not miss any of the action while preparing snacks for the gang. 

Sunroom Decor

Utilize decorations to create a comfortable atmosphere in which you want to sit all year. Decorate the sunroom with children’s artwork, vacation memorabilia, or other knick-knacks that bring you pleasure. Colored pillows and wall hangings add splashes of color. Choose bold colors for excitement or pastel colors for relaxation. 

Sunroom Security and Privacy

Maintain security and privacy in your sunroom. Hang curtains or blinds for privacy. As an added bonus, if you install sunblinds, you’ll make the room feel more comfortable and will avoid fading from the sun.  Lock the door and windows for security. Install a dusk to dawn light to prevent burglars. 

A bright, decorated sunroom invites you and your guests to admire the great view and relax. In any weather, you feel comfortable and protected. Include entertainment and elements of style, comfort, and privacy in your sunroom for year round enjoyment.

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3. Outdoor Rugs and Carpeting For Your Patio

Here are 5 DIY home repair and remodeling projects to get your backyard and garden into tip top shape this year.

1.  Gutter maintenance and repair – Most people may think about cleaning out the gutters if they see them filled with leaves and debris, but what many people don’t take the time to do is to check the gutters and leaders when they are empty to make sure that everything is properly adhered to the sides of the house and that there are no leaks or blockages along the span of guttering that will disrupt the flow of water down and away from the house.  Something as simple as doing a visual inspection on a rainy day to notice any dammed up water spilling over the edges of the gutters can be a useful home repair and remodeling project that can keep your home from being damaged by a build-up of water due to faulty or blocked gutters.
2. Driveway cracks – Over time, it is very common for cracks to occur in blacktop driveways.  These cracks can become unsightly and can also lead to bigger cracks and problems if left unrepaired.  Filling the cracks is a pretty easy DIY home repair and remodeling project that you can do to improve the look of your home’s exterior and to keep the cracks from eventually creating structural damage.  All you need is some driveway crack filler or blacktop patch and driveway sealer and you’ll have a driveway that looks as good as new.
3. Deck repairs and updates – Unless your deck is made from Trex, or another type of manufactured wood-like product, the wood on your deck needs not only periodic maintenance, such as staining and sealing, but also repair.  If the wood on your deck is starting to warp, splinter, crack, sag or rot, it may be time to repair or replace some of the wood so that your deck not only looks its best, but so that it is safe.  This may also be a good time to do a bit of deck remodeling, such as adding a few post cap lights to the deck railing, adding a built in garden planter or deck storage box, or simply sprucing up your outdoor deck décor when you are all finished with your repairs by getting an outdoor rug, maybe some new outdoor dining furniture and a few new outdoor accessories.  This is one home repair and remodeling project that will surely bring you enjoyment as you spend time outdoors in your backyard.
4. Front entrance – Have you taken a look at the area around your front entrance lately to see if anything in the front of your home needs repair or remodeling?  Chances are that you haven’t, especially if you’re one of those people who don’t often use their front doors for entry into their homes (going in through the garage instead).  Check out whether your front door needs repainting, restaining or resealing.  Does your doorbell work properly?  What kind of shape is your door hardware and kickplate in – does it need to be shined up or replaced because it’s pitted or discolored?  How about the outside lights around your entry way – are they bright enough and can you update the styles of lights to give your entryway a more welcoming feel?  These are all outdoor home repair and remodeling projects that can improve the overall look of your home and may even increase its value by improving the curb appeal of the house.
5. Landscaping – When you think of home repair and remodeling projects, you often don’t think of landscaping, but there are many aspects of your home’s landscaping that can use a little repair here and there, and certainly a bit of remodeling of your landscaping and garden décor can breathe new life into the exterior look of your home.  When it comes to repairs, you should check to make sure that any automatic sprinklers work properly and that the outside water spigots are in good working condition and are not leaking (which can cost you lots of extra money in water usage!).   Also see if any retaining walls and walls that edge off landscaping areas made from wood, stone or bricks are in good shape or if they need a bit of TLC.  If you want to do a bit of “remodeling” to your landscaping, get a few new plants or flowers and plant them in areas that are barren or that have older plants that may have seen better days.  Plants don’t last forever, and sometimes a once-over of your landscape design that includes removing old plants and planting new ones can give your home a completely new look or can even give your home a similar look to some of those new homes in Kent that you’ve driven by repeatedly and always admired.

These are just a few simple home repair and remodeling projects that you can tackle on your own to improve the look and functionality of your outdoor spaces.  There are many other projects that you can take on without having to hire a home repair and remodeling professional contractor.  All you have to do is to do some research on how to do anything you’re not quite sure about, make sure you have the right tools and some help, if necessary, and keep the tasks relatively small and simple until you have the confidence to be able to take on larger home repair and remodeling projects with ease.

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French door hardware does more than simply enhance the look of a set of French doors. Hardware provides the functionality needed to make the doors safe, secure and fully operational. Some French doors come with the hardware already installed on the door. Others, however, require the separate installation of French door hardware to complete the total door install. Remember that if you are buying French door hardware on your own (and not as part of the door kit), you need two sets of hardware – one for each door panel in the set. And be sure that the hardware you purchase is made specifically for use with French doors and not single panel doors.

Types of French Door Hardware

• Door Levers – This category of French door hardware includes options such as keyed entry levers, passage levers, dummy levers, thumbturn levers and more. If you are installing French door hardware on an exterior door, you will more than likely require a keyed entry lever, unless you combine one of the other types of levers with a separate keyed entry lock.
• Door Knobs –Similar in functionality to door levers, you can opt for French door hardware that uses knobs instead of levers to open the door. Options include keyed entry knobs, passage knobs, dummy knobs, egg & dart knobs, and more.
• Security Bolts – One important type of French door hardware to consider for exterior French doors are security bolts. These bolts secure the doors into the frame so that they cannot easily be pushed open in the center. They also keep one door stationary if you wish to just open one side of a French door at any given time. Choose from among surface bolts, flush bolts, deadbolts and more.
• Locks – French door hardware locks can be installed separately from the knobs and levers or the lock can be incorporated into the knob or lever itself. If you are installing a separate French door lock, you should use multipoint trim to serve as a backplate to both the lock and coordinating lever or handle.
• Keypads – Not quite the norm for French door hardware, but you can opt to put an electronic keypad or keypad deadbolt lock on a French door for added exterior home security.
• Trims – In addition to the type of French door hardware you buy, you also need coordinating trim and backplates. Some types of French door hardware come with the trim included, such as lever sets and handles sets, but if you prefer something a bit more ornate or need to replace any aspect of your French door hardware, you can also buy trim pieces separately. You can buy dummy trims and trims to accommodate levers, knobs, thumbturn handles and security bolts in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and finishes. Multipoint trims allow for more than one set of French door hardware to be installed, such as a deadbolt and passage lever or thumbturn. Kickplates protect the bottom of the door from being scuffed up by feet hitting the door.
• Hinges – You may not think of hinges when you think of hardware, but the type and finish of hinge that you use on your door can have an impact on its overall look. You can buy decorative finished French door hinges to enhance the look of your door. If your doors are installed as exterior doors, make sure your hinges can withstand outdoor conditions without rusting or sticking.
• Knockers – Not all French doors have knockers, but if you are interested in installing a knocker on your French door, be sure you select a style that will fit within the wood, metal or composite frame and will not hit any portion of the glass. Some knockers are made to coordinate with matching leversets or handlesets for an overall uniform look.

French Door Hardware Finishes

There are loads of French door hardware finish options to choose from. The finish you choose will set the style for the door – from traditional or country to contemporary or eclectic. Consider options such as:

• Antique brass
• Polished brass
• Venetian bronze
• Antique bronze
• Oil rubbed bronze
• Polished chrome
• Satin nickel
• Pewter
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Wrought iron
• Lead crystal (use indoors only)

If you are buying exterior French door hardware, be sure that you select a finish option that can withstand outdoor weather conditions, including sun and moisture, and that the hardware is properly sealed. Indoor French door hardware options are greater because you do not have to contend with selecting a finish due to how it handles weather elements.

Related posts:

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2. Installing Door Frames
3. Patio Screen Door Replacement Tips

Replacing Patio Door Screens

When your screen door works properly but just the screen is in need of repair, you can simply replace the patio door screen without having to replace the whole door.  In order to do so, you need to first buy some window and door screening, the proper width of spline (it should be the exact width of the old spline) and a splining installation tool.  You will need enough patio door screening to cover the entire door plus an additional 2” or so around each side.

To replace the screen, remove the existing spline and gently pull out the old screen.  Then lay the new patio door screen out, make sure it is in position, lay the new spline along the groove at the edges of the patio screen door frame, and then use the splining tool to secure the new screen in the edges of the frame.  The splining tool works by gently pushing the spline into the grooves of the frame, securing the screening in the process.  Just take your time with the splining tool and gently roll it along the edges as you keep the screening pulled taut.  This will better ensure that your new patio door screen will be installed securely and tightly, with no gaps or bulges along the edges.

Replacing Patio Screen Door Rollers

If your rollers are sticky or are not moving properly, and no amount of cleaning and tweaking them will help, then you may need to replace your sliding patio screen door rollers.  This is pretty simple to do.  Once the screen door has been popped out of the track (gently lift the patio screen door up and tilt the top forward to disengage the rollers from the track), you can remove the existing rollers and replace them with new ones.  Patio screen door rollers are typically sold in a pack so that you can replace all the rollers at the same time.  Just make sure that you purchase replacement patio screen door rollers that are appropriate for the size and model of door that you own.  The old rollers can be removed and the new ones put in place with just a few turns of a screwdriver.

Replacing Patio Screen Door Hardware

If the handle of your screen door is broken or you are looking to add a more decorative handle, you can replace the patio screen door hardware with just a few screws.  Patio screen door handles, locks and toe stops can be purchased individually and are easy to install.  If you have a dog or cat, you can also buy patio screen pet doors that can be installed to provide easy in-and-out access to your pets.

Complete Patio Screen Door Replacement

Some models of patio screen doors will offer complete patio screen door replacement options.  This is the best option when your patio screen door is really not in good shape, the frame is bent or warped, or you just can’t be bothered with the hassle of replacing a few independent parts.  When buying replacement patio screen doors, make sure that the model you buy will work with the type of existing patio door you own.  Otherwise, the new patio replacement screen door will not operate properly in the existing track of your door. 

The first thing you need to determine is whether you need a sliding patio screen door replacement or a French patio screen door replacement.  Then you need to carefully check the measurements of your existing patio screen door to make sure any replacement you purchase will fit in the track. You also want to determine what type of frame you want – aluminum, wood, metal or another material, and whether you need a retractable patio screen door.  Companies like Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, Therma-Tru and Columbia Manufacturing sell patio screen door replacement kits to fit a number of different models of patio doors.

Buying Patio Screen Door Replacement Kits and Parts

Depending on what you are replacing, whether it is just the screening, the rollers, a piece of hardware, or the entire patio screen door, you can purchase the replacement doors, kits and parts you need from a selection of vendors.  The first place you can look to buy patio door screen parts is from the store that you originally purchased your patio door or from the company that makes your door.  This will best ensure that the parts you use will work properly with the type of door you own. 

You can also check with window and door stores, home improvement stores and hardware stores to see if you can find the patio screen door replacement parts you need.  If you are looking for specific patio screen door parts or complete replacement doors, you should consider buying patio screen door replacement kits and parts online.  By doing so, you can do a search for the exact make and model of your screen door, making the job of finding the right parts a lot easier than going from store to store in search of just what you need.

Related posts:

1. Types of French Door Hardware
2. Installing Door Frames
3. PVC Door Benefits

A guttering system includes the trough-like attachments found on the edge of a home’s roof that are designed to collect and direct water away from the vital sections of the house. It is ordinarily constructed from galvanized or cast iron, plastic or vinyl, copper, aluminum, metal or wood. Plastic gutters are recognized as some of the most widely used in homes due to their relatively low cost, low maintenance requirements and durability.

To determine the best guttering system to meet your requirements, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the pluses and minuses of different kinds you can choose from.

The earliest forms of gutters were made out of wood. These have slowly lost their appeal because of their susceptibility to rotting. Nowadays, the most commonly seen guttering found at homes are plastic gutters.   Aluminum gutters are also popular, although they require a bit more maintenance and cost more.  Copper gutters are expensive, and although they add to the appeal of some home styles, they are not for everyone.

Usually a plastic gutter is made out of vinyl or some type of plastic composite. They are the most prevalently used gutters by homeowners due to several factors.

First, plastic rain gutters are easily sourced online or at your local home improvement stores. They can be bought in practical kits that come with simple do-it-yourself instructions that eliminate the need to hire professionals. Gutters made of aluminum, copper and galvanized or cast iron may require skilled handling.

Second, plastic gutters are comparatively more affordable than copper and cast iron or steel, or even aluminum.   This cost difference can really add up when you are guttering your whole house.

Another great advantage of using a plastic rain gutter is its uncomplicated upkeep. Unlike gutters made out of metal or alloys, they are not subject to rust or oxidation. If not appropriately cared for, the most common setback encountered in the use of plastic gutters are cracks or breaks caused by extreme environments. This can easily be solved with the application of a sealant or glue.   Use of plastic gutters may not be a wise choice in locations prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, however.

Plastic rain gutters are composed of several basic components, including the gutter sections, downspouts, splash blocks and elbows. The gutter section is a sloped piece of tube or canal that directs water from the edge of the roof to the downspouts in order to drain. The downspout or down pipe is the vertical section of the gutter where water flows to a drain or splash block and then runs off away from the house. The splash block, also known as the downspout extension, is located at the end of the downspout and keeps water from pooling near the foundation. Lastly, the elbow is a curved or angled gutter piece used to join sections at corners or bends.

If you are installing plastic gutters yourself, you can either buy all of the pieces separately, or you can buy them as a kit, which is easier.  Once you have purchased a plastic gutter kit, you’ll then have to assemble all of the components together and attach them to the edges of your roof and sides of your home.

Before you do this, make sure that you have the proper tools and gear ready. Basic tools you will need to install your plastic gutters include the following:

•    Ladder
•    Tape measure
•    Chalk line
•    String and carpenter’s levels
•    Power drill and screwdriver bits
•    Fine tooth hacksaw
•    Galvanized screws
•    Vinyl or plastic gutters, hangers, connectors, elbows, downspouts, drop outlets, corners

The next steps simply involve following the directions in your manufacturer’s manual which comes with your plastic gutter kit.   Make sure the proper angles are used so that water naturally runs down into the downspouts, and make sure the gutters and downspouts are all secured to the house properly.

Once installed, plastic gutters can typically endure up to 10 years or more, or even for the life of your house, if properly cared for. But this requires regular care and maintenance that is frequently overlooked because of the time and effort it takes. Fortunately plastic rain gutters entail lower maintenance to keep them working properly than other gutter types.

Just follow a few simple tips to keep your new plastic gutters working optimally. First, clean your gutters twice a year, ideally during spring or fall. Regular gutter cleaning is important, no matter what type of gutters you have.  Second, check for sagging, water pooling under gutters, flooding or leaks, damages on paint siding,trim or house shutters (which would indicate that water is running down the side of the house) and clogged downspouts.  Since you are using plastic or vinyl gutters, you shouldn’t have a problem with rust, but if you are using metal screws or attachments, you may have to check for rust there. Third, remove any loose debris using a hose or if necessary a plumber’s snake. If it the debris becomes unmanageable, you might want to consider installing a screen or plastic gutter guards.  If you continually find that your gutters are becoming a home for local birds to nest in, you may want to install some plastic bird spikes right along the edge of the gutters to keep birds out and stop their nests from blocking the flow of water in your gutters.

Always make sure that you have the right tools and gear during the maintenance of your plastic gutters. You will need a ladder, gloves, a garbage can or heavy-duty trash bag, a garden hose, safety glasses and a garden trowel for your gutter cleaning tasks. Make sure to secure your ladder on an even surface and keep it securely against the roof. As an added precaution, always try to work with a partner.

There are numerous options when it comes to choosing a guttering system for your house, but plastic gutters have quite a few benefits, including low cost, low maintenance and ease of installation.  All reasons that make a plastic gutter system one of the most popular types chosen by homeowners today.

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A properly installed door frame will have both sides, known as the jambs or stiles, perfectly plumb and true to the inside and outside walls.  When the door is fitted, there should be an even gap all the way around between the door and its frame.  This indicates that the frame was installed properly into the structural opening.

Carpenters vary in their approaches to the installation method, but agree on the use of wooden shims to bridge the gap at the fixing points between the actual door frame and the structural opening.  It’s important that the door is well fixed so that it doesn’t move when the door is swinging, especially if the door is quite heavy.  Usually 3 – 4 fixings on each jamb and 1 on the header are sufficient.

Once the hinge side of the frame is perfectly plumb, the opposite stile can be lined up against this one to ensure a perfect plumb installation all round.  Normally, the gap between the frame and the structural opening is filled with a “gap filler” material.  This can be an expanding foam product injected into the gap from a canister that then expands, completely filling the void to make it draft proof.  It also helps to secure the frame.

Typically, the screws of the hinges also include one extra long one that actually drives right through the door frame to secure the door in place.  A door that is hung properly will not swing or move in any direction if the door is lying partly open.  It should stay stationary.

The same principles apply to all types of door frames, whether they are used for hanging front doors, internal doors or even garage doors.  Once the frame is secured in place and the door is hung, the whole installation is examined for both ease of swing and a good tight fitting to the door frame when the door is closed.  Once this is accomplished, it is necessary to recess the frame fixing heads (put them below the surface) and fill in with wood filler, or if a hardwood frame is installed use wooden pellets to match the frame.  The finish can then be applied to the frame in whatever style is desired — paint, varnish or oil.

In summary the components required for your new door frame installation include the following:

• Frame – 2 jambs and header
• Wooden shims
• Frame fixings – up to 10
• Expanding gap filler
• Hinges – usually 3 – 4, depending on weight of door, preferably made with stainless steel and including steel ball bearings
• Screws nails for the hinges
• Filler or wooden pellets

A well hung door accentuates any home decor, whether you are installing an exterior door or an interior door.  It can be accomplished quite effectively if the installer is thorough and follows all steps to ensure that the door frame is plumb and properly positioned so that the door will work properly for years of use.

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Rain chains come in a wide variety of styles, from simple, linked chains to decorative copper rain chains made in shapes such as umbrellas, watering cans and tulips.  Water is directed gently down the chain where it collects in a decorative container or is channeled away from the building.  Water flows more gently down a rain chain than a downspout and does not splash onto surrounding walls or the ground below.  Many people also like the soothing, tinkling sounds of the water flowing down the chain, and rain chains even clink like wind chimes when a breeze flows by them, offering a soothing sound.

Most of the rain chains for sale that you will see are made from copper, which is more attractive than iron or stainless steel.  Copper is an extremely durable material that holds up well to the weather, and especially to water.  To prevent the oxidation of the copper, they can be coated with shellac for protection which will keep the rain chain looking shiny and attractive.  However, if you like the look of copper that turns to a soft greenish patina, you can also get uncoated copper rain chains that will naturally turn color over time.

Cup type rain chains are the most popular style, with tulip rain chains being my personal favorite.  The tulip shaped cups collect the rain, which then flows down through a hole in its base to the next cup and eventually to the collection point on the ground.  The collection vessel could be a lovely copper bowl to compliment the chain or a ceramic jug or barrel.  A wooden box filled with shiny pebbles is also an attractive option.  If however, you live in an area prone to lots of rain, you should make sure that the rain can be directed away from the side of the home when it reaches the ground, to avoid potential flooding problems.

Rain chain downspouts are becoming more popular in locations outside of Japan and make a very attractive alternative to plastic or metal piping.  Their biggest advantage is the interesting look that they provide to your home in comparison to traditional guttering and downspouts.  Initially, they will be slightly more expensive to buy, but quality rain chains, especially copper ones, will last for many, many years and give your home a unique and decorative look.

You can buy copper rain chains, as well as other types of rain chains, here.

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All of these enthusiasts were agreed that a conservatory roof is the most important part of the entire structure.  Because the roof gets the most of the sun’s rays during the hot months of the year, it has to be able to reflect the heat and the harmful UV rays adequately. If not, the interior of the conservatory can become uncomfortably hot just at the time when the homeowners would most like to use it.  So, although a conservatory roof may not be a homeowner’s first priority when choosing design and building options for their conservatory, it should be because it’ll be the key feature that most affects the comfort level of the finished room.

There are a variety of products that can go into making up a conservatory roof, and the advice from the experts was to spend as much as you can on good quality glazing.  Polycarbonate was a popular choice among them, especially as there are products such as Heatguard polycarbonate on the market, which offer excellent protection from the sun.  Glass was of course a very popular choice for conservatory roofs, and solar control glass rated highly as a conservatory roof option that would offer adequate protection.

For those that already have a conservatory built and are not entirely pleased with the performance of their conservatory roof, there are actions that can be taken.   The home improvement enthusiasts suggested ideas such as fitting solar blinds to the interior of the roof and applying reflective roof films to the inside of the glazing to block the sun from penetrating the roof and making the interior of the conservatory too warm.  The roof film and solar conservatory blinds can stop a huge amount of the sun’s heat and the UV rays from entering the interior of the conservatory, which not only makes it feel more comfortable, but also protects the furniture and other belongings within the conservatory from fading.

The experts finally gave one more piece of advice to those building a conservatory.  They all recommended that roof vents be considered for any conservatory roof, which would allow cool air to be circulated if the temperature of the room were to become uncomfortable.

So, whether you are building a new conservatory or you already own one but are unhappy with the way the initial conservatory roof was built, this article should give you a few expert opinions on ways to keep your conservatory as comfortable and functional as possible.

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The first thing to do before chinking is to insulate between the logs.  On the inside or outside of the building, you can use foam board insulation.  This will give the home an additional R factor than if it was just solid logs, which will add to the comfort and energy efficiency of the home.

Once the insulation is complete, the chinking is applied to the insulation.  A synthetic type of chinking is recommended so it will expand and contract with the logs.  Another option for chinking is concrete, however this method has been known to crack and needs to be maintained as time goes on and is not recommended.  During the 19th century, people also used mud, clay and horsehair to chink.

When you chink your home, it prevents air, bugs and moisture from penetrating into your log home.  It also helps to insulate your home if you have a backer rod there.  Chinking can also be used as a design characteristic of your home, and you have many options of chinking materials and colors to choose from to either blend in or contrast with the logs in order to achieve a certain look.  It doesn’t matter if you are chinking a new log home or one that has already been built.  Either way, you will need to decide what type of finish you will use and you need to make sure it will be well-suited for your project.

To be sure you don’t waste your money, you need to make sure the chinking is not applied too thinly or too thickly.  If it is too thin, it won’t stick properly to the logs.  This will result in tears or rips as the logs dry and move with each season that passes.  If it is applied on too thick, it will take too long to cure and won’t set up properly, especially if the weather is cold, resulting in slumping or perhaps a “spongy” feeling.  Ultimately, just be careful not to put your chinking material on too thick or too thin, and also watch the temperature when applying the product.

Chinking is a fundamental part of building a log home or log cabin.   Choosing the proper material and applying the material correctly is essential in finishing the job effectively.  When done correctly, however, the chinking process adds efficiency, comfort, style and value to your log home.

Related posts:

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2. Log Home Chinking Guidelines to Follow
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Chinking used to be made from limestone, sand and clay.  But today, it is far more common to find chinking made from an acrylic elastic compound that is easy to apply.  We now use this type of chinking material not only because these materials are readily available in mass quantities, but also because they stretch and contract with the natural movements of your home.  Older chinking materials are not adaptable.  Thus, you often see gaps in older log homes.

Before you begin chinking your log home, make sure that any finish you intend on using on your logs is compatible with the chinking compound you have chosen.  There are a number of different colors and finishes of chinking materials, so it will be relatively simple to find one to blend in well with the finished look of your log home.  Application of the chinking is relatively easy and there are many options to work with.

To apply chinking to your home, you can put some of the compound from the purchased container into a second container and use a metal or plastic spatula to apply it, or you can put some chinking material into a pastry bag with a nozzle and squeeze the bag to apply the material between your logs.  You can also purchase a chinking/caulking gun that is used specifically for these purposes.  There is no one correct method of applying the chinking, and it really comes down to user preference and affordability.  The chinking should be applied ¼ to ½ inch thick.

After the application of chinking, any drips or incorrect placement of the compound is fairly easy to remedy.  Simply keep a dish of water and a sponge handy to correct any mistakes and to ensure that you fix any problems before the chinking sets and dries.

So, if you are planning on building a new log cabin, or even if you have an old one that could use some new chinking to keep it better insulated, go on and chink your log cabin with the new type of chinking material.  The spaces and cracks in the cabin should be remedied quickly and easily.  You will not only wind up with a beautiful home when you do so, but you will also make your home well insulated for a better and more efficient log cabin atmosphere.

Buy chinking materials here.

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Timber framing is an ancient art that originated mainly in Europe.  It can be seen on some old homes and also in barn construction.  Logs were felled for the building, then they were sawed flat on each side.  Thus the square timber emerged.  Then these timbers were each fashioned to go in a specific place in the superstructure.  Mortise and tenon joinery was applied to the ends of the timbers to hold them together.  Other joinery included dove tails and double dovetails.

Today the vast majority of timber frame companies offer a lighter, more universal form of timber framing.  Typically thinner glue-lam beams replace the large timbers.  On traditional timber framing, timbers can range from 10″x10″ to 12″x12″.  Instead of each timber being handcrafted, CNC machines are used to make every beam the same.  The CNC timbers are then interchangeable within the structure.  Also, metal plating replaces all of the specialty mortise and tenon and dovetails.  Though still offering wide open expanses and high cathedral ceilings, these homes lack much of the intricate craftsmanship and extreme detail of their heavy timber frame home predecessors.

From the early 1900’s until the 1970’s, traditional heavy timber framing almost became extinct.  Then a group of master artisans got together and learned the true art of timber framing from a few craftsmen who had kept the tradition alive.  Now each year, more and more people have seen the extreme difference between the lighter, more modern timber framing and the traditional heavy timber framing, aka handcrafted heavy timber post and beam homes, and have chosen the latter.

No matter whom the builder or timber supplier is, timber framing is more expensive than standard construction.  Many homeowners readily accept that.  But when they realize the difference between the two different types of timber frame home construction, many choose to upgrade to the heavy timber frame homes.  The quality and look of heavy timber frame construction is simply unmatched and is worth the added expense.

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There are several guidelines to follow to make the chinking procedure go as smoothly and uniformly as possible.  First, gather all the materials you will need for the project, including backer rod, good quality chinking material that has a high degree of elasticity, a caulking gun to apply the chinking material, a plentiful supply of foam brushes, bottles of water to mist the chinking as needed, one or two buckets of clean water, a putty knife or scraper to eliminate excess chink, along with a ladder or stepstool, depending upon the height of your work area.  Some chinking guns come pre-filled with chinking material, or you can fill your own caulking gun from a 5-pound gallon tub of the material.  It helps to have a gun that allows you to change to several different tip sizes.

Before filling the caulking gun with chinking material, coat the inside of the barrel with silicon spray to make the applicator work more smoothly.  Keep a water mister handy as you work, in case the chinking material starts to dry out too quickly.  Begin by applying an even line of no more than 1/2 inch thick between the logs, then brush over the line with a damp foam brush to smooth out the chinking and remove any excess that has slopped over the line.

As you apply each line, check your work to see that the chinking is adhering to the logs properly.  Too thin lines will not provide adequate protection and too thick lines will take too long to properly cure.  Clean up any spills or drips to log surfaces as soon as possible before the chinking sets.

Don’t take on too much chink for one chinking process until you get the hang of it.  It’s a good idea to buy a small chinking gun as a test unit to perfect your chinking technique before you tackle the job of chinking an entire cabin.

Chinking is an important step in protecting your log home from the onslaught of outdoor elements.  It keeps your home more energy efficient, cleaner and more comfortable, and it also makes your home look well cared for and finished.  There are different varieties of chinking colors to choose from, so you can decide whether to have the chinking material blend into the logs on your home or compliment or contrast with the logs for a more dramatic effect.  Whatever you decide, you will be happy you made the effort to add log home chinking for the benefits it offers.

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When choosing an oak door, you will want to decide if your door will be painted or stained a color to match your home’s exterior.  Paints or stains are the preservatives that will increase the life of the wood, enhance the wood’s beauty, and protect the wood from environmental hazards like rain and UV rays.  Paint will disguise some of the wood grain.  Conversely, stain makes the grain “pop out”.  Most woodworkers prefer to let the wood grain show through to bring out the natural beauty of oak, and therefore prefer staining oak doors to painting them.  Select your grain style carefully if staining is the way you will finish your oak front door.

If you want privacy, then a solid door would be your best choice.  If you prefer light streaming in and a view to outside, then oak doors also come with an enticing myriad of glass inserts that are pleasing even from a distance.  Front doors with windows or sidelights are generally more inviting than solid wood doors.   But, you should buy a front door based upon your own personal needs and the statement you want your door to make as the entrance into your home.

Finally, you must choose the type of door construction you desire.  You can buy a flat panel door, a raised panel door, or a solid door without the panels inserted to obtain a smooth, more contemporary look.  Smooth oak doors are of course easier to maintain than front doors with panels, and this point is worth keeping in mind when purchasing, since exterior doors usually require regular maintenance.

Choosing front doors made from oak need not be intimidating.  If you know you want a wooden front door, then oak is a very natural choice because of its durability and good looks.  Then once you’ve narrowed down your choices to oak, you’ll simply need to make a few decorative selections, such as whether or not you want paneled doors, glass inserts, and what type of graining shows through on the particular type of wood door that you choose.  Of course, one other point to keep in mind when looking to buy an oak front door, or any type of front door for that matter, is what your budget is and whether the features you desire in a front door can be met within your budget constraints.

A front door makes a big first impression on the look of your home.  Buying and installing an oak front door for your home can really make that first impression a great one!

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One of the areas that is often overlooked when looking at homes that are for sale is the driveway. If you have a concrete driveway that is in poor shape, it is important to make sure to kill and remove all plants, weeds and grass that are growing up through the cracks.  Simply removing the plants will make an instant improvement in the look of the driveway and the overall impression of the home.  Next, measure how much concrete would be needed to patch all of the areas that are falling apart.  If you have the time and budget to patch the driveway and clean it up, it is worth doing so.  If the amount required exceeds your budget, move on to other areas to improve.

If you have a blacktop driveway, it may be time to reseal it.  A normal sized driveway can be resealed by one person in an afternoon with only a driveway squeegee and a bucket or two of sealer.  A fresh sealed driveway gives your home that fresh, new look for very little cost and time and is definitely worth the effort and money you spend.

The next area that many people overlook is rust.  Rust is a surefire way to make your home look like it is uncared for and a bit rundown, and it is definitely worth doing whatever you have to in order to get rid of it.  You may have a great washbasin in your laundry room, but if there’s rust stains running down the inside from the faucet, it’s going to look cheap and old.  Also look for rust stains under any outside faucets on your home’s foundation or around any other metal surfaces.  If you have any rust stains, grab a bottle of CLR and scrub that rust away.

A final tip is to edge your property.  Having your lawn unevenly growing over the sidewalk gives your home a haphazard and unkempt look.  It only takes a few minutes with the right tool, but really gives your home a neat and organized look.

Hopefully, you can use these simple tips to improve the look of your home before you put it up for sale (although these tips are worthwhile following even if you are not selling your home and just want it to look well maintained).  If you are trying to sell it, these maintenance and cleaning tips will give prospective buyers a better first impression of your home.  And a better first impression should mean more chance of a sale, and hopefully more money in your pocket!

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As we all know, filing tax forms in America causes countless headaches.  Many of us struggle with the difference between a “tax credit” and a “tax deduction” and what they really mean.  Over the past year, the government has passed several laws that reward homeowners when they purchase energy-efficient home improvement products.  Like many other government programs, they come with red tape and requirements.  Well, luckily for you, Moonworks has cut through all of the legal mumbo-jumbo and condensed the information into an 11-page downloadable guide, walking you through (and decoding) the fine print product by product, called Home Improvement Tax Credits Explained.

In this guide, you can learn the difference between a “tax credit” and a “tax deduction”.  Additionally, explore tax credits from your national and state government that can save you money on energy-efficient products like windows, doors, roofing, insulation, water heaters, solar energy, and more.  See below for an excerpt from the guide.

“Through The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “Bailout Bill”) and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Stimulus Package”) the federal government is making a significant investment in reducing energy use in the nation’s housing stock.  The 2008 Act expanded and extended residential renewable energy tax credits, while the 2009 Act added a tax credit provision for energy efficiency upgrades.  When taken together, these two Acts are making it much easier for consumers to both reduce household energy use and switch heating and electrical systems over to renewable energy.

The term, “tax credit” is often confused with “tax deduction”.  A tax deduction is a line item like the personal exemption which results in a reduction in taxable income.  For example, someone reporting $40,000 as income can deduct the personal exemption of $3,650 from income, resulting in a taxable income of $36,350.  This person would be in the 25% tax bracket, so the personal exemption of $3,650 only results in an actual savings of $912.50 (25% of $3,650).  On the other hand, a tax credit is a reduction in taxes owed…”

The guide goes on to explain the different rules and regulations regarding various home improvement projects, and how you can qualify for tax credits.  For example, here is some info they provide about central air conditioners:

Central Air Conditioners

•  National Tax Credit Amount: 30% of the product’s cost up to $1,500.  Labor and installation costs can be included if the labor costs are directly related to the onsite preparation, assembly or original installation of the central air.  The tax credit cannot be allocated towards a future tax year.

• Criteria for National Tax Credit: The central air must be on an existing primary residence home, as rental property and new construction do not qualify for the credit.  For split systems, the HSPF must be 13 or greater with a SEER of 16 or greater.  For package systems, the HSPF must be 12 or greater with a SEER of 14 or greater.

• Timeline: The tax credit does not correlate to the date the central air conditioner is purchased, but rather the date it is ‘placed in service’.  The central air must be installed and in working condition between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

Do you know what U-Factor your replacement window needs to be to qualify for a tax credit?  Do you know what a U-Factor is?  No?  Then download the free guide,  Home Improvement Tax Credits Explained now.

This guest post has been contributed by Damien Cabral of Moonworks Home Improvement.

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Some homeowners may feel that there’s no reason to a hire a professional painting contractor, or are concerned about the money it will cost to do so, but when you take a look at your work and notice the signs of the paint chipping or a job poorly done, the faith you once had in yourself will surely diminish and you may very well be unhappy with the finished job.  You will then see and realize that there are many advantages to hiring a painting contractor.

If you are torn between hiring house painters and painting the house yourself, here are a few considerations to keep in mind before you make a decision:

1. Quality work - professional painters that have had many years of experience in the field are equipped with the proper tools, knowledge and skill, which will ensure that all the walls of your home, whether inside or out, have a quality paint job.

2. Saves time - professional house painters will usually finish the work in the time frame they promise beforehand, as long as there are no unexpected issues that come up.  This can be of great benefit to you, especially if you need your home painted right away.  And professional house painters can almost always finish painting faster than you can do it yourself.

3. Less stress – once you’ve hired a painting contractor, there’s nothing else for you to do.  You just have to check and inspect their work at the end of each working day.  You can save yourself a lot of stress that comes with painting your home all by yourself.

4. Painters are insured - all painting contractors are insured (or at least they should be, so make sure they are).   This means that if anything is damaged by the painters, it will be covered.

5. The estimate is free - painting contractors will provide you with a free estimate of how much it’ll cost to paint your home.  Their advice will help you make adjustments in your budget and you can compare a few different house painters to decide which one you think will provide quality work at the best price.

6. Affordability - it’s a misconception that hiring house painters is an expensive proposition.  Keep in mind that it means good quality service and that there are affordable rates available.  Some companies are willing to negotiate depending on your budget.

There are a number of advantages of hiring house painters for your exterior home painting job, rather than trying to tackle the job yourself.  So, if you are considering a new paint job for your home, then it is definitely worth considering hiring a professional house painter to get the job done right.

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Photo courtesy of Henry Barker

Log siding can be made in several different ways.  Some planers take 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 planed dimension lumber and turn it into log siding.  Other mills take rough sawn lumber and plane it into log siding – this gives it more of a round shape.  The bottom back is rabbited out and the top is planed flat to fit under the rabbited bottom.  This feature covers all joints as you apply the siding.  It can be standard or hand hewn, giving it a hand-made quality.

Log siding should be pre-finished and back coated before installation.  You can use a wide range of exterior stains and clear finishes when you do this.  Some people enjoy the natural clear beauty of log siding and others prefer a stained finish to draw more grain out of the wood.  You can get log siding in pine, fir, cedar, and other woods.

When installing log siding, you should first put the corners and trim on.  Corners and trim should be thicker than the siding.  When splicing rows of siding, cut ends at a 30 degree bevel to help hide the splice.  Splice the siding on a stud in the wall.  Nail or screw the bottom of the siding at every stud.  Allow 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch gap around all corners and obstacles during installation.  Caulk all corners, windows, and other obstructions to seal moisture from penetrating the siding.

Log siding can give your home or cabin that outdoors look.  It is important to stain or seal your log sided home every 3 to 5 years in order to keep it in good shape.  This product is a quality exterior finish that will keep your home looking good for years to come, as long as you put a little bit of maintenance into keeping it looking its best.  So, if you want a unique exterior look on your home that cannot be achieved through any other type of exterior siding options, then give log siding some consideration for a warm and natural feel.

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Since vinyl shutters are essentially made from a plastic-like material and are fairly durable, their maintenance is comprised basically of just cleaning them every year or two and repainting them every five years or more (or just before they start looking bad).  Depending on the quality of the vinyl used in manufacturing the shutters, you may not need to paint them very often to keep them looking good and will only need to clean them.

In order to thoroughly clean the shutters, you are going to need a ladder if your house has multiple stories, the necessary tools to take the shutters off, a brush, a hose, and soapy water.  It is important that you take the vinyl shutters off of the house periodically so that you can clear out whatever gunk and spiders are making their home behind them.  This helps the shutters last longer and prevents pests from breeding around your windows – an easy entry point into your home.  Cleaning the actual shutters is just like washing a car with soap and a hose and is a very easy task.

When cleaning your vinyl shutters, check for any cracks, chips, or other problems in the finish.  With painted vinyl, one small problem like a chip can quickly grow into major parts of the finish flaking off.  This does not happen often, but if it gets banged up by the weather, it can turn into a much larger problem.  If there are chips and cracks, either repair or replace them soon to prevent them from getting worse.

Shutters are a pretty large investment in your home’s appearance and it is important to take the necessary steps to make sure that they last as long as the home does.  It is incredibly easier to keep vinyl shutters well maintained and looking good than it is to try to refinish wood shutters, but vinyl shutter maintenance should still be done on a regular basis.  By doing so, you will keep your shutters, and home, looking their best and will extend the life of your shutters as well.

For more information about vinyl shutters, visit http://houseshutters.net.

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The first thing to consider when you’re looking at exterior shutters is whether you want decorative or functional shutters on the outside of your home.  Decorative shutters are usually made from plastic or PVC and are generally more lightweight than other shutters.  Functional shutters are generally made from either wood or vinyl, and are much more durable and heavy than decorative shutters are.

Functional shutters, as the name implies, are designed to help with a specific function, which is to protect the windows of the house.  Functional shutters are installed on a hinge that can swing shut to cover the windows in case of heavy rain, sleet, high winds or other inclement weather.

Functional exterior shutters, as you might guess, are a bit more expensive and a little more difficult to install than decorative shutters, so unless you want the extra protection, there is not much point in paying more.  Decorative shutters look fine and although they’re not up to the task of stopping a branch from smashing your windows, they are plenty durable and will last you for years.

The next step in deciding on your shutters is to choose what material you want them made from. Your options are usually plastic, PVC, vinyl or wood.  Wooden shutters usually cost the most and require the most maintenance, but a lot of people really like the way they look.  Vinyl shutters are also popular and do not require much in the way of upkeep at all.

So, if you are looking to buy exterior shutters for your home, either because your home does not already have them or the ones that you do have seen better days, then you have a few choices to make.  The first choice you need to make is whether you prefer functional exterior shutters that can open and close to protect your windows, or simply decorative ones to remain permanently affixed to the side of the house on either side of your windows.  Once you have made that decision, then you just need to decide the shutter material that you would like, and the color you would like your exterior shutters to be, and you are then all set to add some attractive new exterior shutters to your home.

This guest post was courtesy of our friends at Better Exterior Shutters.

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Now, let’s get to the breakdown of how the double glaze window is made and what the different components of the window consist of.   The windows are made of two panes of glass that are fitted close together and then have either air or gas blown in between them.  The thin layers of gas or air act to insulate the home and aid in keeping the temperatures under control, no matter what the season.  The double panes are then put together in a man-made durable frame that will not warp or change shape in any way.  Just think about it – no more sticking windows.

The double glazed window is a more costly alternative to the traditional wood window, but the windows do pay for themselves through the savings on energy use, as well as the value they add to the home.  The easy installation of a double glazed window is a great way to save money and make the outside of your home more attractive to those on the outside looking in.  The value of your home will go up as well, especially because many home buyers look for homes that have newer and more energy efficient windows.

Installing double glazed windows in each room of the home will bring in quite a return on your investment in almost no time at all.  This is a decision that will not be regretted, and one that won’t have to be made again for a long time to come.

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