Saturday, December 22, 2007

Maintaining Your Deck Stain

Wooden decks often require yearly maintenance. It’s this yearly maintenance that make most people dread having a deck. If you have performed the right preparation and cleaning as well as chosen a high quality penetrating oil based deck stain, maintenance does not have to be an issue. The key is to understand is that maintenance is preventative. Instead of letting your deck stain fail and have the wood turn gray, simply reapply a new coat of stain every spring. Its important to make sure that you first remove any mold or dirt. If you already have a deck stain or sealer that is intact, you can mix one part household bleach to two parts water and add a squirt of dish cleaning liquid like Dawn™. Use a very soft bristled brush (a truck wash brush works well) to gently agitate the cleaner on the surface. Rinse away the dirt with a garden hose. You may notice a slight lightening of color on the existing finish.. that is nothing about which you should worry. Let the deck dry for a full day. Now simply apply your fresh coat of deck stain and voila! Your deck will be good as new.

Can replacement windows be installed during the winter

Can replacement windows be installed during the winter?

Most people begin to think of replacing their windows when the cold weather sets in. Most then wonder if windows can be replaced during the winter months. The answer is yes! Most window companies offer year round service and the bulk of their business is in every season except summer. Most window companies that have your comfort in mind will try to install one room at a time with the doors closed so your house does not get cold.

Each window opening is only exposed for a short time while the old window is removed and the new window is installed. Generally this only takes about 10 minutes and then the installer can insulate the window and caulk the opening. Most professional installers have done this task 1000’s of times so rest assured, they will look out for your home.

One of the most rewarding reasons for having your windows installed during the winter is that you will begin to reap the benefits the day that they are installed. Your glass will feel warmer and your old drafty windows will be on their way to their final resting place. You should begin to notice that you heating bill is smaller which will leave some room to plan other projects.

Friday, August 31, 2007

Power Washing Contractor Report

Power washing your house, deck, roof and all concrete like driveways and walkways can increase the value of your home and significantly improve the overall look or your residence.

Many people from around the country use different lingo to describe this type of exterior cleaning. Some people call it power washing and some say pressure washing. But no matter which term you use, the end result is a clean house exterior.

For home owners and business owners residing in Indiana, there is a professional power washing contractor called Midwest Pro Wash that can handle all of your pressure washing needs.

To get more information on their deck cleaning, house washing and general power washing services, visit their power washing contractor site or go directly to the request power washing estimate page to send a no obligation request for an evaluation of your property.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Rating Replacement Windows Vinyl Windows

Vinyl Replacement Windows, How Do You Rate Them?

I have been answering the same question over and over again on Home Improvement web-sites, which window is the best. Most window buyers have no idea how to rate a window company. Rating windows is not as easy as saying one is better than the other one. Consider these things when rating windows:

Looks - which window looks the best to you the owner. Does the window look good viewed from both the inside and the outside?

Function - does the window meet your needs? Do you want the sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning?

Options - does the window company offer the options that you need? How about colors, windows are now sold in several different color both on the inside and the outside. Window screen are now available with several different options.

Maintenance - do you want a window that is easy to clean and does not require any painting or staining?

Warranty - how long is the warranty that they offer? Will the company be around to honor the warranty? Does the warranty cover labor? Is the warranty pro-rated? Do you have to buy replacement parts at an inflated price?

NFRC Ratings - Do you care about how good the glass is? Do you understand the benefits of triple pane glass? Do you know the differences between the different spacers? Do you know about Argon gas or Kyrpton Gas?

Customer Service - will the company handle your window issues in a timely manner. If one of your sashes (glass) breaks how long will it take to get you a new one.

You should check the BBB reports, and several of the other on-line complaint databases to get a feel for what people are saying about a company.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Floor Register - Grates - Air Vents

Decorating your home is easy when you select the right products to complement fixed items like flooring, cabinetry and wall paper. Starting at floor level is one of the best ideas since everyone must look where they are going.

Start your decorating in the most obvious place, the floor. Most people seem to overlook the benefits of adding decorations to their floor. Mainly because they see flooring as a fixed item and until it gets worn-out, it basically keeps the same look for years.

It is true that flooring is not easily replaced and can cost thousands of dollars. That is why adding decorations or eye candy to your floor is such a great idea. Adding color coordinated flooring accessories will accent a room and won’t get outdated for as long as the flooring stays in tact.

A perfect accessory to use that will add value and give an enchanting appeal to any room is decorative floor registers. They are called many things; floor registers, grates, air vents, grilles and so forth. But regardless of what you call them, they are built to serve the same purpose and add beauty.

Friday, April 06, 2007

Quality Flooring

As a home builder, we are always faced with the challenges of choosing quality flooring products and professional flooring contractors to install them correctly. After years of trial and error, we have come to the conclusion the FloorsToGo Flooring Center of Raeford NC is by far the best choice possible.

Their staff is always great to work with and their flooring installers do the best work of any crews we have ever hired. From hardwood floors to ceramic tile and vinyl, no other flooring company has offered this level of professionalism and workmanship.

We now use their flooring services for other work including remodeling and commercial jobs. Other builders and home owners give good reports on their work and they always finish on schedule.

Another benefit is the use of the FloorsToGo Flooring Store, where customers can view large selections of carpet, laminate flooring, ceramic tile and even marble.

In summary, it is our suggestion that anyone planning to have a floor replaced or needs professional advice on flooring or choosing the right flooring products should contact FloorsToGo, either through their website or by calling 1-866-NEW-FLOR.