ArcaMax

With so many “excessive heat days” this past summer, attic air circulation has become important because the movement of air prevents the space from overheating. When the thermometer drops, proper air flow reduces attic humidity and improves insulation performance, so good air circulation in an attic is crucial, no matter what the weather.

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Investing in a stone patio is not a trivial investment, but it’s an improvement you’ll enjoy for years to come. The durable stone surface has an earthy look that enhances a yard and landscape as well. Stone pavers offer a nice contrast and transition to a manicured lawn and provide comfortable outdoor living. There’s a variety of stone ...Read more

If aluminum siding on your house is showing its age with a dull and faded surface, you can give it a facelift with paint and restore it. Compared to replacing siding, a coat of paint offers a dramatic change costing considerably less.

Painting aluminum siding involves three steps: first, power washing to remove chalking, mildew and dirt; then ...Read more

An open or unprotected chimney on top of your roof is an invitation to birds, rodents and squirrels to go down your chimney and set up residence wherever they want. If you want to prevent an unwanted guest showing up in your fireplace, your best line of defense is a chimney cap. With its grated sides and a sturdy hood that fit snugly on top of ...Read more

If you’ve ever had to deal with a flooded basement, you know the mess and damage that storm water can create. A submersible sump pump is the best way to drain that flood water away, protecting appliances and other things that might be damaged. The unit has a waterproof pump and motor that sits in a pit or tank in the floor, where it’s ...Read more

Storage components and racks are a good solution for finding a place for all your stuff. For household items and clothing there’s plenty of systems that fit the bill. But if you’re on a mission to organize your garage, we found a system designed for the task. The StoreWALL system is designed to carry heavy tools and equipment, and the ...Read more

You can’t help but notice a well-painted house finished in stucco. The handsome appeal and architectural interest can make it stand out. Stucco is a porous substance, so use paint like Behr’s masonry, stucco and brick paint designed for the job. The paint allows the surface to breathe so moisture doesn't get trapped and cause cracking and ...Read more

Removing paint from wood is not a fun job. It’s time intensive and messy, very messy. But the end result is worth it because whether it’s a piece of furniture or window molding, the natural beauty of the wood is revealed.

You have the choice of having wood commercially stripped with harsh chemicals, which can damage the wood, but if you’...Read more

Moisture and water are the culprits that damage a well-used family bathtub and eat away the surrounding walls. You’ll recognize water damage if there’s mildew and the walls feel spongy to the touch, not solid. Ripping out the walls and replacing them with a tub surround kit, sold in three or five pieces, is easier and quicker than building ...Read more

Seeding a lawn takes time, but it’s considerably less expensive than laying sod. It’s a good choice if you want to grow grass in a not-so-sunny area where a shade-loving seed will grow the best. In fact, you’ll get the best results by choosing seed suited to the soil and other site conditions, and preparing it before you start. For advice,...Read more

A window sill, also called a stool, is a ledge at the bottom of a window inside a house. In an older home it can be damaged by moisture caused by condensation, so it may need to be replaced. If a house is built without that ledge, installing a new one provides protection and adds a stylish detail to the window. That addition can be a nice ...Read more

We go to hair stylists to groom our hair with shaping and styling, and the same idea applies to trees and shrubbery that need pruning to enhance their size and shape. Plus, pruning and thinning improves the overall health and appearance of trees and shrubs. It has been our experience that you’ll get the best advice about when and how to prune ...Read more

Until you’ve lived in an old house with a basement cellar door, you don’t know what you’re missing. That direct entrance is easy access to the lower level, which is particularly useful when you have an old furnace or appliance to remove and replace. To manhandle the old monster up the stairs and through the house to the outside is not easy...Read more