Concrete is composed of four main ingredients: cement, water, fine aggregate (sand), and coarse aggregate (rock). Sometimes recycled cementitious materials known as slag and fly ash are substituted for cement, causing varying effects on the concrete’s plastic and hardened properties. Admixtures can also be supplemented to the mix in order to reduce curing time, increase workability, increase strength, or to change the material properties. Varying proportions of these main ingredients are what create the many types of concrete.

 

Weather plays a major role in the placement, finish, and lasting durability of concrete. Interior concrete is typically not exposed to natural changes of the environment and often does not require any air entrainment as it has less of a tendency to crack than exterior concrete. The major difference remains in the finish of the concrete. Finishing exterior concrete too early (before the excess water has time to rise to the top) can trap the bleed water, setting the stage for other surface problems. Exterior concrete usually has a “rough broom” finish to provide traction for vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the chances of any slipping or falling.

Tips for 5 Inch Gutter

 

1. Anything over 40 ft should get 2 downspouts.

2. Try to avoid having the main roof downspout fall onto a lower roof.

3. To increase water flow add a bigger 3x4 downspout.

4. Spread out hidden hangers (gutter fastener) every 2 ft or less.

5. Always check fascia wood to ensure gutters will fasten securely.

 

When You Might Consider Using 6 Inch Gutter

 

1. Any small sections of a home that gets a massive amount of water 

2. If you have a lot of trees surrounding your home, bigger gutters and downspouts could help eliminate some clogging. (Important note: They do not prevent all clogging but they could help with smaller debris.)

3.When you need long seamless pieces of gutters and only want a few downspouts (For example:  90 ft gutter and only 2 downspouts

A fresh paint job has the power to totally transform the look of your house in less time and for less cash than any other remodeling project. That thin skin of resin and pigment also protects your investment, shielding it from sun, wind, and rain—until the paint begins to crack and peel, that is. Then it's time to button up with a couple of new coats. Properly applied, new paint should last for a good 15 years, provided you use top-quality materials, apply them with care (and with an eye on the weather), and, most important, clean and sand every surface first.

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Do-it-yourselfers are best off using a brush for maximum control. You may end up with a better quality job, to boot. Says Kathleen George, "With a brush, I know that I've inspected every square inch of a house." Mini rollers speed application on clapboards and trim but should be followed immediately with a brush.

Whichever application method you end up using, the pros are universal in their insistence that two top coats are always better than one. Says O'Neil, "It's one of the real secrets of a long-lasting paint job."

Siding is your home’s “skin”. As such, it’s integral to curb appeal, collective aesthetics, and resale value. From a functional perspective, home siding is the first line of defense against the weather, and it’s integral to your home’s wall assembly. Also, depending on the size of your home, siding can comprise a significant part of your budget.

Nowadays there are many different siding types to consider, which is another reason why choosing the right siding is so important. From stucco, aluminum, and stainless steel to vinyl, ceramic tile, and stone veneer, a variety of styles are at your disposal depending on climate, home style/age, and budget.

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First thing’s first: before you shop for siding, determine how much you want to pay. If your budget is limited, then vinyl siding is a good option, as are wood, fiber cement, and metal. Homeowners with larger budgets can broaden their search to include brick, brick veneer, stone/stone veneer, and premium vinyl siding, which is more durable, more stylish, and more customizable than standard vinyl siding.

Things to know before buying windows.

Contact the local building code department for your area to find out about necessary permits and inspections and if there are any restrictions or requirements for new window installation.

Learn about the importance of energy performance ratings before buying. Be aware of the cost factor for each of the materials - fiberglass, wood and vinyl. Use this online calculator to see the cost for vinyl windows by zip code. Choose window material that is suitable to your area's climate.

Select the style that complements your home's architecture. Some popular styles include double hung, casement, bay, bow, architectural, sliding, and garden windows as well as skylights. 

Purchase energy efficient windows certified by the EPA. Understand the level of maintenance required for each of the window types. Know what the manufacturer's warranty covers and for how long