Home Improvement Blogs

Sustainable building materials have come a long way in a short period of time. Modern homeowners in particular are constantly seeking ways to make their home more sustainable and more eco-friendly.

Solar Panels and Solar Power

Solar energy can be harnessed in multiple ways. Some homeowners use the power of the sun to heat their home by installing large windows on the sides of the home where the sun is likely to shine in. Dark walls on the exterior absorb solar heat, which helps to keep the home warm long after the sun goes down.

Other homeowners choose to harness the power of the sun through solar panels. When sun shines directly on the solar panels, the panels absorb the energy and turn it into electricity. Well-placed solar panels can

When contemplating a home siding installation, there are a number of questions that the average homeowner will face. With this in mind, we're addressing a few of the most common home siding questions concerning everything ranging from material to selection to installation considerations.

What Siding Materials are Best?

Determining the best type of siding will vary depending on a number of factors. These include: the home's age, condition, whether a homeowner's association (HOA) is involved, budget and personal preferences. The most popular siding materials on the market today are wood siding, vinyl siding and fiber cement siding. Cedar wood is a great insulator and is attractive, but it is susceptible to termites, fire and rotting. Vinyl is

Insulation is an important energy-saving building material. Modern homes have many different types of insulation. For homeowners who want to maintain their property and reduce their utility bills, it helps to know something about modern insulation materials and methods. This guide is designed to help homeowners protect their house and keep it comfortable throughout the year.

Where Is Insulation in the Home?

Insulation is found in nearly every part of the home's structure, including the floors, walls, basement and attic. A form of insulation can even be found in gas-filled windows, which are becoming more popular with time. Insulation is especially important in the exterior walls of the home, because these walls shield the home from the

A mold infestation can be caused by anything from a leaky pipe to poor humidity control. Due to its very nature, it has a tendency to stay out of sight—hiding under carpets or in between walls. Under the right conditions, mold, like pest infestations, can spread like wildfire. For homeowners who are facing an infestation, take these steps to remove the mold from the home and to safeguard against the possibility of it in the future.

First Things First

The first step for a homeowner is to get everyone inside away from the mold. Prolonged exposure to mold can do far more than cause allergy-like symptoms, it can damage organs and cause life-threatening diseases. If anyone in the home has been feeling ill or has had a headache they can't seem to

You may think that you are safe in your home. However, there can be serious safety hazards lurking about that can be addressed with minimal fuss. Young children and the elderly may be at higher risk of serious injury from a potential fall or fire as they may have issues with mobility. Protect your household from such situations. Know the most common home safety hazards in the average home today.

Preventing Falls

Injuries stemming from falls are a common household hazard. Slippery stairs, wet floors and scatter toys can increase the risk of one falling and suffering an injury. Those who want to minimize such risks would do well to:

• Stabilize staircases with secure flooring and solid handrails. Safety gates are recommended in homes with

Property owners are responsible for a great deal of routine maintenance. Windows should be one of the priorities as well-maintained windows improve energy-efficiency and safeguard those inside. Jammed windows, rotting frames and air leaks can occur to those owners not regularly maintaining their windows. So, what should property owners know about window maintenance?

From cleaning to small repairs, understand more about window cleaning fundamentals and window maintenance for optimal performance of windows today.

Basic Cleaning for Windows

Residents and commercial property owners need to take the time to regularly clean their windows. Light cleaning on a routine basis can maintain the appearance of windows and provide an opportunity to note

It's not as simple as monitored vs. unmonitored. Nor is the choice only between wired-in and wireless. Today, it's a bit more complex. In addition, the security system that is best for you may be a "hybrid," with different functions that require different applications. Every security system offers peace of mind and some degree of protection against unauthorized entry and break-ins, fire and storm damage, and perhaps other emergencies including hazardous fumes, glass breakage or home system failures. How much and how complex varies greatly.

Basic Intrusion Alarms

Early home security systems provided wired electrical circuits at door and window openings; they set off an audible alarm when the contact was broken. Motion detectors, other types of

Lighting can have a big impact on the way a home looks and how people feel when they're in the home. Many homeowners seeking to improve the appearance and ambiance in their home can start by improving the lighting. Using a combination of natural lighting, firelight, reflected light and lamp light, homeowners can make their home look beautiful, inviting, cheerful and cozy.

Let In Natural Light

Natural light is very important for keeping the home cheerful during the day. There are many different ways to encourage daylight to enter the home. Homeowners can start by taking down heavy drapes and replacing them with light curtains made from natural materials in a loose weave. Cotton and linen curtains are both effective for providing privacy while

There are many types of materials used in a modern roof, and it can be difficult for homeowners to make a choice. The price of the roofing is an important point, but there are many other factors to consider as well. These tips help people to discern which roofing material might be best for them, based on the investment they are willing to make.

Seal It Up With Asphalt

In many parts of the country, asphalt or composite roofing is the most common material. This material relies on thin shingles that have a fiberglass mat on which asphalt granules are layered to seal out water. Asphalt roofing does not have an exceptionally long lifespan compared to other roofing materials, but it is one of the least expensive types.

People may be able to get

Many homeowners, as a part of owning a home, will—at some point or another—be required to deal with the presence of pests. Homeowners should be aware that a pest infestation can lead to home damage and exacerbate existing health conditions. Know the signs of a potential pest problem and take steps to address issues as quickly as possible. What are the options for homeowners who may uncover a pest infestation?

Termites and Home Damage

Termites can do substantial damage to a home as they consume wood in support beams and other wooden structures. A home and wooden products within it can easily contain and feed generations of termites, and the danger may be present before homeowners ever move in, as basic home inspections do not cover termites.