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Articles by Nikki Stavile
Legacy of Fire: The Ghost of Trees
The only forests are the ones that have burned, the ones that are burning, and the ones that haven’t burned yet. – Farout Comment, Tahoe Rim Trail Introduction This fire starts in a canyon, ten miles southwest of Donner Pass, on a day with high winds and even higher temperatures. There is no rain in the forecast — there rarely is. Ground personnel say the likely cause is an abandoned campfire, discovered by a hiker.
Saltillo Tile Stain Colors: Transform Your Space with These Stunning Options - Today's Homeowner
Saltillo tile has long been a favorite among homeowners seeking to add warmth and character to their spaces. While already beautiful in its rich terracotta hue, stained Saltillo tile can transform a room’s entire aesthetic. From bold, modern looks to subtle enhancements of the tile’s natural tones, staining offers endless possibilities for customization.
An Overview of Half-Round Copper Gutters - Today's Homeowner
Installing half-round copper gutters on your home is an excellent choice for any homeowner if your particular budget allows it. These gutter systems can last more than 50 years when kept in working order. With durable gutter guards, they‘ll last even longer. Copper gutters will add to the curb appeal and overall value of your home and, as one of the sturdiest materials available, will prevent water damage to your roof, foundation, and surrounding landscaping.
What Are the Different Types of Gutters? - Today's Homeowner
Often underappreciated and an afterthought for most homeowners, gutters are a vitally important part of your home’s drainage system. Gutters help protect your foundation and prevent water damage to your house’s exterior and landscaping. Beyond their considerable functional purposes, gutters can also add a subtle flair to your home’s design. From the more common aluminum “K” style gutters to high-end copper Victorian-style gutters, they can add a unique look and flair to your home.
Do I Really Need Gutters Around My Entire House? - Today's Homeowner
While gutters are a worthwhile investment for many homeowners, you might be surprised to learn that you may not need gutters around your entire house. Specifics like the slope of your roof, the weather in your region, and aspects of your home’s landscaping can all determine if you need a gutter system around the entirety of your home’s exterior.
Guide To Preventing Overflowing Gutters - Today's Homeowner
Gutters keep your lawn, walls, and foundation from becoming saturated with water. They do this by directing runoff and snowmelt away from your home and further into your lawn. But overflowing gutters can cause problems including pest infestations, mold growth, standing water on your lawn, andextensive water damage. I’ve compiled this guide, in conjunction with the expert team at Today’s Homeowner, to provide you with an overview of the common reasons that gutters can clog.
Why Your Home Needs Full-Time Gutter Protection — and How to Get It - Today's Homeowner
Gutters have an important function. They direct water off your roof and away from your home to prevent erosion or water damage. But gutters are only effective when they are clear of leaves, pine needles, animal nests, and other debris. Maintaining your gutters can be a hassle, especially if you live in a highly wooded area or if you aren’t prepared to spend money each spring and fall to get your gutters properly cleaned.
Can You Paint Gutters? - Today's Homeowner
If you’re thinking about replacing your gutters, but want them to look brand new for a lower price, consider painting them instead. Giving your gutter system a fresh coat of paint is a great way to freshen up the outside look of your house and boost your home’s curb appeal. Many homeowners believe painting their gutters is a taxing, time-consuming DIY project. However, with some planning and prior research, you can quickly paint your gutters and increase your home’s curb appeal.
7 Black Gutters on White House Design Ideas - Today's Homeowner
You might be surprised by how much the color of your gutter system can impact the curb appeal of your home. Many homeowners choose a gutter color that matches the color of their home’s exterior; however, there is a lot of design potential to be found in these otherwise innocuous fixtures if you try a bolder color like black. I’ve compiled several home design ideas examples showcasing how you can use black gutters on your white home exterior.
7 Black Gutters on Brick House Ideas - Today's Homeowner
When it comes to the exterior look of a home, there are few materials that have quite the same effect as that of brick. Solid and grounded without feeling too severe, brick house exteriors offer a uniquely warm feel that works in a variety of design contexts, from cozy to industrial. The latter in particular, has become an especially popular choice in recent years, with raw industrial themes being worked into a lot of modern designs.
Can Rodents Get Past Your Gutter Guards? - Today's Homeowner
Gutter guards are caps that screw or snap on the top of your house’s gutters to prevent debris from clogging them up. For this reason, I, and the expert team at Today’s Homeowner, recommend investing in these upgrades to your gutter system. This is because gutter guards help prevent leaves and debris from filling your gutters. Gutters also have a variety of pest control uses, and gutter guards can help prevent rodents and pests from entering your gutters.
Are Gutters Necessary for Your Home? - Today's Homeowner
If you are like many homeowners, you have probably wondered whether gutters are even necessary. After all, they are prone to clogging, attract nesting birds, can only handle a limited volume of water, and can eventually pull away from your roof or tilt. Some roofers even advise against them. I know that many homeowners also feel that rain gutters are controversial. This is because this type of house drainage system is generally not required by law on a sloping roof.
5 Signs You Need New Gutters - Today's Homeowner
Properly functioning gutters are critical because they direct water safely away from your home’s exterior, roof, and foundation. Without this rainwater management system, your home’s foundation and exterior could suffer severe water damage. At worst, this could lead to attic and roof damage, or result in mold growth that could affect your health. If you don’t know what to look for when assessing the health of your home’s gutters, don’t panic.
14 Ways To Keep Your Gutters Clean Through Each Season - Today's Homeowner
Gutters are a vitally important system in your home because they help keep your lawn from becoming waterlogged, can reduce the chance of foundation or other structural damage, and protect the exterior of your home from developing mold and mildew. Gutter cleaning and regular maintenance is essential to keeping your house’s drainage system working well. That’s why I’ve worked with the team at Today’s Homeowner, with their decades of experience, to research the best gutter maintenance practices.
A Guide To Cleaning Mold off of Gutters - Today's Homeowner
Your gutter and drainage systems are essential for keeping water away from your foundation and making sure that your lawn doesn’t flood. However, if you don’t take the time to properly maintain your gutters, they can become filled with debris, begin to clog, and even eventually start growing mold. This mold will grow along the undersides of your gutters, coating them with grime. If left unattended, you can wind up with mold-damaged eaves, weakened shingles, and mildew stains.
How to Choose Gutter Colors (Gutter Color Chart Selector) - Today's Homeowner
A good gutter system is essential for keeping unwanted moisture away from your home and preventing flooding. However, they are also an often noticeable part of your home’s exterior. If you are looking to install gutters for the first time or upgrade your existing drainage system, you may be wondering what type of color to pick. The expert team at Today’s Homeowner knows that you don’t want your gutters to turn into an eyesore.
13 Gutter Drainage Solutions and Tips for Downspout Runoff Drainage - Today's Homeowner
Have you noticed that rainwater builds up around the outside of your home? Or are you experiencing mold and dampness in your home, but you can’t figure out the root cause? In many cases, mold, rot, and other issues with flooding may be due to excessive rainwater run off from your gutter system. This could be due to a clogged drainage system or gutters that are routed poorly, causing water to be directed towards, rather than away, from your home.
Do Gutter Guards Work? The Truth About Gutter Guards - Today's Homeowner
If you’re a homeowner dealing with the buildup of leaves, twigs, and other debris in your gutters, you’re likely considering gutter guards as a solution. You might have heard some details from your neighbors or even seen some on houses in your neighborhood. But, before you go out and pay for gutter guard installation, it’s essential to know if they will work for your home. Gutter guards are an excellent solution to preventing clogged gutters and reducing how often you need to clean them.
Guide To Hanging Christmas Lights on Gutters - Today's Homeowner
Christmas lights undoubtedly bring joy and life to any home during the holiday season, especially at night. Whether you use net lights or rope lights on your foliage, line your doorframe with Christmas string lights, or light up your walkways with incandescent bulbs, the effect is sure to be beautiful. One of the most popular ways to decorate your home for the holiday season is to hang Christmas lights from gutters.
Gutter Downspout Bags: Do You Need Them? - Today's Homeowner
Your home’s gutter system is a vital drainage system that can protect your home’s foundation and landscaping from excessive moisture. However, even well-functioning gutters will need to be periodically cleaned and rinsed to keep them free of debris. While performing this type of maintenance, you may have to flush large amounts of water into your gutter drainage system. Large amounts of water can be problematic for your home’s foundation and landscaping.
Guide To Quieting Gutters and Downspouts - Today's Homeowner
While some people may enjoy listening to the sound of water, rattling gutters or excessive amounts of rainfall coming out of your downspouts can be a bit of a nuisance. Noisy gutters can also be an indication that your gutter system requires maintenance. As part of the expert team at Today’s Homeowner, I’ve compiled this guide with DIY solutions that you can use to address noisy gutters or rain gutter downspouts.
Steel Vs. Wood Framing for Your Home
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7 Brick House With Board and Batten Siding Ideas
This 41-year-old Atlanta mom couldn't afford a home in the US — so she bought one in Italy for $62K and says she only needs $450K to retire now. Here's why it's so affordable
How to Calculate Kitchen Range Hood Fan Size
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How to Build a Rooftop Deck
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Steel Log Siding Vs. Wood Log Siding
Increasing curb appeal in your home is an attractive investment for many homeowners. By choosing the right type of exterior, you can increase the value of your property while enhancing your quality of life. Homeowners seeking a rustic cabin style often consider wood or steel log siding as exterior choices. Keep reading for a comprehensive comparison of these two popular siding choices. Costs in this article are sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Steel Vs. Wood Framing for Your Home
Steel framing was originally just used for commercial buildings. However, it has grown increasingly popular for residential use as well. Steel and wood have distinct pros and cons, so it is best to research before deciding which is best for your home. This guide provides an overview of these materials so you can make an informed decision when framing your home. Steel framing is an excellent option for large builds, primarily because of its strength. Let’s look at some of its benefits below.
How to Calculate Kitchen Range Hood Fan Size
Kitchen range hoods that you vent to the outside are an effective way to remove heat, odors, moisture, and smoke from your home when cooking. The trick to buying just the right one is getting the correct size, which is related to the cubic feet of air the hood fans move per minute (CFM). It’s important to buy a range hood that moves enough air to ventilate your kitchen effectively.
What Is Steel Frame Construction? Techniques, Advantages, and Considerations
Steel frame construction is the process of building with steel beams and columns as the main load-bearing members, including structural steel studs. The frames are usually made of mild steel, which is extremely strong. They can bend without cracking and adjust to shifting loads within the structure, making them ideal for buildings that need to withstand earthquakes or other types of natural disasters.
Modified Wood Decking — Spruce Your Yard Up With a New Deck - NewsBreak
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Modified Wood Decking — Spruce Your Yard Up With a New Deck - Today's Homeowner
Building or updating your deck requires high-quality, sustainable materials that are affordable, beautiful, and easy to install. Modified wood, like that from Kebony, has a proven performance record in applications like cladding and decking. This wood type is also regularly endorsed by skilled architects and contractors. Let’s look at what makes modified wood a sustainable and high-performing material for decking projects.
5 Benefits of Vertical Aluminum Siding
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Vertical Aluminum Siding: A Durable and Stylish Option for Homeowners - Today's Homeowner
Vertical aluminum siding blends durability, style, and affordability together. This versatile material adds value to all homes, from mobile homes to mansions and commercial storefronts. With its unique vertical orientation and many benefits, aluminum siding is a valid alternative to traditional horizontal options. In this article, I’ll discuss the advantages of vertical aluminum siding, its applications, and why it might be the right choice for your next renovation project.
How to Choose the Best Whole-House Air Purifier
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How to Choose the Best Whole-House Air Purifier - Today's Homeowner
Airborne allergens can have a big impact on your health. Dust can lead to breathing difficulties. If there are damp areas in your house, you might find mold, which can cause significant property damage and respiratory illnesses. Fortunately, there are ways to remove harmful airborne particulates from your home. One of the best ways to do this is by using a whole-house air purifier. Whole-house air purifiers often connect to an existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
How to Choose a Fence
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How to Choose a Fence
Adding a fence around your property is a great way to provide privacy and security for your family, children, and pets. Fences are also a good idea if you are looking to add beauty, character, and value to your home. My expert guide provides an overview of what you should consider when choosing a fence so you can determine which fencing option is best for you. Deciding on what type of outdoor fence is best for you requires looking at a variety of priorities.
How to Clean and Repair Gutters
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How to Clean and Repair Gutters
Maintaining gutters and downspouts is one of the most often overlooked jobs around the house. It is also one of the most important since clogged or leaking gutters can quickly lead to rotten fascia boards, peeling paint, water damage to interiors, flooding, and foundation concerns. To help you out, I will walk you through cleaning, maintaining, and repairing your gutters in this guide.
Deer-Proof Fencing for Your Yard or Garden
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Deer-Proof Fencing for Your Yard or Garden
Deer can be a real problem in your yard or garden. If they’re still eating your plants despite you using deer repellent and switching to deer-resistant plants, a deer-proof fence is an effective solution to keep them out. Deer fencing may not be ideal for every yard, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or unsightly. Several fencing types and installation methods can work well. Our experienced team recommends checking your local building codes and neighborhood rules before you install any fence.
What to Do Before and After a Hurricane Damages Your Home
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What to Do Before and After a Hurricane Damages Your Home
Hurricanes wreak havoc because they combine two of nature’s most destructive forces: wind and water. Having proper home insurance coverage and knowing what to do to support your claim will help you repair hurricane damage much more quickly. We’ll walk you through some proactive measures you can take to prepare for a potential hurricane and what to do if you find yourself dealing with home repairs after one hits. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it’s best to be proactive.
5 Paint Colors That Go with Saltillo Tile
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How to Build Deck Footings
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5 Paint Colors That Go with Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tiling is one of the most beautiful types of terracotta tiling on the market — but it can also be one of the most difficult to incorporate into your home’s design. You may feel like saltillo tiling means you will be limited to the classic white that adorns so many Mediterranean and Spanish homes. While white is a versatile and popular color choice to pair with saltillo tile, it is certainly not the only option.
How to Build Deck Footings - Today's Homeowner
Building a deck can be a great way to add value to your home and provide a social space in your backyard. Adding this feature to your yard starts with setting a sturdy foundation. Footings help support the weight of the deck and are needed to keep your deck stable. This step-by-step guide will show you how to build proper deck footings. Be sure to check the building codes for your area before starting on this project.
4 Fiber Cement Siding Problems to Know
Fiber cement siding is a relatively new building material that was invented in the 1980s by one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. Fiberboard is made from a mix of amorphous powder from materials such as sand, cement, and wood pulp. When you squeeze these ingredients together with chemicals under a high-pressure industrial process, you get fiber cement siding.
How to Pour a Concrete Slab
Home foundations, patios, and sidewalks all begin with concrete slabs. The method for pouring and curing a concrete slab is similar for every project. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to correctly pour a concrete slab and provide some tips to make the job a success. Every strong concrete slab starts with a well-built form. First, excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.
How to Install Tile Over a Wood Subfloor
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