It’s time to turn our attention toward summer home maintenance tips, and there’s no better guide for that than our Four Seasons of Home Ownership Checklist.
Summer is also a great time for backyard living, and whether you’re wondering which type of deck to install, or need to repair a deck that’s peeling and moldy, or resurface a concrete patio, we’ve got you covered.
If you have an aggregate patio that’s become exposed over the years, and is tough underfoot, we’ve also got tips to resurface it.
Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
- [skipto time=2:00][2:00][/skipto] Four Seasons of Home Ownership — Your Summer Checklist
- [skipto time=10:15][10:15][/skipto] Solution for mildew smells in a bathroom and small holes in a tub
- [skipto time=15:11][15:11][/skipto] ‘Which materials do I need for a new deck?’
- [skipto time=17:46][17:46][/skipto] Best New Product: LG Instaview Door-in-Door Refrigerator
- [skipto time=19:21][19:21][/skipto] ‘Can you install light fixtures near radiant heating?’
- [skipto time=21:11][21:11][/skipto] ‘Which materials do I need to install underlayment over tile floors?’
- [skipto time=22:04][22:04][/skipto] ‘My deck paint is peeling and there’s mold. What can I do?’
- [skipto time=23:57][23:57][/skipto] Simple Solution: Safe, easy way to wash fruit and vegetables
- [skipto time=25:43][25:43][/skipto] Question of the Week: The best way to resurface an aggregate patio
Simple Solutions
Roof Runoff Remedy — The lower edge of roof shingles should extend beyond the fascia board by at least 3/4 inch. That way, when rain runs down the roof it’ll drain into the gutters.
Too often, however, the overhang falls short and water drips behind the gutters, leading to rotted fascia, peeling paint, stained siding and, in extreme cases, soil erosion and a wet basement.
To fix the problem, pick up some aluminum drip edge (drip-cap flashing). It’s typically sold in 8-foot lengths, and can be easily cut with tin snips or even poultry shears.
Slide the wide, flat flange of the flashing under the first course of roof shingles. If the edge of the flashing doesn’t extend over the gutter, pull it out slightly from under the shingles. Secure the drip edge with a few short roofing nails; just be sure to position the nails under the shingles.
Seal each nail head with a dollop of roofing cement.
Washing produce — You don’t need a store-bought cleaner to remove dirt and insecticides from your fresh produce. Just mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda (or white vinegar) in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, transfer the produce to a colander, then rinse with clean water.
Question of the Week
Q: I need suggestions on how to resurface a washed aggregate patio. It is uncomfortable to walk on and I’d like to change it.
Must it be removed? Pouring more concrete on top with a decorative pattern or stain would be pretty. Any ideas?
A: If you want to change the look of the patio, you can install tile over it, but that could be expensive. On the other hand, coating it with 1/8 inch of Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is easy. Most resurfacers require a primer or bonding agent.
If you want to change it up all together, you can tile over it or install decking over it.
