OUTDOOR TIPS
Caring for outdoor plants means more than providing adequate water you must also provide the right environment. So, you should ensure that the plants you buy are intended for this region as identified by the official government hardiness zones. A plants hardiness is identified by its ability to survive in one or more of these specific geographic zones. The zones are designated according to duration and intensity of sunlight, length of growing season, amount and timing of rainfall, length and severity of drought, drainage, soil characteristics, slope, elevation, humidity and frost potential.
Wood
Wood remains a very popular fencing material due to its traditional appearance, workability, and serviceability. It is usually available in a wide range of choices, including inexpensive spruces and pines (which need regular weather finishing with paint or stain treatment), as well as weather and rot resistant cedars and premium redwoods. Pressure-treated posts and fence boards are also very popular due to their low maintenance and relative cost effectiveness. However, some environmentalists are cautious about the potential long-term effects of certain chemical treatments.
Vinyl
Some vinyl fencing is merely a smooth PVC casing designed to fit over steel posts or aluminum rails. Other vinyl fence panels are manufactured to look like imitation wood, and are similar to artificial decking materials. Although these fences are available in many styles, manufacturers tend to limit color options to lighter shades in order to avoid attracting UV rays. Nonetheless, vinyl fencing is gaining popularity because it is becoming more competitively priced, and some brands offer the benefits of waterproof, fireproof, recyclable, and virtually maintenance free products.
Metal
Wrought iron or steel bars arent just for large estates or public institutions. Metal fences, arbors and gates manufactured on a smaller scale can provide reasonable property protection and traditional flourishing garden or a classic home entrance. However, these fences typically require a metal paint application to protect the material. A simpler, less expensive alternative is chain-link or vinyl coated chain-link. These options remain popular because they offer a relatively secure but inexpensive fence alternative. Plus, these styles dont block the view of a well-landscaped property and also provide plants with maximum sunshine.
EXTERIOR PAINT
Don't Overlook the Paint
A thorough paint job on your home's exterior may be one of the faster, easiest and least expensive "major" renovations you should consider. The visual impact of just a few coats of paint may even result in an increase in the value of your home. Whether you are inclinded to take on such a project yourself or hire a professional, it's worthwhile knowing a few details that might have an effect on your job's cost and overall outcome.
Choose the paint type as carefully as the color
Most people spend a lot of time choosing the right paint colors for their home, but they rarely spend the same effort choosing the right type of paint. There are several key components that contribute to the quality of house paint, including pigments (which affect color and sheen), and binders which affect a paint's adhesion adn durability. When paint is drying, the liquid component evaporates, leaving the pigments and binders behind as the actual coat of paint. Logically, higher quality paint will have more pigments and binders by volume, resulting in a thicker application, richer looking color, and a more durable coating. (Clearly you shouldn't thin your house paint, unless specified by the manufacturer.)
There are two types of house paint: water-based "latex" (which cleans up with soap and water) and oil-based "alkyd" (which cleans up with mineral spirits). It is widely acknowledged that modern high-quality latex paints have improved to such a degree that they outperform alkyd paint on most factors, including application, appearance and durability. For example, 100% acrylic latex paint is generally less likely to blister, flake, peel or chalk. In addition, latex dries more quickly, and maintains more elasticity and breathing ability. Nonetheless, oil based paints may be preferred under specific circumstances, where reliable adhesion is required, or when high-hiding properties are a concern.
Think of the Results
Don't compromise the quality and life span of your paint job by using the wrong paint, just because it's cheaper. High quality paint means high value: it goes on faster and easier, and requires less brushing, less retouching, and possibly fewer coats to achieve an attractive, uniform appearance. Also, less spattering results in less waste and faster, easier cleanup (especially with latex). When top quality paint is applied to a properly prepared surface, the actual cost of paint on a per year basis may well be lower than a cheaper exterior paint because of the paint's life span. However, since every paint type has its own unique characteristics, it's wise to ask a qualified paint dealer to recommend the right paint for the job at hand.
Regardless of the type of paint, read the label carefully before you buy. Check the manufacturer's warranty and look for the features and properties that will achieve the intended results. Below are a few desirable paint characteristics that may add confidence to your decision:
Features Benefits
High Adhesion Resists blistering, peeling, etc.
Chalk Resistance Delays aging from exposure
Mildew Resistance Suppresses bacterial growth
Color Retention Maintains original appearance longer
Alkali Resistance Prevents deterioration on fresh masonry
Dirt Resistance Sheds airborne dust and dirt
Your Home Deserves the Attention
Most homeowners know that they need to care for their investment through regular upgrades and maintenace. Yet, some don't realize that a fresh paint job can actually enhance the perceived value of a house. A new coat of top quality paint protects the hom's exterior against the elements. Plus, when you show your interest in the appearance of your home, you communicate your intention to protect the hom's integrity. That is the kind of pride that gets noticed by visitors and prospective buyers. It's also the kind of pride that can easily catch on throughout an entire neighborhood, and help maximize everyone's property values.
Home's Exterior
If your home's exterior requires repair or replacement, you may want to consider changing the finish or material. While the objective may be to find a product to effectively withstand the elements, the result will also impact the overall appearance and first impression of your home. Of course, certain choices will be more appropriate than others, depending upon the style, location, elevation and exposure of your home. You'll also need to consider the fire safety, maintenance and utitity requirements of each product - not to mention the cost of the product and its installation. When you get right down to it, you'll discover that there are some great choices available to give any house or extension a whole new look and feel.
WOOD Siding
Wood siding has long been a practical and stylish home exterior, thanks to a plentiful supply, ease of handling and resistance to weather. Even though newer more durable siding materials are available, wood siding remains viable due to improved treatments and coatings that help ensure its weather resistance. This product is commonly positioned in horizontal planks, slightly overlapped to keep water out. However, there are also many other exterior applications for wood siding, including vertical "board and batten" siding, treated exterior wood paneling sheets and reclaimed barn boards.
PREFABRICATED Siding
Manufactured siding has improved significantly over the years, and offers many advantages. It comes in a wide range of materials, (vinyl, aluminum, steel, etc.) and has many color and finish options to match or coordinate with any home whether rustic, colonial or modern in style. This siding has virtually no maintenance issues, so your choice will be entirely personal, and based on visual preference, availability and cost.
STUCCO and sheathing
Stucco has evolved from its Native American and Mediterranean heritages and has become well established as a reliable home exterior throughout North America. A professionally installed stucco finish is very resilient and easy to maintain. Small cracks can be easily repaired and should be addressed before they get bigger. However, larger cracks may indicate structural problems, so an authorized building inspector and a reliable repair person should be consulted. A modern alternative to a traditional stucco exterior utilizes large sheathing panels with a waterproof plaster-like finish, which allow for quicker installation and individual replacement. This method is often combined with wood strips to conceal seams, such as in Tudo or ranch-style homes.
LOGS AND Log Facings
Modern log cabins look a lot like their predecessors, but newer methods and materials make them a very practical and long-lasting choice for a home exterior. If you don't plan to replace your exterior walls with full-sized logs, you can still achieve the look with a "log veneer" facing on an existing weatherproof wall. Plaster-like "chinking" between rows prevents moisture penetration while maintaining that authentic log cabin look.
STONE, BRICK, or inlay
Stone and brick have always been considered weatherproof. While stone tends to only b used in areas with a nearby supply, brick is available just about anywhere and provides solid protection if graded accordingly. Look for a performance guarantee from both the manufacturer and the installer, since even the best bricks are only as strong as the mortar used to hold them together. A cost-saving alternative to a stone or brick exterior is inlaid flagstone or brick facings set in a watherproof compound. Consult a qualified professional to ensure you get a worry-free finish that lives up to its appearance.