Architecture : Home & Garden

Rss & Feeds
Removing Sticky Marks on the Wall

Removing Sticky Marks on the Wall

Sticky residue show up when you take down posters put up with tape or sticky tack. The marks can be an eyesore and ruin the appearance of the wall. Gently remove the marks and restore the wall to what it once was. Several ways exist to remove sticky marks from walls, so choose one that works for you
The Most Powerful Showerheads

The Most Powerful Showerheads

The US Energy Policy and Conservation Act created limits on the amount of water allowed to pass through showerheads. Measured in gallons per minute or gpm, the maximum allowed by law is 2.5 gpm. A home's incoming water pressure can alter the amount of pressure from the showerhead; for example, a hom
Acoustical Solutions for Cathedral Ceilings

Acoustical Solutions for Cathedral Ceilings

Cathedral ceilings are an attractive architectural feature for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, but they can present acoustical problems. Sounds echo from the angled surfaces, producing poor sound quality when you are watching television or having a conversation. There are ways to mediate ac
How to Mount Drapery Rods

How to Mount Drapery Rods

Hanging draperies (also called curtains) is one of the easiest ways to dress up a window. Drapes hang from rods that are mounted to the wall on both sides of the window. In most cases, the mounts should be affixed directly into a wall stud or into a wall anchor (for use with a wall surface) to keep
How to Connect Solar Panels to Home Power

How to Connect Solar Panels to Home Power

As homeowners become more concerned about the exhausting energy supplies, they are switching to the environment-friendly and renewable energy source--solar energy. Solar energy is a reliable power source that uses sun radiations for producing electricity that you can use at home. Once you install so
How do I Eliminate Leaking in the Basement?

How do I Eliminate Leaking in the Basement?

Leaking basements are common in some homes. They are common in older homes or in areas with high water tables where water is more likely to intrude. Moisture or standing water in a basement can lead to mold and mildew. Water seepage may damage stored items, furniture, carpeting or other materials. P
Toilet Plumbing Advice

Toilet Plumbing Advice

It doesn't take a plumber to fix most common toilet problems, and keeping on top of them can prevent more serious ones from developing. Repairing a leaky valve or misadjusted float arm is a five minute job that can save gallons of wasted water per day. Moreover, quick diagnosis and repair of leaks f
How to Select a Backsplash

How to Select a Backsplash

A backsplash is a decorative way to protect walls in areas that regularly encounter moisture. They are commonly seen on walls near sinks, above countertops, behind toilets and under cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. With a variety of styles and materials to choose from for your backspl
Safety for Foam Insulation in Homes

Safety for Foam Insulation in Homes

There are some safety considerations when using foam insulation in the home. This includes any foam insulation product, including polyurethane, Icynene and the older urea-formaldehyde type.
How to Make Floor Joists Stronger

How to Make Floor Joists Stronger

Floor bounce, when you can feel the floor boards flex under your feet, can be caused by weak floor joists. You can fix a weak or even a cracked floor joist by installing a sister joist. A sister joist is a set of boards that secure to and run parallel to the existing floor joist. This adds strength
Step-by-Step Guide for Replacing Awning Fabric on RV

Step-by-Step Guide for Replacing Awning Fabric on RV

RV's, or recreational vehicles, are great for traveling in comfort. Many RV owners install awnings to have shade during hot weather and protection from rain. They are relatively easy to install. The more time one is on the road, the more damage that can be caused to the awning. Small tears, rips, an
DIY Random Tile Patterns

DIY Random Tile Patterns

Installing tile follows the same process regardless of the type of tile; thinset acts like the glue for tile and grout fills gaps between the tiles. The major deviation in tiling projects comes from the patterns used in the installation of tile. Preset patterns, such as brickwork or herringbone, lay
How to Install Linoleum Flooring in a Bathroom Without Removing the Toilet

How to Install Linoleum Flooring in a Bathroom Without Removing the Toilet

Because of linoleum's water and stain-resistant characteristics, many homeowners use linoleum sheets as a bathroom floor covering. Unlike other types of floor coverings, linoleum flooring's flexible nature lets the flooring installer lay a single piece of linoleum flooring in a bathroom without remo
How to Repair Roofs Made of Tile

How to Repair Roofs Made of Tile

Roof tiles are made of ceramic clay, a brittle material that can break easily with pressure. Unlike asphalt or wood roofs, tile roofs do not deteriorate or rot from the elements. Do-it-yourselfers can make minor repairs on these roofs. Consult a professional for interlocking tiles and tiles you can'
How to Remove Concrete Coating

How to Remove Concrete Coating

Concrete surfaces such as patios and porches are coated with a layer of concrete or masonry sealant to protect them once they are finished. This sealant can, over time, become damaged and begin to peel or bubble. Even if your concrete seal appears in good repair, it should be redone periodically to
How to Clean a Pool Cover

How to Clean a Pool Cover

The process known as "closing your pool" describes what people in the eastern and northern climates must do to protect their swimming pools in snowy and freezing weather. The pool must be drained to 18 inches below the skimmers and fully covered to guard against any damage in the sub-zero temperatur
How to Clean Granite Kitchen Countertops

How to Clean Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite is a natural stone that originates from areas such as Brazil, China and India. The granite comes in a variety of colors, which can coordinate with most home decor. Granite countertops normally come sealed, allowing for easier clean up. The sealant protects the porous stone from liquids absor
How to Apply Window Glaze Putty

How to Apply Window Glaze Putty

Broken or cracked panes on your home windows require immediate replacement. Wood window frames use a glazing putty between the glass and the inside of the frame to cushion the glass and provide an airtight seal. Once you remove the broken glass, it is necessary to do some prep work on the window fra
How to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring

How to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Sheet flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to install. That is not to say there aren't chronological steps to which the installer has to adhere. The biggest challenge you will face when installing sheet flooring is how to make precise cuts around unmovable objects such as kitchen cabinet
How to Pour Concrete Steps

How to Pour Concrete Steps

Pouring concrete to form steps is a complicated process. Most homeowners choose to leave this hard labor to a trained professional. The most difficult part of the job is making the correct calculations to determine the rise and run of the steps. Building codes in your city will dictate the required