Wash Siding – Work Up
Dirt and mildew can make siding look ready for paint when it really needs a wash. Gentle cleaning methods for wood, vinyl and fiber cement.
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A closer look. Better decisions.
Field notes and practical answers for homebuyers, homeowners, sellers, and property professionals across the DC region.
A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
A drip at a valve stem often needs nothing more than a quarter turn of the packing nut. How to make the adjustment without a plumber.
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Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
Caulk alone sinks and cracks in wide gaps. Why a backer rod belongs under the bead, and how to use one for a joint that actually lasts.
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Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Two switches, one light, yet electricians call it a three-way. The wiring logic behind the name and how the circuit actually works.
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Garage Door Safety
The garage door is the heaviest moving object in most homes. Safety checks and maintenance that keep springs, sensors and openers honest.
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Thump, It’s the Water Heater
Thumps, pops and hisses from the water heater usually mean sediment sitting in the tank. What each noise says and what to do about it.
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An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
Water is patient, and your foundation pays for it. Grading, gutter care and downspout extensions that steer runoff away from the walls.
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The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
Fresh air without the chill takes a little strategy on cold, sunny days. Using wind direction and window choice to ventilate comfortably.
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My Concrete Has Cracked
Concrete cracks as it cures; that much is guaranteed. What control and expansion joints do and which cracks deserve a second opinion.
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Why Use Primer When Painting?
Primer is the difference between paint that grips and paint that peels. What it does, when you need it, and when you can safely skip it.
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Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
Plumb, level and square each describe a different kind of straight. What the three terms mean and how to check them on your own projects.
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Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
High-voltage lines run closer to daily life than most people realize. Ground rules for ladders, trees and projects near residential wires.
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