What happens when an exterior faucet drips in Minnesota in the Winter? You get an Ice Dome. Two things you want to make sure of is that faucets ar completely shut off and that you don't leave garden hoses hooked up. It is important that the anti frost valve is allowed to drain properly to prevent damage to the faucet
The Key To A Beautiful Deck
Creating Curb Appeal On a Small Budget
Summer is here, and most of us and our neighbors are outside planting, trimming and preparing the patios and deck for cookouts. We're also taking time for evening strolls through the neighborhood. Looking around at what your neighbors are up to may result in a desire to improve your home's curb appeal.
Protecting Your Landscaping During The Snowy Season
We all put a lot of time and hard work into your yard during the summer. It’s late fall and you have taken the time to get things ready for winter. You know the drill: make sure your plans are all well watered before the ground freezes. Move house plans indoors. Clean up the flower beds, remove, cut back, mulch…etc.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Crumbling Porch Brick Work
Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Discusses Wet Basements
Summer Storm Damage – Now What?
Garden Hoses Pose Potential For Frozen Water Lines
Leaving garden hoses connected to external water faucets can result in frozen and possibly split water lines. At this home inspection in Rochester MN, I came across two hose faucets that had garden hoses attached to them. These hose faucets are the Anti Freeze/Anti Siphon type and are designed not to freeze...provided you remove the garden hoses.
Home Inspector creates “Buzz” On A Secret Bee Hive
At a recent home inspection I came across an opening in the side of a home that was housing a bee hive. This video clearly shows why you should always make sure that openings in the exterior of your home are sealed. These bees get into the wall and displace the insulation as they build their colonies. My recommendation to the new home owner was to have these bees exterminated, removed, and then to have the insulation replaced... Oh, and to make sure that all openings in the home's exterior are sealed.
Rochester MN Home Inspector Reveals Unsafe Deck
Rochester MN Home Inspector Discussion On Adding Storm Doors To Your Home
What does your home have that can improve its first impression and it’s energy efficiency? It’s on the front of your home and sits directly in front of your main entrance. I’m talking about your storm doors. Storm doors play an important role in your homes curb appeal and energy efficiency. They can beautify and prevent drafts.
Home Inspector Discusses Mudjacking A Settled Slab
Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Staining Deck To Protect Your Investment
Rochester MN Home Inspector Finds Bees In The Basement
Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Sealing Your Driveway And Garage Floor Gap
Home Inspector discusses sealing gap between garage floor and driveway
Quite often during a home inspection I will note a gap between the concrete driveway and the garage slab on the inspection report. Taking the time to fill the gap will be worth the effort. Excess water under the slab will cause the slab to raise in the winter as the ground freezes. The gap can be closed using a filler/backer rod and a self leveling sealant filler material.
The first step is to clean the gap, blowing away all dust and debris. If there is any depth to the void you will need to fill it with a filler material, sometimes called backer rod, or backer rope. This is typically a closed cell synthetic material that looks like one of those float noodles that the kids use in the pool. But a size that is slightly wider than the opening you are trying to fill. Your local Rochester, or Southeastern MN building materials store will have these materials.
Next, force the backing materials into the opening using a putty knife until you have about ¾-1 inch below the concrete surface. The backer rod material will support the filler sealant and will expand and contract as the seasons change. It also provides a surface that will not stick to the filler sealant. If the filler sealant is attached to three surfaces, it may not expand and contract properly and pull away from the concrete.
After the backer rod is installed, add the self leveling concrete filler or urethane type caulk. This material will fill the void and is self leveling. This material is designed to adhere well to concrete and will expand and contract with the seasons. Always follow the manufacturers directions for installation and cure time. Proper installation will give you a great result that will keep the gap filled for years to come.