ICanFixUpMyHome: Home Remodeling and Repair DIY Exterior Projects - Roof repair, deck design and construction, and more

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Any project which requires the use of tools carries the potential for injury. Use caution and your safety gear, this site won't be liable!

Wood Deck Design Fundamentals. This is article one in the deck building series. It's an introduction and overview. Recommended reading before diving into the meatier articles.
Deck Design and Framing Concepts. Part two in the deck building series. This one addresses framing material and the deck's structural members.
Lumber Sizes And Spacing For Deck Building. Part three in the deck building series. It shows how to determine spacing intervals for joists, beams, and post height, dependant of the dimensions of the lumber you select. Get out your calculator!
Deck Design and Post Hole Layout. Here we are at part four in the deck building series. Lay out your post hole locations and your ledger board.
Setting Posts in Deck Construction. Part five in the deck building article series finds us actually digging holes and setting posts.
Deck Building: Beams and Joists. Part six in the deck building series, we are dealing with installing the beams and joists as well as some bracing for strength.
Trex Composite or Aluminum Decking vs Natural Wood This article compares decking choices. Prior articles focused on framing concepts, lumber sizes and spacing, and post hole location and setting.
Finish your deck with a basic, diagonal, or picture frame pattern, and learn board securing techniques.

Wood Deck Refinishing. To get ready for summer activities, you need to protect your investment by refinishing your backyard deck or your pool deck. Here's how.
Upgrade a Cement Patio to a Deck Got a cement patio but want a deck? Quite easily done.
Porch Construction with Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Flooring. Why not dress up your porch with tile?. With the proper support and the right type of tile, it is easy.

Prices for Asphalt Driveway Alternatives Some alternatives to concrete and asphalt driveways include cobblestones, stamped concrete, bricks, and gravel. Prices vary, so choose wisely.
Avoid Costly Foundation Repair. A foundation repair could very well saddle you with a second mortgage. But you can avoid it with a little forethought.
Pouring a Concrete Slab. This is article one in the concrete slab series. It covers site preparation, form building, and pouring.
Finishing a Concrete Slab. This is article two in the concrete slab series. It covers finishing the slab by the steps of screeding, darby, edging, grooving, floating, and troweling the slab.
A DIY Guide to Types of Concrete. Deciding which pre-mixed concrete blend to use? There are differences between general purpose pre-mixed, fiber-reinforced, countertop concrete, and fast-setting concrete.
Asphalt Repair for Driveways, Sidewalks, and Parking Lots. Asphalt is also called blacktop. Another term, tarmac, is often used interchangeably, but to be precise, it’s not the same composition. Learn how to patch cracks and holes.

The Organic Method of Planting a Tree There are 2 methods of planting trees, the organic way and the synthetic chemical way. Landscaping contractors are much more likely to go the synthetic route that involves more soil amendments, gravel for drainage, and staking. The organic method avoids this.
How to Build a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden Learn how to grow organic container herbs and vegetables or a showcase flower bed this spring and say goodbye to high produce prices.
Landscaping Tools for Lawn Care. When you opt to take care of your own property and not contract a professional lawn care and landscaping service, you need tools. Learn about them here.
Lawn mower Selection and Maintenance. This article provides you with an in-depth look at lawn mower selection and maintenance.
How to Remove a Tree Stump. This article explains how to remove a tree stump easily without using a stump grinder. It’s simply a matter of methodically trenching around the stump and cutting out the roots with a nursery digging spade and a utility bar.
Irrigation With Gutter Downspouts. Divert rainwater away from your home and irrigate your garden or flower beds at the same time.

Do Rain Gutter Guards and Screens Work? Do gutter guards eliminate the chore of seasonal cleaning? Or are "maintenance free" gutter covers salesman hype? To perform, they must keep debris, leaves, and bits of composition shingles from clogging the downspouts.
How to Determine when You Need a New Roof or Shingle Repair. Many homeowners fail to give their shingles the respect they deserve. How do you know when it's time to seek out a licensed and bonded roofing contractor? Here's how: perform a visual inspection on a regular basis.
Porch Roof Construction. Why not put a roof over that porch so you can enjoy it in the shade? Learn how to tie it into your roof.
How to Select a Roof Contractor. There are rip-off artists in the roofing industry. Use customer opinion, estimator questions, and the BBB to hire an honest roofing contractor on a re-roofing project.
Shingle Roofs VS Metal Roofs. Quite a decision. Shingles cost less but metal will probably outlast you and stands up to severe weather.
Examining Home Siding Choices. Home siding choices are made depending on homeowner preference, climate conditions, and home maintenance needs.

Types of Fences for Privacy and Security A residential fence will mark your property line and is part of a home security system.
Build a Free-Standing Patio Cover. Build a freestanding patio cover to protect your camper, car, or boat. Or add value to your home while creating a space for entertaining.

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