If you’re considering home repair projects, it’s important to understand what they’ll do and how they’ll benefit your home. In this guide, I’ll explain the benefits of some common home repair techniques like flashing, siding, tuck-pointing, insulation, weatherstripping and locksets/deadbolts and show how they can keep your house in great shape for years to come.
| # | Takeaways |
|---|---|
| 1 | Regular home maintenance can save you time and money in the long run. |
| 2 | Repairing, restoring, or maintaining your furniture, home security, HVAC system, and appliances can be done yourself with the right tools and knowledge. |
| 3 | Take the necessary measures to secure your home and get peace of mind. |
| 4 | Proper maintenance of your HVAC system can improve its efficiency and lifespan. |
| 5 | Don’t be afraid to tackle minor home repairs yourself, but always hire a professional for more complicated jobs. |
1. Flashing
Flashing is a metal or plastic molding that is installed on the outside of a structure to divert water away from the building. Flashing is used as an exterior trim to direct water away from the foundation, preventing damage and deterioration in your home.
Flashing can be applied in many different ways, depending on the type of project you’re working on.
For example:
- Roofing flashing (usually galvanized) keeps moisture out of your attic space by covering holes around chimneys and skylights when they’re installed or replaced
- Brick veneer flashing helps prevent leaks at corners where brick meets other materials such as wood siding or stucco
- Window sill flashing protects windowsills from becoming wet when it rains
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2. Siding
Siding is the most common exterior wall covering and can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement.
Siding is installed directly to the house or an existing wall. Siding comes in a variety of colors and styles including horizontal boards (like clapboard), vertical boards (like shingles) or stone-like textures such as slate or rock that are designed to mimic actual stones.
Siding can be painted or stained depending on what look you prefer for your home’s exterior!
3. Tuck-Pointing
Tuck-pointing is a technique used to repair brickwork. It’s a common technique in brickwork, but it can be difficult to find the time and materials needed for it. However, if you have an old house with cracking mortar joints on the exterior walls, this is an excellent way to make repairs look more professional while also strengthening your home’s structure.
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4. Insulation
Insulation is a crucial part of your home, and you can save money by doing it yourself. The R-value, or resistance to heat flow, of your insulation helps determine how well it keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in summer.
There are several different types of insulation:
- Fiberglass batts are rectangular sheets that can be installed between wall studs or above ceiling joists. They’re easy to cut with a utility knife or scissors and come with adhesive strips for easy installation.
- Rigid foam boards have an R-value ranging from 2 (for expanded polystyrene) up through 7-8 (for extruded polystyrene). They’re also lightweight and easy to handle but more expensive than other options because they require special tools for cutting and shaping them into place around pipes or corners where other types wouldn’t fit properly
| Type | R-value per inch | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Batts | 2.2-3.7 | Made of glass fibers, easy to install, widely available |
| Cellulose | 3.2-3.8 | Made of recycled paper, effectively seals air leaks, may settle over time |
| Spray Foam | 3.7-8.0 | Expands to fill gaps and crevices, good for hard-to-reach areas, can be messy to install |
| Mineral Wool | 3.0-3.3 | Made of natural or synthetic materials, fire-resistant, can be irritating to skin and lungs |
| Radiant Barrier | Varies | Reflects heat away from your home, effective in hot climates, must be installed correctly |
Note: The R-value measures thermal resistance – the higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at preventing heat transfer. The best insulation choice for your home depends on factors such as climate, cost, and accessibility. It’s important to consult a professional and have proper installation.
5. Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a great way to keep the heat in and the cold air out. It’s also an inexpensive way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, which can save you money in the long run. And it’s a simple DIY project that anyone can do!
6. Locksets and Deadbolts
Locksets and deadbolts aren’t just for security. They also provide a way to enhance the look of your home. You can install a deadbolt on an exterior door that already has a lockset, or you can install one in an interior door that doesn’t have one. Either way, it’s easy to do yourself!
- Deadbolts are more secure than locksets because they lock automatically when you shut the door behind you (or when someone else unlocks them). This prevents intruders from being able to unlock the door from the outside without breaking glass or damaging woodwork around the knob area.*
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7. Caulking And Sealants
Caulking and sealants are the same thing. They’re used in construction to fill gaps, prevent water damage and make your home more energy efficient.
Caulk is an adhesive made from a soft material that’s applied with a tool called a caulking gun–think of it as the glue gun for your home! Sealants tend to be more durable than caulk because they’re harder; however, they’re also more expensive than caulk (which means less bang for your buck).
If you’re looking for an alternative to installing new windows or doors on your house but want something that will last longer than just painting over them–and save money in the long run–consider using either caulking or sealant products instead!
| Name | Features |
|---|---|
| GE Silicone II | Waterproof, mold and mildew resistant, safe for use on kitchen and bathroom fixtures |
| DAP Alex Fast Dry | Paintable in 30 minutes, waterproof, low odor, durable and flexible |
| Loctite Polyseamseal | Paintable in 2 hours, resistant to mold and mildew, ideal for use around sinks and tubs |
| 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant | Resistant to saltwater and extreme temperatures, high-strength, bonds well with fiberglass and plastic |
| Gorilla 100% Silicone Sealant | Waterproof, mold and mildew resistant, flexible and durable, can be used on a wide range of surfaces |
8. Grout, Joints, And Mortar
Grout is a material used to fill the spaces between tiles. It’s made of cement, sand and water and can be colored or left white. Grout seals the joints between tiles, making them stronger than they would be individually.
Grout comes in different colors so that you can match your grout color to your tile colors if desired.
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9. Roofing Materials And Installation Techniques
The roofing materials and installation techniques you choose will determine the longevity of your home’s exterior. When choosing a roofing material, consider its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rainfalls.
You’ll also want a material that doesn’t easily break down over time due to exposure to sunlight or other elements.
Roofing Materials:
Asphalt shingles are among the most common types of roofing materials because they’re cheap and easy to install. They come in various styles–from flat (or “cobbled”) shingles that look like slate tiles all the way up through steeply pitched roofs made with rounded granules known as “ball” or “cup” style shingles (also known as architectural).
Asphalt roofs typically last between 15-20 years before needing replacement; however some newer products on market today have been shown capable lasting upwards 30 years!
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! We hope that these home repair tricks will help you to keep your home in great shape for years to come.
Remember that it’s important to take care of your home so that it lasts for generations and doesn’t fall apart on us when we need it most.
Further Reading
Here are some other articles related to home maintenance and repairs that you may find helpful:
The Home Maintenance Benefits You Need to Know About – Discover the many benefits of home maintenance and how it can save you time and money in the long run.
5 Home Repairs You Should Do Yourself – Learn about some common repairs that you can easily do yourself without the need for a professional.
5 Benefits of Doing Your Own Home Maintenance – Find out why doing your own home maintenance can be rewarding and empowering.
FAQs
What are some common home repairs that I can do myself?
Some common home repairs that you can do yourself include fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a light fixture, and unclogging a drain.
Should I attempt to do my own electrical repairs?
Electrical repairs can be dangerous, so it’s generally recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to handle them. However, there are some minor electrical repairs that you can do yourself, such as replacing a light switch or outlet cover.
How often should I have my HVAC system maintained?
It’s recommended that you have your HVAC system professionally maintained once a year, ideally in the fall before you start using your heat.
What are some benefits of regular home maintenance?
Regular home maintenance can help prevent costly repairs down the line, improve energy efficiency, and increase the lifespan of your home’s systems and appliances.
When should I hire a professional for home repairs?
You should consider hiring a professional for home repairs if you don’t have the necessary skills, if the repair requires specialized equipment, or if there is a risk of injury or damage.
Hello, everyone! My name is Hellen James and I’m the founder of Unified Fix. I’ve been a home improvement enthusiast for years, so when we started this blog, I knew that it was important to me that we shared our knowledge with you.