The Best Tools and Materials for Outdoor Home Projects

With spring here, the time is right to start turning attention outdoors. From seasonal landscaping to designing new outdoors hangouts, there is no shortage of projects to keep homeowners busy. With that said, northern Illinois residents know that spring does not mean the end of blustery weather. As such, it is crucial to choose the right tools and materials that can withstand diverse conditions and provide longevity amid changing weather.

Cutting and Shaping Tools

It is essential to have the correct tools to prepare materials for installation. Without the proper fit, the final project can end up unsafe, unsightly, and poor performing.

Chisels are used to carve and shape wood. They help guarantee the intricate details for a precise fit. The correct knife for cutting insulation is necessary when installing thermally-stable patio walls and outdoor coolers. Shears are used to cut metal and plastic flashing. Planes help smooth wood surfaces for clean finishes.

Power Tools

Whether you are a professional or DIYer, power tools are inherently exciting. They are the great equalizer in construction, allowing workers to tackle the most daunting tasks in a fraction of the time it would take with hand tools.

While professionals will want to have each and every power tool in their arsenal, cost-conscious DIYers can get by with a selection of the most essential, renting or borrowing the others on an as need-basis. Some of the must-haves that will have utility in all types of outdoor projects include:

Drills – this is arguably the number one power tool any homeowner should have, as the need for pilot holes will arise in virtually every home improvement task imaginable.
Circular saw – this is a crucial tool for any of the more ambitious outdoor tasks, such as building a deck or patio. The best circular saw blade will differ depending on the type of project you are performing. Small, finer teeth are ideal for intricate cuts on wood, while strong carbide teeth are the way to go for metal and other hard materials.
Sander – an essential item for any homeowner with standing structures, as it will prepare surfaces for staining and sealing.
Nail gun – some may say this is optional, but it really should be included in the collection of homeowners who regularly perform large-scale outdoor projects. It applies nails faster and more precisely than a hammer, offering the potential for safer, more efficient construction.

When building your collection of power tools, it is vital to collect the necessary PPE. Hard hats, safety glasses, and dust masks are no-brainers. A word to the wise: unless specially manufactured for a specific tool, avoid using gloves when operating power tools. They can easily get caught in saw blades and sanding belts, opening the door for serious injury.

Corrosion Resistant Fasteners

Homeowners prioritize moisture-resistant materials. Composite decking. Fiber cement siding. Metal roofing.

However, the fasteners holding them in place often get overlooked.

No matter how durable the material itself, its structural integrity will be compromised if the fasteners fail. This is underscored in outdoor projects, where nails, screws, and bolts will be directly exposed to the elements.

As such, upgrade off of basic steel fasteners in favor of more durable corrosion-resistant options. Stainless steel is a logical option, but there are even more robust zinc-plated fasteners that will extend the life of exterior joints by decades.

Insulated Concrete Forms

As the need for energy efficient homes and functional exterior space have proliferated in recent years, more and more homeowners are turning their attention toward next-level exterior materials. One such option is insulated concrete forms (ICF).

ICF uses a series of precast insulated blocks that lock in place at the building site. They are then filled with concrete to create a continuous, double insulation layer for the structure. They are a top option for exterior walls and foundations. Their thermal efficiency and noise mitigation help create safe, comfortable spaces that homeowners can enjoy in all seasons. In addition, the ease of installation helps projects wrap up in a fraction of the time of traditional wood-panel framing.

Composites

From decking boards to roofing tiles, composites are quickly becoming a preferred option in outdoor projects. Their inorganic fabrication makes them superior to wood in terms of moisture, pest, and fire resistance. In addition, they do not need to be periodically painted and stained to maintain their performance. Composites can be fabricated in a wide range of colors and styles to meet the design needs of any exterior.

Stainless Steel Railing

Railings are a vital component of a complete exterior. They secure perimeters, define space, and provide safety to staircases and decks. A trending railing option is stainless steel hog wire. Consisting of a series of sleek stainless steel cables tensioned between posts, it allows for unencumbered views of the surroundings for optimal outdoor enjoyment.

Choose the Right Tools and Materials to Take Outdoor Projects to the Next Level

Spring is the perfect time to turn attention to outdoor projects. However, it is crucial to plan for diverse conditions. From the proper cutting tools to durable stainless steel railings, choose from any of the tools and materials listed above to help your home outdoor project shine through the seasons. For more of the latest trends in home improvement, check out the resources at Bee Sure Home Inspection Services for the leading insights in the northern Illinois region!

Winter Preparation and Maintenance Tips for High-Traffic Areas

Even if you wait anxiously every year to gather around the fire, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, and get snowed in with your loved ones, there is no denying that the winter season requires a little extra attention to detail in terms of home maintenance. Without the proper preparation, snow accumulation, freezing temperatures, and bitter winds will expose each and every weakness in your house.

To put your property in the best position to take the winter weather in stride, keep reading as we explore some of the best home maintenance tips for high-traffic areas ahead of winter.

Attend to Concrete Surfaces

Snow and ice removal are some of the most important home maintenance tasks during winter. Unfortunately, the first snow of the season catches too many homeowners unprepared and concrete sidewalks and driveways become veritable hockey rinks. Therefore, be sure to have snow shovels, blowers, ice melt, and any other tools on hand and accessible ahead of winter.

It is also crucial to clean concrete surfaces ahead of that first freeze. Once inclement weather hits, finding a window to remove food, oil, and other types of stains can be difficult. Left to settle until spring, they can become permanent eyesores once the snow finally melts. Invest in a high-quality concrete cleaner with penetrating grease breakdown to ensure that concrete surfaces look their best once warm weather arrives again.

Treat the Flooring

No matter the season, the home’s flooring sees the highest level of foot traffic. However, the winter brings with it melting snow, salt/ice melt, and sand that are sure to deteriorate the floor faster than normal. Therefore, one of the best winter preparations is to treat flooring materials to better resist the additional threats. Stain hardwood floors and seal polished concrete surfaces. Use a non-slip additive to lower the risks associated with melting snow. Consider investing in rugs for doorways, mudrooms, and other high-traffic transitional areas to further reduce impact on flooring materials.

Upgrade the Driveway

As mentioned, cleaning and maintaining concrete driveways is one of the most important winter tasks for homeowners. However, there is only so much homeowners can do when the northern Illinois winter becomes exceptionally harsh. Constant snowfall and freezing conditions will threaten to crack and degrade even the most meticulously cared-for concrete driveways.

With this in mind, it is worthwhile to consider an upgrade to permeable gravel driveways. This innovative system uses a series of substrate permeable pavers to hold surface gravel in place. This allows the driveway to leverage the natural drainage of gravel with no risk of cracking or expanding. One of the most durable driveway options on the market, permeable gravel surfaces maintain their charming stone appearance winter after winter with little ongoing maintenance required by the homeowner.

Invest in the Kitchen

Grilling and outdoor meals can be few and far between during the winter months. Even if your outdoor cookware is accessible amid the snow accumulation, it’s just not as much fun to grill in a parka and scarf as it is a tank top and sunglasses. This means that the kitchen will see an uptick in action as the family eats more meals indoors this winter. Put it in the best position possible to handle this increased usage. Features such as nonporous quartz countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and large farmhouse sinks are some great features for improving kitchen function and efficiency this winter.

Fortify the Roof

By no means “high-traffic” in terms of day-to-day use, the roof is by far the most “high-traffic” when it comes to dealing with the weather. No other area of the home will see the gamut of high winds, projectile impact, and snow/ice accumulation quite like the roof. At a minimum, be sure that the gutters are in top condition and free of any obstructions that could increase the risk of ice dams.

It is also a great idea to replace aged asphalt with impact resistant shingles to help prevent leak formation. Other key areas of the roof to inspect include the chimney cricket, drip edge flashing, and soffit.

Ensure Adequate Waste Removal

An underrated aspect of home maintenance during the winter months is waste removal. Not only can wintery conditions dampen motivation to take the trash out, but the sea of holiday gift wrap and Amazon boxes can create far more waste than your trash can accommodate. Unattended waste will create a haven for pests to nest in during the cold weather.

Furthermore, if you leave trash outside to get obscured by the snow, it increases the threat of tripping or puncturing a vehicle tire. As a result, it is a great idea to explore residential dumpster options to guarantee adequate waste removal this winter season. It will help keep your home free from clutter and reduce your workload once spring cleaning season arrives.

Help Your Home Thrive This Winter with Meticulous Maintenance

Winter can be particularly harsh in the northern Illinois region. As such, you need to make sure your home is properly prepared to handle the inclement weather. From attending to concrete surfaces to ensuring adequate waste removal, consider any of the maintenance tips listed above to handle winter weather in stride. For more insights on how to protect your property this winter, explore the resources at Bee Sure Home Inspection Services for ideas and inspiration today!

Author Bio

Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

The Importance of Inspecting Roofs and Gutters

Roof and gutter inspections are critical components of homeownership. Unfortunately, they often go overlooked. Most people neglect inspections until an issue arises before giving the top of their house any attention. Or they wait until it is time to sell and hope that nothing turns up. Although the risks of these approaches are fairly obvious, they nonetheless tend to be the norm. Keep reading as we discuss the importance of proactive roof maintenance and how regular roof and gutter inspections are vital components of the process.

Uncovers Structural Issues

Roofing is one of the most important components of the building envelope. It is the home’s first line of defense against the forces of nature. Any issues with the roof will almost always carry over to other structural elements of the home, such as framing and foundation. As such, regular roof inspections keep you ahead of any ongoing maintenance issues with the home.

In addition to its protective properties, roofing plays a critical role in promoting the home’s energy efficiency. Along with sustainable insulation, airtight joints, and quality ductwork, the roof helps prevent unwanted air transfer between the interior and exterior of the house. This can lower utility bills and minimize the home’s environmental impact.

Prevents Water Damage

Clogged gutters and degraded roofing materials create an environment ripe for water damage. Unfortunately, water-related issues are insidious. Without regular inspection, water damage often won’t rear its head until the effects are debilitating.

If caught early, many small leaks can be solved by applying a water sealant or replacing damaged shingles. However, more extensive trauma may require complete replacement of the roofing substrate and installation of a new roof and gutter infrastructure.

Keeps You Ahead of Costly Repairs

As with all matters related to homeownership, preventive maintenance is far more cost effective than fixing acute damage. A routine roof/gutter inspection and cleaning will only cost a few hundred dollars and a couple hours out of your day. Overlooked issues that deteriorate over time can run into the 5 figures and may make sections of your home inaccessible while the repair work is performed.

Boosts Curb Appeal

There is a definite “out of sight, out of mind” relationship that many homeowners have with their roof. Remote professionals might not get out frequently enough to see their roof from a streetside view. Others may get a bit of tunnel vision with their daily routine and only see the roof from one specific angle.

However, it is unlikely that these issues will go unnoticed by passersby. Standing debris, hanging gutters, or discolored shingles will stand out like a sore thumb to those giving your home a streetside appraisal. By performing regular roof and gutter inspections, you can ensure that the roof is doing its part to boost the curb appeal of your property.

Promotes Home Value

A roof in good condition is a great way to boost the value of a home. This is especially true in the northern Illinois region, which faces the gamut of weather conditions: cold, snowy, and windy in the winter; hot and humid in the summer. If a buyer can look at a roof and know that they are set indefinitely, it is sure to enhance the value of the home over those properties whose roofs will need immediate attention upon closing.

Tips for Successful Roof Inspections

With the importance of regular roof and gutter inspections established, let’s take a moment to discuss some best practices for carrying out the process.

Collect Necessary Equipment

Like any job, a successful roof and gutter inspection begins with collecting the necessary tools. Make sure you have ladders, brooms, and flashlights to access the roof and unveil any hidden areas. Have ample personal protective equipment such as harnesses, knee pads, hard hats, and safety goggles. If your home is multi-story and you do not feel like you have the necessary equipment or know-how to do the job yourself, contact a home inspection company. They will have the necessary scaffolding for construction and expertise to reach the most difficult areas of your roof.

Perform a Walk-Around

Getting a 360-degree view of the roof is crucial. As mentioned, too many homeowners only see the roof from a specific vantage point. Whether it be a section hidden beneath a shade tree or a side of the house abutting a neighbor’s yard, it is important to remember that large amounts of roof surface area are hard to see on a day-to-day basis. Drone photography is a trendy new technology that can help homeowners get a comprehensive view of their roof from all angles.

Assess Ventilation

The quality of the roof includes more than just the surface materials. Ventilation is an important component that ensures the ongoing functionality of the roofing system. Make sure the attic is well sealed and insulated to prevent mold and rot formation due to trapped humidity. Look into the best soffit material for your roof type to ensure adequate airflow through the roofing system.

Make a Decision on Care

A roof and gutter inspection will ultimately result in an action decision. Hopefully, the roof is in good shape. If it does need attention, decide whether to fix it yourself or hire a professional. Remember, inadequate roof maintenance, such as improper pressure washing, can actually do more harm than good, so it may be worthwhile to partner with a professional service to ensure the roof’s ongoing viability.

Be Proactive with Roof and Gutter Inspections

Regular roof and gutter inspections should be a routine part of home maintenance. A proactive approach can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you live in the northern Illinois area and need some additional guidance on inspecting your roof and gutters, contact Bee Sure Home Inspection Services for a consultation today!