
Expert Advice for your Lawn & Garden TV Host of Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel![]()
Concrete and Masonry, Exterior, Today's Homeowner Published 05/13/2008 by Danny Lipford
While this house had a beautiful view, the homeowners could only enjoy it when the weather permitted. With the addition of this great looking sunroom and patio, they’ll be able to take advantage of it all year long.
Video, Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Exterior Published 05/08/2008 by Danny Lipford
Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier. Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.
Design and Decor, Lawn and Garden, Exterior, Quick Picks Published 03/28/2008 by Ben Erickson

Cast iron grates from Iron Age Designs are not only functional and beautiful but are made using mostly recycled materials and qualify for LEED green building credits. Grates come in over a dozen designs with sizes to fit most standard applications from drain and tree grates to wall registers for heating ducts. Made in the United States, Iron Age Designs can produce custom patterns and sizes as well, with no order considered too small. In addition to cast iron, grates can also be made from aluminum or silicone bronze.
Carpentry, Repairs and Installation, Exterior Published 02/22/2008 by Joe Cuhaj
Installing fiber cement siding (FCS)—such as HardiePlank®—is easier than you might think, though there are some important differences from traditional wood siding. Installation instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer, and check with your local building inspector for any code requirements.
Exterior Published 01/15/2008 by Joe Cuhaj
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, fiber cement siding is a clear winner. Though best known under the brand name HardiePlank®, which is manufactured by James Hardie Building Products, there are several other companies that make fiber cement siding as well.
Video, Carpentry, Exterior Published 01/08/2008 by Danny Lipford
Since the wrought-iron column on this ranch style house was rusty and had seen better days, it was replaced with a low-maintenance fiberglass one. While the column came prefinished, it can be painted a different color if desired. First, a temporary brace was installed to support the porch roof.
Video, Exterior Published 01/02/2008 by Danny Lipford
To finish off the front gable of this brick ranch style house, a vinyl product from Crane Performance Siding was used that is made to resemble individually applied cedar shakes. The panels are exceptionally rigid and lock together tightly to provide a realistic appearance.
![]()
Repairs and Installation, Interior, Exterior, Today's Homeowner Published 10/22/2007 by Danny Lipford
It’s easy to let home maintenance projects around the house slide, but if you don’t take care of them now, they can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Here are a few important weekend projects to put on your “to do” list.
Lawn and Garden, Exterior, Calculators, Irrigation & Watering Published 10/19/2007 by Ben Erickson
With drought gripping much of the country, and the price of water on the rise, it’s become increasingly important to know how much water you use to irrigate your yard as well as how much it costs.
Roofing, Exterior Published 10/17/2007 by Ben Erickson
Installing a rain diverter over the doorway to your house will make life a little easier the next time you come home during a downpour. While diverters are available at many building supply stores, they are not hard to make if you have trouble finding them.