Expert Advice on Home Improvement

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. Read in full.

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. Read in full.

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. Watch this video.

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. Watch this video.

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. Read in full.

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. Read in full.

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. Read in full.

Replacing your existing yard lights with ones that contains motion sensors will not only enhance security but provide needed illumination automatically when you come home at night. Since this DYI project involves some basic electrical work, it is a good idea to check any bare wires with a voltage tester before handling them. Read in full.

Maintaining gutters and downspouts is one of the most often overlooked jobs around the house. It is also one of the most important, since clogged or leaking gutters can quickly lead to rotten fascia boards, peeling paint, or worse. Read in full.