Home Maintenance Advice

The space behind an air conditioner is a neglected area where leaves and debris can build up. It is important to keep this area clean for several reasons. Ask your gardner to blow this area clean as part of his weekly property maintenance tasks. Keep the area behind your air…

Don’t let trees touch the roof. When trees come into contact with your roof, it’s detrimental to the structural integrity of your home. Here are some reasons why it’s bad for trees to touch your roof: Roof Damage: The branches and tree limbs can scrape against your roof, damaging roofing…

Hydrostatic pressure describes the pressure caused by standing water pushing against an object or surface that blocks it. In the picture here, water that has no where else to go is held in the dirt behind this wall. The water has to get out somehow, and in this case it…

Make sure your crawlspace vents are properly sealed. Vent covers often get damaged by plumbers, electricians and the cable TV/telephone line installers while working at your house. Damaged foundation covers allow pests, such as rats, direct access into your substructure. Maintaining vent covers helps keep your house pest free.

Most weathervanes in Los Angeles have been either lost or tossed during roof replacements. It’s a small detail that most people don’t even notice, but Antique Weathervanes connect us to our architectural past. Although weathervanes were originally about function, these beautiful relics are also an appealing decorative feature. Whenever possible,…

Keep shrubs and grass properly manicured and don’t allow them grow over the sidewalk. Shrubs and grass need to be cut off at the property line. When everyone’s home is properly maintained, your house looks better and the whole neighborhood benefits.

Pictured here is an unsecured under house access screen door. It is less than three feet from the city sidewalk. This unprotected entrance point allows direct access to the underside of the house, and if it has a basement, access to the interior without having to break in through a…

Howard Cutting Board Oil is for use on butcher block, cutting boards, wooden bowls and utensils. This food-grade mineral oil rejuvenates wood and prevents it from drying and cracking. Here’s more info from the manufacturer: Howard Cutting Board Oil is made with clear, odorless, pure food-grade mineral oil. Its penetrating…

Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers are a versatile tool for both maintenance and decoration. They provide a quick and easy solution for touching up nicks and scratches on furniture, moldings, cabinets, doors, and floors. With a variety of colors available, they can match most wood stains, allowing for seamless touch-ups….

Vines can cause expensive damage to your eaves and rafters. Here a vine has grown through and under the raingutter. Keep vines from growing on your woodwork. Pictured here is a vine that grew up a wall, went under the rain gutter, blocked the rain gutter and started crawling up…