Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
You have several options to fix a broken window seal, including defogging or replacing the gas in a double-pane window. If your window is past its prime, though, it may be destined for full replacement. “The most common and effective method of window seal repair is to replace the insulated glass unit (IGU) while keeping…
Traditional K-style gutters, or box gutters, are the most common gutter option, but half-round gutters, with their U-shaped gutter profile, provide a unique appearance. They’re also not as prone to clogging because “[debris] is less likely to get stuck in the corners,” said Andrew Prchal, president of Gunner Roofing, a roof, siding and window contractor…
Termites are sneaky creatures. Concealed by the wood and soil where they reside, termites feast away on your home. These wood-destroying insects (WDIs) often go unnoticed as they feed on structural components such as studs, rafters and floor joists from the inside out. “Unaddressed termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of a home,…
The best way to get rid of brown recluse spiders is to “remove potential harborage sites, control insect population levels that act as a food source and precisely treat with a registered [insecticide],” said Jim McHale, certified entomologist and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management in Buchanon, New York. It’s tempting to jump right to…
The most effective way to get rid of gnats is to eliminate their food sources and the conditions in which they thrive, including compost bins and overwatered indoor plants. You may also get rid of gnats by setting up homemade gnat traps that attract and catch these pests. “Because of a lack of rapid control…
The best way to get rid of snakes usually comes down to the number of snakes residing in your yard. It’s often best to hire a professional to assist your removal efforts and avoid ongoing problems. “Getting rid of snakes in a yard or garden depends on how much ‘pressure’ or snake population is being…
Taking accurate roof measurements can save you time and money. Overestimating the number of shingles you need could leave you with unused shingles when you’re finished, while underestimating how many shingles you need will require additional trips to the store and inflate your new roof cost. “Running out of roofing material while on the job…
Gutter installation costs may fall between $5,750 and $14,700 for a full replacement of 250 to 300 feet of gutter and downspout materials. This breaks down to $23 to $49 per linear foot. We used pricing data from RSMeans, a construction cost database, and spoke with industry experts to analyze costs. Your specific gutter installation…
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage each year, and property owners collectively spend more than $2 billion annually to treat them. “Termites eat through anything containing cellulose, which means wood, drywall and even wallpaper. If an infestation takes hold, termite damage could cause serious risks to…
Many municipalities in Texas switched to deregulated energy in 2002, giving residents of those areas a choice among electric companies. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages about 90% of the power load for those deregulated regions, accounting for about 26 million Texans. But each Texan can choose their own electric company — also…
The deregulated electricity market in Texas means Dallas residents have choices when it comes to electric companies. You might begin your search by comparing electricity rates, but it’s not only about that monthly bill. You should dig deeper than the cheapest electricity rates to find the best electric company in Dallas. Here are tips and…
The variety of Houston electricity plans reflects the spirit of competition that inspired the move to deregulated energy in Texas. But how are Houston residents to know what energy plan is right for them? Most consumers’ main goal is to find the best electricity rates. After all, a lower electric bill was the advantage Texans…
From February 2023 to February 2024, the average electricity rate in the U.S. increased by nearly 3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additional BLS data shows that electricity prices have climbed 29.1% in the past decade and 90.1% over the past two decades. “We are seeing significant changes in both the…
The main difference between a shingle roof and a tile roof is simple: Shingle roofs use asphalt, wood or slate shingles, while tile roofs feature clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs generally are heavier, so they require extra underlying support. “The differences between asphalt shingles and tiles of all varieties are wide-ranging, from durability in…
The main differences between metal and asphalt roofs are their life span and durability. Metal roofs last about twice as long as asphalt roofs — up to 50 years compared to 25 for asphalt shingles — which helps offset their higher roof installation costs. Metal roofs are more durable and can stand up better to…
A roof drip edge is a metal flashing that acts as a barrier between rainwater and building materials — namely, your roof deck and fascia. There are three types of roof drip edges: Type C, Type D and Type F, also known as L-style, T-style and gutter aprons, respectively. The drip edge that’s right for…
Fruit flies aren’t dangerous, but they’re certainly annoying. According to Oklahoma State University, they can multiply rapidly in your home by laying up to 500 eggs at a time. Getting rid of fruit flies involves preventing breeding and eradicating the adults. You need “a multiprong solution for an infestation,” said David Price, associate certified entomologist…
Dealing with an emergency roof leak is the last thing any homeowner wants to do, but taking action and scheduling a repair quickly is the best way to avoid more property damage and potentially higher repair costs. Unfortunately, the actual roof leak is just the first problem to tackle — you may also be facing…
The best type of roof for your home reduces your heating and cooling bills, adds curb appeal and limits long-term roof replacement and repair costs. It might be tempting to choose a roof type based solely on the upfront cost of a new roof, but that’s not always in your best interest. “The best roofing…
Architectural shingles stand out as the most attractive type of shingle as well as one of the most durable asphalt roof options available. If your decision about what kind of shingles to install hinges on appearance, this might be the way to go. “Architectural asphalt shingles [provide] an optimal balance of performance [and] longevity,” said…
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