Industry

Before hot mix asphalt was invented, most paved roads in the USA were created by spraying hot asphalt liquid cement on top of compacted gravel. In many rural areas of the USA, this tar-and-chip method of paving is still used on thousands of miles of secondary roads. I had a medium-brown driveway that used chert road metal from the Meramec River region in Missouri.

Q: My husband and I have appreciated the many articles from you in our local paper. In addition, we had recently bought Ilyce’s book, “100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask,” for our two young adult sons.

New products are constantly being introduced by the home improvement industry. If you've been around long enough, you can spot ones that have lots of sizzle but most likely won’ t stand the test of time. I had that feeling 40 years ago when I first saw colored concrete paving bricks.

You can make a house with old, weather-beaten vinyl siding stop traffic with a new coat of a good-quality, acrylic latex exterior paint. We like water-based acrylic exterior paint because it goes on easily and has leveling properties, so it adheres to both smooth and textured surfaces. And the paint is flexible, so it withstands changes in the climate.

I scan the media each week to keep abreast of all that has to do with building and remodeling homes, new tools and new technology in the trades. I also talk to dozens of homeowners. I can tell you that inflation and soaring interest rates are inspiring more and more homeowners to contemplate tackling home-improvement projects that two years ago they would have hired out.

Recently, I had the enormous pleasure to help my son achieve one of his goals. He bought a new home last year and quickly discovered how much he missed the stunning red-brick patio he grew up with at our last home.

Ceiling fans create cooling breezes that can make a stuffy room feel pleasantly comfortable. But as they rotate through the air, the blades can collect a ton of dust, dirt, pollen and other small particles. Depending on where it’ s located, your fan might also gather greasy or sticky buildup over time, which can cause dust to cling even more.

Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.

Wallpaper that looks like beadboard paneling is a clever way to add charm and texture to an ordinary room. This lookalike wallcovering is a less expensive upgrade and easier to install than beadboard paneling, a pricey improvement that requires carpentry tools, not to mention carpentry skills. The beadboard wall covering makes any room more appealing with...

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your outdoor rug, here are six basic steps to get started.

I’m blessed to be able to use this column to share my knowledge. It allows me to empower you to do many jobs you might never think of doing yourself.

A few days ago I took my American Dirus dog for a walk in the southern New Hampshire town of Hudson while my wife was shopping for plants with my son. Willow and I went to Benson Park, an old zoo that is now a marvelous municipal park.