It’s  a good time of year to think about fixing your wood porches or decks. Porches and decks get the brunt of Mother Nature, making decks unsightly and potentially even unsafe. There are some quick and inexpensive ways to help…
Metal Roofing and Repairs: The Good, The Bad, and the Real Ugly
The Rhode Island economy was booming in the 1880s. The economic prosperity created some of the most spectacular late 19th century architecture across our state, with styles like Second Empire and Queen Anne having complex mansard roofs, curved window hoods,…
Deck Preservatives
Read your column about using preservatives on outdoor wood. We just had a new pine slat floor made for our outdoor shower. Would Penofin be good to use to treat it? If so, where can I purchase it? Would also…
Decking care & finishes
“Our house was built in 1986 with a large l-shaped deck — which back then was pressure-treated stuff.  We have power-washed & used a clear stain a number of times over the years….. but have let it go. One…
Energy Saving Tips
Reducing energy consumption is something we can all do. These Energy Savings Tips can take little effort, but give great rewards…saving you money and making a better planet. Purchase only Energy Star and Underwriter Laboratory Certified Products. There are Cash…
Do it yourself Spring Tune-ups
Here are some chores and suggestions for the warmer weather. Most can be done either for free or under $200.00. Make a priority to-do list for you and your house. If you are not sure about a problem or something…
Choosing the Right Decking
What type of wood is best for decking? Karen, East Greenwich The Best Types of Wood Decking Decking seams or joints that hold water longer after rain events are more prone to decay than joint designs that allow for…
History and Care of Porches
Porches and deck are an interesting footnote in the development of standardized building techniques. There is nothing more tragic than preventable injuries or death. Whenever I hear about porch and deck failure I wonder, was it poor construction, neglect, or…