Repairing Exterior Cracks in Stucco

Fixing cracks in your home's stucco isn't difficult, and is a good idea before the cooler weather rolls around.
Yes, it will get cool again!  You will need stucco patch, water, a 5-gallon bucket, a scraper and a rubber float.

First scrape away any loose debris and widen any crack that is less than ¼” wide with the scraper.  This will help the stucco patch bond more firmly with the wall.  Mix up the stucco patch in the bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Since the patching material dries quickly, only mix enough for a 15-20 minute application.

Apply the stucco patch to the cracked area using the rubber float in ¼” thick layers. Allow each layer to set before spreading the next layer.  For small cracks, you can use paintable caulk in the crack, and finish it off with stucco patch.

After applying the last coat of stucco patch, “sweep” off excess material using the rubber float in a circular motion, blending the patched area into the existing stucco.  Allow your patched area to dry thoroughly before painting.

If you think large cracks in your exterior stucco may indicate a structural problem, be sure to call a professional.

Replacement Glass – Is it all the Same?

Replacement glass experts know that glass isn't just glass.  Different types of glass are suitable for different projects, depending on the location and use of the glass. Starting with windows, you might want to consider Low Emissivity (Low E) glass for windows to save on energy costs.  This type of glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of metal or metallic oxide that can result in energy loss reduction of 30-50%.  In our climate, the Low E coating would be on the exterior side of the window glass, keeping the sun’s heat out.  Different types of Low E glass are available based on how much solar gain you want to allow – low, moderate or high.  Tinted glass is another choice for windows that get a lot of hot desert sun.  The tint will reduce the light in the room, so keep that in mind when choosing your window glass.

Tempered glass has been treated with heat to withstand force and increase the impact resistance of the glass.  It is used for tables, doors and windows.  This type of glass does not break into shards, but rather into small fragments that are not as sharp and likely to injure someone.  Tempered glass must be cut to size, and then tempered to maintain its strength.  Laminated glass is actually two thin pieces of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic, which holds the glass together in the case of breakage.  Both of these types of glass qualify as safety glass, which is required by Arizona building code in most windows in shower areas and also any window located with 24” of and entry door or walking surface.

Knowing the type of glass that’s best for your project or replacement needs is the first step in getting the job done right

Know Your Landscaper

There are so many landscaping companies to choose from in the Valley – how do you choose?  Many provide basic clean-up and maintenance services, while others focus on landscape design and installation.  There are certain designations available to landscape professionals that can set them apart.  Here are some to look for:

Arizona Certified Landscape Professional – Certified by AZ Landscape Contractors Association after completing a two-month training in 16 content areas and passing a written and practical exam.

Certified Desert Landscaper – Has completed a 30-workshop program over 10 months at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.

Certified Arborist – Certified by the International society of Arboriculture after passing and exam on tree identification and care.  This certification requires 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years.

Certified Irrigation Specialist – There are four levels of certification, beginning with Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.  Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Irrigation Designer and Certified Irrigation Manager follow.

Landscape Architect – This designation requires a BS in Landscape Architecture, apprenticeship under a licensed Landscape Architect and passing a national exam. A Landscape Architect must hold a state license.  A Landscape Designer, on the other hand, requires no degree, license or certification.

Depending on what you are looking for in your landscape project, one of the above pros could be just what you are looking for.  Anyone can call themselves a landscaper, and no license is required, so there is a wide range of skills and knowledge being offered by landscaping businesses. 

Basic Kitchen Design – Start Planning Your Dream Kitchen

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen?  Here are a few basics and recommendations from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) on space requirements and layouts.  Get out your tape measure, sharpen your pencil and start planning.

The classic kitchen design is based on the “work triangle” that ties together the refrigerator, the cooking area and the sink for convenience and efficiency.  Distances from the center of each area should be no more than 9 ft and no less than 4 feet.  It’s best to vent your cooking area to the outside, but if you have a window you will probably want to put your sink under it.

NKBA recommends 13’2” countertop frontage for workspace.  A space of at least 36” in your main work area is helpful, and you’ll need a minimum of 15” of countertop next to the oven and fridge, so you have a spot to place things you are transferring in or out (hot dishes, a cold gallon of milk). 

Islands are a versatile addition to your kitchen plan.  They can accommodate eating, a sink, a cooktop or just a large workspace.  An island can also provide extra storage space.  Most kitchen cabinets will put your counter height at 34 to 36” high, so if you are planning a breakfast bar, you’ll need to drop the height down to 30” or use taller bar stools.

Storage is another main component in kitchen design.  NKBA makes recommendations based on kitchen size as to how much shelf and drawer frontage is needed.  So, for a large kitchen (over 350 sf) you would need 2000”.  This would take into account the width of each individual shelf and drawer in the kitchen.  Remember to use your corner space for storage.  There are decorative shelving options, specially designed lazy-susan corner cabinets and pull-out shelving for base cabinets that put corners to good use.

These basics should get you thinking about how your dream kitchen will function and how much space you need.

Arizona Monsoon Season and Your Home

Monsoon season is upon us in Arizona, bringing torrential rain, dust storms and potentially hail.  Last year hail damaged thousands of homes in the Valley, and the sudden storms that occur in Monsoon can cause problems for homeowners.  There are some things you can do to lessen the impact of Monsoon rains and wind on your home.

Tree limbs can come down easily in a storm, and it’s not unusual to see trees uprooted in our area, because of their shallow root systems. Keep trees, especially fast-growing types like mesquite, trimmed and keep branches away from the roof. Stake young trees to keep them stable during high winds.

Check your roof periodically for any signs of areas that could leak during a heavy downpour.  Check for cracks around the chimney, vents, skylights, etc.  Flat roofs can be patched and cracks filled with caulk, and tile roofs should be inspected and any loose or broken tiles replaced.

Because the ground is so hard during the summer here, it cannot absorb the amount of sudden rainfall that comes in a monsoon storm.  Water running off of your concrete surfaces like patios, driveways, walkways and pool decking will accumulate.  Drains can be added to concrete surfaces if there is a run-of problem, or you can install PVC pipe for a drainage system to send water to a safe spot away from the house.  Be sure your landscape is graded properly as well.

Be prepared for power outages during Arizona monsoon season, and use surge protectors in your home to protect your valuable electronics. 

The best thing for homeowners to do during monsoon season is to stay safe and aware.  Inspect your home and yard after a storm and stay on top of any minor repairs that should be made at that time.

Attack Grubby Grout This Summer

Do you ever pull up a corner of the area rug on your tile and see the difference between the grout color under the rug and the grout in your traffic areas? Sometimes it looks like two completely different colors of grout, just due to a build-up of dirt in your grout. There are a number of techniques you can use to remove stains and dirt from your grout.

For smaller surface stains, you can use a pencil eraser or a small piece of folded sandpaper to rub the stain from the grout. Liquid solutions that can be applied to grout stains include a bleach and water mix, or a white-vinegar and water solution applied with baking soda. A toothbrush can be used in grout lines to scrub in the solutions before rinsing with clear water.

For larger areas, grout can be cleaned with an “oxy” solution. Apply the solution and let it work on the grout for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. Once your grout is clean, you can keep it clean by adding the oxy powder to your mopping water, allowing the oxygen ions to penetrate the grout before rinsing.

Tough stains and years of traffic might require removing and replacing grout. You can do it yourself with a grout removal tool, and a carefully matched grout. If you are considering replacing a large area of grout, you may want to consult a professional. The new grout can be sealed to help reduce staining.

Treat Your Garage as a Part of Your Home

Your home’s garage can make a world of difference in terms of a first impression or “curb appeal”. Starting out with top quality garage doors in a style that is in keeping with your home’s design shows that you consider your garage an important part of your home.

There are a variety of styles and materials available today that can bring style to your garage. Lodi garage doors feature steel, composite and solid Western Red Cedar garage doors in different sizes and combinations to suit your garage. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual report, replacing garage doors is one of the top two highest cost- to-value projects homeowners can do.

The garage isn’t just a dirty, outdoor storage space – it is an extension of your home that should be maintained in the same way you would keep up your home’s main living space. It can also feature expertly designed storage space and work space for projects. Garage cabinets come in a variety of finishes to create functional and stylish storage and workbench areas to keep things organized and easily accessible.

Durable, easy to clean epoxy coating for your garage floor is a composition of multi-layer vinyl chips embedded in a pigmented base coat and sealed with successive coats of clear glaze. Lodi offers a range of granite and solid color epoxy looks. The epoxy finish makes cleaning the garage easy and actually prevents staining and tire marks, keeping the garage looking as good as your house.

Take a look at your garage and once you’ve decluttered, consider bringing your garage up to a whole new level by treating it as the newest room in your home.