^%$# Squirrels in the Attic!

          I might have let them stay for a while if my wife didn't complain. But the fact is they had to go now before they had babies in the spring, and all hell would break loose. I guess the warm weather we've been having had them out of their nest and looking for trouble. They got in through a corner in a Dormer window. It's a little hole. I don't know how these fat squirrels can squeeze in but they do. The tree limbs are close to the roof again and need to be trimmed.

Staining Composite Decking!

          When the composite decking manufacturers state that your deck is maintenance free, you were probably very pleased. They are truly great structures. Over time they all do in fact fade. The cheaper materials, even more quickly. This may not have an effect on you, if your deck is positioned so it weathers and fades all as one. But if you have an overhead and just the edge of your deck is exposed to the suns rays and you end up with 2 foot of your deck faded, it's not good. Depending on the manufacturer they are made from a combination of wood and plastic. Some are made from recycled materials. They are tough, very resistant to wear and tear, and becoming more popular and affordable. After a while like any color you may want to change it. Do a little planning and think about if you plan to change you house colors also.

We consider Sikkens
 the Number 1 stain.
 It's all we use on our
log cabin jobs.

          Due to dirt, grease, grime, mold, and mildew it will have to be Professionally pressure washed. A Deck wash is the easiest way, but you can mix your own,

Prep Work for Laying Tile!

Backer board!

          Tile is the answer for the high traffic areas of your home. Great for Entrance ways, Main hallways, and kitchens where you walk back and forth a lot. Also in bath rooms, where wood or or carpet is not acceptable.
          The different areas that can be tiled require different techniques and materials. Here we'll discuss the floor.

Floor Leveling Compound!

          First check your plywood sub floors, sand all the seams level, where the plywood sheets butt up to each other. If the floor is vinyl we can install the tile right over it. Next, inspect the floor for levelness. Using a 4 or 5 ft long level lay it flat on the floor. Mark any high or low areas where the floor is not level. For high areas make sure the sub floor is down tight to the joists. You may nail or screw it down tight. For the low areas you may need a leveling compound. Apply with a trowel or spackling or drywall knife. Compound may have to sanded.